Commerce Police Detective Pleads Guilty To DWI – Remains Employed As Narcotics Investigator

Commerce Police Detective Wesley Russell pled guilty to DWI in February 2023. The City Of Commerce keeps Russell on the department, as City Manager stated he “Believed in second chances”. A press release was requested last week, as of Tuesday morning we have not received anything. I have included the Sherman Police Department Narrative Of The Arrest Below. Link To Dash Cam Video

On Saturday, July 10, 2021, at approximately 0116 hours, I, Cpl Richards #295, was on duty, wearing an issued Sherman Police Department uniform, driving a marked Sherman Police Department patrol vehicle (271). I observed a red Ford F150 making a left hand turn onto W Belden St from N Alexander St. The vehicle swerved after making the turn. I continued following the vehicle as the vehicle approached the intersection of W Belden St and N Travis St. The vehicle stopped at the stop line and was about to make a right hand turn onto N Travis St. The vehicle abruptly stopped and stalled due the driver of the vehicle reacting to a vehicle turning onto W Belden St from N Travis St. When the driver was able to restart the vehicle, the driver made a wide right-hand turn onto N Travis St. The vehicles driver side wheels drove over the solid double dividing line and the driver continued to drive with half of his vehicle in the opposite lane of traffic. The vehicle continued south bound on N Travis St when the vehicle abruptly swerved and it appeared the driver of the vehicle was having issues breaking. I believed the driver of the vehicle may be intoxicated due to how the vehicle was driving. I initiated my emergency overhead lights and the vehicle came to a complete stop in the 1200 blk of N Sam Rayburn Frwy W.

I contacted the driver (Wesley Russell). Wesley identified himself as a Commerce Police Department Sergeant. Wesley attempted to locate his TX drivers license and fumbled through two wallets and was not able to locate his drivers license. Wesley`s eyes were bloodshot and watery. Wesley provided his Commerce PD identification card and his date of birth. I detected the faint odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from Wesley`s breath as he spoke to me. Wesley admitted he had been drinking prior to driving. I asked Wesley if would be willing to provide a breath sample for a portable breath tester and he stated he would not pass any tests. I instructed Wesley to exit the vehicle and he complied. I requested a back up unit and Ofc Compton #313 arrived shortly after.

Due to Wesley admitting that he was intoxicated and would not pass any tests, I contacted Sgt Edwards #262 to notify him of my traffic stop and the situation.

I spoke with Wesley again and requested he perform field sobriety tests. Wesley again stated he would not pass any of the tests. Wesley verbally consented to perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Prior to conducting the tests, Wesley stated he consumed at least three vodka and sprites prior to driving. He reported he started drinking at approximately 1830 hours and he was not really sure when he had his last drink.

I am a DRE (Drug Recognition Expert #30448), ARIDE (Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement) certified and certified to administer SFSTs, to include the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test. I ensured my overhead lights were off prior to conducting the SFST`s. Wesley had equal pupil size, equal tracking, and no resting nystagmus. Wesley did not report any medical issues, denied consuming any illegal drugs, and did not take any medication that would increase the effects of his alcohol consumption.

During the HGN test, I used a Stylus brand Streamlight that emitted a blue light. I held the light approximately 12-15 inches away from Wesley`s face. I explained the instructions for the HGN test and Wesley stated he understood. I observed 6 of 6 clues and no vertical gaze nystagmus. I observed the following clues: lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation in both eyes, and onset nystagmus prior to 45 degrees in both eyes.

I explained and demonstrated the instructions for the Walk and Turn test. Wesley stated he understood the test prior to starting the test. I observed 8 of 8 clues during the test. I observed the following clues: Can`t balance during instructions, starts too soon, stops while walking, misses heel to toe more than 1⁄2 inch, uses arms to balance more than 6 inches, wrong number of steps, steps of the line and improper turn. I had to explain the test multiple times to Wesley and he stopped while he was conducting the test to clarify what I already explained to him several times.

I explained and demonstrated the instructions for the One Leg Stand test. Wesley stated he understood the test prior to starting the test. I observed 3 of 4 clues during the test. I observed the following clues: sways, puts foot down, and uses arms to balance more than 6 inches.

Wesley provided a breath sample for a portable breath tester. The result of the breath test indicated a BAC of .132.

Based on Wesley`s driving, his bloodshot watery eyes, poor balance, emitting an odor of an alcoholic beverage from his breath and body, admitting he consumed at least three alcoholic beverages prior to driving, the results of the field sobriety tests and the results of the preliminary breath test, I determined Wesley did not have normal control of his mental and physical faculties and he was intoxicated.

I placed Wesley under arrest for DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED. I handcuffed Wesley behind his back double locked the cuffs and secured him in the back of my patrol car with a seatbelt.

I transported Wesley to Wilson N Jones Hospital where I was met by a Registered Nurse who conducted the blood draw. She prepared the draw site with a non-alcoholic pad. The RN drew the blood into a new blood kit, provided by me. The blood draw was initiated at 0225 hours. Upon conclusion of the blood draw, both tubes were rotated at least 8 times and re-packaged. I obtained an Affidavit of Person Who Withdrew Blood from Brooke.

I transported Wesley to Grayson County Jail, where he was booked in for DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED. Wesley was remanded to the custody of Grayson County Jail staff without incident.

Wesley`s Commerce Police Department credentials, DEA credentials and Department issued Glock 45 were initially seized for safekeeping. Sgt Edwards #262 was in contact with Commerce PD LT. Don Waddle in regards to this incident. Lt Waddle arrived at the Sherman Police Department shortly after Wesley was booked into Grayson County Jail. These items were released to Lt Waddle after he arrived to the Sherman Police Department.