Officer Christopher Russell on Administrative Leave After being charged with DUI

WELLS

A Kennebunk police officer is on administrative leave after being charged with operating under the influence stemming from an Aug. 19 motor vehicle accident.

Patrol Officer Christopher Russell, who serves as the juvenile officer and senior citizen liaison, is currently on administrative leave, said Kennebunk Police.

When contacted, Kennebunk Police Lt. Nick Higgins said the department could not comment on an allegation of criminal conduct by an on- or off-duty police officer.

"If there was an allegation that the department was made aware of there would be an investigation into that alleged conduct," said Higgins Tuesday during a phone interview.

Russell, 27, of Wells, was charged with operating under the influence after skidding through an intersection and hitting a Branch Road guardrail, said Wells police.

Attempts to reach Russell were unsuccessful.

According to Wells Police, Russell was driving down Chick Crossing Road about 11 p.m. when his sunglasses fell onto the floor of his 2002 Dodge pickup truck.

He reached down to pick up the eyewear, but was approaching a stop sign at the Branch Road (Route 9A) intersection and hit his brakes said Wells Police.

Russell went through the stop sign, running off the road and struck a guardrail causing $1,500 worth of damage to the pickup truck, Wells Police said.

No injuries were reported, police said.

Police said they responded to the scene around 11:20 p.m. after receiving reports of the accident from callers, including one place by Russell.

Wells Police Chief Jo-Ann Putnam said the sunglasses most likely slid off the dashboard and that Russell tried to pick them up so the eyewear didn't get caught on the vehicle's pedals.

"It was 11 o'clock at night, he probably didn't have (the sunglasses) on," said Putnam.

Putnam said the police have forwarded the report to the district attorney's office for review.

"I don't know of any other charges at this point," said Putnam. "We're not anticipating any further charges."

Russell is scheduled for an Oct. 30 arraignment in York District Court.