John Edward Russell’s cooperation with police at a drunk-driving checkpoint only went so far, according to a Crossville Police arrest report. Things took a bad turn for those involved.
Russell, 48, Plateau Road, is charged with one count of assault on a first responder. He was also taken into custody on two probation violation warrants and cited for driving on a revoked license.
CPD’s School Resource Officer Gage Gunnels was assisting Fairfield Glade Police with a DUI checkpoint July 25 around 9 p.m. on Peavine Road when a 1994 Ford Ranger with no working brake lights approached.
The driver, identified as Russell, complied with an order to pull over and then exited the vehicle.
Russell informed Cumberland County Sheriff’s Deputy Cpl. Ben Griffin he did not have a license.
The driver’s cooperation reportedly ended when asked to place his hands behind his back to be handcuffed and taken into custody.
The report states Russell continued to resist being taken into custody and started slamming his head into the hood of his pickup.
The report alleges Russell then attempted to flee on foot but that was short-lived and he was escorted to a nearby patrol car where it is alleged he resisted being placed in the cruiser.
During that process, Russell is accused of “head-butting” Gunnels in the head before he was secured in the patrol car.
Russell made his first appearance in General Sessions Court July 31 and the case was continued to Aug. 7. Russell appeared in Criminal Court Tuesday and his probation violations hearing was continued to Aug. 19.