Former police sergeant Brandon Rothwell was terminated in November, and we now know why.
The 18-year veteran of the Nisswa Police Department allegedly drove to work in uniform and proceeded to driving a city squad car while under the influence of alcohol. This was Rothwell’s second such incident in less than a year.
The report explains Rothwell reported to work at approximately 3 a.m. on September 10th while under the influence of alcohol. Later in the morning, a breath test revealed a reading of .17.
Police Chief Craig Taylor said that he saw Rothwell drive his squad car into the employee parking lot just before 8a.m. Rothwell was more talkative than usual, seemed sleepy and his eyes were droopy, Taylor reported.
Taylor asked the Crosby-Ironton grad if he had been drinking, and Rothwell replied that he had not. Taylor then asked Rothwell to take a preliminary breath test, which revealed the sample of .17. Taylor took Rothwell’s gun and badge and placed him on paid administrative leave.
Back in December of 2018, Rothwell reported to work under the influence with circumstances similar to the September occurrence. Rothwell received one week of unpaid suspension.