Russell Zoning Inspector Fired Following OVI
Russell Township Trustees voted to terminate Zoning Inspector Shane Wrench July 17 after he was arrested for reportedly driving under the influence.
Russell Township Trustees voted to terminate Zoning Inspector Shane Wrench July 17 after he was arrested for reportedly driving under the influence.
Bainbridge Township Police Sgt. Jon Weiner said he witnessed Wrench allegedly driving at a high rate of speed July 12, driving left of center and honking his horn near the Tanglewood Plaza in Bainbridge Township at 2:17 a.m. July 12.
“More than half (Wrench’s) vehicle went over the double yellow line,” Chief Jon Bokovitz said in a follow-up phone interview, adding Wrench also reportedly struck a mailbox while driving on state Route 306.
Weiner pulled Wrench over and determined he was intoxicated. There were no issues during the arrest, Bokovitz said.
Wrench, 53, was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a first-degree misdemeanor, and driving in marked lanes, a minor misdemeanor, according to court records.
He was also charged with inducing panic, a first-degree misdemeanor, at his residence in South Russell Village July 12, according to court records.
“I would have no further comment on that incident as it related to a mental health situation,” South Russell Police Chief Michael Rizzo said.
Wrench failed to appear for his initial arraignment July 14, according to Chardon Municipal Court records. He was later arraigned on all charges July 18 and his bond was set at $500, which he posted.
Following an executive session, trustees voted unanimously to fire Wrench — effective immediately — during public session July 17.
“The board of trustees made a motion to terminate the … employment of Shane Wrench
due to serious infractions of various township policies and procedures,” Township Administrator Melissa Palmer said during the public portion of the July 17 meeting.
Wrench could not be reached for comment prior to press deadline.
Wrench was hired as the zoning inspector in Russell in 2016 and previously served as the zoning inspector in Bainbridge Township from 2010 to 2012, when he resigned.
According to court records, Wrench has prior convictions.
In 2001, Wrench was convicted of resisting arrest, a second-degree misdemeanor, and in 2009, he was convicted of disorderly conduct, a fourth-degree misdemeanor, according to Chardon Municipal Court records.
