BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. (CBS4) – CBS4 Investigator Brian Maass has learned that Matt Russell, the Denver Broncos Director of Player Personnel, was arrested and jailed in Summit County over the weekend after police say he was suspected of being involved in an accident the mountain town of Frisco, then crashed into a police car a few minutes later in Breckenridge.

“Any time anybody is impaired and hits a fully-marked police car that person should not have been driving in the first place,” said Colorado State Trooper Nate Reid. “It’s a dangerous profession.”

Sources say after the reported incident in Frisco Saturday evening, area police departments were on alert looking for Russell’s vehicle, a black 2008 Toyota Tundra. A few minutes later a Breckenridge police officer was waiting along Highway 9 on the outskirts of town at about 7:30 p.m. when Russell’s vehicle approached and rear-ended the police cruiser at an estimated 40 miles per hour.

The Breckenridge officer was briefly hospitalized with what were described as minor injuries. Police arrested Russell at the scene.

Reid says the officer was later released from the hospital. The accident occurred at the intersection of Highway 9 and Fairview Boulevard. Both the police cruiser and Russell’s Toyota had to be towed from the scene.

Although Russell told police he had just two “green drinks,” police say Russell’s car contained a half-empty fifth of peppermint schnapps. They say he failed roadside tests and registered a .246 on a portable breath test, way over the legal limit. According to police, Russell told a state patrolman on scene that he had “no recollection of the accident whatsoever.”

Russell, who has been with the Broncos for 4 years, was arrested and booked into the Summit County Jail. He is facing charges of driving under the influence, careless driving resulting in injury, having an open container of alcohol in his car, and failure to display proof of insurance.

Records show Russell posted cash bond of $1,000 and was released from jail on July 7, the day after he was arrested.

The State Patrol declined to release any blood alcohol results for Russell. Reid said there did not appear to be any passengers in Russell’s vehicle.

Statements From The Denver Broncos And Director Of Player Personnel Matt Russell

Denver Broncos: “Our organization is extremely disappointed and concerned with the incident involving Matt Russell. We immediately expressed our disappointment to Matt, and he is fully aware of the seriousness of this situation. This type of behavior is unacceptable and very troubling. We expect better from all employees, particularly those in leadership positions. These allegations completely contradict the values and beliefs of the Broncos regarding social responsibility.

“We are continuing to gather information and will handle this matter appropriately and in accordance with all NFL policies.”

Matt Russell: “I deeply regret the poor judgment I demonstrated that resulted in my arrest over the weekend. I apologize to the Denver Broncos, our fans and the National Football League for this inexcusable mistake. I’m ashamed that I represented this region and the Broncos organization in the manner that I did. I take complete responsibility for my actions and will be fully accountable. Going forward, I will take steps to ensure this never happens again.”

RELATED PDF DOCUMENTS: Arrest Affidavit | Booking Sheet



– Written by Brian Maass for CBSDenver.com