Brandon Wells has been a Rockford police officer since 2017.

He was one of the first responding officers that went to the Blake household after reviewing a call that a black man was moving his furniture to the side of the road.

Wells, along with Jason Lawler, and Irvin Benitez noted Kerry Blake’s “diminished mental capacity” but did little-to-nothing to provide services for Kerry. Wells knew Kerry from past experiences and knew of his struggles with his mental health.

The three officers left after Kerry did not speak with them.

Hours later, RPD again responded to the Blake household after Kerry’s mental crisis continued. It was alleged that Kerry took his neighbor’s vehicle that was the same color, make and model of a family members of Kerry.

Wells and Lawler informed the on scene officers of the earlier incident and past incidents involving Kerry and his mental health diagnosis.

The shared information did not stop RPD officers from engaging in a hours long stand off with Kerry.

Despite Kerry showing multiple times that he was unarmed and nonviolent, RPD had military vehicles and equipment show up to the Blake residence. The SWAT team eventually broke into the back of the house. Officer Matthew Krantz shot Kerry Blake in the head with Krantz personal gun.

On February 6th, 2019, Wells responded to the shooting of Randy Pierson by then Rockford Police officer Timothy Stec. Upon arrival Wells was assigned by Sergeant Richard Gambini Jr to block traffic from Montague on Highway 20.

On August 21st, 2020, Wells was assigned to work Rockford City Market Protest detail. The protests began in an attempt to raise awareness to the local police violence that took place during the first protest in Rockford following the murder of George Floyd.

On the night of the 21st, Wells along with Matthew Warren arrested a protestor at City Market for flipping them off. Then Assistant State’s Attorney Brenda Quade approved felony Mob action charges for this offense.

In 2019, Wells made $71,921 in salary + $11,514 in overtime = $83,435 + $25,155 in health insurance + $30,497 in pension pay.

In 2020, they made $74,221 in salary + $9,911 in overtime = $84,132 + $25,350 in health insurance + $33,025 in pension pay.

In 2021, they made $85,265 in salary + $8,064 in overtime = $93,329 + $24,960 in health insurance + $34,932 in pension pay.

In 2022, they made $90,636 in salary + $5,515 in overtime = $96,151 + $25,350 in health insurance + $39,700 in pension pay.

In 2023, they made $98,537 in salary + $10,535 in overtime = $109,072 + $25,350 in health insurance + $46,059 in pension pay.

In 2024, they made $23,366 in salary + $2,490 in overtime = $25,856.

If you or anyone you know has been abused, harassed or otherwise mistreated by this officer please email us with the officers name in the subject.