Top Democrat Busted On Bodycam Drunkenly Crashing Into Cars
Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele, a high-profile Democrat, was arrested earlier this month after allegedly crashing into two vehicles while driving under the influence. The arrest, which occurred on Chicago’s North Side, was documented on bodycam footage recently released by police as part of their investigation.
The footage, obtained by elections consultant Frank Calabrese, captures Steele identifying herself as an “elected official” during a tense exchange with law enforcement prior to her arrest.
The incident, which took place on November 10, shows officers repeatedly asking Steele, 37, to step out of her vehicle. Initially, Steele refused, stating, “I’m an elected official,” and insisting on waiting for her attorney. Officers stressed the seriousness of the situation, noting her involvement in a collision and the suspicion of alcohol impairment.
In the video, Steele identifies herself as “Sam” but provides no additional information, prompting officers to confirm her identity on the spot. When asked, “Elected official of what?” Steele responded, “Cook County as an elected official.”
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Despite numerous attempts to convince her to exit the vehicle voluntarily, officers eventually opened the car door and assisted her out. Steele allegedly declined to take a field sobriety test or provide a breathalyzer sample. According to officers, she exhibited slurred speech, a strong smell of alcohol, and other signs of intoxication.
As Steele protested and delayed the process, one officer remarked, “We’re just doing our job.”
At the hospital, Steele reportedly mocked an officer, repeatedly asking, “Is your penis that small?” according to the arrest report. Since officers routinely turn off their body cameras while on hospital grounds, these remarks were not captured on video. After being discharged, Steele was transported to the Lincoln (20th) District, where she was charged with a misdemeanor DUI and later released.
Steele invoked her Miranda rights and declined to speak to law enforcement, repeatedly requesting her attorney, who was present at the hospital.
According to her official website, Commissioner Steele represents the Second District on the Cook County Board of Review. With over 15 years of experience in property valuation, she has worked to develop best practices for property tax assessments and appeals nationwide. Steele previously served as a County Assessor in Indiana, where she implemented innovative strategies to address a backlog of tax appeals. She is also a certified real estate broker and an active member of the International Association of Assessing Professionals since 2007.
In addition to her public service, Steele is a management member of the Leanor Group and holds academic credentials from Purdue University and the Kent Institute of Art and Design.
Following the arrest, Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison called for Steele’s resignation, citing her “aggressive behavior” during the incident.
“This incident raises serious concerns about her conduct and judgment as an elected official,” Morrison stated. “If an elected official does not respect our dedicated police officers, then how can we expect the citizens to respect the police?”