Newly released Chicago Police Department body camera footage shows Samantha Steele, a Cook County Board of Review commissioner, invoking her status as an elected official during a tense DUI investigation on the North Side earlier this month.
The footage, obtained by election consultant Frank Calabrese, documents the chaotic scene on November 10 when Steele, 45, was involved in a multi-vehicle crash in the 5000 block of North Ashland Avenue.
The Incident
Officers arriving at the scene found Steele standing on a traffic island near her heavily damaged car, which was blocking a lane of traffic with its front quarter panel hanging off.
Steele refused to immediately hand over her license and proof of insurance, instead calling an attorney for advice. During the call, she repeatedly emphasized her position as an “elected official.”
“I’m an elected official. I don’t want any of this…” Steele said at one point, trailing off.
Police Warnings Escalate
As the interaction unfolded, Steele resisted officers’ requests to step out of the vehicle, prompting a sergeant to warn, “If you don’t exit the vehicle, I’m gonna help you to exit, and you don’t want that.”
Steele’s response: “YOU don’t want that. I’m an elected official.”
Despite her protests, officers eventually persuaded her to exit the car after further consultation with her attorney.
Discovery of Open Container
Once out of the vehicle, officers discovered an open bottle of wine in a plastic bag on the passenger-side floorboard. Steele also managed to slip out of her handcuffs twice, with officers noting her “small wrists” in their reports.
At one point, Steele alternated between claiming she had hit her head during the crash and refusing medical attention. Emergency responders eventually transported her to Weiss Hospital for evaluation.
Hospital Comments and Arrest
While at the hospital, Steele allegedly made inappropriate comments to an officer, asking, “Is your penis that small?” Officers, whose body cameras are turned off in hospital settings, documented the remarks in their reports.
Following her discharge, Steele was transported to the Lincoln (20th) District, where she was cited for misdemeanor DUI and later released.
Public and Legal Implications
The release of the footage has drawn criticism, with many questioning Steele’s conduct during the investigation. Her repeated emphasis on her elected status and refusal to comply with officers’ instructions has sparked public debate about accountability for public officials.
Steele has not yet commented on the incident.
Key Moments Caught on Camera
- Claims of Authority: Steele repeatedly stated, “I’m an elected official,” in an apparent attempt to influence officers.
- Resistance to Compliance: Steele refused multiple requests to exit her vehicle and only did so after prolonged discussion with her attorney.
- Discovery of Evidence: Officers found an open wine bottle on the passenger floorboard.
- Inappropriate Comments: Steele allegedly made unprofessional remarks to an officer at the hospital.
Next Steps
As Steele faces a misdemeanor DUI charge, the incident raises questions about public trust and the responsibilities of elected officials. The case is expected to proceed through Cook County’s legal system, with further scrutiny likely on her conduct during and after the arrest.
