Whoa, talk about a political drama straight out of a Netflix binge-worthy show! Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele is making headlines for all the wrong reasons, and let’s just say her night out turned into a real-life episode of Law & Order: DUI Unit.
Here’s what went down: Steele, who helps decide property tax appeals (yes, the taxes we all grumble about), was arrested after crashing her car in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood on November 10. According to police, she wasn’t exactly the model of cooperation at the scene. Officers reported bloodshot eyes, a boozy breath, and a front bumper that looked like it had gone through a demolition derby.
When asked for her license and proof of insurance, Steele went full “I’d like to speak to the manager,” repeatedly mentioning her status as an elected official. Spoiler: the cops didn’t care. She even phoned a friend—well, actually, Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton, who doubles as her lawyer buddy. Britton’s advice over speakerphone? Sit tight. Steele’s response? “Nah, I’ll wait for him to show up.” (Pro tip: This is not the strategy to take when dealing with the police.)
But wait, there’s more. When asked to take a field sobriety test, Steele initially refused, only to change her mind after getting handcuffed. Awkward. And in the most “someone get a camera crew here” moment of the night, she name-dropped her job multiple times, as if being an elected official came with a “get out of DUI free” card.
The night ended with Steele being taken to Weiss Hospital after some back-and-forth about whether she had hit her head during the crash. No word yet on how this will affect her political career, but one thing’s for sure: This case is a wild reminder that no one is above the law, no matter how many people vote for you.
Stay tuned for the next chapter, because with footage, court dates, and public scrutiny, this saga is far from over.