Samantha Steele, a Cook County Board of Review Commissioner in Illinois, is under fire after her arrest on November 11 for allegedly driving under the influence in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood.
Police body-camera footage obtained by WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times captures Steele asserting her status as an elected official and resisting cooperation with officers during the encounter.
A Cook County politician told a Chicago police officer, “I’m an elected official,” during her DUI arrest.
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) November 26, 2024
The video shows Steele repeatedly emphasizing her position, declaring, “I’m an elected official,” when asked to comply with police instructions.
Officers had to warn her that refusal to exit her vehicle could lead to them physically assisting her. Steele responded, “You don’t want that! I’m an elected official.”
When one officer asked, “Elected official of what?” Steele replied, “Cook County.” However, she refused to provide her full name, identifying herself only as “Sam.” Officers noted her lack of cooperation as they documented the interaction.
Throughout the arrest, Steele appeared reluctant to follow instructions, such as providing her driver’s license or stepping out of her car.
She reportedly drank from a water bottle