An Illinois Democrat lawmaker has been arrested after crashing her car while allegedly drunk driving.
The suspect was identified as Samantha Steele, who represents the Second District on the Cook County Board of Review.
The board decides property tax appeals.
The Chicago-area politician hurled an insult at the responding police officer while she was being arrested at the scene of the crash on Sunday.
She was charged with drunken driving, according to local news reports.
Steele is accused of causing the car crash between two vehicles due to her intoxication, according to WGN-TV.
After the Chicago incident, Steele faces a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The incident that led to the arrest of the 45-year-old Steele took place Sunday at about 8:50 p.m., according to Chicago police.
Police said they responded to a report of an accident.
Responding officers found two vehicles with “extensive” damage.
Steele was lying on the sidewalk and appeared drunk when police arrived.
Police said an open bottle of wine was found on the floor of Steele’s vehicle on the passenger’s side.
“I observed her eyes were bloodshot and glassy,” an officer wrote in the police report on the incident.
“I also detected a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from her breath as she spoke.”
Steele refused to perform field sobriety tests and insulted one of the police officers.
When asked how much she had to drink, she told the police:
“I want my lawyer, and I am not talking to you.”
Steele “repeatedly said, ‘Is your penis that small?’” when speaking to an officer, the police report said.
Police said Steele complained of pain in her head and was taken to a hospital.
Steele’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 27, according to the Chicago Tribune.
If convicted of the charge against her, she could be fined up to $2,500 and lose her license for a year.
The Sun-Times noted that Steele has been involved in multiple controversies.
Frank Calabrese, an aide to Steele, filed a whistleblower lawsuit in federal court.
The lawsuit named Steele and her chief of staff.
Steele is also involved in a dispute over the property tax bill for a former racetrack being eyed by the Chicago Bears.
https://slaynews.com/news/illinois-democrat-crashes-car-drunk-driving-hurls-vile-insults-arresting-officer/
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