Samantha Steele
11/11/2024 DUI ARREST SUMMARY
On November 11, 2024, Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele crashed her vehicle into two parked cars in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood.
Witnesses reported Steele appeared visibly intoxicated and attempted to flee, but couldn’t drive away because her car was too damaged.
When police arrived, Steele refused to exit the vehicle or provide her driver’s license, repeatedly invoking her position by saying: “I’m an elected official.” Officers reported a strong smell of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, and a half-empty bottle of red wine on the floor of her car.
Steele was ultimately arrested after calling Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton, whom she identified to police as her “attorney,” and who advised her to comply.
At the hospital, Steele repeatedly mocked an Asian Chicago police officer with racist and vulgar remarks.
Steele now faces a criminal DUI charge — and the Chicago Sun-Times editorial board has called for her resignation, citing her combative behavior and lack of remorse.
Despite public outrage, Steele has refused to apologize and continues to serve on the Board of Review — a powerful office overseeing property tax appeals that affect millions of Cook County residents.
Below is the police report which you can also download here >>>
POLICE BODYCAM VIDEO
DUI ARREST INCIDENT NARRATIVE
In summary, Bwc incident. Beat 2022 were dispatched to the area Ashland Ave and Winnemac Ave for a report of a traffic crash. Upon arrival I observed two crashed vehicles a Honda Accord and Dodge Charger. Both vehicles had extensive front end damages. I observed a female subject lying down on the side walk of where accident happen. I began to speak with the female subject on the side walk, later identified as Steele, Samantha, who informed me that she was driving south on Ashland Ave when she struck other vehicle. Assisting Officers observed open bottle of red wine in the passenger side floor board. While I was speaking with Steele, I observed her eyes were bloodshot and glassy. I also detected a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from her breath as she spoke. I asked Steele how much she had to drink tonight at that time she stated "I want my lawyer and I am not talking to you."
At approximately 2045 hours I asked Steele to perform field sobriety tests, she replied I am refusing. In addition, I observed Steele to be swaying front to back during the interview.
Steele was complaining of pain head injuries. At that time CFD amb #40 was on scene and transported to Weiss for further care. I relocated to Weiss hospital and at that time bwc was turned off. At the hospital Steele was treated by Dr. [redacted] and discharged.
At hospital I placed Steele under arrest for DUI and secured her into handcuffs which were double locked and checked for fit. I then started my 20-minute observation of her at 2130 hours and also read Warning to Motorist read. While I was reading warning to motorist Steele repeatedly said "Is your penis that small." Steele refused all testing after warning was read.
At 2150 hours I read Steele her Miranda rights from FOP book preprinted from page 165. Steele refused to talk to me and requested a lawyer at that time. Steele’s lawyer [redacted] was at the hospital. Steele was discharged from hospital and brought back to 020th district for processing. Steele was issued her citation and given court date.
Steele’s vehicle was impounded SS #070496.
Notification made to News Affairs (Juarez #10833) and CPIC (Mateo #11782) Steele has 5 dollars USC on her person. Her property inventory #15627072 and #15627077
THE CHOICE IS CLEAR - VOTE LIZ NICHOLSON
PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF LIZ NICHOLSON