The dashcam illuminated a tense scene on a December night in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, capturing the arrest of a prominent political figure. Maria Bucci, 51, chairwoman of the Cranston Democratic committee, found herself facing a police officer after a traffic stop initiated due to erratic driving.
Almost immediately after the officer detected the scent of alcohol, Bucci reportedly questioned his awareness of her status. “You know who I am right?” she asked, a statement that quickly set a confrontational tone for the encounter. The officer’s response was firm and unwavering, dismissing any attempt to leverage her position.
“I don’t know who you are miss,” the officer stated plainly. He continued, “You can start throwing out names and start doing what you need to do, it’s not going to work with me.” This resolute stance foreshadowed the unfolding events as the officer initiated a series of sobriety tests.
The bodycam footage reveals Bucci’s escalating frustration as the tests progressed. She demanded the officer contact her husband, the attorney general, and “everybody else in town,” decrying the situation as “disgusting.” A particularly jarring statement alluded to racial bias, suggesting a different outcome if she were Black.
As the officer moved to place her in handcuffs, Bucci unleashed a barrage of insults, directing a vulgarity towards him and dismissing any suggestion of intoxication. Her words, captured on camera, painted a picture of defiance and disbelief.
Earlier in the interaction, Bucci had admitted to consuming a glass of wine and attending a Christmas party. This admission, however, did little to mitigate the officer’s concerns regarding her driving and apparent impairment.
Bucci, a veteran of Rhode Island politics – having previously served on the Cranston City Council and unsuccessfully run for both mayor and a seat in the state House of Representatives – was released on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond. She is scheduled to be arraigned in January, facing a misdemeanor DUI charge.
The incident has sparked considerable discussion, raising questions about privilege, accountability, and the treatment of individuals – regardless of their position – when interacting with law enforcement. The full bodycam footage offers a stark and unvarnished look at a night that quickly spiraled out of control.
