Rhode Island Democratic Chairwoman Arrested on DUI Charge, Caught on Bodycam Video
EAST GREENWICH, R.I. — Maria Bucci, chairwoman of the Democratic committee in Cranston, Rhode Island’s second-largest city, was arrested on December 18 following a traffic stop that led to a misdemeanor DUI charge. The incident was captured on body-worn camera footage released by the East Greenwich Police Department, revealing Bucci questioning the officer with the phrase, “You know who I am?” moments before her arrest.
The video shows the 51-year-old Bucci interacting with an East Greenwich police officer who had pulled her over after detecting signs of impaired driving. The officer told Bucci he smelled alcohol on her breath and described her driving as erratic. Bucci responded by asking, “You know who I am right?” to which the officer firmly replied, “I don’t know who you are miss,” adding, “You can start throwing out names and start doing out what you need to do, it’s not going to work with me, I’m telling you right now, I’m not the guy for that.”
During the stop, the officer instructed Bucci to perform a series of sobriety tests, which are standard procedure in suspected DUI cases. Bucci, a former Cranston City Council member and past mayoral candidate, also made remarks referencing her political connections, saying, “Call my husband right now, and call the attorney general and everybody else in town, cause this is disgusting, God forbid I was a Black person, I’d be arrested.”
As the encounter escalated, Bucci was taken into custody. The footage captures her being handcuffed and directing a profanity at the officer, stating, “You’re a d—,” while looking directly into the body camera and demanding, “Gimme the camera.” Earlier in the stop, she admitted to having had a glass of wine and attending a Christmas party.
Bucci was released on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond and is expected to be arraigned on January 5. The arrest has drawn attention given her prominent role within the Rhode Island Democratic Party and her previous bids for public office, including an unsuccessful campaign for a Rhode Island House of Representatives seat last year.
The East Greenwich Police Department’s use of body-worn cameras aligns with broader efforts across law enforcement agencies to increase transparency and accountability during traffic stops and arrests. According to the Rhode Island State Police, bodycam footage has become an essential tool in documenting interactions between officers and the public.
Bucci’s case highlights ongoing discussions about the conduct of public officials and the legal consequences of driving under the influence. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that DUI arrests remain a critical focus for reducing impaired driving fatalities nationwide.
As the legal process moves forward, the situation has sparked debate within Rhode Island political circles and among residents about accountability and the role of influence in law enforcement encounters. The State of Rhode Island continues to emphasize equal enforcement of traffic laws regardless of status or position.
For more information on DUI laws and enforcement in Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General provides resources and updates on legal proceedings and public safety initiatives.
Maria Bucci’s arrest serves as a reminder of the legal standards that apply to all drivers and the importance of responsible behavior behind the wheel, especially during the holiday season when DUI incidents tend to increase.
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