A well-known Democratic figure in Rhode Island has come under public scrutiny after police bodycam footage captured her asking an officer, “Do you know who I am?” moments before being arrested during a traffic stop.
Maria Bucci, 51, the chairwoman of the Democratic Committee in Cranston—the state’s second-largest city—was arrested on December 18 in East Greenwich and is now facing a misdemeanor charge for driving under the influence, according to multiple media reports.
In the newly released bodycam video, an East Greenwich police officer is heard telling Bucci that he detected the smell of alcohol on her breath and observed what he described as erratic driving behavior. Shortly afterward, Bucci asks the officer, “You know who I am, right?”
The officer responds firmly, stating that he does not know her and makes it clear that name-dropping or using political influence would not affect his actions. “You can start throwing out names and doing what you need to do—it’s not going to work with me,” the officer says on camera.
Bodycam Footage Shows Sobriety Tests and Heated Exchange
The footage continues with the officer attempting to guide Bucci through a series of field sobriety tests. Bucci, a former mayoral candidate in Cranston, previously served on the city’s council from 2004 to 2008. She also ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the Rhode Island House of Representatives last year, according to the Cranston Herald.
During the traffic stop, Bucci is heard making several emotional statements, including demanding that officers contact her husband, the attorney general, and other local officials. At one point, she expresses frustration with the situation and makes comments suggesting unequal treatment, calling the arrest “disgusting.”
Despite the exchange, officers proceed with the arrest. As Bucci is placed in handcuffs, she directs an insult toward the officer and continues to deny drinking, stating on camera that she is not intoxicated.
Earlier in the encounter, Bucci admitted to having consumed a glass of wine and told the officer she had attended a Christmas party prior to driving.
Arraignment Scheduled for January
Following her arrest, Bucci was released on $1,000 personal recognizance, according to local outlet WPRI. She is expected to be formally arraigned on January 5.
The East Greenwich Police Department released the bodycam footage as public interest in the incident grew, with the video showing Bucci staring directly into the camera as she is taken into custody.
The incident has sparked renewed discussion around accountability, political influence, and equal enforcement of the law, as the footage continues to circulate online and across news platforms.