Nantucket Officer Arrested for DUI After Crash

Newly released footage captures an officer from Nantucket being taken into custody after allegedly drinking in his car and crashing into a road sign. The body camera video from the Yarmouth Police Department shows Leslie Snell, the city’s planning director, having difficulty with a breathalyzer test shortly after the incident that occurred on April 20.

Witnesses reported seeing Snell exit her Jeep and mention that she had “just had a few drinks” at a local spot named Giardinos. The footage reveals a bottle of vodka and a box of White Claw inside her vehicle.

According to the police report, Snell was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence and possessing an open container in her car. The next day, she struck a plea deal that would suspend DUI charges for a year, pending certification. As part of this agreement, she must surrender her driver’s license for 45 days, complete an alcohol education course, and pay a $600 fine.

Officer Samantha Bortolini noted in her report that Snell had “bleeding” eyes and a noticeable odor of alcohol, both from the car and her breath. Another officer indicated that Snell seemed confused about her whereabouts, even as they were only about a hundred yards from Giardinos. When asked about her home, she stated she lived in Nantucket but struggled to clarify her location.

After the incident, Snell expressed regret, saying she accepted full responsibility for her actions during that off-island incident on April 20, and noted that the matter had been resolved.