Who is Rhode Island’s Maria Bucci? Viral DUI Arrest Sparks Political Fallout and Identity Confusion
Rhode Island Maria Bucci Headshot. Image Source: Uprise RI
A late-night traffic stop in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, has erupted into a viral controversy involving Maria Bucci, a prominent Democratic political figure and former mayoral candidate in Cranston. The incident, which resulted in a misdemeanor DUI charge, quickly gained national attention after police body-worn camera footage was released, highlighting a tense exchange that has since sparked political fallout, public scrutiny, and widespread identity confusion.
Bucci, 51, was arrested shortly after midnight on December 18, 2025, after police observed her vehicle swerving along Division Road, according to a report obtained by WPRI 12 News.
Bodycam Footage Shows Heated Exchange During DUI Stop
Video released by East Greenwich police shows officers pulling Bucci over after detecting erratic driving. The police report notes a strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech, and resistance during field sobriety testing.
At one point during the encounter, Bucci is heard asking the officer, “You know who I am, right?”, a remark that has since become a focal point of online debate.
The footage also captures Bucci referencing family members in law enforcement and instructing a passenger to contact her husband, the attorney general, and others. She later accused the officer of bias and attempted to interfere with the body-worn camera before being taken into custody.
Bucci was released on $1,000 personal recognizance and is scheduled to be arraigned on January 5.
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Political Background Raises Stakes
Maria Bucci is not a private citizen. She previously served as a Cranston city councilor, ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2020, and sought election to Rhode Island House District 15 in 2024. She also chairs the Cranston Democratic Committee, giving the incident immediate political implications.
As of publication, Bucci has not issued a public statement, and Kick-started speculation continues online amid calls for accountability.
Mistaken Identity Sparks Public Confusion and Harassment
Complicating the situation is the existence of another Maria Bucci, a 61-year-old substance abuse coordinator for the Town of East Greenwich, who has been mistakenly linked to the arrest.
Local outlet East Greenwich News issued a clarification after the town employee reported receiving harassing calls and media inquiries from people who wrongly believed she was the individual arrested.
The outlet emphasized that the town official was not involved in the DUI incident, noting that the arrested Maria Bucci lives in Cranston and has no connection to the municipal substance abuse role.
Why the Incident Went Viral
The arrest gained traction not only due to Bucci’s political profile, but also because of the confrontational tone captured on camera, the “do you know who I am” remark, and the broader conversation surrounding public officials and accountability.
Legal experts note that while the DUI charge is a misdemeanor, the public perception damage, especially for a political figure, may be more consequential than the court outcome.
What Happens Next
Bucci’s case now moves to the legal system, with an arraignment scheduled in early January. No additional charges have been announced, and authorities have not released details about blood alcohol testing.
Meanwhile, the incident continues to circulate widely on social media, reigniting discussions about privilege, policing, and public trust, while underscoring the dangers of online misidentification.
FAQ
Who is Maria Bucci in Rhode Island?
Maria Bucci is a Cranston-based political figure who chairs the Cranston Democratic Committee and previously ran for mayor and state office.
Why was Maria Bucci arrested?
She was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after police observed her swerving in East Greenwich.
Was the arrest caught on video?
Yes. Police body-camera footage was released and quickly went viral online.
Is Maria Bucci guilty?
She faces a misdemeanor DUI charge and has not yet been tried or convicted. An arraignment is scheduled for January 5.
Why is there confusion about Maria Bucci’s identity?
Another woman with the same name works as East Greenwich’s substance abuse coordinator and was mistakenly linked to the arrest.
Has Maria Bucci responded publicly?
As of the latest update, she has not issued a public statement.
What impact could this have on her political future?
While the legal outcome remains pending, the incident has already sparked political backlash and public scrutiny that could affect future campaigns.
