Drunk Driver Pleads, "I'm Not a Bad Person" After Crashing During DUI Investigation

A routine traffic stop escalated into a tense DUI investigation when a 24-year-old woman admitted to drinking and showed signs of impairment, leading to an immediate arrest. The incident, captured on shocking bodycam footage, highlights the dangers of impaired driving.

The suspect, later identified as Jessica C. Spencer, repeatedly struggled to cooperate with sobriety tests and was charged with multiple offenses, including felony DUI. Her emotional exchanges with the officer offer a raw look into a serious US crime news event.

🚗 What Happened Before Police Arrived

The incident began at approximately 12:58 a.m. on May 27, 2025, when Officer Simons of the Villa Park Police Department spotted a white Hyundai Sonata. The officer observed several dangerous driving behaviors:

Improper Lane Usage: The vehicle crossed the center lane divider for about 100 feet near Yale Avenue. It later veered left into the shared left-turn lane before drifting back.
Swerving and Near Miss: While traveling south on S Westmore-Meyers Rd, the vehicle was swerving and nearly struck the right curb.
Final Lane Violation and Crash: Just before the officer activated emergency lights, the vehicle veered left again. As the vehicle turned right onto E Washington Blvd, it struck the curb on the northwest corner.

The officer initiated the traffic stop in the area of S Westmore-Meyers Rd and E Washington Blvd in Lombard, IL.

🚨 Police Arrival & Key Bodycam Moments

Upon exiting the squad car, Officer Simons observed Spencer attempting to step out of her vehicle. He instructed her to remain inside, and she complied.

Key moments from the conversation and bodycam footage include:

Immediate Admission: Before the officer could explain the stop, Spencer said she was on her phone and admitted she was “sending a voice message.” The officer also noticed expired plates and a headlight out.
Odor of Alcohol: When Spencer leaned forward, the officer immediately noticed a strong smell of alcohol, along with slurred speech.
Admission to Drinking: She admitted to drinking two Coors beers and one tequila shot at a bar. She also mentioned having a prior DUI investigation on her record.
SFST Non-Compliance: Spencer was uncooperative during sobriety tests—breaking stance, starting early, crying, and refusing instructions.
Emotional Breakdown & Arrest: Spencer became emotional, saying, “I’m not a bad person” and “I was too fucking nice,” before being placed under police arrest for DUI.

⚖️ Charges & Legal Explanation

Jessica C. Spencer was charged with three offenses:

DUI – Driving under the influence of alcohol:
She showed multiple signs of impairment, including dangerous driving, slurred speech, odor of alcohol, and poor performance on sobriety tests. She also refused the breathalyzer test at the station.
Improper lane usage (x2):
For repeatedly crossing lane dividers and failing to maintain her lane.
Expired license plates:
One of the initial reasons for the stop.

🧑‍⚖️ Expert Opinion Section

Did the officers act correctly?
Yes. The stop was justified due to lane violations and expired plates. The DUI investigation was appropriate based on smell of alcohol, admissions, and behavior. Her arrest was legally justified.

Could things have gone differently?
Her refusal to follow instructions made the situation worse. Cooperation would have streamlined the process, but the officer acted correctly based on evidence.

Was she treated properly?
Yes. She was transported to the station, read the Warning to Motorist, observed for 20 minutes, and asked to provide a breath sample (which she refused).

🛣️ Final Outcome / What Happened in the End

After her arrest, Spencer refused to provide a breath sample at 02:04 a.m.

Her white Hyundai Sonata was towed under the DUI administrative tow policy and placed on a 24-hour hold. She retrieved the vehicle on May 28 after paying the $500 administrative fee and providing valid documents.

She was released on Pre-Trial Release and given a court date of June 25, 2025. Officer Simons even provided her a ride home afterward.