It’s not everyday you see a sheriff get arrested by state police for driving drunk, but that’s exactly what you’re about to see in this bodycam footage recently released. Back on September 21, 2024 Massachusetts State Police responded to the MGM Springfield parking garage after they received a call.

Watch a sheriff total his Dodge Charger 392 by ramming into a suspect’s car.

You see a white Ford Explorer that’s obviously a law enforcement vehicle parked in the valet area. What’s striking about it is the front passenger-side tire is completely gone, the vehicle resting on the bare wheel rim.

When state police start questioning Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, they ask him about the missing tire. The sheriff reassures them he wasn’t driving when the tire just came off. Instead, he claims an unnamed friend was behind the wheel and seems very nonchalant about the state of his police cruiser.

The trooper doing the questioning noted he could smell alcohol on Sheriff Cocchi’s breath. Under further questioning, Cocchi finally admitted he was driving the Explorer and that he had “a couple of beers” at the Springfield County Club before driving to the MGM Springfield.

Image via MassLive/YouTube
Image via MassLive/YouTube

At one point he orders someone off frame to change the tire on the Explorer, but the trooper stops that. After all, it’s evidence in an active investigation. The sheriff also threatens to just walk back into the casino or to get a ride and go home, but the trooper patiently lets him know he’s doing “everything by the numbers” and Cocchi isn’t free to leave.

While being questioned, he says the tire was popped when he accidentally hit a curb coming into the parking garage. That’s odd, because we’ve seen a number of tires destroyed in police chases and they take a while to fully deteriorate off wheels. In the bodycam footage, there appears to be zero remnants of the tire on the wheel.

Ultimately, Sheriff Cocchi was arrested for operating under the influence (OUI).

After the OUI arrest, Sherif Cocchi was suspended for three days. Not everyone thinks that’s a fair punishment. After all, the man is in a position of trust and so many expect a higher degree of proper behavior from law enforcement, especially those in such a lofty post.

However, Sheriff Cocchi supplied a statement about the OUI arrest to WAMC:

“Since the incident, I’ve done everything possible to show the public that I believe in transparency and accountability, even for myself. I have taken responsibility for my actions that night, and I’ve been humbled and blessed with the overwhelming support, understanding, and encouragement I’ve received from the people of Hampden County to get back to doing the good work of our Sheriff’s Office behind the walls and in the community. And that is what I’m focusing on each and every day.” 

Images via MassLive/YouTube

By Steven Symes

Steven Symes is an accomplished automotive journalist with a passion for all things related to cars. His extensive knowledge and love for the automotive world shine through in his writing, which covers a diverse range of topics.

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