Radio Host Michele McPhee Charged With OUI, Assaulting Officer
BOSTON (CBS) – A Boston radio host was arrested for allegedly assaulting a state trooper after being stopped for drunk driving.
Michele McPhee, an author and radio host for WMEX, was pulled over around 1 a.m. Thursday on Interstate 93 in South Boston when she "came within mere inches of sideswiping the jersey barrier on the right side of the road," according to the police report.
The radio host admitted she had wine with dinner, but the trooper said McPhee's eyes were bloodshot, she smelled of alcohol and was slurring her words.
When the Massachusetts State Police trooper asked McPhee to take a breathalyzer test, she declined.
The trooper said McPhee told him she "defended the police for years" and then demanded he contact high ranking officers.
"McPhee physically counteracted my attempts to place her in handcuffs in front of the Mercedes. McPhee proceeded to kick her feet, striking me in the legs while stating, 'I'm calling the Colonel … let me go … get a supervisor,'" the trooper wrote in his report.
McPhee suffered a facial injury in the ensuing struggle before being placed in handcuffs.
Both the trooper and McPhee were taken to an area hospital with minor injuries.
WMEX released a statement following McPhee's arrest, saying they stand behind the host.
Michele McPhee is a respected member of the 1510 WMEX family, and the management of 1510 WMEX stands behind her in this difficult time as we would any friend or family member. We respect Michele's privacy, and ask that any further questions regarding this event be directed to her counsel. We leave it to the judicial system of the State of Massachusetts to provide due process and justice to Michele, while we continue to support her within our family, and wish her a speedy recovery from the serious injuries that she sustained in the course of this event.
McPhee was not on air Thursday following the arrest. A book signing scheduled for later in the day was also canceled.
The radio station told WBZ-TV McPhee will be back on the air Friday.
Following her arrest, McPhee was arraigned Thursday morning on charges of operating under the influence, resisting arrest, and assault and battery on a police officer.
She was released on personal recognizance.
