Leslie Woodson Snell’s DUI Arrest
Nantucket Planning Director Leslie Snell DUI incident.
Nantucket Planning Director Leslie Woodson Snell was arrested in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, on April 20, 2026, after authorities say she crashed a Jeep SUV into a street sign while allegedly operating under the influence of alcohol.
By SyndicatedNews | SNN.BZ
The Nantucket Current reported the details of the incident. Bodycam footage released by the Yarmouth Police Department later showed Snell struggling with field sobriety tests. Snell has served in Nantucket’s Planning & Land Use Services Department for over two decades and was promoted to Planning Director in 2023.
Photo above clearly reveals open container of White Claw multi-can package. Police reports indicate officers observed Snell appearing glassy-eyed and swaying after the crash near a local restaurant. An open vodka bottle and several White Claw alcoholic seltzers were reportedly found inside her vehicle. NY Post and other outlets covered the bodycam video, in which Snell acknowledged having consumed drinks but described the amount as minimal. She was placed under arrest following the failed sobriety tests.
Snell faced charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. She was arraigned in Barnstable District Court on April 21, 2026. Fox News detailed the bodycam footage and court proceedings.
On April 28, 2026, Snell entered a plea agreement continuing the DUI charge without a finding for one year. The conditions included surrendering her driver’s license for 45 days, completing a driver alcohol education program, and paying approximately $600 in fees. Court outcomes are documented across multiple local and national reports.
Snell, a certified planner (AICP) and LEED AP, has worked for the town since around 2002. Her role involves key responsibilities in zoning, land use, and economic development planning for Nantucket. The Nantucket Current has provided ongoing local coverage of both her professional tenure and the incident.
The case gained renewed attention after the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission (NP&EDC) unanimously renewed her three-year contract in late June 2026. The renewal included a one-time payment equivalent to about a 4% cost-of-living adjustment, with her base compensation around $195,520. Details are available in Nantucket Current follow-up reporting.
Following the resolution, Snell stated that she accepts full responsibility for her actions. The contract renewal sparked local discussion about accountability for public officials. Readers can review primary sources for full context on the commission’s decision.
Bodycam footage became widely available in mid-July 2026, prompting additional media coverage of the April events. The YouTube video linked in the original query provides direct access to the footage: Bodycam Footage. Nantucket authorities and residents continue to focus on planning department operations and broader public safety considerations.
This article compiles publicly reported facts with direct links to primary sources for immediate reader verification. All links were confirmed active as of July 22, 2026.
