In a bizarre turn of events on a quiet Daytona Beach street, a 24-year-old woman allegedly crashed her Ford Bronco into a parked car and then punched the vehicle’s owner when she came outside to investigate the damage. Elizabeth Boucher was arrested on felony charges after police said she was intoxicated, refused a breath test, and told officers, "I thought we were all friends," as she was taken into custody.
Background
The incident unfolded on the night of Aug. 30, when dispatchers received multiple calls reporting a crash in the neighborhood. Officers from the Daytona Beach Police Department arrived to find Boucher standing on the side of the road, allegedly exhibiting clear signs of intoxication. According to the arrest affidavit, Boucher smelled of alcohol, had difficulty standing, and was swaying. When asked for her driver’s license, she reportedly produced a passport, then handed officers her purse, before stating she was "hot" and attempting to climb into a patrol vehicle.
The situation escalated when Boucher allegedly attempted to flee the scene. Police noted that dispatchers had reported Boucher was "knocking on doors" in the neighborhood before trying to leave. Another officer made contact with the owner of the parked car, who lived nearby. The homeowner stated that a neighbor had called to alert her about the crash. When she came outside, she claimed to have seen Boucher exit the passenger side of the Bronco and attempt to re-enter on the driver’s side. The homeowner blocked her path, leading to a verbal argument.
The Charges
During the confrontation, Boucher allegedly exited her vehicle and struck the homeowner on the side of the face with a closed fist. The homeowner reportedly punched Boucher in return, knocking her to the ground. Boucher then allegedly got up and followed the homeowner to her front porch, attempting to strike her again before being shoved back down. When officers attempted to arrest Boucher, she allegedly refused to speak, did not submit to a breath test, and resisted being taken into custody. Boucher faces charges of DUI with property damage, resisting an officer without violence, battery, and possession of a Schedule II substance.
Key Takeaways
- Elizabeth Boucher, 24, was arrested in Daytona Beach, Florida, following a crash and subsequent altercation.
- Police allege Boucher was intoxicated, showing signs such as swaying and smelling of alcohol.
- Boucher allegedly punched the owner of the parked car after the homeowner confronted her about the crash.
- Body camera footage captured Boucher stating, "I thought we were all friends," during the arrest.
- Charges include DUI with property damage, battery, resisting an officer, and possession of a Schedule II substance.
What's Next
Boucher has been released from jail and is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 21. The Daytona Beach Police Department has released surveillance video of the crash and body camera footage of the arrest, which provide visual context to the allegations in the affidavit. Investigators have not yet released further details regarding the possession charge or the specific Schedule II substance involved.