Winnetka Trustee Charged With DUI In Skokie

A Winnetka village trustee was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and several other traffic violations in Skokie on Sept. 6 around 1:41 a.m.

Jennifer Spinney, 60, of the 200 block of Sheridan Road in Winnetka, was stopped near the 9200 block of McCormick Boulevard after police said they witnessed her make a variety of traffic violations. According to the report, Spinney was driving over the white lane dividers for more than an entire block and was doing 25 in a 40 mph speed zone.

Officers would later ask Spinney to exit the vehicle for a field sobriety test to which she replied, “I just want to go home,” according to the report.

Earlier in the evening, Spinny attended the , a new business in Winnetka. Wine and hors d'oeuvres were served at the gathering, which was also attended by Winnetka officials like Village President Jessica Tucker.

During the test, Spinney failed several of the tasks and was unable to follow instructions, police said. She also urinated in her pants during the beginning of the assessment, the report stated. Spinney was “also very talkative, making many incoherent and irrelevant statements such as ‘I just spent an hour with the chief of Winnetka Police’” and, “You guys are making me crazy!” according to the report. 

Spinney refused to perform a Breathalyzer test, the report said. She also told police that they have “nothing better to do" and that she is "not a criminal," but "a drunk driver,” according to police.

While Spinney was able to post bond, she was unable to find a ride home, the report stated. Officers from the Skokie Police Department ultimately transported the trustee and watched her walk inside her home, the report said.

Patch left a voicemail with Spinny and will update this story if she decides to comment. 

Spinney’s court date is Oct. 19.

Editor's Note: Patch reporter Andy Ambrosius contributed to this article.