Elizabeth Boucher, 24, faces multiple charges after police said she drove an SUV into a parked Honda in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Aug. 30. Newly released surveillance and bodycam footage shows the collision, the subsequent investigation and Boucher’s appeals to officers. Police said she refused field sobriety exercises and a breath test after the incident was reclassified as a criminal DUI investigation. Boucher was released Aug. 31, pleaded not guilty and is expected to return to court in October.
| 1) | Collision and initial account |
| 2) | Appeals to officers during the investigation |
| 3) | DUI testing and arrest |
| 4) | Alleged contact with the other driver |
| 5) | Charges and court status |
Collision and initial account
The incident occurred in Daytona Beach on Aug. 30 and involved Elizabeth Boucher and an SUV that police said struck a parked Honda. Surveillance footage released by police appears to show the SUV hitting the parked vehicle with enough force to push it across a front lawn and out of view. The footage formed part of the evidence reviewed during the roadside investigation.
When an officer asked Boucher what had happened, she gave a limited description of the crash. She said she thought she had hit the front light of one of the cars but did not know what had really happened. The officer responded that the impact had moved the other car completely off its position.
“I guess I hit the front light of those cars, but I don’t know what really happened.”
Appeals to officers during the investigation
Bodycam footage shows officers speaking with Boucher beside the damaged vehicles as they worked to establish what had occurred. When asked for her driver’s license, she handed over a passport instead. The officer identified the document and again requested her license.
During the exchange, Boucher asked officers not to take her to jail and referred to an apparent personal relationship with them. She also mentioned a vape and said it had not worked. Officers continued the investigation rather than treating the matter solely as a civil traffic collision.
“I thought we were all friends.”
DUI testing and arrest
An officer later told Boucher that the case had changed from a civil crash investigation to a criminal DUI investigation. Police read her Miranda rights and asked whether she would perform field sobriety exercises. According to the bodycam account, she refused those exercises and later declined a breath test after it was formally requested.
Boucher continued asking whether she would be jailed. An officer told her that she would be taken into custody and instructed her to lean against a vehicle so she would not fall. She said she was not resisting arrest and asked officers to make sure her daughter received what she needed.
“I know. I’m not resisting arrest. I just want to make sure my daughter gets what she needs.”
Alleged contact with the other driver
The driver whose vehicle was struck also spoke with police at the scene. She alleged that Boucher confronted her after the collision and slapped her. In the bodycam footage, an officer asked whether Boucher had touched her, and the woman said Boucher had struck her and that she wanted to pursue charges.
The alleged physical contact added a battery allegation to the case. Police also documented Boucher’s conduct during the arrest and the broader DUI investigation, including her refusal to submit to testing. The available account does not establish the final outcome of the battery allegation.
Charges and court status
Police charged Elizabeth Boucher with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, DUI involving damage to property or another person, refusing to submit to DUI testing, battery by touching or striking, resisting an officer without violence and possessing a controlled substance without a prescription.
Boucher was released from jail on Aug. 31 and has pleaded not guilty, according to court records. She is expected back in court in October. An attorney for Boucher was not immediately identified, and the charges remain allegations unless established in court.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Police said an SUV struck and moved a parked Honda in Daytona Beach. |
| 2 | Boucher allegedly refused field sobriety exercises and a breath test. |
| 3 | The other driver alleged that Boucher slapped her after the crash. |
| 4 | Boucher faces DUI, battery, resisting and controlled-substance charges. |
| 5 | She was released, pleaded not guilty and is due back in court in October. |
Summary
The case centers on a reported collision, allegations of impairment and an alleged physical confrontation with the other driver. Police bodycam footage documents the investigation, Boucher’s requests not to be jailed and her refusal of DUI testing. The criminal allegations have not been resolved, and the next scheduled court appearance is expected in October.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Daytona Beach?
Police said an SUV driven by Elizabeth Boucher crashed into a parked Honda on Aug. 30, pushing the vehicle across a lawn.
What DUI-related actions did Boucher allegedly take?
According to police, she refused field sobriety exercises and declined a breath test after officers began a criminal DUI investigation.
What is Boucher’s current court status?
She was released Aug. 31, pleaded not guilty to the listed charges and is expected to appear in court in October.