Bodycam Shows Westborough Police Chief Holding Vodka In Cruiser: Reports

WESTBOROUGH, MA — Newly obtained body camera footage provides the clearest account yet of the encounter that led to Westborough Police Chief Todd Minardi being placed on administrative leave.

The footage shows Shrewsbury officers finding Minardi in the driver’s seat of his department-issued Ford Explorer while holding an open bottle of Tito’s vodka on Oct. 23, according to NBC10 Boston and WHDH. Officers were conducting a welfare check in a parking lot at 507 Boston Tpke. after a caller reported that the vehicle had been there for an extended period.

The video shows an officer opening the driver’s door and repeatedly asking Minardi to keep his hands on the steering wheel. Minardi appeared slow to respond and repeatedly apologized to the officers, according to NBC10 Boston.

“I’m sorry to put you in this position,” Minardi said during the encounter, according to the report.

Emergency medical personnel were called after officers determined Minardi could not be left unattended. He initially declined hospital treatment but later agreed to be transported by ambulance, according to the footage and police records.

As Patch previously reported, officers described Minardi as having bloodshot and glassy eyes, slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol. Police reported finding two bottles of Tito’s vodka inside the vehicle.

Investigators later reviewed surveillance footage showing Minardi purchasing a 750-milliliter bottle of vodka and a lottery ticket on the morning of Oct. 22. His vehicle remained in the parking lot until officers responded the following afternoon, according to police.

Minardi received a $505 citation for allowing an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. He was not charged with operating under the influence because the vehicle was not running when officers arrived, according to WHDH.

The police report does not establish Minardi’s blood alcohol concentration or indicate that he underwent chemical testing.

Westborough officials placed Minardi on administrative leave after learning of the encounter and said an outside investigator would conduct a personnel review. Deputy Police Chief Steve Tompkins is overseeing the department’s day-to-day operations.

The town has not publicly announced an outcome of the review. The Westborough Police Department declined to comment on the matter.

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