A 56-year-old woman in Spokane, Washington, faces charges of felony assault and DUI after police released video appearing to show her chasing a child on a dirt bike along residential sidewalks in Cheney.
The video, released by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, shows a silver Ford Focus pursuing the child along the 7500 block of South Fruitvale Road at around 6:05 p.m. on April 28. The vehicle narrowly misses a fire hydrant and bushes as it drives over curbs and lawns, with deputies saying it appeared to be attempting to hit the child. Neighbours tried to intervene and filmed the incident.
The driver, identified as Wendy A. Clemente, allegedly stopped to yell at the child, who then rode away. Clemente is accused of then starting the pursuit. The child was not hit or injured.
At around 6:30 p.m., deputies responded to a reported burglary about a mile away on West Melville Road. A homeowner watching a live security system saw a suspect trying door handles. Officers found Clemente and her car in the victim’s driveway. She told police she had taken her dog for a ride and was looking for other dogs to socialise with, and did not remember the earlier incident.
Deputies noted signs of impairment. Clemente initially denied drinking but later admitted to consuming alcohol. A blood sample was taken under a search warrant. She was booked on charges of first-degree attempted assault, DUI and first-degree criminal trespass. The following day, a court commissioner ordered her release on her own recognisance.
No injuries were reported. The Independent has contacted the sheriff’s office for more information. It is unclear if Clemente has legal representation.
