A suspect, apprehended on suspicion of driving under the influence, reportedly “resisted and even attempted to kick a deputy,” according to information from the sheriff’s office.
SPOKANE, Wash. — A startling incident unfolded in Washington state, captured on video, where a driver was seen veering onto a curb in pursuit of a child on a dirt bike. This reckless chase ultimately resulted in the driver’s arrest for DUI.
The exact motivation behind the driver’s actions remains unclear. However, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office reported they were alerted to the presence of a reckless and aggressive driver in Spokane, Washington, at approximately 6:05 p.m. on April 28.
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Eyewitnesses recounted the alarming scene to deputies, describing how a silver Ford Focus was persistently honking its horn while pursuing a child riding a dirt bike along the sidewalk.
“Thankfully, no one was injured during this extremely dangerous incident,” the sheriff’s office noted in a press release, underscoring the serious nature of the event.
Adding to the evening’s chaotic events, less than 30 minutes later, deputies received a report of an attempted burglary about a mile from the initial incident.
The same silver Ford Focus was found in the driveway of the home, as was 56-year-old Wendy Clemente, who was identified as the driver of the sedan who chased the child earlier.
The sheriff’s office said Clemente said she was taking their dog for a ride and driving around looking for other dogs their dog could socialize with. She told them she stopped at a home that had dogs in a fenced yard, attempted to find the homeowner and drove off.
Clemente told deputies she “did not recall” the incident involving the dirt bike.
“Despite indicators that Clemente was impaired, she denied drinking alcohol or consuming any drugs, but later changed her story and admitted to drinking alcohol,” the sheriff’s office said in a press release.
Clemente was arrested on suspicion of DUI, which is when she “resisted and even tried to kick a deputy,” the sheriff’s office said.
According to court documents, the driver was “level 7 intoxicated on a scale of 1-10.”
Her first appearance in Spokane County Superior Court was set for April 29th, where she faced DUI, criminal trespassing and assault charges. That hearing was waived by the court.
KREM 2 spoke with the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office, which said it is “still reviewing all information on this case and has not made a final charging decision.”
