Insane moment driver chases child down sidewalk of suburban neighborhood with her car: ‘This woman is crazy!’ – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pexels)
Cheney, Wash. – Authorities arrested a 56-year-old woman after she allegedly drove her car onto a residential sidewalk to chase a child riding a bike. The incident, captured on witness video, unfolded on April 28 in Spokane County and prompted swift action from deputies.[1][2] No one was injured, but the episode raised alarms in the quiet neighborhood.
The Chase Captured on Video
Around 6:05 p.m. near South Fruitvale Road and January Drive, Wendy A. Clemente steered her silver Ford Focus onto the sidewalk and aimed directly at the juvenile cyclist. The boy, riding what appeared to be a dirt bike, maneuvered away as the driver honked repeatedly and accelerated in pursuit.[1] Shocked witnesses watched the car swerve toward the child before he sped off unharmed.
Cellphone footage released by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office showed the silver hatchback reversing to reposition before speeding down the path. One onlooker exclaimed, “This woman is crazy!” as neighbors poured into the street, some chasing after the vehicle.[2] The pursuit ended without collision, but deputies launched an immediate search after reviewing the video.
From Sidewalk to Stranger’s Driveway
Just 25 minutes later, around 6:30 p.m., reports came in of a suspected burglary about a mile away near West Melville Road and South Hayford Road. A homeowner spotted an intruder trying door handles via his security system.[1] Deputies arrived to find Clemente and her Ford Focus parked in the driveway.
She had pulled up after noticing dogs in the fenced yard, according to the sheriff’s report. The 56-year-old denied any intent to enter the home but could not recall the earlier chase when questioned.[2]
Arrest Details and Charges Filed
Suspicions of impairment led deputies to detain Clemente on the spot. She initially denied consuming alcohol but later admitted to drinking, and she resisted by attempting to kick an officer during the arrest.[1] A search warrant secured a blood sample for testing, though results remained pending at the time.
- First-degree assault (attempted)
- Driving under the influence
- First-degree criminal trespass
Clemente appeared in court the next day, April 29, and was released on her own recognizance.[2]
Key Timeline:
6:05 p.m.: Sidewalk chase begins.
6:30 p.m.: Trespass attempt reported.
Immediate arrest follows at the scene.
What Deputies Heard from Clemente
During questioning, Clemente explained she had been out with her dog, simply seeking playmates for the pet. She pointed to the dogs at the homeowner’s property as her reason for stopping there.[1] The explanation did little to address the video evidence of the aggressive driving.
As the case moves forward, the release of the footage has spotlighted risks of impaired driving in suburban areas. Officials continue to investigate, with blood test outcomes potentially influencing the charges.[2]
Incidents like this serve as stark reminders for communities to stay vigilant against road rage and substance-related threats.
