Wendy A. Clemente, 56, was arrested April 28 in Spokane County after deputies say she drove onto a sidewalk and chased a child riding a dirt bike; the juvenile was not injured. About 25 minutes later she allegedly appeared at a nearby home and attempted to manipulate the door while the homeowner watched on a live camera. Deputies say she admitted to drinking, resisted arrest and attempted to kick an officer; she faces charges including attempted first-degree assault, DUI and first-degree criminal trespass and was released on her own recognizance.
Washington Woman Arrested After Allegedly Driving Onto Sidewalk to Chase Child, Then Trying to Force Her Way Into Nearby Home
Credit: Spokane County Sheriff's Office/Facebook
A 56-year-old Spokane County woman has been arrested after deputies say she drove onto a sidewalk and chased a child on a dirt bike, then appeared at a nearby residence and tried to open the front door while the homeowner watched on a live security feed.
What Happened
According to a Spokane County Sheriff's Office release, deputies responded at about 6:05 p.m. on April 28 to a report of a reckless, aggressive driver in the 7500 block of South Fruitvale Road. Video captured on a bystander's cellphone appears to show a silver sedan mounting the sidewalk and following a frightened juvenile riding a dirt bike. The child was not injured.
Deputies say the driver — later identified as Wendy A. Clemente, 56 — left the scene but returned to a nearby neighborhood roughly 25 minutes later. Around 6:30 p.m., the sheriff's office received a separate report of a possible residential burglary in the 10700 block of West Melville Road. A homeowner, who was not at the residence at the time, reported watching a live security feed that showed a person attempting the door handles. It was unclear whether anyone entered the home.
Arrest and Charges
When deputies arrived at the Melville Road address they located a silver Ford Focus in the driveway and arrested Clemente. Deputies say she initially denied knowing the homeowner and denied entering or attempting to enter the residence, and she told officers she did not remember the earlier incident involving the child.
Authorities reported 'indicators of impairment.' Clemente initially denied drinking or using drugs but later admitted to consuming alcohol. Deputies say she resisted while officers attempted to place her in a patrol vehicle and attempted to kick a deputy before being restrained. A warrant was obtained for a blood draw.
Clemente was booked on charges of attempted first-degree assault, driving under the influence (DUI) and first-degree criminal trespass. She was ordered released on her own recognizance at a court appearance the following day. Attorney information was not immediately available.
Officials emphasized the juvenile was not injured in the incident.
Ongoing Steps
The Spokane County Sheriff's Office reviewed the video footage and is handling the investigation. Further details, including the results of the blood test and any forthcoming court dates, have not yet been released.
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