Kentucky Woman Arrested After Drunkenly Driving into Pedestrians
A 20-year-old woman from Kentucky was seen smiling in her mug shot after reportedly driving her Tesla into a crowd, resulting in injuries to at least four individuals.
The woman, identified as Cadence Carpenter, posed for her booking photo at the Fayette County Detention Center on Sunday morning. This incident took place around 2:15 a.m., just hours after she allegedly drove over a curb into a group of people.
Video footage shared online shows Carpenter, who police noted had an odor of alcohol, arguing with several people on the sidewalk. She then quickly jumped into her black Tesla Model 3 and reversed the vehicle.
Aerial shots depicted the Tesla suddenly speeding forward, prompting nearby bystanders to frantically scramble out of the way, as reported by the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle strike at least three individuals while exiting the parking lot, after which it continued to drive the wrong way down a one-way street, with astonished pedestrians pursuing the car.
Authorities stated that the four pedestrians are expected to recover fully, although specific details about their injuries remain undisclosed.
Subsequent video captured Carpenter, who was not wearing shoes and dressed in only black shorts and a tan tank top, being removed from the driver’s seat by three police officers and handcuffed.
Once apprehended, Carpenter displayed bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech, and a strong smell of alcohol, according to police reports. A fake ID was also discovered in her vehicle.
Carpenter, who declined to take a breathalyzer test and failed a field sobriety exam, faces serious charges including second-degree assault, first-degree unlawful endangerment, driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, and several counts related to underage alcohol offenses. She was released from jail after posting a $5,000 bond and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
A judge has decided to suspend her driver’s license until the legal proceedings conclude, and her next court date is set for April 14.
Attempts to reach Carpenter’s attorney for a comment were unsuccessful.
