Alleged Drunk Driver in Washington State Nearly Hits Child
A startling video has gone viral from Washington state, capturing a purportedly drunk driver veering her car onto a sidewalk and seemingly pursuing a boy on a dirt bike. Authorities believe the driver, suspected of later breaking into a nearby residence, came dangerously close to hitting the child.
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies received a call just after 6 p.m. on April 28 about a reckless driver in Cheney. They arrived to a chaotic scene.
“She was breaking down the front door, but she was so intoxicated that she staggered away,” a witness recounted.
During the incident, the suspect reportedly drove onto the sidewalk in an attempt to hit the boy riding his dirt bike, before fleeing back onto the road.
Witnesses and footage captured by a neighbor documented the incident. In the viral video, the driver, behind the wheel of a silver Ford Focus, can be seen honking as she drives down a residential street. Suddenly, she swerves onto the sidewalk, accelerating towards the child.
A neighbor described the scene, saying, “This woman is crazy,” followed by shock at the unfolding chaos.
Fortunately, law enforcement confirmed that no children were injured during this alarming event.
Approximately 25 minutes after the driving incident, police received a report of a potential robbery nearby. Around 6:30 p.m., they were alerted to a possible home invasion about a mile from where the driving took place.
The victim, who was away at the time, noted he saw the suspect fiddling with the door handle of his home. However, it remains uncertain if she entered the house.
Upon investigation, officers discovered the same silver Ford Focus parked at the driveway of the reported break-in. They identified the driver as 56-year-old Wendy A. Clemente.
Initially, she claimed to be out walking her dog so it could socialize with others. However, Clemente later acknowledged stopping when she noticed a fenced dog but denied breaking into the home.
The homeowner, Lloyd Gaines, disputes her version of events, describing her behavior as erratic, saying, “She was breaking down the front door, and she was so drunk that she staggered away.” Gaines added that she rummaged through his belongings and searched for jewelry but didn’t steal anything.
Despite apparent signs of impairment, Clemente initially denied consuming alcohol or drugs, only to change her story later and admit that she had been drinking. When police attempted to arrest her for suspected DUI, she resisted and even tried to kick an officer.
Eventually, officers placed her in the patrol car and secured a search warrant for her blood. Clemente reportedly claimed not to recall the incident involving the child.
She was booked into the Spokane County Jail, facing charges of attempted first-degree assault, DUI, and first-degree criminal trespass.
At her arraignment the following day, a judge released her on her own recognizance without requiring bail. Clemente has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Reports indicate she is a U.S. Army veteran.
Clemente is set to appear in court on May 20.
