Wash. Woman Is Accused of Drunkenly Driving onto Sidewalk and Chasing Kid on Dirt Bike Before Trying to Break Into Home

A woman from Spokane County, Washington, has been arrested following a series of alarming incidents involving a child on a dirt bike and an attempted break-in at a residence. Wendy A. Clemente, 56, faces multiple charges, including attempted first-degree assault and driving under the influence.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office reported that officers responded to a call about reckless driving on April 28 at approximately 6:05 p.m. Witnesses indicated that Clemente drove her vehicle onto a sidewalk, reportedly attempting to collide with a juvenile riding a dirt bike. She allegedly chased the child before leaving the area and returning to the roadway. Fortunately, the child was unharmed during this frightening episode.

Footage shared on social media captured the distressing moments as a silver sedan appeared to pursue the young rider, eliciting audible gasps and commentary from bystanders. One witness can be heard describing the driver as “crazy,” highlighting the chaos of the situation. After receiving the video evidence, deputies began a search for the driver, later identifying her as Clemente.

Roughly 25 minutes after the initial incident, law enforcement received a report about a possible burglary about a mile away. A homeowner, who was monitoring a live security feed, observed Clemente allegedly trying to gain entry by manipulating door handles. It remains uncertain if she successfully entered the property, as the homeowner was not present at the time.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they found Clemente’s silver Ford Focus parked in the driveway. During questioning, she claimed that she had been out walking her dog and stopped after noticing other dogs in the area. Despite not knowing the owner of the house, she denied any intention of entering the property.

Clemente reportedly expressed a lack of memory regarding her earlier encounter with the child, leading deputies to suspect impairment. Initially, she denied having consumed alcohol or taken any drugs, though she later admitted to having had some drinks prior to the incidents. The deputies informed her of her arrest for DUI following assessments of her behaviour, which indicated potential intoxication.

As deputies attempted to place her in a patrol car, she allegedly resisted and attempted to kick one of the officers. This prompted the authorities to seek a search warrant for a blood sample to determine her level of impairment at the time.

Clemente was subsequently charged with attempted first-degree assault, DUI, and first-degree criminal trespass. She was brought before a court the following day, where she was granted release on her own recognizance, thus avoiding the need for any bond.

As of now, information regarding legal representation for Clemente has not been made available. The situation raises concerns about public safety and the alarming behaviour exhibited during the incidents. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the matter further.