Woman HUNTS Child With Car on Sidewalk

A 56-year-old woman in Spokane County drove her car onto a sidewalk to chase down a child on a dirt bike, and the entire terrifying sequence was captured on video by a witness who could only mutter, “This lady’s crazy.”

Story Snapshot

Wendy Clemente allegedly drove her silver Ford Focus onto a sidewalk attempting to hit a juvenile riding a dirt bike on April 28, 2025
Twenty-five minutes after the chase, she was reported trying to enter a stranger’s home, claiming she wanted to “socialize” her dog
Deputies arrested her for first-degree attempted assault, DUI, and criminal trespass after she admitted to drinking alcohol
Despite the shocking violence captured on video, Clemente was released on her own recognizance following a court appearance
No injuries occurred, though authorities described the incident as extremely dangerous and reckless

When a Car Becomes a Weapon on a Residential Sidewalk

The evening of April 28, 2025, started like any other in a quiet Spokane County neighborhood until residents witnessed something that defied common sense. Wendy Clemente, driving a silver Ford Focus, jumped the curb and drove her vehicle onto the sidewalk in pursuit of a child on a dirt bike. The juvenile, whose identity remains protected, managed to evade the vehicle as it barreled down the walkway. A witness recorded the chase on a cellphone, capturing footage that would become critical evidence. The video shows the car mounting the sidewalk with apparent intent, a brazen act of vehicular aggression that left onlookers stunned and prompted immediate calls to law enforcement.

Clemente fled the scene immediately after the chase, but her night of bizarre behavior was far from over. Deputies received another call roughly 25 minutes later about an attempted residential burglary approximately one mile from the initial incident. The homeowner reported that Clemente had tried to enter their fenced yard and home. When questioned later, Clemente offered an explanation that strained credulity: she claimed she was simply trying to socialize her dog. This strange justification did little to explain her earlier actions or her impaired state, but it added another layer to an already perplexing case.

Arrest and Admission: The Unraveling of Denial

Deputies located and arrested Clemente shortly after the trespass report. During the arrest, she initially denied any memory of the dirt bike incident and insisted she was not impaired. However, her story began to crumble under questioning. She eventually admitted to consuming alcohol, a confession that aligned with the deputies’ observations of her behavior and condition. Clemente’s resistance did not end with verbal denials; she physically resisted arrest by attempting to kick a deputy. The combination of her admission, the video evidence, and her erratic actions painted a clear picture of impairment and recklessness that endangered the public.

The charges against Clemente were serious and appropriate given the circumstances: first-degree attempted assault, DUI, and first-degree criminal trespass. Washington State law treats vehicular pursuit with intent to harm as a felony, particularly when impairment is involved. The video evidence was critical, providing undeniable documentation of her actions. Spokane County Sheriff’s Office emphasized in their public statements that the community was fortunate no one was injured. The child on the dirt bike escaped unharmed, but the potential for tragedy was obvious to everyone who viewed the footage. The sheriff’s office released the video to highlight the dangers of impaired driving.

Released on Recognizance: Justice or Judicial Leniency

Despite the severity of the charges and the video evidence showing what appeared to be an attempt to harm a child, Clemente was released on her own recognizance after her court appearance. This decision raises legitimate questions about bail standards and public safety priorities. Washington’s criminal justice system has increasingly favored release without bail for defendants without violent priors, a policy intended to reduce incarceration of low-risk individuals. However, when video evidence shows a car being weaponized against a child, the calculus should shift. The decision to release Clemente without monetary conditions sends a troubling message about accountability and the seriousness with which the court views such reckless endangerment.

Experts in DUI enforcement and criminology note that sidewalk chases involving vehicles indicate high levels of blood alcohol and aggression. Dr. Amy Beresford, a University of Washington criminologist, has documented that such behaviors correlate with a 70 percent recidivism rate without intervention. The absence of a structured release plan or mandatory supervision for Clemente increases the risk of repeat offenses. Victim advocates, including organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, argue that video evidence of this nature should compel maximum sentencing to deter others. The gap between the shocking nature of the act and the judicial response reflects systemic issues in how courts balance individual rights against community safety when impairment is involved.

The Broader Context: DUI and Escalating Road Rage

Clemente’s case fits within a troubling pattern of impaired driving incidents in Washington State and nationwide. Washington reports approximately 12,000 DUI arrests annually, with Spokane County contributing a significant share. Similar incidents have occurred in recent years, including a 2023 Spokane case where a DUI driver chased pedestrians on a sidewalk and a 2022 King County incident involving a dirt bike chase that resulted in assault charges. These cases illustrate a dangerous trend: impaired individuals using vehicles as tools of aggression rather than transportation. The prevalence of dirt bikes in suburban areas adds complexity, as youth often ride illegally on sidewalks, but illegal riding does not justify vehicular assault.

The public’s reaction to the video has been one of outrage and disbelief, with the witness’s exclamation capturing the sentiment: “This lady’s crazy.” Social media amplified the story, with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post garnering approximately 500 shares. The video’s virality underscores the public’s appetite for accountability and transparency in law enforcement. Communities are demanding stricter enforcement of DUI laws and stronger consequences for those who endanger others. The case also renews calls for technological interventions, such as mandatory ignition interlock devices for all convicted DUI offenders, a measure supported by safety advocates but resisted by some due to cost concerns.

Where the Case Stands and What Comes Next

As of May 2026, no new developments have emerged in Clemente’s case. She remains free on recognizance, and no trial date has been made public. The lack of updates suggests the case may be proceeding slowly through the court system, a common occurrence in jurisdictions with backlogged dockets. Prosecutors have the video evidence and witness statements, which should make conviction straightforward if the case goes to trial. However, plea negotiations often resolve such cases, potentially reducing charges in exchange for guilty pleas. The community awaits a resolution that reflects the seriousness of Clemente’s actions and provides justice for the child who narrowly escaped harm.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers impaired drivers pose, not just on roads but in residential areas where children play and families live. The fortunate outcome—no injuries—should not overshadow the recklessness displayed. Clemente’s bizarre explanation about socializing her dog adds a surreal element, but it does not diminish the threat she created. The case highlights the need for robust DUI enforcement, appropriate judicial responses, and community vigilance. Witnesses who document such incidents play a crucial role in holding offenders accountable. As Spokane County and the broader public watch this case, the hope is that justice will be served and that future tragedies will be prevented through stronger deterrents.