Washington State woman faces sidewalk driving accusations after young boy’s narrow escape. Then came the attempted burglary arrest

A Washington state woman is facing multiple criminal charges after authorities say she drove onto a sidewalk in pursuit of a child before being arrested minutes later in a separate incident nearby.

According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the case involving 56-year-old Wendy A. Clemente happened on April 28 in Cheney, Washington, a city in Spokane County. Deputies first responded around 6:05 p.m. to reports of a reckless driver in the 7500 block of South Fruitvale Road. Authorities allege Clemente drove a silver Ford Focus onto a sidewalk and chased a juvenile riding a dirt bike.

Investigators say the driver pursued the child along the sidewalk before returning to the roadway and leaving the area. The juvenile was not injured.

Roughly 25 minutes later, at about 6:30 p.m., deputies were called to a second scene about a mile away in the 10700 block of West Melville Road. A homeowner monitoring a live security system reported a woman attempting to open doors at the residence. When deputies arrived, they located Clemente and her vehicle in the driveway and took her into custody.

Viral video captured sidewalk incident

The case went viral after a cellphone video of the earlier sidewalk incident circulated online. Footage reviewed by deputies shows a sedan following closely behind a child on a dirt bike as both travel on the sidewalk.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when Clemente stopped her car to yell at the boy. When the boy looked back and appeared to respond, she jumped the curb and began the pursuit.

Witnesses and video showed the car narrowly missing a fire hydrant and several large bushes while bouncing along the sidewalk.

A witness recording the incident can be heard reacting in alarm as the car accelerates and swerves toward the boy. Authorities said the video helped identify Clemente as the driver.

Authorities have not released identifying details about the juvenile involved in the sidewalk incident.

Clemente’s attempted burglary charges

After the chasing the boy, door cam footage reportedly showed Clemente trying handles at the home where she did not know the occupants. It remains unclear whether she entered the residence. Clemente reportedly told deputies she was out with her dog and stopped after noticing other dogs at the property.

Deputies noted signs of impairment during the encounter. While Clemente initially denied consuming alcohol or drugs, authorities say she later admitted to drinking. She was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. During the arrest, deputies allege she resisted and attempted to kick an officer before being restrained. Reportedly, Clemente told police she did not recall chasing the boy.

Clemente was booked into jail on charges including attempted first-degree assault, DUI, and first-degree criminal trespass, or attempted burglary. Court records indicate she was released the following day on her own recognizance after an initial appearance. As of the latest available reports, no further updates on trial proceedings or plea status have been publicly confirmed.