Woman drove onto sidewalk, tried to hit child on bike in Spokane County, deputies say
May 6, 2026, 5:47 AM | Updated: 5:48 am
A child on their bike captured in a video where a 56-year-old woman drove onto a sidewalk in an attempt to hit him. (Photo courtesy of Spokane County Sheriff's Office)
(Photo courtesy of Spokane County Sheriff's Office)
A 56-year-old woman was arrested after she allegedly drove onto a sidewalk and tried to hit a child on a bike in a Cheney-area neighborhood, then was found at a stranger’s home about a mile away trying to open doors, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said.
Wendy A. Clemente was booked into the Spokane County Jail on charges of first-degree assault, DUI, and first-degree criminal trespass following the April 28 incident.
Spokane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a reckless and aggressive driver on S. Fruitvale Road. Witnesses told deputies the driver chased a juvenile riding a bike on the sidewalk and attempted to hit the child before returning to the road and fleeing the area. The child was not injured.
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Video of the incident published by sheriff’s office
Deputies reviewed cellphone video of the incident and established probable cause to arrest the driver of a silver sedan. Video of the incident can be seen here.
About 25 minutes later, deputies received a report of a residential burglary roughly a mile from the initial incident. The homeowner, who was away at the time, reported watching a person on a live security camera attempting to open door handles. It was unclear whether the suspect entered the home.
Deputies responded and found Clemente and her silver Ford Focus parked in the victim’s driveway. She was arrested at the scene.
After being advised of her rights, Clemente told deputies she had taken her dog for a drive and was looking for other dogs to socialize with. She said she noticed the homeowner’s dogs in a fenced yard and stopped. She said she did not know the homeowner and denied entering or attempting to enter the residence.
When asked about the incident on S. Fruitvale Road, Clemente said she did not remember it.
Deputies observed signs of impairment. Clemente initially denied consuming alcohol or drugs but later admitted to drinking alcohol, according to the sheriff’s office. She was placed under arrest for DUI.
While deputies attempted to place her in a patrol car, Clemente resisted and tried to kick a deputy before being restrained, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies obtained a search warrant to draw a sample of her blood for testing.
At her first court appearance the following day, Spokane County Superior Court Commissioner N. Swennumson ordered Clemente released on her own recognizance. She was released without posting bond.
Manda Factor is the co-host of “Seattle’s Morning News” on KIRO Newsradio. Follow Manda on X and email her here.
