Full Breakdown
Spokane Woman Charged After Sidewalk Chase of Child on Dirt Bike and Subsequent Burglary Attempt
5/7/2026, 2:23:52 AM
Incident Overview
On April 28, 2026, Wendy A. Clemente, 56, drove a silver Ford Focus onto the sidewalk of the 7500 block of South Fruitvale Road in Cheney, Spokane County, Washington. Video released by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office shows the vehicle accelerating toward a child riding a dirt bike, narrowly missing a fire hydrant and shrubbery before re-entering the roadway. The child was not injured. Approximately 25 minutes later, deputies responded to a separate call reporting a possible residential burglary about a mile away on West Melville Road; Clemente was found in the driveway of the reported home and taken into custody.
Official Statements & Responses
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release stating deputies identified Clemente as the driver, recovered her vehicle, and arrested her at the second location. The agency said Clemente initially denied involvement, claiming she was “taking her dog for a ride” to find other dogs. Investigators noted “indicators of impairment” and later confirmed she admitted to drinking alcohol. While being placed in a patrol car, she allegedly attempted to kick a deputy. She was booked on charges of attempted first-degree assault, driving under the influence, and first-degree criminal trespass. A court commissioner released her on her own recognizance the next day.
On-the-Ground Accounts & Community Reaction
Cell-phone footage captured by a neighbor shows the Ford Focus mounting the curb, honking, and pursuing the child. The neighbor can be heard exclaiming, “This woman is crazy,” as the vehicle swerves past a fire hydrant. Witnesses described the child as a “juvenile” or “teen” on a dirt bike who escaped unharmed. Residents noted the “extremely dangerous” nature of a vehicle being driven on a residential sidewalk.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact time of the sidewalk chase, citing 5:05 p.m., “just after 6 p.m.,” and 6:05 p.m. The burglary call is described as a “possible break-in” in some reports and a “burglary” in others. No source provides the outcome of the pending blood-draw test for alcohol level.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She told deputies she “took her dog for a ride” and was “looking for other dogs to socialize with,” the release said.” — Wendy Clemente, suspect
- “Advertising She denied knowing anything about the incident on South Fruitvale Road, the release said.” — Wendy Clemente, suspect
- “This woman is crazy,” — neighbor captured on video
Next Steps
Prosecutors have yet to file a formal charging document, and the results of the blood-draw test remain pending. The case will proceed to a future court hearing to determine final disposition of the assault, DUI, and trespass charges.
