A WOMAN is being accused of intentionally drunk driving through a large crowd, striking several people in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Police said the 20-year-old was “driving with extreme indifference to the value of human life.”
Kaydence Carpenter was seen smiling in her mugshot following her arrest in Lexington, Kentucky, on Sunday around 2:20am.
The 20-year-old allegedly drove through a large group of people, striking several pedestrians.
A video circulating on social media appeared to show Carpenter arguing with multiple people on the sidewalk before getting into a Tesla.
One person can then been seen jumping on the hood of the car while others kick the vehicle moments later.
Another video obtained by WKYT then showed a driver ramming into one person in the parking lot before reversing.
The car then appears to turn toward a group of people, plowing into them before driving in the wrong direction on a one-way street.
The female driver of the Tesla when later caught on camera being pulled out of the car by three police officers.
The Lexington Police Department told WKYT that officers were dispatched to the downtown area for two disorders, including one that broke out near a vehicle that was trying to leave a parking lot.
A criminal citation said Carpenter “intentionally caused physical injury to others” with her Tesla.
Once detained, police observed that Carpenter had bloodshot and watery eyes in addition to slurred speech. Police also said she smelled of alcohol.
Carpenter reportedly refused to take a breathalyzer test and showed signs of impairment while taking part in a field sobriety test.
Officers also discovered a fake ID while searching her vehicle, the arrest citation read.
No one hit during the incident sustained life-threatening injuries.
Ronnesha Woolfolk told WKYT that her leg was injured and she suffered a shifted disc in her back.
She told the outlet she tried to escape when the car came toward her, but she got caught in front of it before she was able to move off to the side.
“If I didn’t try to run away from the car or go the direction that I did, I possibly could have been underneath the car or going down the street as she was going down the street still driving,” she said.
“The only thing on my mind is, am I going to make it back to my daughter?”
Woolfolk asked people to think twice before drinking and driving.
“Limit yourself because once you get over the intoxication level, things like that happen. You don’t think, you just automatically react,” she said.
Alternative ways to get home if impaired
Driving impaired is not only illegal, it’s incredibly dangerous – here are ways the AAA suggests getting home if you’ve overindulged.
- Establish a designated driver (DD). If you’re celebrating with a group, determine who will be responsibly driving the group home. To avoid any irreversible accidents, have the DD collect everyone’s keys at the beginning of the night.
- Utilize public transportation. Depending on your location, you might be able to take a bus, monorail, shuttle, or train home. It may come with a fare, but it’s cheaper than a DUI or someone’s life.
- Go with ride-sharing. Uber or Lyft are great options. If you’ve never used either service before, create an account and download the app before celebrating. Taxis are also an option.
- If you live in FL, GA, IA, MI, ND, NE, TN, WI, CO (Denver), NC (Charlotte) and IN (Fort Wayne/South Bend), you can call AAA’s Tow 2 Go number, (855) 2-TOW-2-GO.
Source: AAA
Carpenter is now facing several charges, including reckless driving, operating a vehicle under the influence and second-degree assault.
The woman was also charged with first-degree wanton endangerment and licensee allowing a person under 21 to remain on a premises where alcohol is sold.
She appeared in court on Monday after posting bail. Her attorney entered a not guilty plea to the charges on her behalf.
A judge ultimately granted the request to suspend Carpenter’s license until the case is resolved.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for April 14.
Carpenter’s attorney said they are not ready to talk when asked for comment by WKYT.
