A woman from Kentucky, appearing cheerful in her mugshot, is accused of driving her Tesla through a group of pedestrians while intoxicated, resulting in injuries to at least four individuals.
Kaydence Carpenter, 20, was photographed at the Fayette County Detention Center on Sunday, smiling broadly. This was just hours after she allegedly drove over a curb and into a crowd in a downtown Lexington parking lot around 2:15 a.m.
According to police, video footage shared on X shows Carpenter, who allegedly smelled of alcohol and failed a sobriety test, engaged in an argument with four people on the sidewalk. She then swiftly entered the black Tesla Model 3 and reversed the vehicle.
Subsequent aerial footage reveals the car accelerating forward, causing about a dozen bystanders to flee in panic, as reported by the Lexington Herald Leader.
The Tesla struck at least three individuals before exiting the parking lot and driving the wrong way on a one-way street, with astonished bystanders in pursuit.
Police indicated that all four victims are expected to recover fully, without specifying the nature of their injuries.
The video later captures Carpenter, barefoot and dressed in black shorts and a tan tank top, being pulled from the driver’s seat by three officers who then handcuffed her.
An arrest document notes that Carpenter appeared disheveled, with bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and a strong smell of alcohol. A fake ID was also found in her car.
Carpenter, who declined a breathalyzer test and did not pass her field sobriety test, faces charges including four counts of second-degree assault, first-degree wanton endangerment, DUI, reckless driving, and allowing a person under 21 on premises where alcohol is served, as per court documents reviewed by WKYT.
She was released from the county jail after posting a $5,000 bond and has entered a not guilty plea to the charges, according to the outlet.
The state successfully requested that her driver’s license be suspended until the case concludes. Carpenter is scheduled to appear in court next on April 14.
Attempts to contact Carpenter’s attorney for comments were unsuccessful.
