A 20-year-old woman is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly driving her Tesla into a group of pedestrians in downtown Lexington early Sunday morning. Kaydence Carpenter was arrested following the incident, which occurred just before 2:30 a.m. on March 22. Despite the gravity of the situation, Carpenter appeared to be smiling in the mugshot taken during her processing at the Fayette County Detention Center.
Security footage obtained by local station WKYT shows a black Tesla Model 3 reversing slowly in a parking lot before suddenly lurching forward. The vehicle hopped the curb and slammed into a crowd gathered on the sidewalk, sending several people flying over the hood.
Police report that at least four individuals were injured in the collision. While the specific nature of their injuries has not been released, officials stated all four victims are expected to make a full recovery.
Witnesses and police say Carpenter did not stop after the impact. Instead, she allegedly drove the wrong way down a one-way street while bystanders attempted to chase the vehicle on foot.
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According to the arrest citation, responding officers noted that Carpenter had “bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech, a variety of emotional effects,” and smelled strongly of alcohol. Police also reported finding a fake ID inside the Tesla. Documents state that Carpenter refused a breathalyzer test at the scene and subsequently failed multiple field sobriety tests once she was transported to the detention center.
The arrest citation details that Carpenter’s actions “created substantial danger of death and/or serious physical injury to others” and displayed an “extreme indifference to the value of human life.”
Carpenter has been charged with four counts of second-degree assault, first-degree wanton endangerment, DUI, reckless driving, and licensee allowing a person under 21 on a premises where alcohol is sold. She was released on Sunday after posting a $5,000 bond.
During a court appearance on Monday, March 23, an attorney entered a plea of not guilty on Carpenter’s behalf.
While her lawyer’s identity was not listed in public court records, the judge granted a state request to suspend Carpenter’s driver’s license until the case is resolved. Her next court date is scheduled for April 14.
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