Video shows DUI suspect drive into group of pedestrians

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT/Gray News) - A 20-year-old woman accused of intentionally driving through a group of people pleaded not guilty Monday.

Lexington police arrested Kaydence Carpenter at 2:20 a.m. Sunday near the intersection of Short and Mill streets in downtown Lexington.

According to an arrest citation, she was “driving with extreme indifference to the value of human life.”

Police said officers were responding to a reported large disorder when another broke out involving a vehicle attempting to leave a parking lot.

When people began hitting the car, the driver, identified as Carpenter, accelerated and ran into several pedestrians, according to police.

Video obtained by WKYT shows the car backing up and then driving over a curb and through a large group of people before making its way onto West Short Street, traveling in the wrong direction on a one-way street.

The citation said Carpenter “intentionally caused physical injury to others” with her vehicle.

Multiple people were injured, including Ronnesha Woolfolk, who said she has an injured leg and a shifted disc in her back.

She said she tried to run away from the car as it came toward her, but got caught in front of it before escaping to the side.

In that moment, Woolfolk said the only thing on her mind was whether she would make it back to her daughter.

“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,” Woolfolk said. “The only thing on my mind is, am I going to make it back to my daughter?”

None of the people hit had life-threatening injuries, according to police.

After being stopped by officers, police said Carpenter had bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech, and smelled of alcohol.

According to the citation, Carpenter refused a breath test and showed signs of impairment during a field sobriety test.

The arrest citation stated that officers also found a fake ID while searching the car.

Carpenter is facing multiple charges, including operating a vehicle under the influence, reckless driving, second-degree assault, first-degree wanton endangerment and licensee allowing a person under 21 to remain on premises where alcohol is sold.

She made her first court appearance in Fayette District Court on Monday afternoon after posting bail. Her attorney entered a not guilty plea on her behalf.

A judge granted the state’s request to suspend her driver’s license until the matter is resolved.

When asked for comment after the hearing, Carpenter’s attorney said they are not ready to talk yet.

Her next court appearance is April 14.