kaydence carpenter, 20, was arrested in downtown Lexington after police alleged she drove into a group of pedestrians while under the influence early Sunday at about 2: 20 a. m. ET, triggering multiple felony and misdemeanor charges and a court hearing that led to an immediate suspension of her driver’s license until the case is resolved.
What Lexington police allege happened at about 2: 20 a. m. ET
An arrest citation states Lexington police took kaydence carpenter into custody on Sunday, March 22, at approximately 2: 20 a. m. ET. The citation describes the driving as being carried out with “extreme indifference to the value of human life. ”
Police alleged the vehicle went over a curb and into a group of pedestrians in downtown Lexington, and the citation further claims the driver “intentionally caused physical injury to others” using the vehicle. A separate police report referenced in the case narrative places the stop near the corner of Short Street and Mill Street downtown.
In the same set of allegations, officers stated the vehicle was ultimately stopped after it was observed traveling the wrong direction along Short Street. The incident unfolded as officers were in the area responding to a disturbance in a parking lot when they observed the driving that led to the pedestrian strike.
Signs of impairment, test refusal, and the fake ID allegation
After officers stopped the vehicle, police alleged the driver displayed multiple signs consistent with intoxication. The arrest citation states officers observed bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech, and an odor of alcohol.
The citation also states that during a search officers found a fake ID. Police further alleged that kaydence carpenter refused a breath test and showed signs of impairment during a field sobriety test.
In addition to the fake ID, the police report referenced in the case file indicates officers found a valid driver’s license during the search. The available records do not detail what type of field sobriety test was administered or what specific indicators were recorded beyond the general description of impairment.
Charges filed and what happened in court
Police records list multiple charges, including operating a vehicle under the influence, reckless driving, second-degree assault, and first-degree wanton endangerment. The charging list also includes “licensee allowing a person under 21 to remain on a premises where alcohol is sold. ”
In a court appearance on Monday afternoon, an attorney representing kaydence carpenter entered a not guilty plea on her behalf. During that hearing, a judge granted the state’s request to suspend her driver’s license until the matter is resolved.
The case record available here does not identify the pedestrians by name, does not provide a detailed accounting of injuries, and does not include additional evidence beyond what is described in the arrest citation and police report summary. The proceedings are ongoing.
