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Driver, 20, Charged After Car Hits Crowd in Downtown Lexington

A judge suspended her license pending the case, underscoring prosecutors’ focus on DUI evidence tied to her age.

Overview

  • Kaydence A. Carpenter, arrested at about 2:20 a.m. Sunday near Short and Mill Streets, is accused of jumping a curb and injuring four pedestrians, with a citation noting possible life‑threatening harm as later reports said the victims should recover.
  • Police and court records list four counts of second-degree assault, first-degree wanton endangerment, DUI, reckless driving, and a charge tied to under‑21 presence where alcohol is sold.
  • Surveillance video reported by local stations shows a black Tesla reversing in a lot before surging forward over the curb, striking people, then heading the wrong way on Short Street.
  • Officers documented bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and the smell of alcohol, found a fake ID, recorded a refused breath test, and noted signs of impairment during field sobriety testing at the jail.
  • Carpenter posted a $5,000 bond, entered a not guilty plea through counsel, had her driver’s license suspended until the case is resolved, and is due back in court on April 14.