Crime
2 Kids Survive After Mom Drives SUV Off Cliff, Cops Find Empty Wine Bottle in Vehicle
Two young children survived after their mother allegedly drove an SUV off a 20- to 25-foot cliff in Chattanooga, Tennessee, causing it to land upside down beside railroad tracks.
Local 3 News reported on Tuesday, October 13, that Chase Ryan Klinedinst, 30, is accused of driving a Honda CR-V past the end of Stuart Street and onto a dirt path leading toward Coffey’s Cliff on September 7.
The SUV went over the edge and came to rest on its roof near an active rail yard. Train operations on one line were temporarily stopped.
Both children were found secured in child safety seats.
One suffered a fractured forearm and pulmonary contusions, while the other was not injured, according to the report.
According to WVLT, an affidavit stated that Klinedinst’s speech was “very slurred” and that she was “very combative with the medics” as first responders removed her from the SUV.
Officers said Klinedinst smelled strongly of alcohol from several feet away. According to Local 3, investigators also determined that severe impairment played a major role in the crash.
Investigators allegedly found an empty bottle of wine and a second, unopened bottle inside the SUV.
Klinedinst received treatment and was later placed on a psychiatric hold, Fox 11 reported.
She was arrested on Monday, October 12, on an outstanding warrant and faces charges including driving under the influence, child neglect and vehicular assault, Local 3 reported.
Bond was set at $10,000, and she is scheduled to appear in court on November 17.
It is unclear whether she has entered a plea or hired an attorney.
