Chattanooga, Tennessee — A 30-year-old mother has been arrested after authorities alleged she drove a vehicle off a cliff with her two children inside, sending the car plunging onto the ground near railroad tracks.
Chase Ryan Klinedinst was arrested on Monday, October 12, on an outstanding warrant involving charges of driving under the influence, vehicular assault and two counts of child neglect, according to reports.
The crash happened on September 7, around 8:30 p.m., according to an arrest affidavit cited by a news outlet. Investigators allege that the vehicle went down a dirt path before driving off Coffey’s Cliff in Chattanooga.
How the Tennessee Crash Happened
According to the arrest affidavit, Klinedinst was driving along Stuart Street when she reached a dead end. She allegedly continued down a dirt path before the vehicle went over Coffey’s Cliff. The drop was estimated at 20 to 25 feet.
The vehicle landed upside down near railroad tracks, creating a dangerous situation for everyone inside. Authorities found both children in safety seats after the crash, according to the reported affidavit details.
Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the allegations that alcohol impairment contributed to the crash.
The arrest took place more than a month after the September incident, with Klinedinst taken into custody on the outstanding warrant on October 12.
One Child Suffered Serious Injuries
The crash resulted in injuries to at least one of the children, according to the arrest affidavit.
One child reportedly suffered a fractured forearm and pulmonary contusions, which are injuries involving bruising of the lung tissue.
The reported injuries added to the seriousness of the investigation, which includes two counts of child neglect alongside the DUI and vehicular assault charges.
The affidavit indicates that both children were secured in safety seats when they were found inside the overturned vehicle. However, the available reports do not provide complete details about the other child’s condition or the full extent of the injuries sustained in the crash.
Authorities have not publicly detailed every aspect of the children’s medical treatment in the information cited by the news outlets.
Affidavit Describes Signs of Possible Impairment
Investigators also documented observations that they say raised concerns about Klinedinst’s condition after the crash.
According to reports citing the affidavit, an empty wine bottle was found inside the vehicle, along with an unopened bottle of wine in the passenger compartment.
The affidavit also reportedly stated that Klinedinst was combative with emergency medical personnel, had slurred speech and smelled of alcohol.
These observations were included in the reported investigation into whether impairment played a role in the incident.
The affidavit alleged that “Klinedinst’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was extremely impaired and was a major contributing factor in the crash.”
That statement reflects the allegation described in the affidavit. The charges remain allegations, and the case must proceed through the legal system before guilt can be determined.
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Charges Include DUI and Child Neglect
Klinedinst was arrested on an outstanding warrant on October 12.
The reported charges include driving under the influence, vehicular assault and two counts of child neglect. The child neglect counts relate to the two children who were inside the vehicle during the alleged incident.
The available reports do not establish the final outcome of the case, and additional court proceedings may provide further information about the allegations and evidence.
Investigation Raises Questions About Child Safety
The incident highlights the potential dangers of impaired driving, particularly when children are passengers. A vehicle leaving a roadway and falling from a significant height can result in severe injuries, even when occupants are secured in safety seats.
In this case, investigators are relying on the reported crash circumstances, the children’s injuries and observations documented in the arrest affidavit as they pursue the allegations.
Further details about the case may emerge through court records or additional statements from authorities.
What are your thoughts on this case? Share your views on child safety and the dangers of impaired driving in the comments below.
