Clarkston Woman Charged with Attempted Murder After Man Spotted on Moving Vehicle's Hood

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A 41-year-old Clarkston woman named Rita G. Brown is facing a felony charge of attempted first-degree murder after authorities say she drove with a man on the hood of her vehicle for nearly a mile in Lewiston, Idaho. The incident began in the parking lot of the Nez Perce County Jail, where surveillance footage allegedly shows the man briefly hanging from the open driver's door before ending up on the hood as Brown drove away.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the potential for serious harm when individuals are on the exterior of a moving vehicle. It also raises questions about the circumstances that led to the confrontation and Brown's motivations for allegedly continuing to drive with the man on the hood.

The details

According to court documents, the incident began when the man, who had previously provided information to detectives about Brown, contacted a detective and said he was with Brown outside the Nez Perce County Jail. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the man briefly hanging from the open driver's door before the vehicle lurched forward with him on the hood. Brown allegedly continued driving for nearly three-quarters of a mile before a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop.

• The incident began in the parking lot of the Nez Perce County Jail on Thursday afternoon.
• Brown is expected to make her initial court appearance on Friday afternoon.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Brown is expected to make her initial court appearance on Friday afternoon, where a judge will decide on the charges and potential bail.