Woman charged with running over bank employee installing Christmas lights
41-year-old Jemma Allen has been charged with running over a bank employee who was installing Christmas lights. (Credit: St. Clair, MO Police Department)
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Authorities in Missouri have charged a woman for running over a bank employee putting up Christmas lights after the drive-through was closed.
The St. Clair Police Department has charged Jemma Allen, 41, with second degree assault and resisting arrest.
Officers said on December 2, first responders arrived in the parking lot of Sullivan Bank after getting a call that a pedestrian had been struck.
The victim was taken to a local hospital with injuries.
Officers identified the vehicle that was involved, a 2016 Kia Soul, and was seen leaving the parking lot through the back entrance. They then traced the vehicle to Allen.
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Witnesses and bank surveillance video revealed to authorities that a crew was installing Christmas lights on the drive-thru section of the bank. The drive-thru was closed to make room for a lift that was being used to help the crew hang the lights.
Police said Allen tried to drive through the drive-thru while the car was putting up the lights though the victim explained to Allen that the area was closed.
Investigators said an argument between Allen and the victim started. The victim walked away to pick up lights when Allen accelerated and struck the victim, according to authorities.
The victim fell onto the hood of the Kia and held onto the hood as the Kia accelerated through the parking lot. Moments later, the victim flung off the hood of the Kia and onto the ground while Allen drove off, police said.
Officers located the Kia at Allen's home and arrested her even though she attempted to pull away from officers.