A Tennessee mother is facing multiple criminal charges after investigators say she drove a Honda CR-V off a cliff in Chattanooga with her two young children inside, leaving the vehicle upside down near active railroad tracks.
Chase Ryan Klinedinst, 30, allegedly drove off Coffey’s Cliff, an area overlooking the Debutts Rail Yard, after traveling along Stuart Street. The SUV reportedly fell approximately 20 to 25 feet before landing on its roof beside the tracks.
The September 7 crash prompted the suspension of operations on the easternmost rail line while emergency crews responded to the scene.
One Child Suffered a Broken Arm
Both children were reportedly secured in child safety seats in the back of the Honda CR-V when the vehicle went over the edge.
Emergency responders found one child with an apparent fracture to the left wrist and forearm. The child was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the second child was initially reported to be uninjured.
Later reports indicated that the injured child also suffered a bruised lung. The other child was treated and released.
The crash could have had far more serious consequences given the height of the drop and the vehicle’s position near railroad tracks. The overturned SUV also created a situation in which emergency personnel had to assess the occupants and the surrounding area before the scene could be cleared.
Police Report Signs of Severe Impairment
According to investigators, Klinedinst showed several signs of impairment following the crash. Her speech was reportedly heavily slurred, and she allegedly became combative with medical personnel attempting to assist her.
Investigators also reported finding two bottles of wine inside the SUV. One bottle was empty, while the other remained unopened and was described as cold, with condensation on its surface.
Authorities collected blood samples while Klinedinst was receiving medical treatment. Those samples were expected to be sent to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation crime laboratory for analysis.
The results could provide additional evidence as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Railroad Operations Temporarily Interrupted
The location of the wreck added another concern for emergency crews. Coffey’s Cliff is known as a vantage point where railroad enthusiasts watch train movements through the Debutts Rail Yard.
The Honda CR-V came to rest on its roof beside the tracks, leading officials to suspend operations on the easternmost rail line.
Rail yards are areas where trains move through designated tracks for switching, sorting and other operations. An overturned vehicle near an active line can require a temporary shutdown while authorities assess potential hazards and make the area safe.
The available reports did not establish how long the rail operations remained suspended.
Multiple Charges Filed Against the Mother
Klinedinst faces charges including driving under the influence, child neglect, child abuse and vehicular assault. Investigators allege that her ability to operate the vehicle was severely impaired and that her driving recklessly endangered both children, who were under eight years old.
She was ordered held on a $10,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in court on November 17.
The allegations remain subject to the legal process, and the charges do not constitute a conviction.
The investigation includes the circumstances leading up to the crash, the reported signs of impairment and the expected laboratory analysis of the blood samples. Further court proceedings are expected to address the allegations against Klinedinst.
