Woman intentionally runs over bank worker installing Christmas lights, Missouri cops say

A member of a crew installing Christmas lights on a Missouri bank was run over by a woman enraged about the drive-thru being closed, authorities say.

The St. Clair Police Department said the 41-year-old woman, Jemma Allen, was arrested and charged with second-degree assault following the Dec. 2 incident at Sullivan Bank.

The drive-thru was closed for traffic as the crew was installing Christmas lights and decorations, police said. Allen, who was driving a KIA Soul, attempted to get through the crews but was told the area was closed.

According to a criminal complaint, Allen was seen arguing with the worker and shouting expletives toward them.

“As the victim walked away and bent over to pick up a tote, Allen accelerated and struck the victim,” police said.

The worker fell onto the hood of the car, and when Allen accelerated out of the parking lot, the victim “flung off of the hood” to the ground, according to a police news release.

Police said the victim was taken to a hospital “for visible injuries.” The victim did not have any broken bones, but officers observed “noticeable bruising,” according to the complaint.

Allen was located at a home and initially tried to evade officers, authorities said.

Interviewed by police, Allen said she “accidentally placed her vehicle in drive,” but witnesses said Allen “hit her accelerator” without checking on the victim, court records say.

Allen was jailed on a $100,000 bond, police said.

St. Clair is about a 50-mile drive southwest from St. Louis.

This story was originally published December 4, 2024 at 2:52 PM with the headline "Woman intentionally runs over bank worker installing Christmas lights, Missouri cops say."