North Dakota Mother Charged After Allegedly Driving Toward Children at 60 MPH in Bike Prank Dispute
ANETA, N.D. — A North Dakota mother is facing criminal charges after authorities say a dispute over a prank involving her son's bicycle escalated into a frightening confrontation in a residential neighborhood.
Ashley Jerome, 34, was charged with four counts of reckless endangerment with extreme indifference in Nelson County District Court, Law&Crime reported Tuesday, Sept. 29.
The Nelson County Sheriff's Office opened the case on Saturday, Sept. 26, after receiving a report that a woman was driving toward a group of children in the street in Aneta, a small city in Nelson County.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Valley News Live, several boys had hidden Jerome's son's bicycle before eventually returning it as a prank.
KCBD reported that a witness told investigators Jerome appeared extremely upset and later drove up to where the children were and yelled at them. One child ran inside crying, the witness said.
Authorities allege Jerome then drove toward the group at roughly 60 mph while yelling at them.
One witness reported seeing her vehicle approach with its high beams on, then swerve and stop about 4 feet away. Another person allegedly stepped in front of the group as the SUV approached, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit stated Jerome drove around him and later continued circling the neighborhood for about 15 to 20 minutes.
When deputies confronted Jerome, she reportedly said her son had come to her at work and told her another boy had taken his bike and threatened him.
According to WBTV, she acknowledged driving around looking for the group but disputed speed estimates, telling deputies she was driving 35 to 40 mph rather than 55 to 60 mph.
Jerome was booked into the Lake Region Law Enforcement Center and released after signing a promise to appear in court on Oct. 24, according to KLTV. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 13.
The allegations highlight how quickly a children's dispute can spiral into a criminal case, particularly when adults are accused of bringing vehicles into a confrontation. The charge signals authorities are treating the alleged conduct as a serious public-safety matter. Jerome is presumed innocent, and the case remains pending.
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