A New Mexico mother accused of smashing another driver’s vehicle with a baseball bat during a road rage confrontation that quickly went viral online will remain behind bars for now.
Jenipher Lewis was ordered held in jail as her criminal case moves forward after Albuquerque police accused her of using a baseball bat to smash a pickup truck’s window while her two young children were inside her vehicle.
The confrontation reportedly happened near Constitution Avenue and Wyoming Boulevard in Albuquerque. Video from the incident spread across social media, showing a heated confrontation between Lewis and the driver of a white pickup truck before Lewis allegedly got out of her vehicle with a bat and struck the truck.
According to police, the situation started after Lewis claimed the pickup truck pulled out in front of her while she was driving her children to school, forcing her to swerve. Investigators said Lewis became involved in a confrontation with the other driver and reportedly yelled that he had nearly caused an accident.
Lewis allegedly told detectives that the other driver laughed at her and challenged her over what she planned to do. Police said the confrontation then escalated, with Lewis getting out of her vehicle and smashing the truck’s window with a baseball bat.
However, the situation did not end there.
Lewis reportedly told investigators that the driver of the pickup truck later rammed the back of her vehicle while her children were sitting in the back seat. Police said the truck driver has not been identified and that the pickup did not appear to have a license plate.
Albuquerque police arrested Lewis following the viral incident and charged her with child abuse, reckless driving and driving with a suspended license.
The child abuse charge stems from the fact that Lewis’ two young children were reportedly inside her vehicle during the confrontation.
Police later spoke with the children at their school after Lewis did not stop to seek medical attention following the incident. According to investigators, the children said they were fine, and officers did not observe any visible injuries.
During her court hearing, prosecutors asked a judge to keep Lewis detained while the case proceeds. The judge agreed, ordering that she remain in jail for the time being and transferring the matter to district court.
Lewis reportedly told investigators that she believed she was protecting herself and her children, while also acknowledging that she knew her actions were wrong.
The viral video sparked major debate online, with viewers questioning what happened before the recording began and whether the unidentified pickup truck driver could also face consequences. Police have said the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
If convicted of the child abuse charge, Lewis could face up to three years in prison. The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office also told KOB 4 that additional charges could potentially be filed as the case continues.
For now, Lewis remains in custody as prosecutors continue building their case around the road rage confrontation that turned into one of Albuquerque’s most talked-about viral videos this week.
The case is still ongoing, and all charges against Lewis remain allegations unless proven in court.
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