Driver striking pedestrian sees charge downgraded

A Wetumpka resident and driver saw a charge of first-degree assault for striking a pedestrian in a Wetumpka apartment complex downgraded to second-degree assault at a preliminary hearing last week.

The Wetumpka Police Department charged Wetumpka resident Doreen Stampley, 63, with first-degree assault, first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree criminal mischief, obstructing governmental operations and false reporting of an incident. The arrest stems from a March 30 incident at Chapel Lake Apartments over an argument about handicap parking that became physical. Stampley is alleged to have struck the victim with her Lincoln MKX backing out of a parking spot after confronting the victim.