A woman took a car salesman for a ride, and she is now facing charges of kidnapping, assault, taking a car without permission, driving with a suspended license, and driving under the influence. After her arrest, the woman told police officers that "her occupation is to cleanse the world of demons by collecting them in her body,” and she also admitted to using methamphetamine before going on the test drive.

Test Drive Gone Awry

On Saturday, August 24, 2019, a car salesman called the Spokane police and reported that he had gone with a couple on a test drive, but the female driver was refusing to return to the dealership and was not letting him get out of the vehicle. At one point, the car salesman said that the driver, Kasandra Ayala, told him, “Hope you're ready to die today,” according to police documents. She also threatened to have her male friend beat the car salesman up, but when her friend stated he wanted no part in it, she stopped and let him out of the car.

The Spokane police were able to locate the vehicle, thanks to the car salesman staying on the phone and providing them with their location, but Ayala did not stop once the police started following her. She led them on a low-speed chase until she pulled into a parking lot, but then she quickly backed out of the parking lot and continued her joy ride, picking up speed.

Police officers tried to block her route around 14th and Latawa, but Ayala rammed the car into their cars and continued on. Finally, a patrol officer used his car to stop hers, ending the incident. Ayala and the patrol officer were treated for minor injuries but the car salesman was unhurt. He told the police afterwards that he had feared for his life during the pursuit.

The Charges and Their Consequences

Ayala is facing a list of charges almost as long as a new car's sticker price, but to break down the more serious charges, look at Washington state law.

First-degree Kidnapping According to Washington RCW 9A.04.020, first-degree kidnapping carries a 20 year to life prison sentence, and a fine of $50,000.

Assault Washington RCW 9A.36 lists the various types of assault that have been criminalized in the state, including first-degree assault which also carries a maximum life in prison sentence and a $50,000 fine.

Taking a Motor Vehicle Without Permission Washington RCW 9A.56.075 defines this crime. Even though Ayala was on a test drive, when she ignored the salesman to return to the dealership the matter became one of theft. Penalties for theft depend on the severity of the crime.

Driving Under the Influence When Ayala admitted to the police that she had taken methamphetamines before going on the test drive, she was charged with DUI, even though the results of a breathalyzer came back negative. Ayala was also under supervision in Washington because of a controlled substance conviction in Idaho.

Defense Attorney Steve Karimi

Steve Karimi is a former prosecutor for King County who uses his insight into prosecution strategies to protect his clients' rights in criminal court. If you or a loved one have been charged with any crime, no matter how insignificant or serious, the Law Offices of Steve Karimi can provide the representation you deserve. Call them at 206-621-8777 or contact them online today for a free consultation of your unique case.