KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Details Emerge in Hit-and-Run Incident Involving Knox County Student
On August 8, 2024, a serious incident occurred in Knoxville, resulting in a hit-and-run involving a 16-year-old girl, a student in Knox County. The **Knox County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO)** has since released a report on the crash, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the event.
The Incident
The crash took place earlier in the day when the victim was waiting at a bus stop. As detailed in the report, the driver, a 59-year-old man, was driving a Ford F-450. He was on Hughlan Drive when he made a left turn onto Thornton Drive, heading northbound. It was during this turn that the rear wheel of the truck struck the young girl who was sitting near the edge of the road.
Interestingly, the girl was focused on her laptop at the time and did not see or hear the vehicle, which has complicated the identification of the responsible party. According to officials, she was unable to provide any description of the vehicle that hit her.
Driver’s Statement
Following the incident, the driver reported to the sheriff’s office the very next day, expressing concern that he may have struck someone the previous morning on Hughlan Drive. He indicated that traffic was heavy on Concord Road, prompting him to take a detour via Hughlan Drive.
In his account to deputies, the driver mentioned feeling a bump while turning onto Thornton Drive. However, he stated that upon checking his mirror, he saw what he thought was a blanket in the road and proceeded to drive away, unaware that he had actually struck a person.
Investigation Status
While the KCSO initially suggested that charges would not be filed against the driver, recent communications indicate that there has been a miscommunication. Sean McDermott, with the **Knox County District Attorney’s Office**, clarified that no decisions regarding charges have been made as they continue to gather evidence. “We are still waiting on medical records and additional information,” he noted.
McDermott further explained that ethical guidelines prevent the District Attorney’s Office from commenting on ongoing investigations while they are in progress. In light of this, **Sheriff Spangler** and **District Attorney Charme Allen** have scheduled a meeting to personally review the investigative details of this troubling incident.
Community Impact
The community has expressed deep concern over this incident, especially considering the safety of children at bus stops. Many parents are calling for increased awareness and safety measures in the area to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The hit-and-run incident remains under active investigation, and authorities are encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
In the wake of such troubling occurrences, it is vital for all drivers to remain vigilant and report any accidents immediately, particularly when involving vulnerable individuals such as children. The **Knox County School District** will be monitoring the situation closely while continuing to ensure the safety of its students.
