Weather for the Following Location: Knoxville on Map

Knoxville School Community Reacts to Tragic Hit-and-Run

Article Sponsored by:

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:
Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence
Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?
Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:
May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf
Click the button below to sponsor our articles:
A school bus stop scene showing students waiting in a safe environment.

News Summary

On August 8, 2024, a shocking hit-and-run incident involving a 16-year-old student occurred in Knoxville on the first day of school. The student was critically injured while waiting at a bus stop when a local driver struck her. In January 2025, the driver pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment and was sentenced to one year of probation. This tragic event has raised serious concerns about road safety in school zones, prompting community calls for vigilance and support for the victim.

Knoxville Community Shaken by Hit-and-Run Incident Involving Student

In a troubling incident that took place on August 8, 2024, the Knoxville community is still processing the events surrounding a hit-and-run involving a 16-year-old student from Knox County Schools. Sadly, this incident occurred on the very first day of school, a time meant for excitement and new beginnings.

Details of the Incident

It all began when the student, eagerly waiting at the bus stop, found herself in a harrowing situation. According to reports, the young girl was seated at the edge of the road, her legs extending into the street. This moment quickly turned tragic when a local man named Harley Earnest Bittle III, aged 60, turned from Concord Road onto Hughlan Drive to escape the bustling school traffic. In a heartbreaking twist, as he was making a turn onto Thornton Drive, he struck the student.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with a passerby discovering the critically injured student lying on the ground just as a school bus arrived. The severity of the student’s injuries was alarming, and she was rushed to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for immediate care.

Court Proceedings and Plea Deal

Fast forward to January 16, 2025, the legal ramifications of that fateful day began to unfold. Bittle, who faced a charge from the Knox County District Attorney’s Office on January 14, 2025, ultimately pleaded guilty to a count of reckless endangerment—a Class E felony. This plea underscores just how serious the situation was and the potential consequences of a moment’s inattention while driving.

As part of the sentencing, he was placed on one year of unsupervised probation. Interestingly, it was noted that any restitution for the injured student would take place through civil channels—an aspect that has left many in the community wondering how the victim will be supported moving forward.

Bittle’s Reaction and Responsibility

Initially, Bittle claimed that he felt a bump as he drove, but believed he had struck what he thought was an inanimate object, possibly a blanket. In the days following the incident, guilt and concern weighed heavily on his conscience, prompting him to reach out to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office to inform them he might have hit someone.

A Call for Caution and Community Support

This shocking event has raised important questions about safety, particularly around school bus stops—a place where our children should feel secure. Knox County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Jon Rysewyk, has stressed the need for drivers to exercise caution in these areas, highlighting how critical it is for everyone to be vigilant during school hours.

In light of this incident, community members are being urged to come together to ensure students can commute to and from school safely. Whether it’s through reminding drivers to stay alert or supporting the victim and her family, there is a clear call to action for everyone to play a part in fostering a safer environment.

Looking Ahead

This hit-and-run incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly during the bustling back-to-school season. Our thoughts are with the injured student and her family as they navigate this challenging moment, and we urge all members of the Knoxville community to remain vigilant and committed to keeping our roads safe. Every act of kindness, every reminder to drive cautiously, and every bit of support counts in making a difference.

As we move forward, let’s keep our children safe and ensure that their journeys to school are met with care and attention. In Knoxville, we can thrive as a community that looks out for one another!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Elnathan Hall at Knoxville College Destroyed by Suspected Arson
Knoxville Community Mourning After Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident
Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident Claims Life of Pedestrian in Knoxville
Major Grant Secured to Enhance Safety on Chapman Highway in Knoxville
Safer Sidewalks and Bike Lanes Coming to Knoxville’s Chapman Highway with $17.8 Million Federal Funding
Alcoa Man Faces Charges for Hit-and-Run Accident Injuring Cyclist
Details Emerge in Hit-and-Run Incident Involving Knox County Student
Knoxville Woman Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run of 75-Year-Old Pedestrian

Hit-and-Run Incident Under Investigation in Farragut, TN

Additional Resources

HERE Knoxville
Author: HERE Knoxville

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!
Article Sponsored by:

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:
Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence
Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?
Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:
May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf
Click the button below to sponsor our articles:

Construction Management Software for Contractors in Knoxville, TN

CMiC delivers top-tier construction management software for contractors in Knoxville, TN, seeking to improve project efficiency and reduce operational costs. The platform integrates financials, scheduling, and workforce planning into a single, cloud-based system, allowing contractors in Knoxville to track job progress in real time. From infrastructure developments to residential and commercial builds, CMiC provides the tools necessary to drive project success.

Learn More about CMiC’s offerings here. 

Stay Connected

More Updates

SmartBank Tennessee Branch

New Leadership at SmartBank in Tennessee

News Summary Mike Honeycutt has been appointed as the new Tennessee division president of SmartBank. With over 25 years of banking experience, Honeycutt aims to

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Sign Up Now and get your local business listed!