Knoxville School Community Reacts to Tragic Hit-and-Run

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!

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Additional Resources

• WBIR
• Knox News
• WATE
• Wikipedia: Hit and Run
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hit-and-Run