Knoxville Woman Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run of 75-Year-Old Pedestrian

Knoxville Woman Faces Charges in Hit-and-Run Death

Knoxville, Tennessee – A tragic hit-and-run incident occurred on Monday night, resulting in the death of a 75-year-old woman and subsequent charges against a 45-year-old woman. The Knoxville Police Department (KPD) reported that the victim, identified as Ollie Jenkins, died from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle.

The collision happened around 8:50 p.m. on North Broadway at the intersection with Buchanan Avenue. Police received reports describing a vehicle that fled the scene after hitting Jenkins. Witnesses provided officials with critical details about the suspect vehicle, including a potential license plate number.

Key Details of the Incident

Following leads from witnesses, officers from KPD located a vehicle matching the description at a home on Chickamauga Avenue. Upon arriving at the residence, they discovered a silver Chevrolet Equinox with noticeable front-end damage, suggesting it had indeed been involved in the crash.

Inside the vehicle was Heather Johns, the suspected driver. Police stated they found her in the driver’s seat with the keys still in her possession. Officers observed signs indicating that she might have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

As a result of the findings from the investigation, Johns was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide by intoxication and leaving the scene of a fatal crash. She has since been booked into the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility.

Meanwhile, Ollie Jenkins was transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead. The loss of Jenkins has left the community mourning, as many friends and family members have begun to share their condolences and memories of her life.

Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation

This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding pedestrian safety in Knoxville and the prevalence of drunk driving. The investigation is still active, and KPD is gathering more information to ensure justice is served in this unfortunate situation.

Authorities continue their efforts to educate the public about the dangers associated with driving under the influence and the importance of adhering to traffic laws, particularly when it comes to pedestrian safety.

As the case develops, updates will be provided, and community members are encouraged to support each other during this difficult time.

For those wishing to follow this story or get alerts on further developments, it’s suggested to stay tuned to local news outlets or follow the Knoxville Police Department’s updates.