Hit-and-run driver crashes into home, killing toddler asleep inside, Tennessee cops say

A man crashed into a home, killing a sleeping 18-month-old boy inside before fleeing the scene, Tennessee cops say.

Now the search is on to find him.

At about 10:40 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, police responded to a collision in Morristown, where a sedan had accelerated backward into a house on Louise Avenue, according to a statement from officials.

The impact killed a toddler who was sleeping inside.

The suspect, believed by police to be in his twenties, is accused of running off and leaving his Scion tC behind.

Authorities say a search of the car turned up alcohol, which may have played a role in the deadly collision, according to WATE.

Officials told McClatchy News that they believe the suspect is on the run and purposefully evading authorities. Investigators say they have charged the suspect with leaving the scene of an accident involving a fatality. They’re asking anyone with information on the man’s whereabouts to call the Morristown Police Department.

Morristown is about 50 miles northeast of Knoxville.

This story was originally published August 23, 2022 at 5:14 PM with the headline "Hit-and-run driver crashes into home, killing toddler asleep inside, Tennessee cops say."

Emmalyse Brownstein

McClatchy DC

Emmalyse Brownstein is a National Real-Time Reporter covering the Southeast. She’s an alumna of the University of Miami, where she was editor-in-chief of Distraction Magazine. She has reported for Miami New Times, Wine Spectator and more.