DA Charme Allen will decide whether to charge a prominent Farragut-area businessman in the August 8, 2024, hit-and-run of a 16-year-old Farragut High School student who was waiting at a school bus stop. The victim remained hospitalized on August 23.

District Attorney Charme Allen

“No charging decisions have been made yet in this matter as we are awaiting medical records and additional information,” said Sean McDermott, public information officer for the district attorney. “While that further investigation is underway, ethical rules prohibit the DA’s Office from commenting on pending investigations.”

Earlier, Kimberly Glenn of the Sheriff’s Office posted that its investigation was closed with no charges filed. Allen reacted quickly, according to press reports, saying her office would make the charging decision.
The Sheriff’s Office post was taken down and a new post said Sheriff Tom Spangler and DA Allen would be meeting to discuss the case.

Hit-and-run is a serious offense that can be charged as a misdemeanor, a felony or both. (Tennessee Vehicle Code 55-10-103, T.C.A. 55-10-103 and T.C.A. 55-10-103). Either charge could bring a fine, jail time and restitution. The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident is required to stop to render aid and provide identifying information (name, address and vehicle registration number). The driver “shall immediately, by the quickest means of communication, give notice of the accident” to local law enforcement or the state highway patrol.

The driver in this incident never stopped, and he called the Sheriff’s Office the next day to say he might have hit something, according to the crash report. From the deputy’s narrative: “Driver stated that when he made the turn onto Thornton Drive from Hughlan Drive he felt a bump, stopped and looked in his mirror. Driver stated he saw what he thought was a blanket (lying) on the side of the roadway so he drove away from the scene unaware he had hit a person.”

The vehicle was a company-owned Ford F-450.

Farragut residents are requesting help from local government to slow speeders in subdivisions and stop traffic cutting through neighborhoods to avoid congestion on main roads.

And Jarod Stabile has organized a fundraiser on behalf of Emily Lovejoy, parent of the injured teen.

Jarod wrote: “As many of you know, yesterday a high school girl was struck by a vehicle in our neighborhood on the corner of Thornton Drive and Hughlan Drive. I’m starting this GoFundMe to raise money to help this family with their immediate needs and upcoming medical bills.

“If you’ve ever been to the emergency room then you know the costs are extensive. The last thing this family needs to stress about is medical bills while their daughter convalesces from her injuries. …”

On August 29, Jarod had raised over $6,000 from over 100 contributors.

Sandra Clark is founder of Knox TN Today.