Knoxville Police Investigating Incident Following Dispute at Nearby Food Truck

KNOXVILLE, Tenn (WOKI) — A four-year-old girl is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle Wednesday night in the Cedar Lane and Merchants Drive area, according to the Knoxville Police Department.

Officers responded to the 100 block of Cedar Lane around 9 p.m. on July 1 following reports that a child had been hit by a vehicle.

According to the preliminary investigation, police believe 54-year-old Charles Jump was working for the owner of a nearby food truck when the two became involved in a verbal argument.

Investigators say Jump was leaving the parking lot when his vehicle struck the food truck owner’s four-year-old daughter, who was playing on a curb nearby.

Following the collision, police say Jump and the child’s father became involved in a physical altercation. During that confrontation, Jump’s vehicle allegedly struck several parked vehicles in the area.

The child was transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Authorities say she remains in critical condition.

Police also determined that Jump had an active domestic assault warrant out of Sevier County and was operating a vehicle with a revoked driver’s license.

Jump was arrested on those charges at the scene.

The investigation remains ongoing and is being led by KPD Violent Crimes detectives. Officials say additional criminal charges are possible as investigators continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Knoxville Police Department.