18-month-old dies after car crashes into Morristown home, police say

MORRISTOWN, Tenn. (WVLT) - A child is dead after a car struck a Morristown home Saturday night, according to the police department.

A white Scion TC accelerated backward into a house on Louise Street in South Morristown at approximately 10:40 p.m. on Aug. 20, a spokesperson with the Morristown Police Department told WVLT News. An 18-month-old child sleeping inside the home was killed in the crash, officials said.

The driver left the scene, and officers found alcohol in the vehicle, which may have been a factor, according to MPD.

Morristown investigators issued an arrest warrant for Walter Mendez on leaving the scene of an accident involving a fatality.

He is believed to be in his early twenties and from Morristown. Mendez is described as a Hispanic male with brown hair and eyes.

Morristown Police Department officials released a statement Monday afternoon about the incident.

Within a seven-day period, our community has suffered the loss of two young people due to vehicle crashes. We offer our condolences to their families and others that loved and will miss them.

It is common to see an increase in vehicle crashes during the summer months. The Morristown Police Department (MPD) has officers who are assigned to enhanced enforcement details in an effort to reduce vehicle crashes. However, enforcement can never replace personal responsibility.

Risky behaviors such as speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and texting while driving are often factors in fatal vehicle crashes.

The MPD asks that drivers take seriously the responsibility to operate vehicles safely to protect the lives of themselves and others.

Those who see Mendez are asked not to approach him.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the dispatch center immediately at 423-585-2701. Anonymous tips will also be accepted at 423-585-1833.

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