A tragic incident in Elizabethton, Tennessee, has left a community in shock after a woman was struck and killed by a vehicle during an altercation. On February 14, 2025, Teresa Emmons, 57, from Elizabethton, was fatally injured after being hit by a car driven by 50-year-old Kristie Oliver Bishop, also from Elizabethton. Following the incident, Bishop was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide, among several other serious charges, as investigators pieced together the events leading to Emmons’ untimely death.
According to the Elizabethton Police Department (EPD), officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Race Street in response to a report that two women had been hit by a vehicle that fled the scene. Upon arrival, officers found one woman unresponsive and the other with a visible head injury. Both women were immediately transported to a local hospital by the Carter County Rescue Squad for medical treatment. Sadly, Emmons, the unresponsive woman, was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.
The second woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, was treated for her head injury and is expected to recover. The shocking nature of the incident has raised questions about what led to the tragic events, and authorities are working diligently to uncover the full details.
As officers began their investigation, they quickly located the vehicle involved in the crash and stopped it shortly after. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Kristie Oliver Bishop. The EPD revealed that Bishop had an outstanding arrest warrant from Washington County, Tennessee, and was operating a vehicle with a revoked license at the time of the incident.
What followed during the traffic stop raised further concerns. Two clear bags containing what appeared to be methamphetamine were visible in the vehicle, prompting a subsequent search. The search uncovered even more concerning items, including another bag believed to contain methamphetamine, a bag of leafy material suspected to be marijuana, four glass smoking pipes, and a prescription bottle without a label containing three different narcotics.
The preliminary investigation by the EPD suggests that the incident stemmed from an altercation involving the three women. The altercation led to Bishop allegedly striking the victims with her vehicle in the driveway, following which she fled the scene without stopping to render aid or provide information.
As a result of her actions, Bishop was arrested and taken to the Carter County Jail, where she now faces several charges, including:
- Vehicular homicide
- Aggravated assault
- Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death
- Failure to provide information and render aid
- Driving on a revoked license (second offense)
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Violations related to Schedule XI drugs
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Simple possession/casual exchange
The gravity of the charges against Bishop speaks to the severity of the situation. Vehicular homicide is a serious charge, and with the discovery of drugs and drug paraphernalia in her vehicle, it appears that Bishop may have been under the influence at the time of the incident. The EPD is continuing to investigate the circumstances leading to the altercation and subsequent collision, and it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold.
As of Friday, Bishop remains in custody, and her trial will likely proceed with several serious charges against her. The community, and especially Emmons’ family, are left to grapple with the loss of a beloved member of their community. Friends and loved ones of Teresa Emmons have expressed their grief over her sudden and tragic death, and many are left searching for answers about how such a heartbreaking event could occur.
While the details surrounding the altercation and what transpired leading up to the crash are still under investigation, the loss of Emmons is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless behavior and driving under the influence. It is also a reminder of the importance of being responsible on the road, both for one’s own safety and the safety of others.
For Emmons’ family, the emotional toll of this senseless tragedy is immeasurable. Losing a loved one in such a violent and unexpected way is a pain that cannot be easily understood, and the family is left to process the overwhelming grief of losing Teresa in such a sudden manner. Family members and friends have taken to social media to express their sorrow, with many sharing memories of Emmons as a kind and caring person who was loved by those around her.
The community of Elizabethton, meanwhile, is left to reflect on the tragedy and how to address the issue of road safety, particularly when it comes to the dangers of driving under the influence. Incidents like this highlight the importance of laws that protect pedestrians and others from the dangers posed by impaired and reckless drivers. The case is likely to spark conversations about how communities can work together to prevent such accidents and promote greater awareness about the risks of impaired driving and the consequences it can have.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to uncover more details about the events leading to Emmons’ death and the altercation that preceded the collision. It remains to be seen whether additional charges will be brought against Bishop as the investigation progresses. For now, the focus remains on seeking justice for Teresa Emmons and ensuring that those responsible for her death are held accountable for their actions.
The tragic death of Teresa Emmons also brings into focus the ongoing issue of domestic violence, as altercations between individuals—whether related to personal disputes or otherwise—can often escalate into dangerous situations. The EPD’s preliminary findings suggest that the collision was the result of an altercation, but as more details emerge, it will be important to examine the broader context of the dispute and the factors that led to the violence. In many cases, personal conflicts and disputes can spiral out of control, and addressing the underlying issues of domestic violence and conflict resolution may be key in preventing future tragedies.
As for Kristie Oliver Bishop, her legal team will have to navigate the serious charges against her, and the trial will undoubtedly be a high-profile case. The legal process will provide an opportunity for the facts surrounding the incident to come to light, and it is hoped that justice will be served for Teresa Emmons and her family.
In conclusion, the tragic death of Teresa Emmons has left an indelible mark on the Elizabethton community. The reckless actions of Kristie Oliver Bishop have led to the loss of a life that should never have been taken so suddenly. As the investigation continues, the focus will be on ensuring that those responsible for this tragedy are held accountable and that Emmons’ family finds justice. It is a reminder of the importance of safe driving, responsible behavior, and the need for communities to come together in the face of such devastating events.
