February 23, 2018
By: Dwayne Page
One of two women struck by a driverless 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser on Valentine’s Day in the parking lot of City Walk Apartments remains hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
50 year old Angelia Burke is recovering from serious injuries sustained in the incident. Her daughter, 32 year old Alecia Burke was also hurt.
Smithville Police were summoned to the scene that afternoon due to a report of a fight in progress and injuries to victims struck by an automobile. Members of DeKalb EMS, the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol were dispatched. Medical first responders and the Smithville Elementary School SRO and nurse also responded.
According to Trooper Bobby Johnson of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the PT Cruiser, which belongs to Vicky Alvis, went in motion backward in the parking lot with no one behind the wheel and it struck both Angelia and Alecia Burke, knocking them to the pavement. The vehicle continued moving backward in a circle, striking a parked 2001 Toyota Camry, and then running over Angelia. The PT Cruiser then hit a parked Chevy Tahoe, before coming to a stop. Angelia was pinned underneath.
Bystanders and first responders came to the aid of both women. A jack was initially used to help raise and stabilize the car until Smithville Firefighters arrived to deploy air bags to help lift the car to get Angelia out. She was taken by ground ambulance to Vanderbilt Hospital. Alecia was transported by EMS to Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital.
Police have not released details of the alleged incident involving Alvis and the Burkes but the case reportedly remains under review by the District Attorney General’s Office.