KNOXVILLE, TN – Charges Filed After Endangered Child Alert
Two individuals are facing serious charges in relation to a recent Endangered Child Alert issued for a young girl in Knox County. The situation unfolded earlier this week, leading to a swift response from local law enforcement and state agencies.
Details of the Case
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office reported that Demetrius Lynn Bussell has been accused of aiding a runaway child in escaping legal custody, along with multiple other charges. His associate, Xavier Avery Bussell, has also been charged with various drug-related offenses, according to court records.
The young girl was first reported missing on Tuesday evening. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) took immediate action by issuing the Endangered Child Alert on Wednesday afternoon. Just after 9 p.m. that same day, the TBI confirmed that the girl had been located safely.
Investigation Progress
During the investigation, detectives suspected that the girl might have been staying at a residence on Coster Road. After closely monitoring the location, law enforcement noticed a vehicle leaving the premises that had an expired registration. This prompted deputies to pull over the vehicle.
Upon identifying the driver as Demetrius Bussell, deputies went on to discover that the girl was indeed inside the Coster Road home. Beside her was Xavier Bussell, and further inspections of the home revealed the presence of marijuana, drug packaging materials, guns, and other illegal items.
Further Actions Taken
As the investigation continued, the deputies sought and executed a search warrant for the residence. Court documents indicate that the young girl informed police that Bussell had arranged and financed her ride through Uber on the night she went missing.
In addition to charges connected to the missing girl, Demetrius Bussell is also being charged with several serious offenses, including child abuse, endangerment, concealing or hiding a runaway child, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Bussell faces challenges with maintaining a dwelling for drug use, possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia, and possession of a firearm with intent to go armed. He is also facing charges related to Schedule VI drugs.
Xavier Bussell’s Charges
On the other hand, Xavier Bussell’s charges align with maintaining a dwelling for drug use, possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia, and firearms-related violations, similar to those against Demetrius Bussell. Both individuals are now under serious scrutiny for their actions.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Developments
The news surrounding the case has sent shockwaves through the local community and has raised concerns regarding the safety of young individuals. As this is an ongoing investigation, authorities are likely to share more updates in the coming days.
Those interested in following the latest developments in this case can remain alert through various news updates available about Knox County and the individuals involved. Public safety remains a priority, and it’s evident that the authorities are treating this matter with significant gravity.
As the legal process unfolds, many are hoping for a resolution that will ensure the wellbeing of the young girl and hold responsible parties accountable.
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
