Last Updated on January 20, 2025 2:06 pm
[Todd, NC] – On December 24, 2024, deputies responded to a report of aggravated assault at 2203 Longhope Road in the Todd community.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered that an infant child had been assaulted and an adult victim had been assaulted and chased with a knife by the suspect; identified as Kristen Dianne Hawotte, age 26, of 2203 Longhope Road.
Further investigation revealed that Hawotte had stolen a silver SUV from a neighbor's home following the assaults. Shortly after fleeing the scene, she crashed the vehicle nearby and was partially ejected as a result of the collision.
The infant victim was transported from the scene of the assault to a hospital and was later airlifted due to the severity of their injuries. Hawotte was transported from the car crash scene and subsequently airlifted for medical treatment. Both individuals have now been released from medical facilities
Hawotte has been arrested and charged with:
Attempted First Degree Murder,
Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill,
Felony Child Abuse with Serious Injury,
Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, and
Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.
Hawotte is being held at Watauga County Jail under a $500,000 bond.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to ensure justice for the victims involved.
Sheriff Len Hagaman stated, “This incident is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of community vigilance as well as the dedication of first responders. I want to express my gratitude to the Meat Camp First Responders, the Meat Camp Fire Department, Watauga Rescue Squad and Watauga Medics for their swift and professional actions during this critical situation. Their efforts, along with the commitment of our deputies, ensured that the victims received immediate care. Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families as they recover from this tragic event.”
