The Elizabethton Police Department is investigating an incident on Friday night that led to a young child being seriously injured and is currently looking for a suspect wanted on charges related to the case.
The EPD is requesting the public’s help to locate Demetrius Covington (also known as Demetrius Somerville), who is wanted on a charge of aggravated child neglect.
On Friday, Nov. 18, the EPD began an investigation into a suspicious injury/medical condition of a 3 year old male child. Officers received a 911 call informing them that the child’s mother had the child in a vehicle and was stopped on Broad Street performing CPR on the child. Officers and EMS arrived and transported the child to a local hospital.
The investigation revealed that the child’s stepfather, identified as Covington (Somerville), had phoned the child’s mother at her place of employment stating that the child was injured and requested she come home.
“The mother arrived at their residence and reported that the child was having difficulty breathing so she decided to take him to the emergency room,” EPD Capt. Joy Shoun said. “While enroute, the child’s condition worsened, at which time she phoned 911 for help, resulting in her stopping and beginning CPR. The child is currently in critical condition and was found to have numerous injuries.”
“Mr. Covington (Somerville) left the residence after the mother departed for the hospital with the child and has not been heard from since,” Shoun added. “At this time, based on the information obtained through the investigation, charges have been placed against Covington (Somerville) for Aggravated Child Neglect.”
Shoun said officers received information that Covington (Somerville) was believed to be in the Bristol, Tenn., area on Sunday, but are unsure of his current whereabouts. He was last seen operating a 2003 White Chevrolet Impala with a Tennessee license plate. Demetrius Covington (aka Demetrius Somerville) is described as a 28 year old black male, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing around 185 pounds.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact their local police authority.