Metro Police release video of truck suspected of hitting Smokin Thighs owner

Sierra Rains
·2 min read
1

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) has released new surveillance footage of a vehicle believed to have hit and critically injured the owner of a popular Wedgewood-Houston restaurant.

In a news release, MNPD said their ongoing investigation into the June 19 incident has shown that a 2001-2004 gray and silver Nissan Frontier with black rims was likely responsible for striking 42-year-old Matthew Carney.

Beloved owner of restaurant Smokin Thighs remains unconscious, loved ones seek help

The surveillance video partially shows the truck on the same day of the incident at Carney’s restaurant, Smokin Thighs. Carney had stepped out the side door of the restaurant at around 5:40 p.m. that day with plans of heading home.

Metro Nashville police are looking for the truck pictured in connection with a June 19 hit-and-run. (Courtesy: MNPD)
Metro Nashville police are looking for the truck pictured in connection with a June 19 hit-and-run. (Courtesy: MNPD)

It’s still unclear exactly what happened in the back parking lot of the business, but it ended with Carney being left unconscious in the middle of Wedgewood Avenue. According to police, the pickup truck could be seen coming from the rear of the restaurant at 6 p.m. at a high rate of speed.

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Carney was then thrown off the vehicle onto Wedgewood Avenue and suffered serious head trauma. As of Friday, June 28, officials said Carney was still hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Detectives have not yet been able to interview him.

The truck is believed to have turned right onto Bransford Avenue after the incident. Investigators said Carney’s vehicle was found running with the door open in the rear of the restaurant.

On Saturday, June 29, police found the suspect vehicle — a Nissan Frontier pickup truck — in the parking lot of the LaQuinta Inn on Sidco Drive.

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Authorities reported the truck had been spray painted and had a temporary tag. The pickup truck was reportedly impounded and an investigation into the case remains ongoing,

Anyone with information about the driver of the pickup truck is asked to contact Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Reward money totaling more than $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the driver.

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