Police recover vehicle connected to hit-and-run that left Smokin Thighs owner hospitalized

Ten days after restauranteur Matthew Carney was struck and left with serious chest and head trauma and swelling in his brain in the parking lot of his restaurant, Smokin Thighs, police believe they've recovered the vehicle connected to the incident.

The 2001-2004 gray and silver Nissan Frontier believed to have struck Carney was recovered after a Midtown Hills Precinct officer spotted it in the parking lot of the LaQuinta Inn on Sidco Drive, according to a press release.

It was not immediately clear what time the vehicle was recovered Saturday.

Police said the truck had been mostly spray painted and was showing a temp tag.

Investigators impounded the vehicle.

Carney, 42, remains in critical condition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center after he was struck in the rear parking lot of his Wedgewood Ave restaurant at about 6 p.m. on June 19.

Police haven't been able to interview Carney due to his medical condition.

The truck came from behind the restaurant at a high rate of speed.

Carney was then thrown off the vehicle onto the Wedgewood Avenue pavement before the driver fled the scene, presumably turning right on Bransford Ave, police said.

Carney's vehicle was found parked behind the restaurant with a door open and running.

Investigators have not determined what occurred between Carney and the unidentified driver in the rear parking lot.

In the days since, a $10,000 reward has been offered by local businessmen for information leading to the identification and arrest of the driver. Additional funds will help offset Carney's medical bills.

More:Nashville businesses raise $10K reward after Smokin Thighs owner critically injured in hit-and-run

More than $33,000 has been raised on GoFundMe as of June 29. 

The investigation remains ongoing.

Police ask that anyone with information about the driver or truck call Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.

Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@gannett.com.