The owner of Smokin Thighs in Nashville was the victim of a hit-and-run; a reward was offered to him

Local businessmen have offered a $10,000 reward after restaurateur Matthew Carney was struck and seriously injured in the parking lot of his Wedgewood restaurant, Smokin Thighs.

Metro Nashville police said Carney, 42, was shot Wednesday, June 19 around 6 p.m. and remains in critical condition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

A GoFundMe raised the $10,000 reward, with the additional amount going to Carney’s wife, Molly, to help pay medical bills. As of 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, the account had raised more than $25,000.

Carney suffered trauma to his head and chest and underwent surgery when he arrived at the hospital, according to a post on CaringBridge, a public website for family and friends to share updates for people under medical treatment. In the days after the hit-and-run, Carney moved his limbs and the swelling in his brain improved.

“Witnesses reported seeing a black pickup truck, 1980s to early 2000s model, coming from the rear of the restaurant at a high rate of speed and entering Wedgewood Avenue,” police said. “Carney was ejected from this van onto the sidewalk on Wedgewood Avenue.”

Detectives believe the truck turned right onto Brandsford Avenue and fled the scene. The driver was described as a man with short hair, police said.

Carney’s vehicle was found parked, but running, with an open door behind the restaurant, police said.

Police do not yet know what may have happened behind the restaurant between the suspect and Carney.

The restaurant posted a statement about the incident on Facebook Monday afternoon.

“We hope he makes a full recovery and ask for prayers for his condition to improve so he can return to his life as a loving husband to Molly, dog dad to Kitty, uncle, friend and even more so,” the statement said. “Those of you who know Matthew know that nothing will hold back his fighting spirit, but there is a long way to go.”

Anyone with information about the driver or van is asked to call Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.