KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A 49-year-old man was charged after driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a crash that critically injured a 20-year-old on Wednesday, the Knoxville Police Department said.
The crash happened around 7:15 p.m. on Middlebrook Pike at Amherst Road. Witnesses stated that a white Vespa moped was traveling east on Middlebrook and was stopped at the Amherst Road light when it was rear-ended up a gray Dodge Charger, according to KPD.
The female moped driver was thrown off into the road. She was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The Charger left the scene before officers arrived, KPD said.
While officers were at the crash scene, another KPD officer spotted the Dodge Charger traveling west on Middlebrook Pike. The officer stopped the car and the driver was identified as Matthew Christian. He exhibited multiple signs of being under the influence, according to KPD.
Christian, who had a prior DUI conviction from May 2021, was taken into custody. Additional charges are likely, KPD said.
The crash remains under investigation.