Early yesterday morning, Cookeville police responded to the intersection of North Washington Avenue and East 10th Street to investigate a vehicle accident involving an injured pedestrian. Upon arrival, they discovered 34-year-old Brian Young of Cookeville down on the roadway. He was transported to the Vanderbilt Medical Center in critical condition. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene of the accident prior to law enforcement arrival.

Initial investigation indicates the suspect vehicle is a 2012-2013 black Kia Optima. The vehicle was last seen traveling northbound on Washington Avenue.

The Cookeville Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in learning the identity of the driver of the vehicle. Officers are currently working several leads in attempts to identify the driver.

This crash remains under investigation. Authorities encourage anyone who may have witnessed the crash and not yet spoken with police to please call the Traffic Enforcement Division of the Cookeville Police Department at (931) 520-5321 or the main station at (931) 526-2125.