The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is on the lookout for 24-year-old Ulises Martinez, wanted for questioning in a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a Nashville restaurant owner. Martinez, identified by MNPD as an accused car thief, could shed light on the June 19 crash at Smokin Thighs that resulted in the death of Matthew Carney. Carney suffered major head trauma in the parking lot of his own establishment and later died from his injuries on July 4 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, as reported by WKRN.
Troopers have intensified their search efforts in the East Ridge and Brainerd regions after Martinez was allegedly spotted on foot in the area. He is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5’6” tall, weighing about 120 pounds, and is possibly armed. Authorities urge the public to exercise caution and to immediately inform law enforcement if they come into contact with him. According to a post on a social media platform X by THP's Chattanooga division, details of Martinez's actions that led to him fleeing from troopers were not divulged, as made clear in a press release from WSMV.
The vehicle suspected to be involved in the hit-and-run, a Nissan Frontier pickup truck, was located at the LaQuinta Inn on Sidco Drive on June 29. The pickup had been spray-painted and carried a temporary tag. A warrant has been issued by MNPD for Martinez's arrest charging him with the theft of a pickup truck from a Franklin Pike church, which occurred the same day as the tragic incident. This narrative unfolded in a report from FOX 17.
Prior to the latest developments, detectives from MNPD's Specialized Investigations Division had observed Martinez on July 10, getting into a backseat of a vehicle outside a Bell Road motel. Following a failed interception attempt by detectives, a helicopter tracked the vehicle to a dead end on Concord Road. While two individuals were apprehended, Martinez escaped into the surrounding woods. The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office provided additional support in searching the East Ridge area, as reported by a Facebook post which confirmed Martinez's status as a suspect in vehicular homicide, adds details from WKRN.
With the search still ongoing and incrementing concerns for public safety, authorities encourage anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ulises Martinez to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers can remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward, reinforcing the potential consequences of harboring or not reporting vital information linked to Martinez's suspected involvement in the death of Matthew Carney.
