Search continues for car that critically injured 2 women riding scooters in downtown Nashville

Metro police are searching for a hit-and-run driver that struck and critically injured two East Tennessee women riding electric scooters in downtown Nashville Sunday.

The crash took place at 5:25 p.m. at the intersection of 5th Avenue North and Union Streets just several blocks north of Lower Broadway.

The women, identified as Lindsey Cowan, 28, of Knoxville, and Rachel Johnson, 27, of Oak Ridge, were taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to be treated for major injuries. Neither rider wore a helmet, police said.

Police said a Lexus sedan, either an ES330 or ES300 model struck the women, and sustained front-end damage.

According to a preliminary investigation, the scooters were traveling north on 5th Avenue North while the Lexus was traveling west on Union Street. The car struck the scooters in the intersection and continued traveling west on Union Street.

Police said there are conflicting reports as to whether the Lexus or the scooters had the red light.

The vehicle's bumper remained at the scene after the crash and yellow police tape also blocked off a portion of Union Street for several hours Sunday while police conducted their investigation.

At the time of the crash the women were riding Bird scooters. The ride sharing electric scooter service launched last week in Nashville.

Shortly after the launch, Metro issued a cease-and-desist letter to the company's government relations director telling the company to keep scooters off sidewalks and other Metro rights-of-way until a regulatory or legislative framework is in place, according to a notice dated May 8.

The company has until next week to remove the scooters or Metro will, according to the letter.

Following the crash, Bird spokesman Kenneth Baer released this statement:

"Our hearts go out to those impacted by the car accident today in Nashville in which two Bird riders were injured. According to published news reports, the riders were crossing a crosswalk while a motorist ran a red light, struck the riders, and fled the scene. Rider safety is a top priority at Bird, and we will work closely with law enforcement on the investigation."

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call police at 615-742-7463.

Reach Natalie Neysa Alund at nalund@tennessean.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.