Two Years Later, Plymouth Hit-and-Run Case Remains Unsolved
Monday, Sept. 25, marks the two-year anniversary of a hit-and-run case that left Austin Smith paralyzed. The Plymouth case remains unsolved. Smith’s mother, Pamela Mason, continues to search for closure.
Investigators say a vehicle hit Smith, who was 19 at the time, at the intersection of Rockford Road and Vicksburg Lane as he was riding his bike home.
Plymouth Public Safety Director Erik Fadden said responders arrived quickly after the crash and performed life-saving measures on Smith.
“We quickly determined that the striking vehicle had left the scene of the crash,” Fadden said.
For Mason, her son Austin’s life is a miracle, but also a heart-wrenching reminder. She describes her son as a creative, driven person with a kind soul and tough exterior.
“He was on a path to success,” Mason said. “We will never know what his life would’ve been like.”
The reckless driver changed his life forever.
“He’s still with us, thankfully,” Mason said. “Austin was blessed that he made it, but his quality of life is not nearly what it should be.”
Smith suffered a traumatic brain injury and as a result is nonverbal and quadriplegic. Mason said her son will never be able to walk or talk again.
The family now lives in Iowa, near the facility the now 21-year-old receives treatments. Mason said he gets better every day, but his family’s life will never be the same.
“You know, I am still grieving the loss of my son in many ways,” Mason said.
Fadden said Plymouth detectives have searched for answers since the crash.
“They’ve exhausted every lead, the investigation is pending at this point and classified as inactive because we simply do not have any other leads to go off of,” Fadden said.
Officers are still searching for a black Acura TSX.
Photo of similar vehicle model with description of damage provided by Plymouth police years ago.
Mason said it is difficult to move forward without any answers. She is begging the driver to step forward.
“I would not make an example of them, but I just need closure. Austin needs closure. We deserve that,” Mason said.
As previously reported, anyone with information about the crash or suspect vehicle involved is encouraged to call the Plymouth Police Department anonymous tip line at 763-509-5177 or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers of Minnesota at 1-800-222-8477.
