NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Police in New Haven are praying for one of their own on Wednesday morning.

A sport utility vehicle struck New Haven police Officer Dan Picagli on Tuesday night while he worked an extra duty job directing traffic at a construction site.

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Leon Collins reported that Picagli has been in a coma since the incident and is listed in critical condition. Collins reported that Picagli has a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain. According to police, Picagli also suffered a broken leg and pelvis.

Authorities said Picagli was wearing a black rain coat, and it remains unclear as to whether he was wearing a reflective traffic vest.

New Haven Police Chief Francisco Ortiz called Picagli "the face of community policing, a mentor and a role model. We continue to pray for a full recovery."

Police said the SUV struck Picagli at about 6:30 p.m. on Chapel Street between Olive Street and Depalma Court, an area that has low-hanging trees and is dimly lit. Police said the driver of the SUV remained at the scene and has been cooperating.

According to federal and local law enforcement officials, the driver of the SUV was federal Judge John M. Walker of the 2nd Circuit Federal Court of Appeals. Walker, 65, was a guest lecturer at Yale university as well, according to school officials.

A 2nd Court spokesman told Eyewitness News that Walker's involvement in the accident has not had any affect on the judge's lifetime appointment. According to the spokesman, the accident investigation is ongoing.

Walker has not yet been charged, and his assistant refused to comment when Eyewitness News called looking for a response.

"I am keeping Officer Dan Picagli and his family in my thoughts and prayers today. I ask the entire community to join in prayers for Officer Dan's recovery," New Haven Mayor John DeStefano said.

Picagli, 38, has worked for New Haven police since 1989. Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Irene O'Connor reported that Picagli is married and has three children.

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