Philly patrol officer in critical, stable condition after accident near Pennypack Park

Andy Chan, a 24-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, was hit by a van while on his patrol motorcycle, near Pennypack Park.
Photo credit Justin Udo/KYW Newsradio; Philadelphia Police Department

UPDATED: 11:26 a.m.

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Philadelphia highway patrol officer is in critical but stable condition after he was hit by a van while on his motorcycle Thursday night. The highly regarded cop is being monitored "minute-by-minute."

Andy Chan is in intensive care after surgery at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital for a serious head injury. Police Commissioner Richard Ross talked to the doctors, who say they need to monitor the 48-year-old closely for any brain swelling or other complications.

"It seems like the next 72 hours are the critical period for him so we're gonna keep praying for him and his family and ask you do the same," Ross said.

RELATED: Police officer struck by vehicle, in critical condition

Philly Police Commissioner Richard Ross with an update this morning on Officer Andy Chan who was hit by a van while on his police motorcycle last night. @KYWNewsradio pic.twitter.com/z3LRxtqHlO

— Tim Jimenez (@TimJRadio) January 4, 2019

Chan, who spent half of his life on the force, was on his police motorcycle heading to work when authorities say he was hit by a van on Rhawn Street by Pennypack Park. Ross said the driver stayed on scene.

"Right now we have no indication that it's nothing more than an accident. It's a 79-year-old male. Apparently he didn't see (Chan) when he was coming out a parked driveway and it's just tragic all the way around," Ross said.

Ross says this all would have been much worse, but Chan's helmet saved his life. And after a long road to recovery, Ross is hopeful he'll be back in uniform to do what he loves.

"When you see people like Andy Chan who represent the epitome of policing, it just reminds you of what's really important in life."

Our thoughts and prayers are withHighway Patrol P/O Andy Chan who was seriously injured in a vehicle crash this evening. P/O Chan is without a doubt one of the most well-regarded and respected officers in our ranks. Please Keep P/O Chan and his family in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/YTFF7RqVTA

— Philadelphia Police (@PhillyPolice) January 4, 2019