LINDEN — The man accused of being intoxicated when his vehicle struck a 20-year-old pedestrian in Union County early Thursday morning is an Alpine police officer, Alpine Police Chief Christopher Belcolle confirmed Friday.

Wendell Simpson, a 13-year veteran of the force, was charged with DWI after Linden police alleged he was intoxicated when his 2002 Nissan struck 20-year-old Patryk Plichta at 2 a.m. Simpson was off-duty at the time.

Plticha was listed in serious condition at University Hospital in Newark following the strike, which occurred at the intersection of North Stiles and Blancke streets.

Reached by phone Friday afternoon, Belcolle declined to state if Simpson has been suspended from duty.

Linden police say the incident is still under investigation and further charges may be filed. Simpson was released on his own recognizance following the accident, according to The Star-Ledger.