A Milwaukee man has been charged in a crash that critically injured a Milwaukee police officer on Christmas evening.

According to reports, Officer Frank Vrtochnick was injured in a hit-and-run that occurred about 5:15 p.m. Christmas evening. The vehicle that hit him was driving on the wrong side of the road, went up on the curb and a sidewalk, striking Vrtochnick and his squad car on Windlake Ave.

The officer was thrown 30 to 40 feet and landed head-first. He suffered multiple facial fractures, missing teeth and fractures to his left leg. He was initially listed in critical condition, but has been upgraded to serious condition.

Nineteen- year-old Juan C. Alvarado was charged with first-degree reckless injury and first-degree reckless endangering safety. If convicted Alvarado may get up to 37.5 years in prison and may face an $125,000 fine. Alcohol may have been a factor in the crash. Alvarado was arrested in Chicago and extradited to Milwaukee.

If you or your loved one has been the victim of a hit-and-run or a drunk driving accident, we understand that it is a life-changing experience. We are so sorry you have had to face that trauma and are here to assist you in recovering fair compensation. Contact our Milwaukee personal injury attorneys today for a free, initial consultation.