An Englewood police officer remains in critical condition Tuesday after his motorcycle collided with a van.

Douglas Menist, 45, underwent several hours of surgery and remains unconscious after Monday?s accident. Authorities say Menist was responding to a report of a robbery when the collision occurred on Van Nostrant Avenue.

According to Deputy Chief Arthur O?Keefe, Menist apparently was thrown into a street sign and then into a tree, breaking both his shoulders and causing severe injuries to the rest of his upper body. ?Both of his lungs have been compromised. He had numerous rib fractures and some cerebral bleeding,? O?Keefe said.

Authorities say Menist?s injuries were so severe that there wasn?t enough time for a helicopter evacuation.

Doctors say Menist?s helmet and body armor helped to save his life.

The accident is still under investigation.

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