BRADENTON -- A pedestrian was struck and injured by a Bradenton police car while trying to walk across State Road 64 early Friday, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

About 12:45 a.m., the victim was attempting to cross the highway east of 48th Street Court East, when he was struck by the marked patrol car. The victim had been involved in an earlier traffic crash that was blocking the eastbound inside lane.

The officer tried unsuccessfully to avoid striking the pedestrian, according to FHP.

"It looks like the pedestrian is at fault," said Lt. Greg Bueno, FHP spokesman, explaining that the victim walked in front of the approaching vehicle.

Bueno said he was unsure if the officer was responding to the scene or just driving through the area.

No charges have been filed, but the investigation is ongoing, Bueno said.

The victim was taken to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton with serious injuries, according to FHP. The officer was unharmed.

Representatives from the Bradenton Police Department did not immediately return requests for comment on the incident.