State police continue to search for a driver who hit a state trooper when he stepped out of his vehicle, apparently to remove some debris from the road in East Franklin Township on Thursday.

Sgt. Ken Markilinski was flown to a Pittsburgh hospital where he spent the night recovering from his injuries.  Markilinski's friends said he was awake and eating Friday morning and could be released from the hospital as soon as Friday night.

The accident happened about 7:30 a.m. along Route 28. Authorities said the driver who struck Markilinski didn’t stop. There is no description of the vehicle, but police said it might have damage to the front side.

Markilinski is assigned to Troop T, Gibsonia Station.   He has been with PSP for 24 years.

Investigators said Markilinski called for help and was talking at the scene and providing troopers with information.

Police said there is video of the incident and they're hoping that will help them catch the driver.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.