Ian Lark, 26, of Penn Township was injured when he was struck by a car early this morning.

PENN TWP — A township man out for his nightly walk was injured early this morning when he was hit by a car as he was crossing the road, authorities said.

The accident about 1:45 a.m. at Dinnerbell and West Jefferson roads left 26-year-old Ian Lark with head and facial injuries. A medical helicopter flew him to a Pittsburgh hospital.

Several hours later, he was listed in stable condition at Allegheny General Hospital, a hospital spokesman said.

The driver, Dan Mathison, 53, of Saxonburg, was headed home from work and was unable to stop in time to avoid the accident, according to investigators.

Penn Township police Sgt. Cheryl Cranmer said no charges were expected to be filed.

Mathison was traveling east on Dinnerbell Road and approaching West Jefferson Road when Lark walked into the path of the car, according to the police report.

“He was going for a walk,” Cranmer said of Lark. “He walks every night at his home.” Lark lives about a mile away.

Investigators said Mathison slammed on his brakes and turned his Chevrolet Cavalier after seeing Lark in his lane.

The front, passenger side of the car hit Lark, throwing him onto the hood and into the windshield.

“We think he also was thrown onto the roof,” Cranmer said.

A passer-by saw the accident and called 911. Police and emergency crews found Lark lying in the westbound lane on Dinnerbell Road at the intersection.

He was bleeding from the head but he was conscious and talking.

“He was able to identify himself,” Cranmer said.

Butler Ambulance Service paramedics tended to him before he was taken to nearby Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport in Penn Township.

Cranmer said Mathison was shaken by the accident. She said speed was not a factor and noted there were no street lights on the road, which had recently been paved.

“It's pitch black there,” she said.

Additionally, she said, Lark was wearing dark clothing with no reflective gear.

Mathison's car had to be towed. The vehicle sustained moderate damage.

“The windshield and hood were caved in,” Cranmer said, “and the roof had a dent in it.”