SOUTH BEND — The man involved in a Wednesday hit-and-run accident that critically injured a bicyclist turned himself in to county police Thursday afternoon.

In the presence of his attorney, the man, whose age and place of residence are unknown, admitted to being the driver of a vehicle that struck 40-year-old Patrick Sawyer about 5 a.m. Wednesday in the 17000 block of Cleveland Road, county police spokesman Sgt. William Redman said. It is generally The Tribune’s policy not to name suspects until they have been formally charged by the prosecutor.

Sawyer, of South Bend, a well-known local canoeist, was on his way to the Michiana YMCA and was wearing a helmet and reflective vest when he was hit. A nearby resident heard the accident and ran outside to find him lying on the ground next to his mangled bike.

Although Sawyer’s injuries were initially reported as non-life-threatening, his condition has since worsened, Redman said, and is now critical. In an attempt to relieve pressure on his brain, he said, he is currently in a medically induced coma.

Redman said the suspect likely will not be taken into custody after questioning. Police are in discussion with the prosecutor’s office about possible criminal charges, he said.