Chad Wayne Cox in critical condition after being struck by SUV on I-12.

A Covington man is in critical condition after he was struck by an SUV on Interstate 12 in Walker early Tuesday (Dec. 10), Walker police said. Police still are trying to determine why Chad Wayne Cox, 27, was on the interstate at 3:30 a.m.

Police said Cox was in the left lane of eastbound I-12 near the Satsuma exit when he was struck by a 2006 GMC Yukon. The Yukon's driver, Steven Michael Jones, 37, of Baton Rouge, told police he was driving east in the left lane behind an 18 wheeler. The 18-wheeler suddenly swerved to avoid Cox, Jones told police, but he was unable to do the same.

"There are no indications that speed, driver inattentiveness or driver impairment were factors in the accident," a Walker Police spokesperson said. "Given the circumstances, including the weather conditions and poor lighting, it appears the accident was unavoidable."

Sharp said Cox may have been trying to cross the interstate when he was struck. Police are investigating that possibility as well as other scenarios, he said.

Jones submitted a blood sample for alcohol and drug testing, which Sharp said is routine. A blood sample was also taken from Cox, police said.

No charges have been filed in connection with the incident, but police said that could change depending on the results of the drug and alcohol tests.