Juan Taveras, 26, a Springfield Police officer, critically injured, taken to hospital, after crashing into a tree on Maple and Union Streets in Springfield, while off-duty.

Officer Juan Taveras was off duty when he crashed into a tree near the corner of Maple and Union streets on Monday night, said Sgt. John Delaney, spokesman for Springfield police Commissioner William Fitchet.

Delaney said the 9:51 p.m. crash is being probed by the Police Department's Traffic Division, under the direction of Sgt. Stephen Wyszynski.

Taveras, who remains in critical but stable condition at Baystate Medical Center, was southbound on Maple Street when he struck the median near 50 Maple St., according to a preliminary investigation. The car spun out of control and crossed onto the east side of Maple Street, hitting a tree outside 83 Maple St., a Develop Springfield property at the corner of Union Street.

"The accident investigation is in the preliminary stages, but speed might be factor," Delaney said.

Responding officers immediately realized the crash victim was Taveras and administered first aid to their colleague. Ambulance personnel then took him to Baystate, where he remained as of noontime Tuesday.

"I ask the citizens of Springfield to keep Officer Taveras in their thoughts and prayers so that he makes a full recovery," Delaney said. "He is a good police officer and well liked in the department.

Before becoming a full-time city police officer in 2010, Taveras had been a police cadet four about four years. He currently works as a uniformed patrol officer on the 4 p.m. to midnight shift.

Elizabeth Lawton, a neighborhood resident, said she called 911 after hearing a loud crash just outside her home. The vehicle's airbag deployed and its hazard lights were flashing, she said, adding that the car appeared to still be running after the crash.