Linton Mayor John Wilkes was struck by a Duke Energy utility truck around noon Thursday as he was crossing State Road 54 in downtown Linton.

As of 3 p.m. Thursday, Wilkes has been treated for an injury at Regional Hospital in Terre Haute. It’s expected that he will remain there for observation for an as-yet unspecified amount of time, possibly overnight.

Shortly after the incident, an official confirmed there had been a pedestrian vs. vehicle accident in Linton but additional details were not released until later in the afternoon.

Linton Police Chief Troy Jerrell reported Wilkes is doing well and is talking, laughing and joking as usual.

“He remained conscious and is coherent and can talk about anything,” said Jerrell.

Jerrell stressed that Wilkes is not out of commission, contrary to rumors that have circulated online.

The major was walking in a crosswalk in downtown Linton when this incident occurred.

He was crossing the highway at Main Street and was about three-quarters of the way across when he was struck from behind.

Jerrell reported the utility truck was making a left turn and apparently did not see Wilkes.

Wilkes was not run over, but he was knocked down.

Greene County Rescue, Greene County Ambulance Service and the Linton Police Department responded to the scene.

Wilkes was reported to have sustained a small laceration to the back of his head and was first transported to Greene County General Hospital.

From there he was flown by an air ambulance to Regional in Terre Haute.

The Linton Police Department is interviewing witnesses and continuing to investigate this incident. No further details are expected to be released today – Thursday.