A man riding his motorcycle in Tuesday morning in Mishawaka hit a deer and is now in the hospital.

The crash happened on Capital Ave. just south of Day Rd. a little before 6 a.m. Tuesday, according to the St. Joseph County Police Department.

Investigators determined from a witness and evidence at the scene that the 56-year-old victim was traveling northbound on Capital Ave. As he approached Day Road, a deer appeared in his path and, despite trying a panic stop, he ran into it. He lost control of his bike and hit the road.

The victim suffered a serious head injury and was taken to a local hospital.