University Police officer Jeff Herra, who was injured early Thursday morning, still is in intensive care, but his wife Dana Herra said his condition has improved greatly.

Herra suffered head injuries during an altercation Thursday morning, when he began scuffling with Shawn Vanmeter, 29, of DeKalb, after Vanmeter had fled from Herra on Annie Glidden Road. During the altercation Herra fell back and hit his head.

Herra was in critical condition at Rockford Memorial Hospital, but his condition has been improving, his wife said.

He continues to go through the typical stages after suffering a brain injury, Dana Herra said. There was swelling for the first two days, but now it’s gone down, and he’s showing signs of consciousness.

Herra, who has been with the University Police force since Dec. 1999, has always loved his job, his wife said.

Vanmeter was charged with DUI, reckless driving, eluding a police officer and obstructing a police officer.

He is being held in the DeKalb County Jail on $100,000 bond. A preliminary hearing for Vanmeter has been set for Dec. 7.