Injured University Police officer Jeffrey Herra still is hospitalized, but his condition has greatly improved.

Herra was injured in the early hours of Nov. 15 during an altercation with Shawn Vanmeter, 29, of DeKalb. Herra initially was chasing Vanmeter on Annie Glidden Road, after Vanmeter began fleeing from Herra and his squad car. The two began scuffling once Herra caught up, then Herra fell back and hit his head. The impact of the fall fractured Herra’s skull.

He was listed in critical condition, but since has improved greatly, UP Lt. John Hunter said.

“He’s really coming along,” Hunter said. “He’s up and walking around.”

Hunter said he has spoken to Herra, and he’s back to his old self. He’s cracked a few jokes and even talked about wanting to come back to work, Hunter said.

Herra has been a police officer for about two years.

Everyone at the station was concerned for Herra’s safety, Hunter said. Fellow officers have visited him every day since his injury.

After Herra fractured his skull, he was in bad shape, Hunter said. That concerned everyone, he said, and officers were reintroduced to the potential for harm while on patrol.

“Were glad he’s doing well,” he added.

Vanmeter was charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, eluding a police officer and obstructing a police officer.

He is being held at the DeKalb County Jail on $100,000 bond, and parole has been revoked.

A preliminary hearing for Vanmeter has been set for Dec. 7.