Groton — A pedestrian was taken to the hospital early Friday morning with serious injuries following an accident on Gold Star Highway near the intersection of Toll Gate Road, police said.

First responders received a call at 12:38 a.m. Friday of a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian, according to the police report.

Police learned that a 2010 Ford Escape, driven by 71-year-old Hector Acostaortiz of New London, was heading west on Gold Star Highway, near Toll Gate Road, when a pedestrian entered the road of the Gold Star Highway from the south, according to the police report. The Ford Escape hit the pedestrian, 21-year-old Eric Canela of Cranston, R.I., as he ran across the road.

Canela was taken by ambulance to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital to be treated for serious injuries, police said.

The Patrol Division of the Groton Town Police Department is investigating the cause of the collision, with help from members of the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Traffic Unit.

Groton Town Police, Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department, Groton Ambulance and L+M Hospital had responded to the scene.

Groton police say they are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have information to call the police department at (860) 441-6712.