New London – A 38-year-old New London man remained in critical condition Monday, nearly a week after he was struck and pinned under a van on his way home from a grocery shopping at ShopRite.

Murry Mowatt suffered severe head trauma and bleeding on the brain, which has led to other medical issues and procedures, said his mother, Genevieve “Jenny” Brady of Bridgeport. She said there is a possibility of brain damage.

Brady has spent much of the last week at Mowatt’s bedside at Yale New Haven Hospital, praying her son will pull through. She said he has been “on and off,” waking at times and able to answer questions and at other times unaware of who or where he is.

Mowatt, who lives on Eastern Avenue, was struck by a rental van on Bayonet Street, not far from the entrance to the New London Mall. Brady said she was told by emergency personnel that her son was pinned under the vehicle for a time.

The driver of the van, 37-year-old Michael Meara, with charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Police declined to comment on any details of the pending investigation.

Mowatt was conscious immediately following the accident, Brady said, and comforted by a passer-by who stopped and held his hand. Brady, in tears at times talking about her son, said she has received on outpouring of support from police, who have visited the hospital, and from employees at Men’s Wearhouse at the Crystal Mall, where Mowatt worked.

Albert Martins, store manager at the Men’s Wearhouse, said employees are devastated by the news of the accident.

Known as one of the “nicest guys,” Mowatt has worked at the store for five years and because he didn’t have a car either walked or took the bus on most days. And while he didn’t typically ask for a ride, he would accept rides from his colleagues.

“We all love him and miss him dearly,” Martins said. “We’re praying every day not only for him, but for his family too.”

Martins said the store will help Mowatt and his family financially through its Willie Lopez Emergency Assistance Fund, which is funded by donations from employees to help fellow employees in financial straits caused by unforeseen catastrophic situations.

Mowatt previously worked as a security guard at Mohegan Sun Casino and served with the Connecticut National Guard, including a stint in the Middle East, Brady said. She is making plans to move to her son’s home to take care of him when he is able to come home.

“Let’s just hope he comes out of it,” Brady said.

Meara is free on $50,000 bond in the case.

g.smith@theday.com