Car hits school crossing guard during morning drop-off
By Hannah Hilyard
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MILWAUKEE (WISN) — A car slammed into a 70-year-old school crossing guard during morning drop-off at Pulaski High School, according to Milwaukee police.
The call came in just before 8 a.m. to South 25th Street and Oklahoma Avenue on Milwaukee’s south side.
“Having the children there witnessing it. They’re screaming. Parents are screaming. It was just all around not a good situation for all involved,” witness Annika Taylor told WISN 12 News Tuesday.
Taylor was traveling to work when she heard the crossing guard’s familiar whistle and stopped, but she said another car kept going.
“It pulled around,” Taylor said.
“Did you see that?” WISN 12 News Hannah Hilyard followed up.
“Yes, it pulled around the other car to get on through, and then they hit the crossing guard,” she replied. “I don’t think they realized that the whistle went off and that the crossing guard was standing there trying to help a child get through.”
Police confirmed that the driver remained at the scene, and first responders quickly transported the injured crossing guard to the hospital. The guard is well-known in the area for her consistent presence outside the school.
“There has not been a day that I’ve dropped (my son) off and she has not been there in the morning or in the afternoon helping the kids get … across the street safe,” one Pulaski mother who wished to remain anonymous told WISN 12 News.
She’d like to see traffic changes on Oklahoma Avenue for drop-off and pick-up times.
“A light or something, or maybe patrol officers, traffic patrol officers,” she said.
Taylor also emphasized the need for drivers to take their time.
“We need to all have a little bit more patience and take into account that if someone is stopped, there’s probably a good reason to it.”
Police did not arrest the driver. Instead, they said officers cited the driver for not having insurance. They said the guard did suffer serious injuries but is expected to survive.
Pulaski’s principal sent a letter to families on Tuesday, saying:
“Dear Pulaski High School Families and Staff,
“We value you as members of our school community, and we want to keep you informed.
“This morning while students were arriving for the school day, a crossing guard was hit by a car and was hurt. The Milwaukee Police Department and other first responders arrived to assess the situation and help the crossing guard. Unfortunately, we are not able to share any information on the person’s condition.
“We understand that some students and staff were in the area and that this event may be upsetting. If your child needs assistance, please contact the school office to be connected to the school counselor, nurse, psychologist, or social worker. School staff may access the Employee Assistance Program to learn about available options.”
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