89-year-old woman charged with hit-and-run, accused of striking 9-year-old girl
By Amy Fleury, Nick Bohr
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CUDAHY, Wisconsin (WISN) — An 89-year-old woman has been charged with felony hit-and-run after a crash last month in Cudahy.
A 9-year-old girl was crossing the street on Oct. 28 when she was struck by a car in the crosswalk, and the driver did not stop.
Prosecutors on Monday charged Darlene Adam of Milwaukee with hit-and-run causing injury.
The incident happened at the intersection of East Ramsey and South Swift avenues near J.E. Jones Elementary School in Cudahy.
Cudahy police later caught up with Adam after finding the vehicle two blocks away at Aurora St. Luke’s South Shore hospital, about two blocks away from the school, where she told police she had an appointment.
According to the police, Adam told officers that she had struck either a rock or some sort of construction barrel.
Adam is not in custody.
The girl was able to go back to school after suffering a concussion and other injuries.
WISN 12 News reporter Nick Bohr spoke with Adam Monday afternoon. Through her door she told him it was an accident, she never saw the girl, and won’t be driving again.
“I’m giving up my license,” she said.
The incident raises the issue of when senior drivers should stop driving.
“Not all elderly people are bad drivers. Just because you are higher up in age doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t drive,” said Lauren O’Desky, the owner of Glendale-based Oasis Senior Advisors.
She said if you suspect your loved one might be having trouble– take a ride with them– and have a conversation about next steps– before something serious happens.
“The goal is to not take away independence, the goal is to maintain independence but also make sure that your loved one is safe and the people on the road are safe as well,” she said.
If convicted, Adam could face up to nine months in jail. She has no criminal record. She’s expected to make her first court appearance in about a month.
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