Crossing guard assaulted Monday afternoon in Darby Borough: police
Crossing guard attacked by driver in front of kids, parents in Darby Borough
Police are investigating after a school crossing guard was assaulted while helping students leave Walnut Street Elementary on Monday just before 4:00 p.m.
DARBY, Pa. - Police in Darby Borough are searching for a suspect after they say a crossing guard was assaulted while on the job Monday afternoon.
What we know:
Investigators say the "heinous act" happened just before 4 p.m. at the intersection of South 6th and Walnut streets.
"A crossing guard, who works daily to keep our children and neighbors safe, was assaulted at this location," police said.
Chief Joe Gabe of the Darby Borough Police Department said, "We will not tolerate this behavior in Darby Borough."
He described the scene as busy, with children, adults and heavy vehicle traffic in the area.
Police say the crossing guard was directing traffic at 6th and Walnut when a gold Nissan Altima crossed the intersection.
The driver reportedly got out, chased the crossing guard, and then hit her in the face, knocking her to the ground.
Police say the driver may have been upset about waiting for the guard to help children off a school bus.
"There was two school buses one of them was unloading children at the time, we believe he was unhappy with that situation," said Gabe.
Police say the crossing guard is dealing with swelling to her face but is otherwise okay.
"We just spoke to her. She’s feeling OK but she’s very shaken up of what happened yesterday and is worried to go back to her position as a crossing guard," said Gabe.
A different crossing guard was seen directing traffic at the intersection the following afternoon, but parents say the assault is still on their minds.
What they're saying:
Senator Anthony H. Williams issued the below statement condemning the assault and issuing a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.
"The recent assault of a crossing guard outside Walnut Street Elementary School in Darby is an outrageous and despicable act of cowardice. This individual targeted someone whose only duty was to protect our children and ensure their safety. Such conduct has absolutely no place in our community.
I am offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator responsible for this heinous attack. We will not rest until this individual is brought to justice. The people of Darby will not be intimidated by senseless violence. We stand united in support of our crossing guards and all those who serve our neighborhoods with integrity and care. Anyone with information is urged to contact local law enforcement immediately."
Parents react to video of the assault
Parent Debra Ward said, "It didn’t make no sense to me cause she had been here for a while and she’s very polite so I don’t understand it."
Ward added, "It’s terrible that a person will come up and just out of nowhere, maybe frustrated with traffic or having to wait and goes over and assaults this woman, a male goes over and assaults a woman in front of children and has no problem doing it."
Police are urging the suspect to come forward.
"Turn yourself come in and talk to us because as of right now we are tracking you down," said Gabe.
What we don't know:
The identity of the crossing guard remains unknown at this time.
Police have not released the suspect’s name or whether any arrests have been made. It is also unclear what specific charges the suspect may face.
What you can do:
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the assault to contact the Darby Borough Police Department.
"We are very troubled by this heinous act, and we will put every investigative measure to use to try and find the person responsible."
The Source: Information from the Darby Borough Police Department and parent interviews.