Last week Donell Lee Adams, 59, was charged with failure to obey a crossing guard and driving with a suspended license after he allegedly hit a student and a school crossing guard in front of Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School on West Lee’s Mill Road in College Park.
The name of the female crossing guard has not been released. The school crossing guard was escorting a 9-year-old boy across the street when the incident happened, according to Officer Otis Williams, III, spokesman for the Clayton County Police Department.
“As they proceeded to go across the road, a blue 1998 Dodge Caravan was traveling southbound on West Lee’s Mill Road. It did not stop and struck both pedestrians,” reported Willis.
The student was not taken to a hospital. Willis said, “The juvenile’s moth responded to the scene, and he was released to her.”
“Clayton County rescue responded, and the crossing guard was transported to Henry Medical Center,” Willis said. He said the crossing guard suffered minor injuries.
As for the driver, his driver’s license was suspended in 1995, according to Willis. The driver was taken to the hospital after he complained of feeling ill.
“Adults need to be aware of the school season and pedestrians, and be aware of their surroundings,” Willis stressed. “Slow down when you see a crossing guard, and render them the same respect that you would the law enforcement.”
Over the weekend, a pedestrian was struck by a car and killed on a seven-lane highway in Gwinnett County. The police identified the victim as Emilia Ortiz and have determined that the driver was not at fault. Police received a report that a woman was trying to cross a busy highway at Peachtree Parkway just north of Holcomb Bridge Road. Officers did not arrive in time. Ortiz was struck by a Mercedes Benz, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
“It does not appear that alcohol or speed contributed to the collision,” said Officer Edwin Ritter. “There are no criminal charges pending against the driver.”
Witnesses speculated that Ortiz was trying to make it to a nearby bus stop. One witness said, “There are always people trying to cross the road right there.” Perhaps it’s time to consider a crosswalk near the bus stop.
Another pedestrian died over the weekend after stepping in front of a vehicle on Six Flags Drive in Austell on Friday night. Juan Guadalupe Colon, 26, died on Saturday morning. Police do not expect to file charges against the driver in this case, either.
Both of the recent pedestrian fatalities occurred in the early evening hours. Keep in mind that it’s getting dark much earlier now. If you plan to be walking in the Atlanta area after dark, be sure to wear some type of reflective clothing, and always use crosswalks. Atlanta was recently named one of the most dangerous cities for pedestrians.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident or auto accident due to negligence, contact an Atlanta auto accident attorney as soon as possible. Time is of the essence. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation.