'It was bad': Pulaski High School parents frustrated after driver hits 70-year-old crossing guard
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — On Tuesday, Milwaukee police say a crossing guard was hit by a car in front of Pulaski High School near 25th and Oklahoma.
Parents tell CBS 58's Pavlina Osta the crossing guard, who is always stationed in front of the school, has been making sure their kids get to school safely every day for years.
They say they are heartbroken but also not surprised that this happened.
"There have been lots of times when cars have come this close to hitting her. They put these islands, which are not helping. The drivers do not stop, they do not slow down," said Leann, witness and Pulaski High School parent.
CBS 58 obtained video from nearby homes showing the crossing guard after she was hit.
"She's definitely missing some teeth, she couldn't move her leg, her face...it was bad," said Leann.
Leann was among a group of parents who pulled over to see if the crossing guard was okay.
"Horrific and sad, because I know what kind of crossing guard she was. Very dedicated to her job, very passionate, very invested in getting our kids across the school safely," Leann explained.
Milwaukee police say a car was going around another car early Tuesday morning when they hit the 70-year-old crossing guard.
"I knew something bad was going to happen because we are all coming to a slow stop and she was trying to go around traffic, speeding; she had to have been going at least 45 mph," said Leann.
Leann says she and other parents have complained about reckless driving in the past but claims not enough has been done.
"Every single day, she literally puts her life on the line," said Leann.
According to Milwaukee police, the crossing guard was taken to a hospital with serious injuries, but she is expected to survive.
"I'm hoping they get actual patrol officers, or even if the cross guard had a stop sign, because all she has is her hands," said Leann.
A letter from the high school to families said support is available to students and staff affected by this incident.
Milwaukee police say the driver was cited for not having insurance. The investigation is ongoing.