Arrest made in hit-and-run of Decatur crossing guard Monday morning
DECATUR, Ga. - An arrest has been made in a city of Decatur crossing guard who was struck by a vehicle shortly after 8 a.m. Sept. 11 at the intersection of South Candler Street and East College Avenue.
Sgt. John Bender with the Decatur Police Department says 69-year-old Jeffery Smith suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Police say that the Smith had entered the intersection at the appropriate time to help a high school student cross when a red sedan, driven by 38-year-old Alrahman Heath, turned right onto South Candler Street from East College, striking the guard in the back.
Alrahman Heath (DeKalb County Sheriff's Office)
"The student did an excellent job of getting a description of a red Chevrolet Cruz that struck Mr. Smith and also provided a tag," said Sgt. Bender on Tuesday evening.
Health took off, police say, but was arrested around 4:20 p.m. Tuesday after officers located his vehicle within the 300 block of West Hightower Avenue, which is not even a half-mile from the scene of the hit-and-run.
Jeffery Smith (Decatur Police Departments)
He was charged with hit-and-run and failure to yield to a pedestrian. He was booked into the DeKalb County Jail.
"An incident such as this is shocking to our community. We have a huge and robust crossing guard program," Sgt. Bender said, adding the city’s program has been recognized on a state and national level.
Decatur police say they have about 42 crossing guards at all major intersections within a four-and-a-half square-mile area to help students walking to school daily.
"It really strikes closed to home for us, especially with all these people being employees of the police department," Sgt. Bender said.
Decatur crossing guard recovering
Decatur police say 69-year-old crossing guard Jeffery Smith was struck by a car on Monday morning as he helped a high school student across the street. The student was able to give police a good description of the vehicle, leading to an arrest. Students are reportedly making care package for Smith.
Police say the crossing guard is home recovering and is in good spirits. Nearby schools are creating care packages for Smith.
If you have any information in this case, please contact the Decatur Police Department at 404-373-6551.