Oct 21, 2008 6:01 pm US/Eastern
Crossing Guard Hit By Elderly Driver In Dorchester
DORCHESTER (WBZ) ―
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Police say they are talking to an 86-year-old man, who is cooperating with authorities.
WBZ
Since 2000, Marie Conley has been a fixture at the crosswalk on Winter Street, shepherding children toward the Mather School in Dorchester.
"It's devastating for me. She's a great lady and I'm pulling for her and I'm hoping everyone else pulls for her too because right now all we can do is put prayer into it," said Linda Lyons, Conley's supervisor at the Boston Police Department.
Conley is in critical condition after being struck in the crosswalk by an 86-year old driver. Police say she was trying to stop traffic so a 10-year-old could cross.
The child wasn't hurt.
Deputy Superintendent Thomas Lee said the 59-year-old Conley was in uniform, which includes a bright green vest.
It's unclear why the driver did not see her. Lee says he was cooperative with police.
Before removing his car from the scene, investigators appeared to test the brakes by making a sudden stop. The brakes appeared to work.
Adeline Odney, whose children attend the school, said school officials notified her of the incident.
"She has a uniform. That should make them slow down, especially in the school zone. That has me concerned, not just for the crossing guard, but for the children that's crossing the street."
Lyons says Conley takes her job seriously, and knows every child's name.
"I can tell you right now, Marie, even when she was out sick, she would say, 'Linda, make sure someone's out there covering my crossing. Someone's got to be there for my kids.'"
The accident remains under investigation. The driver has not been charged thus far.
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