A routine school dismissal at Walnut Street Elementary turned into a scene of senseless violence Monday when a motorist allegedly assaulted a crossing guard in front of horrified students.
Darby Borough Police are now hunting for the driver of a gold Nissan Altima who reportedly chased the woman down the sidewalk before punching her unconscious.
The attack occurred shortly after 3:30 p.m. as the guard was attempting to safely navigate children across the street.
Police Chief Joe Gabe described the footage of the incident as disgusting, noting that the suspect appeared to snap over a minor traffic delay.
According to investigators, the man became enraged while waiting for a school bus to offload children. After screaming profanities from his vehicle, he exited the car and pursued the guard for nearly a quarter of a block.
The confrontation ended when he struck her in the face with his fist, sending her collapsing to the pavement.
The victim, a dedicated member of the school community and a mother to students at the same institution, was knocked out by the force of the blow.
After regaining consciousness, she managed to walk home before contacting authorities.
While she is recovering from facial swelling, the psychological toll has left her terrified to return to her post.
A male guard filled her position on Tuesday as the neighborhood grapples with the fallout of the assault.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle described as a gold Nissan Altima featuring a paper tag in the window rather than a permanent license plate.
Witnesses and school staff are reeling from the brazen nature of the crime, which took place in broad daylight with no regard for the young children watching from the sidewalk.
School district employee Dionne Galloway emphasized that the guard is considered family, making the unprovoked hit even more traumatic for the faculty and students alike.
Chief Gabe issued a direct warning to the perpetrator, stating that law enforcement is actively tracking him down.
The department is urging the public to provide any information that could lead to an arrest and prosecution. Until the suspect is in custody, the community remains on edge, disgusted that a man would prioritize his commute over the safety of a woman protecting his neighbors’ children.