posted August 27, 2008
A school patrol officer was struck by a vehicle in East Ridge on Tuesday morning.
At approximately 7:23 a.m., East Ridge Fire/Rescue and East Ridge Police responded to 4400 Bennett Road in front of East Ridge Middle School on a pedestrian struck.
Emergency responders arrived within two minutes to find School Patrol Officer Betty Back, an eight-year veteran, had been struck by a 2002 Ford Explorer.
The driver, 18-year-old Londeon Kellogg of East Ridge, told police that he did not see the crossing guard as he turned into the middle school.
Speed is not believed to be a factor in the incident. However, the adverse weather may have impaired the vision of the driver, police said.
The crossing guard was transported to the hospital by Memorial EMS with a possible broken leg.
Police said the initial investigation does not indicate the driver was under the influence. However, he was transported for a blood test to verify drugs or alcohol were not a factor.
Charges are pending for failure to obey a traffic-control device.
East Ridge Police said they would like to remind motorists "that school is back in session. This means additional child are in the street and school speed zones are back in effect that may not have been during the summer. Please slow down and drive carefully."
| Dining Out | Business | Movies | Focus | About Us |
| Church | Living Well | Memories | Outdoors | Real Estate | Student Scene | Travel |