SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — A Southaven crossing guard is recovering at home after being hit while directing traffic at a school Friday morning.
Traffic only along busy Getwell Road, traffic came to a halt Friday morning after Mark Patton was hit by a vehicle outside Desoto Central Primary School. It happened just as classes were getting underway.
Investigators with the Southaven Police Department say the crossing guard was wearing proper safety gear when the incident occurred. They also say the driver who hit the crossing guard stayed on the scene.
Patton’s wife said her husband is sore and has bruises but no broken bones. His daughter said they are overwhelmed by the kind words and concern from parents in the community.
“I had no idea how much he impacted people, but he has been at the school for a long time now. He loves his job,” said Kim Oliver.
Oliver said her father has been a crossing guard at the school for ten years.
WREG reached out to Desoto County Schools for comment.
A spokesperson said:
“The Desoto Central Primary School crossing guard is an employee of the Southaven Police Department. Our thoughts and prayer are with the crossing guard, and we appreciate all the support we receive from the Southaven Police Department.”
Residents in the area tell WREG speeding is a big problem. Southaven police have not said if speed is a factor in the crash. But many believe something must change.
Southaven Police have not said if the driver will face any charges. At last check, the crossing guard was hospitalized with leg and back pain but is expected to be OK.