Ottawa police are appealing to the public for help after a school crossing guard was struck by a pickup truck in Barrhaven Monday morning and left fighting for their life — while the driver sped away without stopping.
The collision occurred during the busy morning school rush, when crossing guards play a critical role keeping children safe as they make their way to class. The guard, whose name has not been released, was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
What We Know So Far
Ottawa Police Service is actively searching for the pickup truck involved in the hit-and-run. As of Monday, investigators have not released details about the make, model, colour, or licence plate of the vehicle, as the investigation is ongoing. Police are urging anyone with information — including dashcam or doorbell camera footage from the Barrhaven area — to come forward immediately.
Hit-and-run collisions involving pedestrians are treated as serious criminal matters in Ontario. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, fleeing the scene of an accident causing bodily harm or death can carry significant prison time.
A Community Role That Carries Real Risk
School crossing guards are a familiar and trusted presence in Ottawa neighbourhoods, stationed at busy intersections to shepherd kids safely across roads at the start and end of the school day. They work in all weather conditions and rely entirely on drivers following the rules of the road.
This incident is a stark reminder of how vulnerable crossing guards — and all pedestrians — can be when drivers fail to pay attention or, worse, choose to flee after causing harm.
Barrhaven, one of Ottawa's fastest-growing suburban communities in the city's south end, has seen significant increases in traffic volume over recent years as new housing developments bring more families and vehicles to the area. Concerns about road safety near schools have been raised by residents and local councillors on multiple occasions.
How You Can Help
Ottawa Police are asking anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have captured it on a dashcam, home security camera, or other recording device, to contact them directly. Even a partial description of the vehicle could prove crucial to identifying the driver.
Tips can be submitted to Ottawa Police at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Our thoughts are with the crossing guard and their family. If you have any information about this incident, please don't hesitate to reach out to police — every detail matters.
Source: CBC Ottawa
