Crossing guard struck by vehicle near Harlem Middle School

HARLEM, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A crossing guard at Harlem Middle School was sent to the hospital after being struck by a vehicle Tuesday morning.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to Appling Harlem Highway at the entrance to Harlem Middle School around 6:47 a.m.

Deputies say the crossing guard, identified as Rafael Vega, was directing traffic turning left from the northbound lanes of Appling Harlem Highway into the school. Vega was attempting to stop traffic traveling southbound.

Deputies say the driver of a silver Jeep Patriot failed to stop, striking Vega and knocking him to the ground. Vega sustained injuries to his legs and ankle and possibly a head injury since he lost consciousness at the scene.

EMS took Vega to Doctors Hospital and deputies say he was conscious when he left the scene.

The driver of the Jeep Liberty told deputies that she failed to see the crossing guard. Witnesses stated the driver never slowed down until the crossing guard was struck. The driver was charged at fault in the collision and was issued a citation for Failure to Obey Authorized Person Directing Traffic.

Southbound traffic on Appling Harlem Road was blocked off while deputies were on the scene, but lanes were quickly reopened.