Police: Motorist Runs Stop Sign, Hits McKees Rocks Crossing Guard

MCKEES ROCKS (KDKA) – A crossing guard was taken to the hospital after getting hit by a car in McKees Rocks Wednesday morning.

According to officials at the scene, the incident happened at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Third Street around 7:45 a.m. The whole thing was caught on the surveillance camera mounted on the front of the Broadway Market.

Parents walking their children to the bus stop identified the guard as Rita Derrigo, or Miss Rita, who is in her 60s.

A male driver reportedly ran a stop sign and hit Derrigo. She went up and over the hood of the vehicle.

Derrigo was alert and conscious while being transported to a local hospital. She was complaining of back pain while being put on a stabilizing board.

Beth Wilson said she and her daughter got to the corner about 10 minutes after it happened.

"The cops did tell us, because they did have a cop out here to finish her morning detail for the elementary school. They said that she is okay," Wilson said. "Her husband did stop to see if we knew anything, he was going to the hospital. We just all hope that she gets well very soon and that she's okay."

The driver is believed to be in his 30s and from the Moon Township area. He told police he didn't see the stop sign due to being blinded by the sun.

Derrigo was treated for bruises and released from Allegheny General Hospital Wednesday afternoon and charges are pending against the driver.

No children were in the crosswalk at the time of the incident.

Several people have complained about drivers speeding and failing to stop at the stop sign, but the McKees Rocks Council President Dave Rugh says he is unaware of complaints.

However, he did say: "We will increase the patrols and we will make more of an appearance on this corner and we want to be aware of it and stop the problem."

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