A school crossing guard was injured on the job after being struck by a car late Thursday morning in Queens, police say.
Marie Cox, a longtime crossing guard at P.S. 112 in Jackson Heights, was struck when a driver side swiped a parked car she was leaning on at the corner of 82nd Street and 34th Avenue, causing the car to knock her to the ground, according to the education employees’ union. She was hit as she was waiting for the children to be dismissed from a half-day of classes.
Cox sustained a head injury and was taken to Elmhurst Hospital Center, where she is alert and in stable condition, the union president said. Her son told NBC New York that Cox was doing well, but may need stitches since she has a bump and gash in the back of her head.
The driver stayed on scene and police say charges have not been filed.
Cox, who is in her mid-70s, has adult children and grandchildren, according to her son. She has been a crossing guard since 2008.
"Everyone knows her, including the kids from school," said Albert Dispinseria, who works nearby. "It's a sad thing to see the lady who crosses you get hit by a car."
Residents said the intersection where Cox was hit is a dangerous one.
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"People drive way too fast," neighbor Catherine Nieves said. "It's always near-collisions here."
Patricia Daniels, a crossing guard at a nearby intersection, says it's a difficult job because of the constant danger.
"It's a lot of traffic -- you got the buses, people," she said. "People don't want to wait for the light."
Meanwhile, those who see Cox every day at P.S. 112 hope to see her again soon.
"She always has a smile on her face, always keeps an eye on the kids," Brian Anderson said. "I hope she comes out of it okay."
