School Crossing Guard Hit By Car In Westwood, NJ

WESTWOOD, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A school crossing guard was struck by a car while helping a woman cross a street in Westwood, according to police.

As CBS2's Scott Rapoport reported, it was around 8 a.m. when police said crossing guard Cyril Kearney, who is in his 70's, was struck by an oncoming car as he escorted a woman across the street in front of Berkeley Elementary School.

"I saw all the police around and I saw him laying on the street. And then right after that the ambulance arrived," said Patty Liggio.

Police said Kearney went up and over the vehicle upon impact, shattering the windshield, Rapoport reported.

Kearney sustained head and leg injuries. He was flown by helicopter to Hackensack University Medical Center North. His condition was not known.

"Our school community's thoughts and prayers go out to our crossing guard and hopes for a speedy recovery," Westwood Regional School District Superintendent Raymond Gonzalez said in a statement. "At the school we have provided additional counselors and supports on site to assist anyone who may have witnessed the incident."

Parents picking up their children outside of the school on Wednesday afternoon were stunned.

"It's an incredibly dangerous job and it breaks my heart to know that he was injured," said Kelly O'Melia.

Neighbors of Kearney in nearby Hillsdale described him as a hard working man who worked two jobs as a crossing guard and at Kmart. They said he lived by himself and mostly kept to himself.

"A loner basically, but a very, very nice guy, just very quiet," said Matt Jeffrey.

The driver who hit Kearney remained at the scene and no summonses have been issued.

At the accident scene, police in an unmarked car were conducting skid tests to determine the speed of the vehicle that struck Kearney.

"He's very caring, watches out for the children all the time. It's very heart wrenching to see that he's injured in this way," said Police Chief Frank Regino.

Police said they are investigating whether sun glare played a role in the accident.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)