Some parents and neighbors are calling for additional pedestrian safety measures near Cordova High School after authorities say a 15-year-old was hit by a pickup truck Thursday afternoon.
“Where are the crossing guards and why we don’t have them even if they are in high school?” parent Tanesha Addison told FOX13.
The crash happened near Berryhill Road and Chimneyrock Boulevard as students were leaving school.
Taylor Addison, a Cordova High School student, witnessed the aftermath and shared cellphone video with FOX13 showing deputies, firefighters and an ambulance at the scene.
“The student was walking and I guess they didn’t see each other and the student end up getting hit,” Taylor Addison said.
According to an arrest affidavit, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area around 2:56 p.m. Thursday.
Investigators said 18-year-old Dylan Tolbert was driving a pickup truck southbound on Berryhill Road and attempted to turn left onto eastbound Chimneyrock Boulevard when he lost control of the truck.
According to the affidavit, the truck struck an electrical utility box and then a 15-year-old pedestrian.
Deputies said Tolbert then drove away from the scene before the truck became inoperable and was left near the 1900 block of Chimneyrock Boulevard.
The affidavit states Tolbert later told investigators he was likely exceeding the speed limit and was “showing out” for his friends.
Investigators also said there were juvenile passengers in the truck at the time of the crash.
According to the affidavit, deputies located Tolbert after the crash and said he had removed the truck’s license plate and an extended AR magazine from the vehicle. Deputies also reported finding loose ammunition on the driver’s side floorboard.
Tolbert was arrested and charged with reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury and tampering with evidence.
The 15-year-old pedestrian was taken to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in stable condition. According to the affidavit, the teenager was later treated and released.
The crash is now renewing concerns from parents and neighbors about students walking near Cordova High School.
Marvin Wiggins Sr., president of the Berryhill Homeowners Association, told FOX13 residents have previously asked for improvements along Berryhill Road.
“One of the things residents have asked for is a crosswalk right in front of the school that crosses Berryhill toward the new neighborhood that’s being built,” Wiggins said. “Right now, it doesn’t seem like there’s any plan to add sidewalks. I think it would be a much safer option for the kids.”
Wiggins said students walking in the area must compete with school buses, parents, student drivers and other traffic, particularly before and after school.
Neighbors told FOX13 they would like to see a marked crosswalk in front of Cordova High School, sidewalks connecting the school area to the nearby neighborhood currently under construction and crossing guards to help students safely cross Berryhill Road.
Parents argue that students being in high school does not eliminate the need for help safely navigating busy roads.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing. According to the arrest affidavit, additional charges could be filed depending on evidence discovered during the investigation.
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