Why no charges filed against driver who hit, killed Fort Mill crossing guard? Solicitor explains
FORT MILL, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Following the tragic death of 61-year-old crossing guard Stanley Brucker in Fort Mill, authorities announced no charges would be filed in the case.
An unnamed driver had struck and killed Brucker last week outside Fort Mill Elementary School.
With Wednesday’s announcement came several questions and confusion by the community. Multiple crossing guards in Fort Mill were also absent Thursday, protesting the decision.
Brucker was struck by a vehicle around 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, along Springfield Parkway. He died from his injuries after being transported to a local hospital.
MORE: No charges against driver who hit, killed Fort Mill crossing guard
On Thursday, the 16th Circuit Solicitor’s Office in York, SC, released its findings. The office was asked to review evidence gathered by the Fort Mill Police Department. The SC Highway Patrol assisted FMPD with the investigation.
Information submitted by Fort Mill Police included statements from several eyewitnesses and video captured by a school bus that was stopped at the school’s exit during the incident.
After reviewing the submitted information, the 16th Circuit Solicitor’s Office advised that the available evidence does not support a criminal charge.
MORE: Fort Mill crossing guards absent following no charges ruling in peers’ death
Video of the incident provided a clear depiction of what happened, the Solicitor’s Office stated.
“The video shows Brucker standing in the median in the middle of Springfield Pkwy, with a hand-held stop sign, directing traffic. He was not escorting children across the road. He was turned sideways in the roadway, facing the direction of the school and the school bus, which was preparing to turn onto Springfield Pkwy from the school.
The hand-held stop sign was facing the school bus, not towards approaching vehicles on Springfield Pkwy. Seconds before the collision, Brucker stepped into the lane of travel closest to the school, and into the path of the approaching vehicle that struck him.
Brucker did not display the stop sign toward the approaching driver, nor did he look in that direction before stepping into the roadway. There is no indication that the driver of the vehicle was driving in a dangerous or reckless manner.
FMPD concluded that she was not at fault for causing the wreck.”
The 16th Circuit Solicitor’s Office said, “Regrettably, this is a tragic accident for both Mr. Brucker and the driver of the vehicle. We extend our condolences to all who have been impacted.”
This is a developing story; check back for updates
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