Cudahy, WI – Police say an 89-year-old Wisconsin woman struck a 9-year-old girl in a marked school crosswalk, failed to stop, and later drove herself to a hospital where officers discovered her damaged vehicle.
An official criminal complaint names Darlene Adam as the driver accused of hit-and-run causing injury after the October morning incident that left the child with visible wounds and sent her to a children’s hospital for treatment.
Child Struck While Crossing Guard Held Stop Sign
The crash happened shortly before 8 a.m. on October 28 as Lenci Lambert, then 9 and on her way to school, approached the intersection of East Ramsey Avenue and South Swift Avenue.
A crossing guard, wearing a high-visibility vest, raised his stop sign and stepped into the road, giving Lenci the signal to cross.
But investigators say a silver sedan approached without slowing, striking the girl in the crosswalk and continuing down the road.
Witnesses Describe a Disturbing Scene
Officers responding to the area found Lenci lying in the street surrounded by bystanders who had rushed to help. Witnesses reported seeing “a cup and a shoe fly up in the air” as the car hit the child, and another person told police the vehicle “did not brake” before impact.
According to the complaint, officers immediately began reviewing nearby surveillance cameras. A hospital close to the crash site provided footage of a silver Ford Focus in its parking lot with fresh damage, a cracked windshield, and even a handprint on the glass.
Driver Says She Thought a Rock Hit Her Car
When investigators located Darlene Adam inside the hospital, they asked whether she recalled anything unusual from earlier that morning.
Adam reportedly told them she believed “a rock had hit her vehicle or that she had run into a construction barrel.”
She did not examine her car until she reached the hospital, according to the complaint, and only then saw damage she said had not been there before. Adam also said she did not know how fast she had been traveling and did not remember seeing the crossing guard.
Condition of the Young Victim
Lenci, who has since turned 10, was transported to a children’s hospital after the crash. Officers who met with her during their investigation reported she had:
- Bandages on her arms and legs
- Abrasions and bruising to her left cheek, left eye, and forehead
Despite the injuries, she was able to speak with investigators and help recount what happened.
Charges and Potential Penalties
If convicted of hit-and-run causing injury, Adam faces up to nine months in jail and fines reaching $10,000. Her next scheduled court appearance is December 18.
Driver Says the Collision Was an Accident
Adam later spoke with local Milwaukee media, insisting she had not seen the girl in the crosswalk and calling the incident accidental.
In her comments, she added:
“I’m giving up my license.”
Broader Concerns About Pedestrian and School Safety
The incident has renewed conversations about driver awareness in school zones, especially during morning hours when visibility can fluctuate and children are often crossing busy intersections. Safety advocates emphasize the importance of slowing down near schools, obeying crossing guards, and remaining alert even when familiar with the route.
Key reminders include:
- Reducing speed in all posted school zones
- Maintaining full attention at crosswalks
- Watching for small children who may be harder to see
Even a moment of distraction can lead to devastating consequences, as highlighted by this case.
Community Response
Parents in the area have expressed concerns about the reliability of crosswalk safety after the crash. Many point to the critical role crossing guards play and the need for drivers to respect their signals without exception. Several community members have urged authorities to review traffic calming measures in the neighborhood, especially during peak school hours.
Conclusion
As the investigation moves forward, the community continues to focus on Lenci’s recovery and broader school-zone safety. The case underscores the serious legal and moral responsibilities drivers have—especially when children are crossing. With the upcoming court date, more details are likely to emerge about the moments leading up to the crash and its aftermath.
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