Crossing guard hit near Fayetteville middle school

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina (WTVD) -- The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office is investigating after a crossing guard was hit near a Fayetteville middle school Thursday morning.

It happened around 7:30 a.m. not far from John Griffin Middle School on Fisher Road.

The State Highway Patrol tells ABC11 that 70-year-old Deloris Preist was in the crosswalk directing buses when 35-year-old Annick Amaka clipped Preist with her minivan.

Priest fell, hitting her head on the pavement. She did not suffer any major injuries or broken bones, according to authorities, but was taken to the hospital.

Troopers said they believed Amaka may have been blinded by the sun as she was driving along Fisher Road.

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They said once Amaka realized she clipped the crossing guard, she immediately stopped to check on Preist's condition.

Amaka's three daughters were also in the vehicle, but were not injured.

Pictures from the scene showed the minivan with damage to the passenger side mirror.

Troopers said they didn't believe speed was a factor - in fact Amaka was only going about 15 mph - 10 miles under the speed limit. However, she is charged with failure to reduce speed.

Authorities said Amaka should have slowed down once she realized she was being blinded.