DARBY, Pa. – Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the assault of a crossing guard in Darby Borough, Delaware County.
Authorities took 29-year-old Rashiem Russell, of West Philadelphia, into custody at 11 a.m. Friday in Darlington, South Carolina.
He remains in custody and is awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania.
The incident happened just after 3:30 p.m. Monday during dismissal outside Walnut Street Elementary School, with students watching nearby.
Officials said the guard was helping children cross the street when a man stepped out of his car, chased her along the sidewalk, and punched her in the face.
Surveillance footage recorded the attack, showing the guard collapsing to the ground after the blow. She told police she lost consciousness as the man ran back to his car and drove away quickly.
Investigators believe the suspect grew impatient after the guard halted traffic to allow students to board a school bus.
The guard sustained facial swelling. Police said she regained consciousness, walked home, and then contacted authorities.
The crossing guard has since resigned from her job.