Police arrest suspect in hit-and-run crash that killed Ottawa crossing guard

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Crossing guard dies after hit-and-run

Barrhaven crossing guard struck in hit-and-run

Ottawa police say a 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the investigation into a hit and run that killed a crossing guard near a Barrhaven elementary school on Monday.

The crossing guard was working at Cedarview Road and Kennevale Drive at around 8:20 a.m. when he was struck by a vehicle. Police said the driver of the vehicle had fled the scene, and were looking for a dark-coloured Ford F-150 pickup truck.

A police spokesperson told CTV News Ottawa Tuesday afternoon that a man has been arrested in connection with the investigation.

“The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be shared when available,” police said in an email.

No other information was released.

The crossing guard, 55-year-old Peter Clark, died in hospital on Monday. His family identified Clark and shared photos with CTV News Ottawa.

“The Ottawa Police Service extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Peter Clark, who tragically lost his life while serving as a school crossing guard,” police said in a media release.

“Crossing guards play a vital role in protecting children and families, standing in all conditions to ensure students can travel to and from school safely. Mr. Clark’s commitment to that responsibility reflects a service to the community that deserves our utmost respect and gratitude. This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with the school community and all those affected.”

City, prime minister pay tribute

The City of Ottawa says flags have been lowered to half-mast at city buildings to mourn Clark’s passing.

“Flags will remain at half-mast until sunset on the day of the memorial service,” the City of Ottawa says.

At the Ontario legislature, MPPs held a moment of silence on Tuesday morning to remember the victim.

“Yesterday, in Ottawa on Crossing Guard Awareness Day, a crossing guard was hit during a hit and run incident while helping kids get to school,” MPP Stephen Blais said. “I’ve just learned that he’s passed as a result of his injuries.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney, who serves as the member of Parliament for the federal riding of Nepean and includes Barrhaven, also paid tribute to Clark.

“My thoughts are with the family and friends of Peter Clark, a crossing guard and beloved member of our community in Nepean who was killed in a hit-and-run. Thank you to the local authorities who are investigating this incident and working to bring justice following this terrible tragedy,” Carney said in a post on X.

Barrhaven Coun. David Hill said he was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of “our local Mary Honeywell Public School crossing guard, who lost his life at the hands of a reckless driver yesterday while keeping our kids safe.”

“Peter died in the service of his community,” Hill said on X.

“My sincere condolences go out to Peter’s family, friends, his colleagues at the Ottawa Safety Council and the families that he knew and protected day in and out. The driver who killed Peter remains at large. If you live near Cedarview and Kennevale, please check your cameras and report any information you may have to the Ottawa Police. We cannot allow this criminal to remain a danger in our streets.”

Hill says he will announce plans to commemorate Clark’s life at a later date.

Mary Honeywell Elementary School is located near the scene.

“This is absolutely heartbreaking news,” Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said in a social media post.

“My deepest condolences to Peter’s family and friends. It’s completely unacceptable that this should happen to someone who was trying to keep children safe. What a terrible loss for our community.”

Sutcliffe said on Monday that he was “absolutely devastated” to hear about the hit-and-run collision involving the crossing guard.

“Crossing guards play such an important role in keeping our children and families safe every day,” Sutcliffe said in a post on X.

“They deserve our respect and our protection.”

Sutcliffe is urging anyone with information to contact police.

“Even the smallest detail could help,” the mayor said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service’s Collision Investigations Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 2345.

The Ottawa Safety Council said it is “deeply saddened by the tragic loss” of Clark.

“An incident as tragic in nature as this one involving a guard is unprecedented,” the safety council said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa.

“Crossing guards are essential, caring, and dedicated members of our community, trained to keep children safe and supported in their daily journeys to school. At this time, we are focused on supporting staff impacted by this tragedy, including arranging grief counselling resources, and we continue to cooperate fully with police as they investigate the incident.”

The safety council says, “Slowing down, staying alert, and respecting crossing guards and pedestrians are essential to keeping everyone safe.”

“Thousands of school crossings happen safely every day, and while walking to school remains a safe and healthy choice, we also want to remind all road users of the responsibility we share to look out for each other — especially in school zones,” the statement said.

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