Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Village Worker Struck by Vehicle After Woman Drives Onto Sidewalk

According to police, car went onto Fairmount Road sidewalk to avoid blocked road, striking worker

Attempting to avoid a roadblock on Fairmount Road, a driver proceeded onto the sidewalk, striking and injuring a village worker clearing debris in the hard-hit Willard section, according to police.

Multiple sources say Rob Schmidt, an equipment operator with the Streets Department, was struck head on by the driver just after 7:30 a.m.

"It was a low-impact crash," Police Chief John Ward said Friday afternoon.

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Witnesses say Schmidt was wearing a bright colored vest when struck by a woman driving a Kia Sportage. Schmidt was taken to Valley Hospital with leg and knee injuries. He also complained of back pain, Police Chief John Ward said.

"I'm happy his injuries were not life-threatening," Ward said. "I checked on him to make sure he was OK."

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While the police chief said he could not comment on specifics as the investigation remains ongoing, he said at least one summons is pending. The driver of the vehicle – who has not yet been identified but is a Ridgewood resident, according to multiple sources – is likely to receive a reckless driving charge.

The charge carries with it five points on one's license, a possible suspension of the license, a fine upwards of $200, and potential jail time.

"We apologize for any delays," the chief said, addressing frustrated motorists. "But we must accomplish our mission of clearing debris while ensuring safety."

I urge that motorists be careful and cognizant that workers are still out clearing streets. Please respect the barriers and police tape that are up."

[Editor's note: This report was last updated at 3:40 p.m. Friday.]


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