Man Charged In Decatur Hit-And-Run That Injured Crossing Guard

DECATUR, GA — A Decatur resident accused of injuring a "beloved" crossing guard in a hit-and-run crash Monday is now facing charges, Decatur Police said Tuesday.

The crash happened around 8:15 a.m. at the intersection of East College Avenue and South Candler Street, police said.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the 69-year-old crossing guard was walking a student across South Candler, when a red car turning right onto South Candler from East College did not yield and hit the guard. The driver then fled the scene, the outlet reported.

Police said the guard has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home.

With the help of a Decatur High School student, who gave police the description of the suspect's vehicle, the vehicle was located and 38-year-old Alrahman Heath was arrested around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, police said.

Heath was charged on suspicion of hit and run and failure to yield to a pedestrian. DeKalb County Jail records showed Wednesday that Heath has since been released from jail.

"Thank you to everyone who provided tips and information in this case, and especially to a very brave Decatur High School student who provided a detailed description of the suspect vehicle," police said in a Facebook post.