Man Who Hit, Killed Crossing Guard Arrested In California: Police

MILWAUKEE, WI — Milwaukee Police are reporting that a 35-year-old man has been arrested in the hit-and-run crash that ultimately killed 71-year-old crossing guard Andrew Tyler.

Authorities say the man that eluded authorities for more than a month in the Milwaukee area was Terrence E. Harris, and he was arrested in California after an extensive investigation.

Based on an investigation by Milwaukee police, investigators requested the assistance of the Lodi, California Police Department in locating Harris. Police say he was arrested on December 21 around 1:30 p.m. in Lodi, California by local police. Milwaukee police say they will be beginning the extradition process in the coming days.

Andy The Crossing Guard Dies

Tyler, the 71-year-old crossing guard who was struck in a Nov. 10 hit-and-run crash, died from his injuries in early December. According to earlier reports, his injuries from the crash were extensive. Both of his legs were amputated, and Tyler suffered multiple broken ribs.

How to Help
Andy The Crossing Guard's family set up a GoFundMe page in his honor.

At the time of Tyler's passing, Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn said, "I was saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Tyler. He was a dedicated employee of the Milwaukee Police Department who served the City and helped protect children on a daily basis. The Milwaukee Police Department is working diligently to solve this case and bring justice to Mr. Tyler's family."

Tyler's family said he was a spiritual man. "He lived a simple life and loved his sports, and of course his Packers," his family wrote on his Go Fund Me page set up in his honor. He retired from Delphi Automotive and has worked as a crossing guard with the Milwaukee Police Department for over nine years. He was there every day to protect the children. He has four daughters and many grandchildren who love him dearly.

The Hit-And-Run

On Nov. 10, Tyler was slowly walking along Carmen Ave. in a residential Milwaukee neighborhood on his way to his crossing guard post at Richard Kluge Elementary School. As he was crossing 22nd St., a vehicle ran into Tyler and fled, according to police.

A surveillance camera positioned in the area managed to record the hit-and-run vehicle that morning.

Milwaukee's Second District Alderman Cavalier Johnson said that each morning, he reads an email of police-related incidents in his district that the department sends to him. "When I read today's email, my whole world just stopped. I was disgusted over what happened," Johnson said. "Mister Tyler is a human being who deserves decency and respect. For somebody to hit him and just leave like this is terrible. It is beyond the pale."

Image Via GoFundMe

Suspect photo via Milwaukee Police