Woman accused of hitting Rutherford County Schools students in crosswalk charged with misdemeanor

Nancy DeGennaro, Murfreesboro Daily News Journal
·2 min read
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The driver accused of hitting two teenagers in a crosswalk on the third day of the school year was charged with a Class C misdemeanor for failure to exercise due care when operating a motor vehicle.

Ellen Drake was driving a 2022 Acura RDX and made a left turn from Blaze Drive in the Blackman area heading southbound on Fortress Boulevard when she struck the Rutherford County Schools students, who were making their way across Fortress at the crosswalk.

The 42-year-old Murfreesboro city employee was indicted Thursday and booked into the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. The Murfreesboro city employee was released on her own recognizance. There is no bond amount listed on the arrest record and the arresting agency was not available.

Penalties, if convicted, include a fine of up to $50 plus full court costs and up to 30 days in jail. The driver's license would also incur three points. If a driver accumulates more than 12 points within a 12-month period, the license could be suspended.

Emergency personnel assist Blackman Middle School eighth-grader Kaydyn Hamby, who was struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk while walking to school.
Emergency personnel assist Blackman Middle School eighth-grader Kaydyn Hamby, who was struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk while walking to school.

Her arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sept. 30 in the courtroom of Judge Barry Tidwell.

Previously:Driver accused of hitting Blackman students at crosswalk indicted Thursday

For subscribers:Blackman student hit at school crosswalk has a clear message to drivers: 'Pay attention'

Both students were treated at the scene. Eighth-grader Kaydyn Hamby took the brunt of the collision and was transported to the hospital where doctors confirmed she suffered a concussion, bruises, and a broken tooth and was placed on crutches.

Tennessee Highway Patrol investigated the incident because Drake is a city employee. An agency spokesperson told The Daily News Journal no charges would be filed. But THP Trooper Scott Pollard is named in the indictment for the misdemeanor.

Drake remains employed as a training coordinator with the Murfreesboro Emergency Communications Center (Dispatch Center), confirmed Murfreesboro Police Department spokesperson Larry Flowers.

Reach reporter Nancy DeGennaro at degennaro@dnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Murfreesboro employee charged after hitting students in crosswalk