Crime & Safety

Jaywalking Cause of Boy Being Struck, Police Say

Police warned students against jaywalking, several months before boy was hit, report says.

As the Safe Routes to School Committee lobbies to create additional crosswalks and add sidewalks to streets near Chatham schools, one incident brings home the need for increased safety—and increased education.

On Wednesday, Oct. 10, a 13-year-old boy was struck by a car while crossing Lafayette Avenue near Main Street outside the crosswalk. Multiple witnesses confirmed the boy was not using the crosswalk, according to a statement from Chatham Borough Police.

Traffic Safety Officer Robert Sweetin spoke at several Chatham schools during April's Walk and Bike to School Week, including at Chatham Middle School.

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According to two articles which appeared in the Independent Press, Sweetin specifically walked students about the dangers of jaywalking, and jaywalking, seen on the streets of Chatham every day, was the cause of the accident which sent the boy to the hospital.


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