Driver, 86, hits crossing guard in Dorchester

By Donovan Slack, Globe Staff, and Casey Ramsdell, Globe Correspondent

A crossing guard was seriously injured today when she was struck outside a Dorchester elementary school by an 86-year-old driver, according to police.

Marie Conley, 59, of Dorchester was hit at about 8:48 a.m. outside Mather Elementary School, at the intersection of Parish and Winter Streets. She was taken to Boston Medical Center where she was in critical condition this afternoon, police said in a statement.

Witnesses told police that the victim, in full uniform with reflective vest, had signaled for traffic to stop while she was about to cross a student. She was struck as she stood in the middle of the intersection.

The driver, whose name has not been released, has been interviewed by detectives and the investigation is continuing. No charges have been issued so far, police said.

Conley has been a school crossing guard for eight years.

"Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Mrs. Conley," Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis said in a statement. "We pray that Mrs. Conley has a quick recovery from her serious injuries."

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