Jan 17, 2008 By Josh Krysak 2 min read

A Belle Vernon man is facing a variety of charges after he allegedly struck a crossing guard with his car in Washington Township on Jan. 3. Washington Township police said Robert E. Welch, 29, of 122 Nagy St., was charged last week before Magisterial District Judge Jesse Cramer with two counts of aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, reckless driving, accidents involving death or personal injury and driving at an unsafe speed.

Police allege Welch struck Edgar Jones, 60, with his car on Perry Avenue at 8:34 a.m. while Jones was working as a crossing guard at the entrance to Marion Elementary School.

Jones, who was seriously injured in the crash, is still recovering from injuries to his face, head, shoulder and knee.

According to the criminal complaint filed by Washington Township police Officer Rich Taylor, Welch struck Jones in the school zone, which has a posted speed limit of 15 mph. Taylor said Welch was traveling 30 mph over the posted speed limit when Jones was struck.

Welch told police that he “hit the brakes but they did not work” and then struck Jones before traveling farther on Perry Avenue, Taylor said.

Welch returned to the scene after he was able to get his vehicle stopped, Taylor said.

A preliminary hearing will be held before Cramer at a later date.