A routine school-morning crossing turned into a frightening near-miss in Las Vegas last week when a crossing guard stepped directly into the path of a speeding car to protect a mother and her two children. The incident happened outside Pinecrest Academy St. Rose on Wednesday morning, with dashcam footage later capturing the moment the vehicle approached the family as they crossed the road. FOX5 Las Vegas first reported the incident, and subsequent coverage from Atlanta News First showed the family returning to thank the crossing guard, Richard Jones.
Crossing guard moves between car and family
Kae’la Leon Guerrero was crossing with her 5-year-old daughter, a kindergartner, while her 11-year-old son, a sixth grader, was walking behind them. The family had noticed a car approaching but initially did not realise how quickly it was travelling. As it came toward the crosswalk, Jones, who works with All City Management Services, moved into its path and positioned himself between the vehicle and the pedestrians.The car came within roughly 10 feet of the family, according to Guerrero’s account to FOX5. Earlier reporting on the incident said the vehicle ultimately stopped just short of the crosswalk. Jones later told FOX5 that he estimated the vehicle was travelling around 35 mph in a 15 mph school zone. That figure was his estimate and has not been independently confirmed. For Guerrero, the moment was a terrifying one. Her children were left shaken by what happened, and she has been trying to reassure them since.
Dashcam footage captures the close call
The incident was recorded by Jake Garcia, who was driving along the road while taking his own son to another school. The footage showed just how quickly the situation unfolded and brought attention to Jones’ response. Garcia later praised the crossing guard for putting himself between the approaching vehicle and the children.Jones, however, has played down the attention surrounding his actions. He has worked as a crossing guard for four years and previously told FOX5 that he reacted instinctively when he saw the danger. The video soon circulated on social media, and people at Pinecrest Academy St. Rose began thanking Jones for his actions. School staff could be heard calling him a hero as he returned to the crossing.
Family returns with a thank-you
A few days after the near-miss, Guerrero and her children returned to see Jones. On Tuesday, the family surprised him with a thank-you package, an idea reportedly sparked by her young son. The gift included restaurant gift certificates, a handwritten note and a neck fan for Jones to use while working outdoors.The gesture came after Guerrero had already met Jones and watched the dashcam footage with him. The family’s relief was mixed with concern over what could have happened. Guerrero said she hopes the incident serves as a reminder to motorists to slow down in school zones and remain alert around children and crossing guards.
A split-second decision that could have changed everything
The episode has renewed attention on the risks crossing guards face while helping children and families navigate busy roads. For the Guerrero family, the difference between an ordinary school morning and a potentially devastating accident may have come down to a crossing guard seeing the danger and reacting in time.Jones may describe it as simply doing his job. But for a mother who watched a speeding car bear down on her children, the man who stepped into its path will likely be remembered as something more: the person who stood between her family and a possible tragedy.