St. Johns County public service officer hit near Patriot Oaks Academy

Officer suffers non-life-threatening injury while directing traffic

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A St. Johns County public service assistant officer was hit by a jeep Tuesday morning in front of an elementary school.

The accident happened at the intersection of Orchid Way and Longleaf Pine Parkway in front of Patriot Oaks Academy at about 7:30 a.m. when students were being dropped off at school, deputies said.

The female public service officer, who helps direct traffic, was working in front of the school when she was hit by a Jeep and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. She was taken to an area hospital.

Deputies are investigating the incident, and the driver did stay at the scene for an interview.

“We don't have a cause yet in this crash, but the PSA was struck and thrown several feet and did have some complaints here at the scene, but she was conscious and alert ,” St. Johns County Sheriff's Office spokesman Cmdr. Chuck Mulligan said. “Her status at this point is not life-threatening injuries, but she's at the hospital and let the great doctors there assess injuries.”

Another officer who was with her said he is thankful he was able to call police and get her help.

Investigators said they will look into whether the officer was wearing her green safety vest, which is required for officers working traffic to make them more visible to drivers.

The incident caused major traffic delays but the area was clear by 9 a.m.

Officials said there are crossing guards that work traffic at the schools, but the busy county uses PSA officers for extra help.

PSA’s are non-sworn employees of the sheriff’s office who drive marked patrol cars and assist deputies in a lot of calls, such as traffic control.