UPDATE: Police Identify Teacher Struck by Car Near Evans City School

Evans City police continue to investigate after a driver struck a Seneca Valley teacher crossing the road in front of the Evans City middle/elementary school Wednesday morning.

Police chief Joseph McCombs identified the woman as Barb Jespersen, a fifth-grade teacher at Evans City Middle School.

Police said Jespersen was crossing Main Street at about 7:30 a.m. when the car struck her. McCombs said an eastbound driver motioned Jespersen to cross the road. Justin Krill, 20, of Butler, was driving in the opposite direction and failed to see Jespersen, McCombs said.

Because traffic was backed up near the school, the cars were moving very slowly when the accident occurred, the chief said. Krill told police said he was driving about 10 mph when he hit Jespersen.   

"We have nothing to refute that," McCombs said, adding police watched video of the accident from a surveillance camera at the school.

Jespersen, who was walking from her Evans City home to the school, was taken by ambulance to UPMC Passavant McCandless with hip and leg pain, McCombs said.

Seneca Valley spokeswoman Linda Andreassi said Jespersen is expected to be fine.

"We were all immensely relieved to hear her injuries are minor and our thoughts are with her and her family," she said. "Of course, we’ll do whatever we can to support and assist her through her recovery."

The accident took place before school was in session, according to police.

Officer Trina Loesch noted Main Street is heavily trafficked in the morning hours. McCombs added the gloomy weather conditions Wednesday morning also may have contributed to the accident.

He does not expect charges to be filed in the incident. 

The police department stations an officer at the school at 8 a.m. Monday through Friday and several times throughout the day to escort students crossing the busy road, McCombs said. During school zone hours, the speed limit in the area is 15 mph.