Cudahy, Wisconsin — An 89-year-old woman is facing criminal charges after allegedly striking a 9-year-old girl in a crosswalk and then leaving the scene without stopping, according to a recently filed criminal complaint.
Child Hit While Walking to School
The incident occurred shortly before 8 a.m. on Oct. 28, as Lenci Lambert, who has since turned 10, was walking to school in the Milwaukee suburb of Cudahy. At the intersection of East Ramsey Avenue and South Swift Avenue, a crossing guard raised his stop sign to allow Lenci to cross safely.
Despite the clear signal and the guard wearing a high-visibility safety vest, a silver sedan approached the marked crosswalk “without slowing down,” the complaint states. The vehicle allegedly struck the young girl and continued driving, leaving her injured in the road.
Police Locate Damaged Vehicle Nearby
Officers arrived minutes later to find Lenci “lying in the street surrounded by bystanders,” according to the report. While gathering witness accounts, police obtained surveillance footage from a nearby hospital — and it proved crucial.
The footage showed a silver Ford Focus in the parking lot with fresh damage to the front passenger side. Investigators noted a cracked windshield and what appeared to be a handprint on the glass, consistent with impact.
The vehicle was traced to Darlene Adam, the alleged driver, as per the reports.
Driver Claims She Thought It Was a Rock
When investigators questioned Adam, she said she remembered “something happening earlier,” but believed a rock hit her car or that she may have bumped into a construction barrel.
Adam also reportedly admitted she did not inspect her car until arriving at the hospital and then noticed damage that “was not previously there.”
She further told investigators she didn’t know how fast she had been driving and did not recall seeing the crossing guard in the intersection.
Witnesses Describe the Impact
Police interviewed additional witnesses, including one who saw “a cup and a shoe fly into the air” immediately after the collision. Another witness said the sedan “did not brake” at any point before striking Lenci.
Lenci was taken to a children’s hospital, where investigators met with her. She was found with bandages on her arms and legs and abrasions and bruising on her left cheek, left eye, and forehead.
Charges and Possible Penalties
Adam has been charged with hit-and-run causing injury, a misdemeanor that could result in up to nine months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000 if she is convicted.
She is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 18.
Adam Speaks Out
In an interview, Adam said the collision was an accident and that she did not see the child in the crosswalk.
“I’m giving up my license,” she told the outlet, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.
Community Reaction
The incident has raised concerns among residents about crosswalk safety near schools, especially during the busy morning hours when children are walking to class. Crossing guards in the area have emphasized the need for drivers to remain alert — particularly as winter approaches and visibility decreases.
City officials have not yet announced any changes to the intersection, but neighbors say they hope the case brings attention to pedestrian safety in school zones.
This case has stirred a lot of emotions — especially around road safety, aging drivers, and accountability.
What do you think should happen here? Should older drivers face stricter renewal requirements? Share your thoughts in the comments.
