PRAIRIE GROVE, Ark. — A woman accused of hitting a child on her way to school with her vehicle then driving away has pleaded not guilty in Washington County court.
According to the Prairie Grove Police Department (PGPD), the 9-year-old girl was hit by the vehicle while she was riding her bike on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024.
Officials said this happened around 7:38 a.m. at the intersection of Cole Drive and Viney Grove Road, prompting emergency crews and school staff to respond.
PGPD said the driver of the vehicle fled the scene of the crash, but officials later located the vehicle "as it drove through the city, eventually stopping at the Flash Market," and 36-year-old Amber Dexter was arrested.
Officials said the girl was a Prairie Grove Middle School student. According to the release, she was evaluated by Central EMS and released with minor injuries.
After the crash, the Prairie Grove School District said they plan to implement new safety protocols for students crossing at crosswalks on campus.
"Effective immediately, all students riding bikes or scooters must dismount and walk across the crosswalks," the district said. "We have already met with all bike and scooter riders to communicate this new rule."
The district also said the maintenance and transportation department is putting up new signs to remind students of this new rule.
"We appreciate your support in reinforcing these new safety measures with your children to ensure a safe environment for everyone," the district said.
Dexter was charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury, and possession of a controlled substance. According to court documents, she pleaded not guilty during a court hearing on Sept. 23.
The trial date was set for Nov. 11, 2024.
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