Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include information on the driver involved.
Victor Montgomery, a security guard for the Pulaski County Special School District, died Monday.
Montgomery was struck by a vehicle on Highway 10 as he helped direct traffic near Joe T. Robinson Elementary, a statement from the school district says.
Charges are pending against the driver, Desmond Nkala, 55, of Little Rock, according to Arkansas State Police.
Here is the Pulaski County School District’s full statement on the death:
A security officer employed with the Pulaski County Special School District was fatally injured outside of Joe T. Robinson Elementary on the first day of school, Monday, August 14, 2023.
Security officer, Victor Montgomery, was directing traffic early Monday morning on Highway 10/Cantrell Road between Robinson High School and Robinson Elementary when the accident happened. A vehicle traveling westbound struck the employee, dragging him several yards in the road before coming to a stop. Another PCSSD employee on the scene immediately called 911. The employee was taken to the hospital to be treated for several injuries. Sadly, Officer Montgomery passed away this morning from those injuries.
PCSSD is very upset and saddened that this accident happened. It is imperative for motorists to slow down in school zones. There are three schools within walking distance of each other in this area of Highway 10/Cantrell Road. There is absolutely no reason for any motorist to drive above the speed limit in this area any time day, much less during school drop off and pick up time. This could have been avoided if motorists were more attentive and aware of their surroundings while driving in school zones.
“Officer Montgomery may be gone but he will not be forgotten,” said Dr. Jay Pickering, principal of Joe T. Robinson High School. “Paw Paw will forever be in our hearts and the halls of Robinson High.”
Officer Montgomery has been with PCSSD for seven years, all spent in the Robinson area serving Robinson High School and assisting with traffic at the elementary school. We’re all neighbors out in the Robinson community. This could have been prevented with mindful driving and paying more attention in our school zones.
The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and the Arkansas State Police responded to the scene, and ASP is handling the investigation.
Cindy Murphy, a state police spokesperson, shared this information:
The driver was Desmond Nkala, 55, of Little Rock. He is not a parent or school employee. He stopped immediately and has been cooperative in all aspects of the investigation. He consented to testing, and there was no suspected impairment. He was detained for investigative purposes, which is routine procedure.
Charges are pending. An investigative case file will be presented to the prosecuting attorney, who will make a determination about charges.