Philadelphia, PA – A violent crash involving a stolen utility truck occurred Tuesday afternoon near S. Weir Mitchell Elementary School.
Authorities reported that 18-year-old Robert Littlepage, of Douglasville, Georgia, attempted to carjack a woman on the 6300 block of Grays Avenue before stealing a white utility truck. Witnesses say Littlepage then sped down Elmwood Avenue, striking a parked SUV, jumping a curb, and subsequently running a red light at 55th Street and Kingsessing Avenue.
The truck collided with another vehicle before overturning onto the playground of S. Weir Mitchell Elementary School. No children were present, and authorities confirmed that no injuries occurred to students or bystanders.
Emergency responders, including local police, arrived at the scene quickly. Authorities apprehended Littlepage shortly after the incident. He was transported to a hospital for evaluation before being arrested and charged.
A crossing guard, Jamele Ransom, witnessed the crash. He recounted pulling a child from one of the vehicles involved. “Thankful to be alive right now,” Ransom said during an interview, which gained viral attention.
The Philadelphia Police Department continues to investigate the incident, while no lane closures were reported following the crash.