Darby Borough council meeting disorder overshadows discussion of crossing guard assault

DARBY BOROUGH, Pa. (WPVI) — A Darby Borough Council meeting where residents hoped to address serious public safety concerns, among other issues, devolved into conflict Wednesday night, leaving residents frustrated and alarmed by visible divisions among some borough leaders.

The brutal assault of a crossing guard outside Walnut Street Elementary earlier this week was briefly referenced during comments from the mayor, but residents said they were expecting and hoping for a broader discussion from council. That conversation never fully materialized as tensions escalated inside the meeting room.

Accusations of political retaliation were aired publicly between Darby Borough’s new Gen Z mayor, Joar Dahn, and Council President Lucille Pratt during the meeting. Dahn accused Pratt of denying him an office and preventing a qualified ally from joining a borough board. Pratt denied the allegations.

At one point, as Pratt attempted to call a recess and leave the room, the meeting descended into disorder.

‘It’s disgusting’: Crossing guard assaulted outside elementary school

“They’re so busy fighting, we can’t get to the real issues,” said Beverly Rogers of Darby Borough.

Several residents said they attended the meeting specifically to hear about pressing issues facing the borough, including Monday’s assault, in which a crossing guard was attacked and knocked unconscious while working outside Walnut Street Elementary.

“The heinous act that happened to that young woman who was in charge of protecting our kids. It was just so sad to hear, and hopefully the person that is responsible will be punished and dealt with accordingly,” Rogers said.

“My parents live in that block. She’s on the corner every single morning, making sure the kids are safe, even people crossing the street, kids, all the adults and the teachers. Violence is never the answer, but especially showing kids at such a young age that’s OK to do that, it’s unacceptable,” she added.

After the meeting, the police chief told reporters that additional information about the investigation would be released later this week.

State Senator Anthony Williams condemned the assault and announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.

Mayor Dahn briefly made forceful comments during his report during Wednesday’s meeting and said the investigation remains active.

“We will catch you and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.

Even as Pratt attempted to move forward with new business on the agenda, the meeting repeatedly broke down as the mayor and some members of the public challenged her on parliamentary procedure.

“We need a new council president!” Dahn shouted at one point during the meeting.

Residents said the chaos left them disappointed.

“We’re not going to stand for it any longer. We want change,” said Stephanie Rogers.

Police are continuing to ask members of the public to come forward with any information related to the crossing guard assault.

Darby Borough council meeting disorder overshadows discussion of crossing guard assault

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