Suspect in custody after assaulting beloved Point Richmond crossing guard

A cherished local crossing guard, Maxine “The Smiling Crossing Guard,” was assaulted while on duty early Thursday morning in Point Richmond. The attack occurred around 8:43 a.m. at South Garrard Boulevard and East Richmond Avenue.

Lynnelle Sanchez, Richmond Police Department’s community engagement manager, said the suspect fled but was quickly detained and is being held in Martinez Detention Facility. 

“A witness called to report that a crossing guard was punched in the face, and her purse was stolen while performing her duties,” Sanchez said. “The victim suffered a bump to her head and was taken to a nearby medical facility for evaluation. The victim’s purse was recovered.”

On Friday morning, Maxine’s daughter Alicia Finley took to social media to report her mother was assaulted while working.

“She is feeling sore all over. Her face-eye area is bruised, and her right eye is swollen shut,” Finley told Grandview Independent. “The CT scan did not show anything damaging to her brain.”

For more than twenty years, Maxine has helped Washington Elementary School students and families cross a busy intersection near the Plunge.

Other community members expressed shock and sadness when learning of the attack. Point Richmond resident Kimberly Butt said she was on her way to visit with Maxine, as she did most Friday mornings, and was heartbroken at what happened.

“I was able to sit with her until they took her to Kaiser,” Butt posted online. “The goose egg on her head was pretty swollen at that time. She has protected all of our children for decades, and I am so sorry we weren’t able to protect her from that woman.”

Susan Elwell of Point Richmond said Maxine makes everyone who sees her smiling face and hears her cheerful greeting have a better day.  

“It is incomprehensible to me that anyone would want to hurt her. The news that this woman was arrested is good news. Hopefully, she will get the treatment she needs to keep her from hurting more innocent victims.  And most importantly hope Maxine is not seriously injured.  She is a treasure in our community.”

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