The Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney has filed charges against Phyllis Meehan pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 192(c)(1) in the death of Stanley Middle School crossing guard, Ashley Steven Dias, age 45.
“This tragic incident has impacted an entire community,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “The loss of Ashley Dias is a solemn reminder that drivers must exercise caution and care when children and pedestrians are present.”
September 8, 2021, Phyllis Meehan, 78 years old, was picking up her grandson from the Lafayette Middle School when she collided with a vehicle and proceeded to accelerate into a crosswalk. Witnesses observed Mr. Dias pushed a student out of the path of the GMC Yukon before the crossing guard was fatally struck by the driver. The student suffered significant scrapes and bruises. Mr. Dias succumbed to his injuries later that afternoon.
According to the Lafayette Police Department, “At 3:00pm today (9/8/21) on School Street at Paradise Court a vehicle struck one adult and one child, the child had minor injuries and the adult was transported to the hospital.”
ABC7 News reported the child will survive, and that the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with police.
An arraignment date has yet to be scheduled. The copy of the complaint and charges can be viewed, here:
Case information: Docket Number 01-197752-9
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
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