An Apopka man was arrested Thursday after he hit an 80-year-old school crossing guard in the face, causing him to fall to the ground, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office said.
William Reynolds was crossing two elementary school children in the driveway of the 7-Eleven on Wekiva Springs Road, east of Fox Valley Drive in unincorporated Longwood, when William Anthony Vindigni, 36, walked up and struck Reynolds in the face, deputies said.
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The children were not injured.
“I was just getting ready to cross (the two girls) when he walked toward me. I thought he was just going to ask my directions. I saw the punch coming and I blocked some of it,” said Reynolds.
Vindigni left on foot and was located by deputies at the intersection of Palm Springs and Wekiva Springs roads, authorities said.
Deputies said Vindigni resisted arrest but was eventually taken into custody.
Vindigni grabbed and pinched a deputy on the back of her leg during the incident, an arrest report said.
Read: Arrest made after hit-and-run involving crossing guard in Eatonville
Reynolds was taken to a hospital as a precaution.
Parents were disturbed that someone would hurt the crossing guard.
“He’s such a special part of my life. My son loves this man. He attended me son’s VPK graduation last year. He’s such a good guy,” said Jennifer Swenson.
Reynolds has been a crossing guard for four years.
Despite a tough day on the job, Reynolds said he’s keeping his post.
“I’ll be there, don’t worry about it. These children are my life right now,” he said.
Investigators believe the punch was an isolated incident.
Vindigni was jailed on charges of aggravated battery, battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest.
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