Crossing guard critically injured in Merrick, Long Island after being struck by driver who police say was drunk and on drugs

MERRICK, Long Island (WABC) — A school crossing guard on Long Island was critically injured on Thursday when he was hit by a driver who police say was drunk and on drugs.

The victim is a 70-year-old man who was struck by a pickup truck this morning in Merrick.

Police say 30-year-old Joshua Alvarado fell asleep at the wheel of his vehicle while stopped at a light.

They believe another driver woke him up by honking, at which point Alvarado’s car jumped the sidewalk and hit the crossing guard.

Alvarado faces several charges, including driving while impaired and vehicular assault.

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