Comments (5)
Print
MESA, Ariz. -- Mesa police are on the lookout for people who don't use the crosswalk.
Five pedestrians have been killed in accidents this year -- four of them were jaywalking. Police are taking action.
"Our officers that are out there, specifically our traffic officers, have a directive that if they see individuals crossing against the lights or riding bicycles inappropriately, they stop and make contact with those folks," said police Detective Steve Barry.
One area they are watching is near the light-rail station at Main and Sycamore streets.
"We haven't had any specific pedestrian-related accidents in that area, but it's an area where there's a lot of activity, so we have focused a lot of attention to that area," said Barry.
He said that officers have a message for people that they stop near the light rail.
"Catching that train, as opposed to waiting for the next one, or catching that bus as opposed to the next one and running out into the roadway is just not safe," Barry said.
"You can catch the next as opposed to getting hit by a car."
Police haven't given out tickets yet, but Barry said that's up to the officer's discretion. Mesa is trying to avoid a repeat of 2008, when eight pedestrians died in accidents.
Bob McClay, Reporter
