Upland residents marched on Saturday to petition for safer streets for students, after an 11-year-old boy was struck and killed walking to school this week.
Isaiah Shelton-Dobine was walking to Cabrillo Elementary School around 8 a.m. Thursday when authorities said he was hit by a Jeep Cherokee that fled the scene. The driver, identified by Upland police as 25-year-old Jason Fehr, was arrested in connection with the hit-and-run.
Since the incident, the community has grieved for Shelton-Dobine and came together to convey their message to city officials.
“What do we want? Crossing guards! When do we need them? Now!” chanted almost 100 people who marched up Euclid Avenue Saturday morning.
The walk was held about a mile away from the intersection -- near Arrow Highway and Benson Avenue -- where Isaiah was killed. The intersection hosts a growing makeshift memorial of balloons and flowers dedicated to him and symbolic of parents’ demands for more safety.
Isaiah's peers and their parents held signs reading "Keep our kids safe" and "We need crossing guards."
Eleven-year-old Jasmine Ruiz was Isaiah's classmate, and joined the rally Saturday.
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"It can happen again if they don't put a crossguard out there," Ruiz said.
There have been no crossing guards near the school for almost five years due to finance issues, which leaves parents concerned.
"One death is one death too many," said one parent. "This little boy should not have lost his life."
Upland City Councilman Gino Filippi said it’s an issue that needs revisiting. He added that he plans to put an item on school crossing guards on the council’s agenda Monday.
Parents at the rally Saturday told NBC4 they'll be there.
Nancy Kelly, superintendent for the Upland Unified School District, wouldn't answer questions specifically about a crossing guard.
"We consider this a horrible tragedy, and a call to action," Kelly said.
A memorial fund for Isaiah has been started and his family asked anyone who wishes to donate to visit his YouCaring page.
