School crossing guard, 85, struck, killed by SUV

EDEN, N.C. -- An 85-year-old school crossing guard has died after being struck by a sport utility vehicle in front of an elementary school. Eden police said Bennie Thomas Eanes died at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Monday afternoon from injuries he received after being struck in the morning. Police charged 40-year-old James Anthony Stallings with one count of careless and reckless driving and one count of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. Stallings was placed under $10,000 unsecured bail and is scheduled to appear in Rockingham County District Court on April 16. A jail supervisor declined comment on Stallings' status Monday evening. Authorities said Stallings was making a left turn out of the school parking lot when he struck Eanes, who was standing in the middle of the road directing traffic. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)