Xzander Wright, the 19-year-old accused in the fatal hit-and-run of crossing guard Peter Clark, has pleaded guilty to one of two charges he faced. The incident occurred on March 23, 2026, at the intersection of Cedarview Road and Kennevale Drive in Barrhaven, just a few hundred metres from Mary Honeywell Elementary School.
Guilty Plea to Failing to Remain
Wright pleaded guilty to failing to remain at the scene of an accident causing death. However, he pleaded not guilty to the second charge of dangerous operation causing death, according to a Crown attorney. The court proceedings continue as Wright remains in custody and is expected to return to court next week.
Details of the Incident
Peter Clark, 55, was working as a crossing guard on the morning of March 23 when he was struck by a vehicle. He was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries but did not survive. Ottawa police later charged Wright with dangerous operation causing death on April 17, in addition to the initial charge of failure to stop after an accident causing death.
Additional Charges
Wright is also facing an impaired driving charge in Brockville. He pleaded not guilty to those charges in late March and is expected to go to trial later this year. The case has drawn significant attention from the community, highlighting the dangers faced by crossing guards and the consequences of hit-and-run incidents.
Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances leading to the crash, but the investigation remains ongoing. The court will continue to hear evidence related to the dangerous operation charge in the coming weeks.
