KITCHENER - Waterloo Regional Police are looking for the driver of a pickup truck that struck a crossing guard Thursday near Cedarbrae Public School in Waterloo.

The 55-year-old woman was helping students across Cedarbrae Avenue, near Sundale Place, around 3:30 p.m. when she was struck by the pickup.

"I heard a large 'thud' and when I turned around I noticed there was a black truck parked at the intersection," said Keith Misura "I started running down and I called 911."

Witnesses say the driver didn’t stop and reversed the vehicle on Sunnydale Place, cut across a residential parking lot and knocked over garbage containers.

The vehicle is described as a dark Ford F150 with a “Browning” sticker on the front windshield and damage to the front end.

"We know the male driver has dark hair and a dark beard," says Staff Sgt. Mike Hinsperger.

The crossing guard, who parents have described as a woman named Shelly, was taken to hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.

Parents say she has worked in the area for years.

"She's an amazing woman," says Samantha Leblanc. "She puts the kids first and she's like family."

"She helps at lunchtime in the school," says Mamaye Yimegnuhan. "She knows everyone by name and says hello to everyone. She's very friendly to everybody."

On Friday the Waterloo Region District School Board issued a statement on the incident:

“Yesterday, a member of our Cedarbrae Public School community was seriously injured in an accident.  Each day, she ensures the safety of students and their families as they cross the street. During her many years at Cedarbrae, she has come to know not only every student in the school but also their families. We are grateful to the parents for their quick response and for calling emergency services, and to the first-responders who provided necessary medical attention. We wish for a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming her back.”

Staff Sgt. Hinsperger also has a message for the driver of the pickup.

"I'm going to ask the driver of the vehicle to do the right thing and contact police."