Photo submitted by University Relations – English professor James Obertino was hit by a car Tuesday night. His condition was unclear at press time Wednesday.

By ANDY LYONS, Muleskinner Managing Editor

(WARRENSBURG, Mo.) — A UCM professor was struck by a car as he walked through the crosswalk east of the Clark Street entrance to the Wood building Tuesday evening.

A receptionist at the Warrensburg Police Department confirmed that Elizabeth Woodson, a student at UCM, was traveling west on Clark Street when she struck James Obertino, an associate professor of English.

Officers handling the accident spray painted the street and took photographs of the car as part of their investigation. An officer interviewing witnesses was overheard saying the sun was in Woodson’s eyes when she hit Obertino. A skid mark approximately 10 feet long was visible through the striped lines of the crosswalk.

Obertino was taken from the scene by ambulance and was confirmed at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Mo., on Wednesday. A nurse refused comment on his condition citing Obertino’s privacy.

Daniel Schierenbeck, chair of the English and philosophy department, also wouldn’t comment on Obertino’s condition, but did say the department staff were “concerned for his health and hopeful for a quick recovery.”

As of press time, no charges had been filed in the accident, but a receptionist at the Warrensburg Police Department said the investigation was ongoing.