Fayetteville police say pedestrian found at fault in Sycamore–Gregg crash; committee asks for supervisory review

Captain Miller of the Fayetteville Police Department told the Transportation Committee that an investigation into a recent collision at Sycamore and Gregg concluded the pedestrian was at fault. "So the outcome is that the pedestrian was found at fault," Captain Miller said during the committee's police-update segment.

Committee members pressed for clarity after hearing the department's narrative and the report's designation of the crossing as an "unmarked crosswalk." Several members said the geometry at the intersection and missing pedestrian infrastructure may have contributed to the crash and asked whether the department or prosecutor could re-evaluate the finding.

The committee asked police staff to request a supervisory re-review and to coordinate with the prosecutor's office; Captain Miller agreed to ask supervisors to re-examine the investigation and to follow up in writing. Committee members noted the investigation included video showing the pedestrian entering the roadway from grass and ditch areas and that the video informed the investigator's conclusion that the pedestrian took an unpredictable action.

Why it matters: The Sycamore–Gregg intersection was described repeatedly as dangerous by committee members, and it is identified in the city's Vision 0 plan as a high-priority location for safety improvements. Committee members said inconsistent marking and missing pedestrian signal heads at the intersection create ambiguity about where and when pedestrians can safely cross.

Details from the meeting: Police said the pedestrian was ambulatory after the crash and that available video and a pedestrian statement shaped the investigator's determination. Committee members described sight-distance issues, nearby slopes and ditches, and the absence of receiving curb ramps on parts of the intersection as complicating factors for both pedestrians and drivers.

Next steps: Captain Miller said supervisors could amend an accident report via a supplemental if warranted and that insurance and civil processes remain available to parties. The committee requested written confirmation after the supervisory review and asked the police department to coordinate with the prosecutor if the department believes the original disposition should be changed.

Ending: Committee members said they would monitor the police follow-up and continue to press for engineering and signage changes at Sycamore and Gregg as part of the city's planned Vision 0 and Safe Streets and Roads for All projects.