EPISD identifies driver, woman struck and killed at Tippin Elementary parking lot

El Paso ISD police said responsibility for the deadly wreck at Tippin Elementary rests with the 58-year-old driver involved and not the school’s administration.

A woman was killed and three children were injured. Tuesday, El Paso ISD identified the woman as Kharisma Aslee James. Police officials also identified the driver of the vehicle involved as Roger Hawkins, 58.

EDITOR’S NOTE: El Paso ISD Police initially and incorrectly identified the driver as Roger Hawking. The district later issued a correction, saying the driver’s last name is Hawkins.

The accident was reported at about 3:30 p.m. on Monday, August 13, 2018. The school is located at 6541 Bear Ridge, east of Redd Road. Police originally said the driver involved in the wreck was an elderly man.

During a news conference Tuesday – streamed live on KVIA.com – the district’s police chief said Hawkins was pulling out of a parking space and “became disoriented” when he struck a vehicle.

At that point, Hawkins struck three children nearby, said EPISD Police Chief Victor Araiza.

As the mother of the children and other witnesses approached Hawkins, the driver once again “became disoriented.” Instead of placing the vehicle on park, Hawkins put it on drive and accelerated, striking and killing James, the police chief said.

“The gentlemen operating the vehicle became confused when he was approached by some of the witnesses and the bystanders to explain to them what happened, to try to get him to reverse the vehicle,” said Araiza, “He became confused and put the vehicle on drive and struck the mother, ultimately causing her death.” Araiza said no charges have been filed and the wreck remains under investigation.

EPISD said all three children struck by the driver – ages six, seven and 10 – suffered serious injuries, but are expected to survive. James was the mother of the six and seven year olds, EPISD police said.

Araiza said it is difficult to describe what could have been done to prevent the wreck. The driver is ultimately responsible for the “tragic accident,” Araiza said, adding no fault should be placed on the school’s administration.

“We know the driver was disoriented and confused. We don’t know if the driver was suffering from a medical condition. We don’t know what happened,” said EPISD Superintendent Juan Cabrera.

The superintendent said extra substitutes and counselors were sent to Tippin Elementary to help teachers, staff and students grieving over the tragedy. “This is the second day of the school year. It should be one of the most joyous times of the year. We are taking care of our teachers and staff so they can take care of the kids,” Cabrera said.

EPISD Board President Trent Hatch said district leaders held a positive and productive meeting with members of the Tippin community Tuesday morning. Hatch said the district listened to suggestions made by parents.

“Our community, teachers and students are very resilient and we will continue to support them in the wake of this unfortunate tragedy,” Hatch said.

ABC-7 has learned James worked for The Hospitals of Providence. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend, Kharisma James. This is a tragic loss for our family. Our hearts go out to her family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time,” said Nicholas Tejeda, CEO for The Hospitals of Providence.