DUBUQUE, Iowa — A 83-year-old driver struck a 6-year-old girl and her mother in a marked crosswalk near Audubon Elementary School Friday afternoon, January 30, 2026.

James Arthur Weitz, 83, of 3085 Oak Crest Dr., Dubuque, was driving a black 2018 Chevrolet Impala southbound on Lincoln Ave. at Johnson St. around 3:18 p.m. He failed to see Mia Leanna Bryson and her mother Samantha Gillum both of 3233 Getty Ter., Dubuque, crossing eastbound from the school at 605 Lincoln Ave.

The vehicle struck both pedestrians. Mia was knocked down and run over by the front and then rear wheels after the vehicle briefly stopped and lurched forward again. Samantha was pushed aside.

Mia suffered suspected serious injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital by Dubuque Fire Department. Samantha had suspected minor injuries and accompanied her in the ambulance.

Weitz was detained, transported for field sobriety testing, and his vehicle impounded. A blood sample was taken via search warrant for BAC analysis; results pending.

Weitz reported looking but not seeing the pedestrians. No alcohol or drug tests results noted yet for him.

The crash occurred in a school zone with signs. Investigation ongoing by Dubuque Police, Officer Serjon Bennett. Report: 2026-000656.

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