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A 46-year-old Austin man who posed as a crossing guard, complete with a reflective vest, was arrested Thursday for allegedly assaulting a 13-year-old boy.

Wade Novack was arrested and released after being cited with fifth-degree assault Thursday afternoon around 3:30 p.m.

According to Police Chief Brian Krueger, Novack reported to law enforcement Thursday that he had been assaulted by a 13-year-old boy and 11-year-old girl. As an officer was on his way to the scene of the assault at the intersection of 10th Drive and Sixth Ave. SE, he ran into the boy and girl. The 13-year-old boy told the officer Novack had actually assaulted him, according to police reports.

“It appears Novack was acting on his own as a crossing guard,” Krueger said. The boy said Novack, who is not employed as a crossing guard, was wearing a reflective vest and got into a verbal altercation with him about the proper way to cross the street. Novack allegedly grabbed the boy to get him to cross the street faster. He then reportedly pursued the two juveniles for about 50-75 feet before stating he is with the police department and would have to take them to detention, Krueger said.

The boy told police Novack grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him. The 11-year-old girl reportedly kicked Novack in the groin area to get him to stop.

Police found a red, flashing light on the passenger floor of Novack’s car. Krueger said the light had Velcro on it so it could stick to the dash, but Novack denied using it.

A report of the incident was sent to the city attorney for reviewal.

Krueger said it’s important to recognize real crossing guards.

“A real crossing guard will have a flag,” Krueger said. “We supply them with the flag. We want to make sure people are aware of this happening.”

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