Off-duty officer honored for assisting crossing guard

Las Vegas resident Robert Gibbs doesn’t consider himself a hero.

The retired Marine said he acted on instinct when he stopped a driver from attacking a school crossing guard Oct. 13 in south Las Vegas.

But Gibbs’ bravery impressed Clark County commissioners, who awarded the 55-year-old with a Distinguished Medal of Honor during a meeting Nov. 18.

“It’s shocking that our community school crossing guards should suffer any type of abuse, let alone what happened in this incident,” said Commissioner Steve Sisolak during the meeting. “We’re here to recognize Mr. Gibbs for his bravery in action … Therefore, the county commission has declared (Nov. 18) Robert Gibbs Day throughout all of Clark County.”

The Metropolitan Police Department said Adam Kondrat, 21, was weaving between cars at about 50 mph near Gehring Elementary School, 1155 E. Richmar Ave., when he was motioned to stop by school crossing guard Dano McKay.

Kondrat exited his car and began punching and kicking McKay, 65, until McKay fell to the ground and dropped his stop sign. Kondrat’s girlfriend, 22-year-old Sabrina J. Torres, grabbed the sign and handed it to Kondrat.

Gibbs, a railroad police officer, was off duty and riding his motorcycle to his daughter’s high school when he saw the attack. He intervened by attempting to pull Kondrat off McKay.

“It started out as any other Monday, and it went ugly real fast,” McKay said. “Thank God Mr. Gibbs was in the neighborhood.”

During the assault, Kondrat “fish-hooked” the side of Gibbs’ mouth, tearing the corner and requiring six stitches. The small scar serves as a battle wound.

“I’m sure I did the same thing that anyone would have done,” Gibbs said.

Kondrat and Torres were charged with conspiracy to commit battery, battery with substantial bodily harm and mayhem. Kondrat also faces two counts of battery on a protected person and one count each of battery, battery by a prisoner, intimidating a public officer and resisting a public officer.

“I’m just glad I was at the right place at the right time to help (McKay),” Gibbs said. “I’ve seen him crossing with the kids for years. I thank God I was there.”

Commissioners also recognized McKay for his 15 years of service as a school crossing guard, a job McKay said he hopes to continue for the next 15.

“I really like being with the kids, and I like doing my job,” McKay said. “(Gibbs) is everything a hero should be, and I thank him.”

Contact Henderson View reporter Caitlyn Belcher at cbelcher@viewnews.com or 702-383-0403.