St. Petersburg, Florida — A longtime city employee is facing criminal charges after authorities say a garbage truck struck and killed a woman sleeping in a downtown alley before the driver allegedly left the scene.
The incident has sparked questions about alleyway safety and whether warnings given before the crash could have prevented the tragedy.
Woman Fatally Struck While Sleeping in Alley
According to investigators, 49-year-old Candice Roberts was sleeping in an alley near 17 3rd Street North early Saturday morning when the fatal incident occurred.
Police believe Roberts was homeless and had been resting alongside several other individuals in the area.
Authorities allege that 51-year-old Nathan Brown, a St. Petersburg garbage truck driver and longtime city employee, backed his truck into the alley to collect a dumpster.
During that process, police say Roberts was struck by the vehicle.
“He backed up, and he ran over the victim,” St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway said. “As he pulled forward, he hit her again.”
Emergency responders later arrived at the scene, but Roberts died from her injuries.
Police Say Driver Left Scene After Crash
Investigators allege Brown drove away after the collision rather than remaining at the scene. As a result, he has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death.
According to the arrest affidavit, Brown has no prior criminal history, but police believe evidence supports the criminal charge. Authorities are continuing to review witness statements and physical evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.
Bystander Allegedly Warned Driver Before Incident
One of the key details emerging from the investigation involves an alleged warning given before the crash occurred.
According to police, a bystander reportedly informed Brown that people were sleeping in the alley before he backed the garbage truck into the area.
Investigators are examining whether that warning was heard and whether additional precautions should have been taken before the vehicle entered the narrow alleyway.
The allegation is expected to play a significant role as the case moves through the court system.
Witness Recalls Horrific Scene
Among those present that morning was John Burke, who said he had also been sleeping in the alley near Roberts.
Burke explained that several people had been resting in the area when the incident happened.
“We had been hanging out, you know, tired and decided to rest our head there, but she was farther out into the road and, I guess he didn’t see us laying there,” Burke said.
He recalled waking up after authorities arrived at the scene.
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“But then I look over at her, and it was a horrendous sight to behold,” Burke said. “It baffled me.”
His account provides a glimpse into the devastating aftermath witnessed by those nearby.
Investigation Continues as Detectives Seek Video Evidence
Detectives are continuing to interview witnesses and are searching for surveillance footage from nearby businesses that may show the garbage truck entering and leaving the area.
Police hope video evidence could help clarify the sequence of events leading up to the fatal collision. Anyone with information is being encouraged to contact the St. Petersburg Police Department through its tip line.
Driver Released on Bond
Brown appeared in court following his arrest, where a judge set his bond at $50,000. Court records indicate that one condition of his release prohibits him from operating a vehicle while the case remains pending.
Authorities confirmed that Brown has since posted bond and been released from custody. No additional court date has been announced at this time.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue gathering evidence surrounding the tragic incident.
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