On Tuesday, Florida police arrested a man who allegedly struck and killed a USPS worker a day earlier.
The Tampa Bay Times reported that Christopher Prater, 56, borrowed a car without permission before striking a postal truck driven by Paul Falica, 69. Witnesses reportedly saw a Mercedes driving away after Falica’s truck was overturned.
Falica was pinned under his truck and died at the scene, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Police following up on a tip reportedly discovered a damaged Mercedes in Prater’s driveway, which was half-mile from the fatal hit-and-run. Prater, who was in the home, allegedly told cops his roommate was driving the car but he was not in the area.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Mercedes’ owner said he parked the car at the home a few days earlier. The owner also said he gave the car keys to Prater in case he needed to move it but he did not give him permission to drive it.
A search of the Mercedes reportedly uncovered Prater’s fingerprints and a debit card with his name on it. According to WTVT, a surveillance video also showed Prater entering and exiting the vehicle — which had bumper damage consistent with a collision.
Additionally, Prater’s son had allegedly called the police after he overheard Prater say on the phone that he hit someone and left. The son also identified Prater as the person filmed getting in and out of the Mercedes before and after the deadly crash, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Residents told WTVT that Falica had worked that mail route for more than 20 years and he was set to retire in February.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Times reported that Prater has a lengthy criminal history which includes arrests for grand theft, aggravated assault, and DUI. Records also indicated that his driver’s license has been suspended 15 times.
Prater is charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death and driving without a valid license. A judge ordered on Wednesday for him to remain jailed without bond at least until Friday.
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[Featured image: Christopher Prater/Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office]
