Driver accused of killing beloved Tampa mailman arrested: Investigators
TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa police have arrested the accused hit-and-run driver investigators say killed a beloved mailman in Sulphur Springs on Monday.
According to the Tampa Police Department, 56-year-old Christopher Prater was arrested in the hit-and-run crash that left postal carrier, 69-year-old Paul Falica, dead.
"I hope this swift arrest will provide a small sense of closure for the Falica family, as well as the extended family from the US Postal Service, as they all continue to navigate this tragedy," said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw.
Previous booking photo of Christopher Prater. Courtesy: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Investigators said Falica was hit and killed at the intersection of East River Cove Street and North Mulberry Street in Sulphur Springs around 3 p.m. Detectives said the driver of a dark-colored Mercedes sedan was recklessly driving through the neighborhood when he hit the mail truck and took off.
Officials said they received a tip that suggested Prater may have been involved, and found the suspected vehicle in the driveway located on North 16th Street – about half a mile away from the crash scene. Detectives said Prater told them his roommate was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash, but was no longer in the area.
When authorities talked with the owner of the vehicle, they said he parked it at the same location a few days ago and didn't give anyone permission to drive it. The owner also said they gave the keys to Prater to keep at the home in case it needed to be moved.
When the vehicle was searched, detectives recovered fingerprints and a debit card that were all linked to Prater. They also found surveillance video showing the suspect getting in and out of the vehicle before and after it was returned with damages consistent with a crash.
Neighbors stand outside crime scene tape where a mailman was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Monday.
One resident said she heard the crash as she was waiting for her mail to be delivered and have her daily interaction with the mailman.
"It's sad mostly because of the fact that he's a really sweet guy," said Joya Taylor. "I mean he's really nice. We get a lot of packages and he's always like, 'Hey! Ya'll got a lot today'. Stuff like that. He's a real sweetheart."
Crime scene tape next to a mailbox in Sulphur Springs at the scene of a fatal crash.
Neighbors tell FOX 13 that Falica had been on that delivery route for more than two decades and planned to retire in February.
"At least do the right thing and say, ‘I didn’t mean to, or I didn’t see him.’ Just turn yourself in. You killed a lovely person," shared Christa Fowler.
Falica's ex-wife, Donna, says Falica has been with the United States Postal Service for 40 years. He has worked in the Tampa-area since 1993 and in New York before that.
Crime scene tape at scene of fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a beloved mailman.
Residents say speeding and reckless driving are common occurrences in the Sulphur Springs neighborhood and they want to see the city install more speed reduction devices such as speed bumps to get drivers to slow down and take precautions.
"Our thoughts are with Falica family during this tragic time and our detectives will work tirelessly to find justice for Mr. Falica and his loved ones," said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. "We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into this hit & run and will use all available resources to ensure that those responsible for this senseless act will be held accountable."
Prater was arrested on multiple charges, including leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving with a canceled, suspended or revoked license. He was booked into the Falkenburg Road Jail.