“Christopher Prater Arrested in Fatal Hit-and-Run of USPS Carrier Paul Falica”

TAMPA, Fla. — An individual, aged 56, has been apprehended in connection with the tragic hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a United States Postal Service carrier, as confirmed by the Tampa Police Department.

Christopher Prater has been charged with the offenses of leaving the scene of a crash involving a fatality and driving with a canceled, suspended, or revoked license.

Mugshot of Christopher Prater, who has been charged in connection with a hit and run. (Hillsborough County Sheriff\’s Office)

The tragic collision occurred on Monday afternoon at the junction of River Cove Street and North Mulberry Street. Regrettably, the victim, Paul Falica, a 69-year-old USPS worker, met his untimely demise at the accident spot, as confirmed by the law enforcement authorities.

According to the police, a tip provided by an anonymous source raised suspicions of Prater’s involvement in the hit-and-run incident. Acting upon this lead, the authorities approached Prater at his residence situated in the 8400 block of North 16th Street. To their surprise, they discovered the suspected vehicle parked in the driveway.

During the investigation, Prater claimed that his roommate had been driving the vehicle but was no longer in the vicinity. The vehicle’s owner, however, informed the investigators that he had parked it at that location a few days ago and had not given anyone permission to operate it. Furthermore, the owner divulged that he had entrusted Prater with the keys to keep at their shared residence, in case the vehicle needed to be relocated.

Law enforcement officers discovered fingerprints matching those of Prater inside the vehicle. Additionally, they found a debit card bearing Prater’s name within the vehicle, further linking him to the incident.

Investigators were able to obtain surveillance footage which captured Prater entering the vehicle prior to the crash, and subsequently returning the vehicle with visible damage to its front-end.

Prater was taken into custody on Tuesday and has been transported to Falkenburg Road Jail.

Police Chief Lee Bercaw expressed his hope that the swift arrest would provide some closure for the grieving Falica family, as well as the extended family of the US Postal Service, who continue to navigate through this tragic event.

A memorial has been set up near the crash site to honor the memory of Falica. According to acquaintances, Falica was deeply passionate about his job, which he had dedicated more than three decades of his life to.

“He had no interest in retiring, even though he could have done so almost ten years ago,” stated Brian Obst, the president of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 599. “Retirement was not something he desired. He cherished his work and intended to continue doing it.”