SANFORD, Fla. – A bicyclist is dead, and a city of Sanford employee is facing charges after a garbage truck she was driving struck and killed a bicyclist, police said.
Around 8 a.m. Tuesday, officers responded to a 911 call reporting a crash at the intersection of W. Airport Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
According to police, a City of Sanford Class V rear-loader garbage truck was traveling northbound on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and struck a bicyclist who was also heading north and attempting to make a right turn onto Airport Boulevard.
The driver did not stop to render aid. A witness at the scene helped officers identify the vehicle and driver. The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital, where they later died from their injuries, police said.
The driver, Shawannia Smith, 46, a city of Sanford employee, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and cited for violating the right of way of a cyclist.
“The City of Sanford extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the bicyclist who lost their life in this tragic incident.
The employee involved has been employed by the City since March 1, 2021, and has been placed on suspension pending the outcome of the investigation.
The City of Sanford is fully supporting the Sanford Police Department’s ongoing investigation. We will continue to follow the appropriate administrative process while remaining committed to accountability, transparency, and the safety of our community."
The City of Sanford
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sanford Police Department or Crimeline at 800-423-8477. Calls remain anonymous.
