Deputies cite garbage truck driver for the crash that killed a pedestrian in Treasure Island.

On Thursday, October 6, 2016, deputies made contact with Chester Lee Tunsil II, the driver of the City of Treasure Island garbage truck, and cited him with careless driving for the crash that killed 44-year-old Justin Mastry in Treasure Island on August 12, 2016.

Tunsil was issued a mandatory court appearance on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at 9:00 a.m., South County Traffic Court.

***End of Update***

***Original Release Below***

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.)

Chester Lee Tunsil II (Driver- Uninjured)
DOB: 8/15/1978
Address: 1098 54^th Avenue S, St. Petersburg
Vehicle: City of Treasure Island Garbage Truck (2008 Peterbilt Tag-XA3755)

Justin Alexander Mastry (Deceased)
DOB: 10/27/1971
Address: 8135 Bayshore Dr., Treasure Island  
Vehicle: N/A

What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a single truck crash  involving a vehicle hitting a pedestrian.

When:
The crash occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on August 12, 2016.

Where:
The crash occurred at 8135 Bayshore Drive in Treasure Island.

Why/How:

According to deputies, Chester Tunsil, 38, was driving a City of Treasure Island garbage truck northbound on Bayshore Drive in Treasure Island.  While collecting garbage between 81^st Avenue and 82^nd Avenue, Tunsil realized he missed a house approximately three houses behind him.

Deputies say Tunsil put the truck in reverse and began backing towards the house he missed.

While backing the truck, Justin Mastry, 44, was crossing the roadway in front of his residence at 8135 Bayshore Drive when the garbage truck backed over him.

According to deputies, Tunsil said he didn’t see Mastry in the roadway behind him.

Fire rescue paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced Mastry deceased.

Alcohol and/or drug impairment do not appear to be factors.

Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation continues.