Pedestrian hit, killed by deputy cruiser

Investigators said a Brevard County deputy driving to work struck and killed a pedestrian early Monday morning.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Deputy Vincent Marino-Vitane was driving eastbound on state Road 520 at around 5:45 a.m., when he hit a woman near the intersection at Wilson Avenue.

Troopers said Henrietta Strong was not at a crosswalk, and walked directly into the deputy cruiser’s path.

The intersection was shut down for nearly three hours in all directions as troopers investigated the accident. The roads reopened around 8:45 a.m.

Troopers said the 65-year-old woman died at the scene.

Neighbors said they often saw Strong crossing the busy street, collecting aluminum cans.

“There are too many cans out here. So she had to be on her morning journey,” said Jarmesha Pollard. “That’s where I see her a lot. That’s why I figure she stays over there.”

Left behind after the early-morning incident were some cans, part of the woman’s cane broken in two, and pieces of the deputy’s cruiser.

Marino-Vitane, a 20-year veteran of the force, was not hurt, though his marked cruiser was slightly damaged in the front.

Charges are pending in the accident.

Troopers said they were investigating whether or not Marino-Vitane was driving under the posted 40 mph speed limit along S.R. 520.