UPDATE: In March 2022, The State Attorney’s Office concluded that the facts and circumstances revealed do not warrant prosecution at this time. Brady was facing manslaughter charges.
The St. Petersburg Department (SPPD) has charged 22 year-old Tyler Brady with manslaughter via culpable negligence after the death of a bicyclist. The collision occurred at approximately 12:10 p.m. on November 4, 2021.
On November 9, 2021, SPPD announced that the bicyclist, 77 year-old Alvera Minutello of St. Petersburg, died as a result of her injuries in the crash near the intersection of 18th Avenue N and 66th Street.
According to the arrest affidavit, Brady was operating a 61 lb dual motor electric scooter eastbound on 18th Avenue N while crossing 66th Street. Minutello was pedaling her bicycle westbound on 18th Avenue N, against the flow of traffic, approaching 66th Street. Minutello was reportedly, as close as practical, to the south curb line in an apparent attempt to turn south onto 66th Street to head to Publix.
Investigators say that Brady was traveling approximately 17-18 miles per hour and saw Minutello from the middle of the intersection approximately 80 feet away. They report that Minutello was barely peddling and had possibly stopped against the curb to allow Brady and possibly another eastbound vehicle to pass. The investigators go on to say that Brady did not slow down and minimize the impact nor did he swerve in an attempt to avoid the collision, “despite the majority of the eastbound lanes being open and unobstructed.” The two collided head-on, just east of the intersection, causing “significant damage” to both vehicles and causing life threatening injuries to Minutello, according to the arrest affidavit. Minutello died as a result of her injuries on November 8, 2021.
According to arrest records, Brady stated he did not mean to intentionally hit the bicyclist but admitted to driving straight into her and not taking any evasive action to avoid or minimize the impact.
Brady was arrested in the morning of Tuesday, November 9, 2021 on charges of manslaughter via culpable negligence and remains in custody at the Pinellas County Jail.