The driver of an SUV that struck and killed a Laurel Department of Public Works employee will face no charges, officials said Tuesday.
Marcus Colbert, 30, died Jan. 23, 2017 in Laurel, Maryland after being hit on the job.
"Marcus was a fine young man," Laurel Mayor Craig A. Moe said. "I'm not happy about there being no charges. We'll make sure his family is taken care of down the line."
Police say the driver of the SUV struck a parked car along Old Sandy Spring Road and then hit Colbert, who was at the back of the truck loading trash.
Colbert, a Department of Public Works employee, was crushed. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The State's Attorney's Office told police in January that there was not enough evidence to charge the driver with violating any Maryland state laws.
Prosecutors met with Colbert's family, their attorney and Laurel Police Chief Richard McLaughlin and answered questions about the case and their decision not to prosecute.
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Sanitation workers from several cities and counties in western Maryland came together after Colbert's death to pay tribute to a man who died on the job in Prince George's County.
Sanitation workers from across the region attended Colbert's funeral to say goodbye and celebrate his life.
"We do the same dirty job, but we love what we do, otherwise, we wouldn’t do it. And it feeds our family, takes care of our family and he was part of our family," said Sherman Garland, who works for the Bowie Department of Public Works.
Born and raised in Laurel, Colbert had worked for the public works department for more than a decade. He followed in the footsteps of his father, who worked for the department for 23 years.
Colbert was beloved on his trash route and was remembered for his strong work ethic.
"It’s a tough day for all of us," said Laurel Mayor Craig Moe.
"I wish I could have had you for 100 more years," Colbert's sister, Cynthia Colbert, said at his funeral.
Workers said Colbert's death is a reminder for everyone to look around and keep an eye out for workers on the roads.
"Even though this is a sad occasion, it should be a learning experience for everybody," said Melvin Thompson, the solid waste superintendent for the City of Bowie.
The City of Laurel is working to find a way to memorialize Colbert. He was the first Laurel worker to die on the job.
