Woman and dog killed by garbage truck, driver now faces charges

DAVIDSON, NC (WJZY) - A man is now charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle after the garbage truck he was driving ran over not just a woman - but the dog she was walking. 

It happened in the heart of downtown Davidson around noon Friday, April 1, 2016. 

Police said the victim was well-known in the community. They said the woman was walking two dogs in the 200 block of S. Main Street  - when her and one of the dogs were struck and killed by a garbage truck. 

The victim's ex-husband told FOX 46 the victim's name is Janet McFadden who owns Davidson Pet Sitters. On their Facebook page customers are already leaving condolences. 

CMPD said McFadden was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk, when a Republic Services garbage truck, driven by Jeffrey Wilburn, made a left turn from South Street onto S. Main Street and hit her. 

McFadden was pronounced dead on scene. 

This accident has Main Street in disbelief. 

"We're such a cute, small town. Everyone knows each other. I can just tell from the customers and the locals that I know and how it effects everybody."

Wilburn has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle. Police said speed and alcohol were not factors in this crash.

Police also told FOX 46 that crosswalk lights where the accident happened were just installed weeks ago.

"This intersection right here just was the site of a lot of improvements to help pedestrians cross the street," Chief of Police Jeanne Miller said. 

Janet's body was found 20 yards from the crosswalk, but her dog was discovered right near it. 

The Davidson Police Department requested the assistance of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit on this tragic incident.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is the investigating agency for this crash. Any person who witnessed the crash or has information about the case is asked to call Detective Sammis (704) 336-8862 or Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.