VIRGINIA BEACH -- Ahomeless man run over while sleeping on the beach at the Oceanfront was laid to rest Thursday.
Michael Knockett, 52,was struck by a beach trash truck last week.
While no criminal charges will be filed in the case, the city is reviewing what happened and changing procedures, at least temporarily.
'We know we are under great scrutiny. We are conducting extra safety briefings. Our employees are extremely saddened by this incident. I mean, it's been ten years since we have a fatality at the beach,' said Deputy City Manager Dave Hansen.
WVEC.com followed a trash collection crew traveling down the beach at the Oceanfront, emptying trash cans around 7:30 a.m., around the same time and place as last week when a trash truck ran over Knockett.
Our camera noticed two people in the cab of the trash truck at all times -- a new rule.
Last week, only the driver was in the cab of the truck when knockett was killed.
Trash cans were pushed three to five yards farther back from the shore.
'So the early morning sunbathers, visitors and tourists would have more room,' Hansen said.
Dave Linkins, who has slept on the beach for two years, said the trucks have slowed to a crawl since the accident.
He said he noticed crew members walking alongside the trucks more often.
'It's never like that,' Linkins said. 'You never see them walking in front of the trucks, ever.'
The Public Works Department also plans to install more mirrors on garbage trucks that drive on the beach.
