FATAL HIT-AND-RUN CRASH INVESTIGATION / KENNEDY BLVD
LAKELAND, FL (January 13, 2024) – On January 12, 2024, at approximately 11:31 p.m., officers responded to the area near the 1500 block of Kennedy Boulevard after receiving a call of an unresponsive female lying in the grassy area the roadway. Members of the Lakeland Police Department, Lakeland Fire Department, and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the scene to render aid and secure the scene. The pedestrian, a 59-year-old female, was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Based on evidence gathered thus far at the scene, investigators believe the pedestrian was walking south on Kennedy Boulevard when she was struck by an unknown vehicle also traveling south on Kennedy Boulevard. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene. At this time, a vehicle description is not known.
The roadway was shut down for approximately two hours while the scene was processed for the ongoing investigation.
Lakeland Police Department traffic investigators are looking for any information regarding the vehicle that was involved. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer Travis Payne at travis.payne@lakelandgov.net or Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida.
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· Call 1-888-400-TIPS (8477)
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