HIT-AND-RUN CRASH INVESTIGATION
LAKELAND, FL (November 11, 2023) – On November 10, 2023, at approximately 10:25 p.m., officers responded to a crash near the 3400 block of US Highway 98 North. At the scene, officers located an unresponsive male in the roadway that had been struck by a vehicle. Members of the Lakeland Police Department, Lakeland Fire Department, and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the scene to render aid to the pedestrian and secure the scene. The pedestrian, a 29-year-old male, was transported to the Lakeland Regional Health Center with critical injuries.
Based on evidence gathered thus far, investigators believe prior to the crash, a dark-colored pick-up truck was traveling southbound in the center lane of US Highway 98 North in the 3400 block. As the vehicle continued southbound, the driver of the vehicle began to change lanes from the center lane into the inside lane of travel. At the same time, a pedestrian was in the inside southbound lane, attempting to cross the roadway. The driver of the vehicle attempted an evasive maneuver to avoid hitting the pedestrian but was unsuccessful and struck the pedestrian. The vehicle came to a controlled stop in the northbound lanes of the roadway but, shortly after, fled the scene in a southbound direction without making any attempts to render aid or provide any information.
The roadway was shut down for approximately four hours while the scene was processed for the ongoing investigation.
The driver of the vehicle has not been identified at this time. A witness on scene captured a digital photograph of the suspect vehicle, a dark-colored lifted pick-up truck. Investigators believe it may have damage on the passenger side. DOWNLOAD IMAGE
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigator Edgardo Cruz at Edgardo.cruz@lakelandgov.net or Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida.
Tipsters will always remain anonymous when sending a tip through Crime Stoppers and could be eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to an arrest.
Submitting a tip is easy:
- Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
- From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
- Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip,"
- Or download the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet.