POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A night out in Winter Haven turned tragic early Sunday morning when a hit-and-run incident in Winter Haven left an Auburndale woman fighting for her life. The alleged perpetrator, a Lake Wales man, was later apprehended by Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives.
Early Sunday morning, Deputies responded to reports of a large crowd blocking Recker Highway around 2:50 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered 37-year-old Cierra Wright severely injured, lying in the middle of the road.
Despite the multitude of people present, no one initially came forward with information about the hit-and-run.
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Wright was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, including a fractured skull, brain bleed, fractured jaw, fractured pelvis, and a broken arm.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide detectives combed the scene for evidence. Their efforts led them to a blue 2020 Ford Fusion in Lake Wales, bearing the telltale signs of a pedestrian impact.
The driver, 41-year-old Terry Gardner, initially claimed that the damage was from a thrown brick. However, confronted with evidence like hair embedded in his windshield, he admitted to being behind the wheel in the area at the time of the crash.
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“Through the investigative efforts of our Traffic Homicide detectives, who are the very best at what they do, a blue 2020 Ford Fusion was found in Lake Wales that had damages consistent to those that would occur by striking a pedestrian. The driver was then located, and an arrest was made. We’re praying for a full and speedy recovery for Ms. Wright,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Gardner was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury.
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