POLK COUNTY, Fla. – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office’s Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a fatal collision that happened Tuesday morning, May 14, 2024, just northeast of Lakeland.
At approximately 9:17 AM, deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue were called to the scene of the collision at the intersection of Moore Road and Old Polk City Road.
Deputies say a red 2000 Sterling dump truck and a white 1970 Ford pickup truck were the two vehicles involved in the collision.
Read: Polk County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Substitute School Crossing Guards Across Polk County
The driver of the Ford pickup truck, Polk City resident Carl Medlin, 93, was taken to a nearby hospital after suffering severe injuries in the collision; he died at approximately 11:38 AM.
The 60-year-old driver of the dump truck was unharmed in the collision.
Just before the collision, the dump truck was heading south on Moore Road, and Mr. Medlin’s Ford was traveling west on Old Polk City Road.
The facts, witness accounts, and early inquiry all indicate that the dump truck did not stop completely and instead continued into the intersection and into the path of the approaching Ford.
Read: Two Polk State Softball Players Named All-Citrus Conference
Although the Ford truck had only a lap belt, both drivers had their seat belts on.
The intersection was closed for approximately four hours during the investigation, which remains ongoing. Pending the outcome of the investigation, any citations and/or criminal charges are pending.
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.