Fatal Crash Investigation

LAKELAND (October 19, 2021) - On Saturday, October 16, 2021, at approximately 4:20 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle near the 3800 block of US Highway 98 North. According to reports, just before the crash, the rider and passenger of a Harley Davidson motorcycle were traveling northbound on US Highway 98 North. At the same time, the driver of a Honda four-door sedan was exiting the parking lot of the Target shopping plaza and pulled into the path of the motorcycle. The operator of the motorcycle was unable to avoid the car and crashed.

 

The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Unit, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on the scene and began to provide life-saving measures. All persons involved in the crash were transported to Lakeland Regional Health for treatment. 

 

The roadway was shut down for approximately four hours while the scene was processed for the ongoing investigation. Neither speed nor impairment appears to be a factor in the crash. 

Traffic homicide investigators were notified on Monday, October 18, that the motorcycle passenger had succumbed to their injuries. 

 

This remains an open and active investigation. If anyone has any additional information regarding the crash, please contact Sergeant Dale Deas at Dale.Deas@lakelandgov.net.