Fatal Crash Investigation
LAKELAND, FL (February 14, 2023) - On Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at approximately 12:40 a.m., officers responded to a traffic crash near Kathleen Road and Bellgrove Street in Lakeland. Just prior to the crash, a red Hyundai four-door vehicle was traveling northbound on Kathleen Road. For an unknown reason, the driver lost control of the vehicle, at which time the vehicle left the roadway and struck a large concrete utility pole. The unrestrained driver was ejected from the vehicle.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Unit, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures. Unfortunately, the driver of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical professionals.
Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately four hours while the scene was processed for the ongoing investigation.
This remains an open investigation. If anyone has additional information regarding the crash, please contact investigating Officer Tyler Anderson at Tyler.Anderson@Lakelandgov.net.
The driver (deceased) was identified as:
Shania Johnson
Age 37
Lakeland, FL