UPDATE: ARREST MADE IN FATAL HIT-AND-RUN CRASH INVOLVING A PEDESTRIAN
LAKELAND, FL (January 15, 2025) - On January 15, 2025, traffic crash investigators with the Lakeland Police Department arrested Daniel Kovacs in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash which occurred on November 23, 2024, in the 700 block of South Florida Avenue. Kovacs was arrested at his home around 1:45 p.m.
During the post-crash investigation it was determined the suspect vehicle was possibly a silver or grey Range Rover. On November 25, 2024, as investigators were checking with local repair shops, an employee of The Lakeland Body Shop Collision Repair contacted LPD and advised there was a vehicle dropped off for repairs which matched the suspect vehicle in this incident. Investigators examined the vehicle and found evidence consistent with the crash circumstances and evidence found at the scene. The vehicle had been recently washed, and attempts had been made to fix the damage with tape and zip ties. The vehicle was a 2022 silver Land Rover Range Rover Sport registered to Kovacs.
Investigators gathered video surveillance and other evidence which showed prior to the crash Kovacs spent a few hours at a downtown restaurant where he was seen consuming alcoholic beverages with another male, Miguel Rodriguez (age 41 of Windemere, FL). Further video showed Kovacs left the downtown area driving his Land Rover with Rodriguez as a passenger just prior to the crash which occurred at 12:02 a.m. Surveillance video from the crash scene showed the Land Rover colliding with the victim, Robin Brown (age 67 of Lakeland), and leaving the scene without stopping to render aid to the victim.
Having developed sufficient probable cause, investigators arrested Kovacs; charging him with Leaving the Scene of a Crash Resulting in Death (F1) and Tampering with Physical Evidence (F3).
"This certainly is a heartbreaking case in which we are grateful for the cooperation of many Lakeland businesses who provided the evidence needed to ensure justice was served for Robin Brown. Our investigators have poured many dedicated hours of their time into this case to ensure that as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Ms. Brown as they mourn her loss." - Chief Sam Taylor
This case remains an open and active Investigation.
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FATAL HIT-AND-RUN CRASH INVESTIGATION
LAKELAND, FL (November 23, 2024) - On Saturday, November 23, 2024, at approximately 12:02 a.m., officers responded to a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian near the 700 block of South Florida Avenue. Prior to the crash, a pedestrian was attempting to cross South Florida Avenue in a westbound direction from Palmetto Avenue when they were struck by a vehicle traveling southbound on South Florida Avenue. Post crash, the vehicle fled the scene and continued traveling southbound on South Florida Avenue.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Unit, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department arrived on the scene and began life-saving measures. The pedestrian, later identified as Robin Brown, age 67, was transported to Lakeland Regional Health. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Brown succumbed to her injuries.
Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately four and a half hours while the scene was processed for the ongoing investigation.
Lakeland Police Department traffic investigators are looking for any information regarding the vehicle that was involved. The suspect vehicle is believed to be a 2018-2022 Range Rover Sport 2, possibly gray or sliver in color. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer Camilo Almeida at camilo.almeida@lakelandgov.net or Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida.
Tipsters contacting Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida 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 1-888-400-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.
Media inquiries should be directed to mediarelations@lakelandgov.net.