Fatal Crash Investigation - 1500 Providence Road
LAKELAND, FL (April 20, 2026) - On Saturday, April 18, 2026, at approximately 9:33 a.m., officers responded to a traffic crash in the 1500 block of Providence Road. Just prior to the crash, a brown Chevrolet Malibu was traveling south on Providence Road. At the same time, a white Lexus SUV was traveling east on West 14th Street. The Lexus continued to enter the intersection at Providence Road and impacted the passenger's side of the Chevrolet. The Chevrolet was redirected in a southeast direction and impacted an electric pole. During the redirection, the Lexus impacted the Chevrolet a second time.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on scene to provide life saving measures. The drivers of both vehicles were transported to Lakeland Regional Health (LRH).
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.
The driver of the Chevrolet sustained critical injuries and was treated by medical professionals, however, despite their best efforts she succumbed to her injuries during the morning hours of April 20, 2026.
This remains an open and active investigation. If anyone has any additional information regarding the crash, please contact investigating Officer Travis Payne at Travis.payne@lakelandgov.net.
The brown Chevrolet Malibu (deceased) driver was identified as:
Tina Swakcerd
Age 65
Lakeland, FL
The white Lexus SUV driver was identified as:
Lattessia Lankin
Age: 34
Tampa, FL