FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION
*****UPDATE*****
Lakeland, FL (March 8, 2026) - On March 7, 2026, traffic crash investigators with the Lakeland Police Department arrested Jeffery Ronald Allen in connection with a fatal traffic crash which occurred on March 2, 2026, in the 1500 block of East Memorial Boulevard. Allen was arrested at his home around 8:30 p.m.
On Monday, March 2, 2026, at approximately 10:45 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash in the 1500 block of East Memorial Boulevard at Interlachen Parkway. Just prior to the crash, a silver GMC SUV was traveling eastbound on East Memorial Boulevard. At the same time a bronze Ford SUV was traveling westbound on East Memorial Boulevard. As the vehicles approached the same area, the Ford left the roadway, struck a guard rail, then redirected southwest into the eastbound lane of travel impacting the GMC.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on scene to provide life-saving measures. Both drivers were transported to Lakeland Regional Health (LRH). Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, the driver of the GMC later succumbed to his injuries at LRH. The driver of the Ford SUV (Allen) was transported to LRH for injuries as well.
During the post-crash investigation, officers made contact with Allen and saw he had multiple indicators of impairment. Traffic investigators obtained a search warrant for Allen's blood which was tested for alcohol content at Lakeland Regional Health while he received treatment for injuries. After obtaining the results of the search warrant, investigators had enough probable cause to arrest Allen, charging him with DUI Manslaughter.
This case remains open and active.
*****Original Release*****
FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION
LAKELAND, FL (March 4, 2026) - On Monday, March 2, 2026, at approximately 10:45 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash in the 1500 block of East Memorial Boulevard at Interlachen Parkway. Just prior to the crash, a silver GMC SUV was traveling eastbound on East Memorial Boulevard. At the same time a bronze Ford SUV was traveling westbound on East Memorial Boulevard. As the vehicles approached the same area, the Ford left the roadway, struck a guard rail, then redirected southwest into the eastbound lane of travel impacting the GMC.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on scene to provide life-saving measures. Both drivers were transported to Lakeland Regional Health (LRH). Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, the driver of the GMC later succumbed to his injuries at LRH. The driver of the Ford SUV remains hospitalized.
Traffic homicide investigators are continuing to process evidence in this 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 silver GMC SUV (deceased) driver was identified as:
Deldrick A. Leonard
Age 49
Winter Haven, FL
The bronze Ford SUV driver was identified as:
Jeffrey R. Allen
Age: 49
Lakeland, FL