12-Year-Old Killed After Wandering Into Traffic

LAKELAND, FL — A 12-year-old Lakeland boy was killed early Sunday morning when he wandered away from his family's trailer and was struck by a car, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

Sergeant Steve Gaskins of FHP told Patch that Tracy Logan Castner's parents did not know he left the trailer park on the south side of Interstate 4 during the overnight hours. Both parents were home at the time.

The child was struck by a Ford Focus when he crossed into the travel lanes of the interstate around 3:32 a.m. The child was pronounced dead at the scene near mile marker 33, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

The driver of the Ford was identified as 19-year-old Austin Walter Taylor of Mulberry, who was not injured.

FHP said alcohol was not a factor in the crash. No charges were filed in the case.