27-Year-Old Man Suffers Critical Injury In Lakeland

LAKELAND, FL — A 27-year-old man was in critical condition with a brain injury after being struck by a car early Thursday morning in Lakeland. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. at New Tampa Highway and McCue Street, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

The victim was identified as Michael Duey, who had been walking along the road when he was struck. The driver was identified as 19-year-old Mireya Bautista, who told police she was on her way home from work as she was traveling east on New Tampa Highway.

"Mr. Duey hit the front windshield and rolled over the vehicle's roof prior to landing on the roadway," explained Sherrie Morgan of the Polk County Sheriff's Office. "Ms. Bautista then turned into a driveway and remained on scene until deputies arrived. There were no signs of impairment and Ms. Bautista was released from the scene."

Duey was taken by Polk County Fire Rescue to Lakeland Regional Health. Police said Bautista would not face charges.

"Mr. Duey was taken to Lakeland Regional Health and his prognosis is extremely poor," said Morgan. "Mr. Duey suffered a serious frontal brain injury and a fractured right leg."

Photo courtesy Polk County Sheriff's Office