Driver Killed In Drug Deal At Polk County Park: Deputies

POLK COUNTY, FL — A victim was killed and another person was shot during a drug deal gone bad at a park Thursday, August 27, Polk County Sheriff's Office said.

Two sisters, their cousin and a friend called a Haines City man early in the day to make arrangements to buy marijuana from him, authorities said. They decided to meet him at Lake Blue Park.

After the man gave one of the sisters a bag of marijuana, the cousin tried to rob the man. The man then got a gun out of his vehicle and shot the cousin, authorities said.

The man told detectives that as he got out his car, people in a car drove toward him, and he shot the driver. The driver was pronounced dead at the location, investigators said. The cousin was last reported in critical condition at a local hospital.

Police did not release details about the charges anyone faces, but did say charges are forthcoming. Names were also not released.

Detectives want to identify the friend who was in the vehicle with the two sisters and cousin. If you know this person or have any information concerning this crime, please contact us at 863-298-6200.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers as 1-800-226 TIPS (8477), or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com, and click on "Submit A Tip," * Or download the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet.