Lakeland Man, 33, Killed In Hit-And-Run

LAKELAND, FL — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a hit-and-run crash that left a pedestrian from Lakeland dead. Authorities say Jerry Dean Walker was struck and killed in the southbound lanes of U.S. 27 near Avon Park Cutoff Road sometime between late Thursday night and early Friday morning.

The sheriff’s office was notified about the crash in the Frostproof area when it received a 911 call around 12:35 a.m. July 7. The caller told authorities a man was dead in the road and appeared to have been hit and killed by a vehicle.

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Authorities say the vehicle involved is believed to be a car, not a semi-truck or SUV. The vehicle’s color, make and model, however, are not available.

It is unclear whether the crash occurred late Thursday night or early Friday morning. Deputies say Walker, 33, was wearing basketball-style shorts and no other clothing when he was struck. He did not have shoes on, but did have beer cans with him, an email from the sheriff’s office said.

“Impairment on his part is suspected,” the email said. “It does appear he was walking in the roadway when he was struck.”

No further information is available at this time.

Anyone with information about the crash that led to Walker's death is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 863-298-6200. Anonymous tips may also be submitted by calling Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS.

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