Lakeland Teen Struck By Hit-And-Run Driver

LAKELAND, FL — A Lakeland teenager suffered a broken leg and wrist early Tuesday when she was struck by a hit-and-run driver on her way to school. The victim, identified as 17-year-old Elani Miller of New Beginnings High School was taken to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center as the Polk County Sheriff's Office began searching for the driver whose SUV catapulted Miller into a water-filled ditch.

The SUV was last seen heading toward Galloway Road after striking the teenager on the south side of Swindell Road, just east of the intersection with Pineville Lane. Miller was heading to a city bus stop around 6:30 a.m. when the incident occurred.

Subscribe to Lakeland Patch for our free morning newsletter and regular news alerts

"She is expected to recover," explained Carrie Horstman of the Polk County Sheriff's Office. "The suspect vehicle, according to witnesses and debris left behind, is possibly a 1999-2006 model dark-colored GMC Yukon or a 1999-2006 model dark-colored Chevrolet Suburban or Tahoe."

To report a tip, call the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 863-298-6200. Alternatively, call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 800-226-TIPS (8477) or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office released an aerial image of the area where a 17-year-old Lakeland high school student was struck by a hit-and-run driver early Tuesday.