Man Fatally Shot In Car Outside Lakeland; Sheriff's Deputies Seek Tips

LAKELAND, FL — Law enforcement authorities are continuing to seek tips in a fatal shooting Friday.

At 2:30 p.m., Lakeland police and Polk County sheriff's deputies were called to the intersection of West Memorial Boulevard and Chestnut Road for an accident involving a white Kia and a black Ford truck.

Just before the crash, the driver of the truck was traveling west of West Memorial Boulevard when the Kia struck his vehicle. Deputies were able to interview the driver of the truck, who remained at the scene and did not sustain any injuries.

The Kia was found abandoned a short distance away in the center median with multiple bullet holes.

Detectives learned that the 46-year-old man driving the Kia sustained gunshot wounds and had been transported by a personal vehicle to Lakeland Regional Health before law enforcement arrived at the scene. Despite the best efforts of emergency medical professionals, he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The sheriff's office began to investigate after learning that the crash occurred in the 2900 block of West Memorial Boulevard, outside the Lakeland city limits.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have information to contact Detective Troy Smith at troy.smith@lakelandgov.net. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226 TIPS (8477) or from a cell phone at **TIPS.