Pickup Truck Sought In Crash That Critically Injured Motorcyclist

WINTER HAVEN, FL — Polk County sheriff's traffic homicide investigators believe the vehicle involved in a crash that left a Winter Haven motorcyclist in critical condition Wednesday may have been a red or gray 1997 Dodge Dakota pickup truck and the driver of the truck was an older white man.

Police are seeking the driver for questioning.

Around 8:20 p.m. Feb. 15, a 28-year-old Winter Haven man was struck while riding a Yamaha motorcycle on U.S. 27 near the Peace Creek RV Park.

Witnesses said the motorcyclist was seen driving east on Cypress Gardens Boulevard, passing other vehicles, at a high rate of speed. He then turned north onto U.S. 27 and continued to drive at fast speeds. As he approached the Peace Creek RV Park, the motorcyclist struck the rear of another vehicle.

The other vehicle was not at the crash scene when deputies arrived. It is unknown if the driver was aware he'd been hit by the motorcycle.

Anyone who has any information regarding this crash should contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 863-298-6200. Tips can also be made anonymously to Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).