Polk County Confrontation Between Motorists Ends In Bloodshed

WINTER HAVEN, FL —A confrontation between two motorists ended in bloodshed over the weekend when the driver of an SUV opened fire on the driver of a pickup truck, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

The agency's Brian Bruchey said the incident occurred shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Saturday when the pickup truck came to a sudden stop in front of the SUV on Lake Ned Road.

"The occupants of the SUV told detectives that the pickup came to a sudden stop, which forced the SUV to stop suddenly," Bruchey explained. "The driver then approached the SUV, cursing about them following too closely and saying that he should kill them."

Bruchey said the driver of the pickup returned to the truck, turned around and began walking back toward the SUV.

"The driver of the SUV said that he feared the other driver was coming to kill him, so he grabbed a firearm from a dash compartment, pointed it out of his window toward the other driver and fired," Bruchey explained. "The female passenger called 9-1-1."

The wounded driver of the pickup was taken to Winter Haven Hospital with a gunshot wound to the lower abdomen. He died a short time later, according to the Bruchey.

"Witnesses said they heard three gunshots, with one of the witnesses saying he heard a man yell, 'I don't want to kill you!' and a female yell, 'Don't kill him, don't kill him,'" Bruchey said.

No arrests had been made as of Sunday but the man who opened fire was interviewed by detectives.

Both the driver and passenger of the SUV remained on the scene for law enforcement to
arrive.

"The investigation is in the initial phase and detectives are seeking further
evidence to corroborate the victim's statements," Bruchey said. "Detectives will then present
their investigation to the State Attorney's Office."

To report a tip, call the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 863-298-6200.