According to Lake Wales Police, a 12-year-old boy was seriously injured early Friday morning after being struck by a vehicle while crossing State Road 60 at the intersection of 3rd Street. The incident took place around 7:47 a.m. when the boy, who was in a marked crosswalk, was hit by a 2010 Buick Enclave driven by Ethan Havlock. Authorities report that the boy had waited patiently at the crosswalk, only proceeding once eastbound and westbound traffic stopped at the light. However, Havlock, traveling east on State Road 60, ran the red light and collided with the child at an estimated speed of 47 miles per hour.
Surveillance video captured the moment of impact, confirming the sequence of events. Havlock stopped his vehicle after the collision and remained at the scene when police arrived. Emergency responders quickly airlifted the boy to a nearby trauma center for urgent medical treatment, though his current condition has not been disclosed. The Lake Wales Police Department is actively investigating the incident, collecting witness statements and reviewing additional evidence to determine if charges will be filed.
