WINTER HAVEN, FL — July 18, 2026 — A 3-year-old Lake Wales girl was killed Friday night after she was struck by a pickup truck in the Savanna Pointe neighborhood in southeast Winter Haven, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred at approximately 11:08 p.m. on July 17, 2026, inside the subdivision near the intersection of County Road 653 and Eloise Loop Road (CR 540A). Multiple 911 callers reported that a young child had been hit by a Ford pickup truck. Deputies, the Winter Haven Police Department, and the Winter Haven Fire Department responded, but the child was pronounced deceased shortly after first responders arrived.
According to the preliminary investigation, the girl was visiting from Lake Wales for a gathering where family and friends were gathered at two homes located on opposite sides of the street. Witnesses told investigators that adults and children had been crossing the roadway between the two homes throughout the evening.
Investigators said the neighborhood street has a posted speed limit of 25 mph and was lined with parked vehicles. The truck involved, a Ford Raptor equipped with a lift kit and oversized tires, was towed from the scene for further inspection.
The driver remained at the scene and fully cooperated with investigators. He completed field sobriety testing, consented to a search of his vehicle, and showed no signs of impairment. The driver told deputies he did not see the child and was unaware he had struck her until he heard people yelling and realized individuals were chasing after his truck.
The Sheriff’s Office said no criminal or civil charges are anticipated at this time, although the investigation remains ongoing and a final determination will be made once it is complete. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
