LAKELAND, FL — On March 7, 2026, traffic crash investigators with the Lakeland Police Department arrested Jeffery Ronald Allen in connection with a fatal DUI traffic crash.
The incident occurred on Monday, March 2, 2026, at approximately 10:45 p.m. Officers responded to a traffic crash in the 1500 block of East Memorial Boulevard at Interlachen Parkway. Just prior to the crash, a silver GMC SUV was traveling eastbound, driven by 49-year-old Deldrick A. Leonard of Winter Haven. At the same time, a bronze Ford SUV was traveling westbound, driven by 49-year-old Jeffrey R. Allen of Lakeland. As the vehicles approached the same area, the Ford left the roadway, struck a guard rail, then redirected southwest into the eastbound lane of travel, impacting the GMC.
Officers from the Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, along with Polk County Fire Rescue and the Lakeland Fire Department, responded to the scene and provided life-saving measures. Both drivers were transported to Lakeland Regional Health (LRH). Leonard succumbed to his injuries at LRH. Allen was also transported to LRH for treatment of injuries.
During the post-crash investigation, officers observed multiple indicators of impairment in Allen. Traffic investigators obtained a search warrant for a blood sample, which was tested for alcohol content at LRH while Allen received treatment. The test results provided probable cause for the arrest and charge of DUI Manslaughter.
The case remains open and active.
SOURCE: LAKELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
