Auburndale, FL – On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested Francisco Lapierre, 41, of Auburndale, in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred on September 28, 2025, outside Kulture nightclub on 1st Street North in Winter Haven.
At approximately 1:40 a.m. on September 28, Winter Haven Police responded to a shots-fired call outside the nightclub. Shortly after, a woman was struck by a vehicle in the roadway. The driver fled the scene. Winter Haven Police provided immediate aid to the victim, who later died at a hospital. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office took over the hit-and-run investigation.
A key witness reported that she and the victim had crossed the southbound lanes of 1st Street North and were waiting in the center median to cross the northbound lanes. The victim attempted to cross as Lapierre, driving a 2005 Porsche Cayenne, fled the shooting scene. The witness stated Lapierre braked before striking the victim, then backed over her and sped away. Other witnesses confirmed seeing a dark-colored SUV hit the victim and leave.
Following an investigation involving video footage and public tips, detectives identified the suspect vehicle, recently re-registered to a man in Palm Beach County. The man, interviewed by detectives, said his uncle, Lapierre, had transferred the vehicle to him and was unaware of the crash. A forensic examination confirmed the vehicle was involved in a crash and had run over an object or person. Lapierre admitted to detectives that he “ran something over” and drove away, later transferring the vehicle to his nephew.
Lapierre was booked into Polk County Jail and charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death, a first-degree felony. He is scheduled for a first appearance hearing on the afternoon of October 14, 2025.
Source: Polk County Sheriff’s Office
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