DAVENPORT FL – Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at approximately 6:04 am, deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the crash on US 17/92 near Bargain Barn Road.
Upon arrival, they found three vehicles had been involved in the crash. Each vehicle was only occupied by a driver.
Two of the drivers were not injured, however, the third driver was deceased in his vehicle.
Deputies secured the scene and closed down US 17/92. The roadway remained closed for about four hours.
The three drivers who were involved were:
- Jose Luis Velazquez, 47, of Haines City (Deceased). He was driving a silver 2014 Infiniti Q50.
- Steven Scott King, 61, Haines City. He was driving a black 2014 Jeep Cherokee.
- Yaicel Espinosa Pacheco, 40, Orlando. He was driving a red 2006 Sterling dump truck.
Mr. King and Mr. Pacheco had been wearing their seat belt, but Mr. Velazquez was not. At the time of the collision, Mr. Pacheco (dump truck) was southbound on US 17/92. The other two vehicles were northbound on US 17/92.
There were no independent witnesses of the crash, nor any video.
Evidence showed that there was contact made between the two northbound cars, which caused the Infiniti to enter the southbound lane, in front of the oncoming dump truck.
Additional investigation and processing of evidence will be conducted, and any charges are pending the outcome of the investigation, which remains ongoing.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
