LAKE WALES, FL — A 53-year-old Haines City man has been arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter following a three-vehicle crash Wednesday evening on Canal Road in Lake Wales that claimed the life of a 17-year-old dirt bike rider.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred Wednesday (July 1) evening at approximately 6:40 p.m., on Canal Road just east of Carol Place. The Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit determined that all three vehicles involved were traveling westbound. They included a 2010 Ford F-150 driven by Ricky Morris Willis, a 2025 Zhe Jiang Zuma dirt bike operated by the 17-year-old Haines City teen, and a 2013 Volkswagen driven by a 20-year-old Lake Wales woman.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the Volkswagen was traveling in front of the dirt bike, with Willis following behind in the pickup truck. Deputies say Willis crossed the double yellow lines into the eastbound lane in an attempt to pass both vehicles. While attempting the pass, the truck struck the side of the dirt bike, propelling it into the rear of the Volkswagen.
The teen was ejected from the dirt bike and slid off the roadway, suffering fatal injuries. The Volkswagen driver was not injured. Authorities said Willis continued driving for a short distance before turning around and returning to the crash scene. Two teenagers were passengers in his truck.
Investigators said Willis told deputies he knew the dirt bike rider and that they had just left a nearby convenience store. Deputies observed signs of impairment at the scene, and Willis admitted to drinking several beers earlier in the day. After performing field sobriety exercises, he was taken into custody.
Authorities also discovered Willis has had a suspended driver’s license since 2016 and had an outstanding warrant for failure to pay child support.
Willis was booked into the Polk County Jail on charges of DUI manslaughter, DUI with property damage, driving while license suspended, and two counts of child neglect. During the booking process, his breath alcohol levels measured 0.071 and 0.070. A blood sample was also collected and submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for additional testing.
The identity of the teen victim has not been released. Nothing further at this time.
COURTESY: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
