Winter Haven, FL – On Sunday, March 1, 2026, at approximately 5:39 p.m., Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 55-year-old Cresenciana Mazinis of Dundee following a vehicle crash at the intersection of W. Central Avenue and 2nd Street NW in Winter Haven.
Evidence and witness statements indicate that Mazinis was driving a Honda CRV eastbound on W. Central Avenue at a high rate of speed. She failed to stop for one red light and two stop signs. A 2001 Harley-Davidson motorcycle was entering the intersection southbound on 2nd Street NW when the Honda struck the right side of the motorcycle.
The impact redirected the motorcycle, ejecting the rider. The rider landed on the hood of the Honda and was carried approximately 25 feet before falling to the ground.
Mazinis exited her vehicle and fled the scene on foot. Witnesses attempted to stop her, but she continued walking away. 911 callers provided a description of the driver, and Winter Haven Police officers located her about two blocks from the crash scene. She attempted to avoid officers before being detained. At the scene, she provided no information, stating she had somewhere else to be, and later complained of a leg injury. She was transported to a local hospital, treated, and released into law enforcement custody.
First responders found the motorcyclist lying in the grass. He was airlifted to a local hospital with severe injuries, including multiple broken bones in his legs and feet and a traumatic head injury. He was not wearing a helmet.
Mazinis was arrested and charged with reckless driving with serious bodily injury (third-degree felony), leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury (second-degree felony), violation of probation related to a prior 2024 trespassing case, and refusal to sign citations (second-degree misdemeanor).
“This driver left a man on the ground with life-threatening injuries and tried to flee from her responsibility. We are grateful for the witnesses who stayed at the scene and immediately called 911 with a description of the driver — their quick actions helped our deputies and the Winter Haven Police Department locate her and make sure she was held accountable.” — Grady Judd, Sheriff
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
