Traffic Homicide investigators from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a third fatal crash on Saturday, January 28, 2023.
Deputies were dispatched at about 11:55pm to a crash on New Tampa Highway (US 92) in Lakeland, about a thousand feet east of the Polk Parkway.
The crash involved two pickup trucks: a black 2009 Chevrolet and a white 2004 Toyota.
51-year old Selestino Vega Bocanegra Mata of Lakeland was the driver of the Toyota. When first responders arrived, he was found in his vehicle deceased.
The Chevy truck was driven by 25-year old Leonardo Barrera Zurita. He was taken to a local hospital and treated for a broken leg and hand.
The passenger in the Chevy truck was 32-year old Frederico Garcia Duran. He was taken to the hospital and treated for bruises and abrasions.
Both men in the Chevy truck are from Lakeland.
Detectives determined that the Toyota had been traveling east on New Tampa Highway and the Chevy was going west.
As the two vehicles approached each other, the Chevrolet crossed over the center line and struck the Toyota.
All occupants were wearing seat belts.
The roadway was closed in both directions for approximately four hours.
Criminal and civil charges are pending the outcome of the investigation, which is ongoing.
