A two-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon, July 8, 2023 in Lakeland left one person dead and three others injured.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched at about 1:06 pm, along with Polk County Fire Rescue to Galloway Road North between West 10th Street and Sutton Road. Upon arrival, emergency responders located 62-year-old James Flemming of Plant City deceased at the scene.
Evidence and witness statements revealed a silver 2012 Kia Optima, driven by 34-year-old Javaris Simmons of Mulberry, was traveling east on Galloway Road North. At the same time, Mr. Flemming, driving a white 2010 Ford F250, was traveling south to west on Galloway Road North.
As Mr. Flemming entered the westbound curve, his truck began to slide into the eastbound lane where he lost control. Mr. Simmons attempted to avoid the collision, but the front passenger side of the Kia struck the front of the pick-up truck.
Mr. Simmons and his two passengers were transported to an area hospital where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Excessive speed and impairment do not appear to be factors in the crash. Galloway Road North between West 10th Street and Sutton Road were closed for approximately three hours during the investigation, which remains on-going.
