A 5-year old child died Saturday, November 25, 2023, after the vehicle she was riding in pulled in front of an Auburndale Police Department pickup truck that was responding to an emergency.
The crash occurred at about 9:58 PM on US 92 (Magnolia Avenue) at the intersection with Havendale Boulevard, and the area was subsequently closed for about four-and-a-half hours.
A sergeant from Auburndale PD was responding in emergency mode (with lights and sirens) to assist a deputy from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office who was involved in a physical altercation with a suspect on US 92 at Old Winter Haven Road.
The APD sergeant was driving a marked 2020 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.
According to the preliminary investigation by the PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit, the APD truck had been traveling east on US 92 to the emergency.
The other involved vehicle, a blue 2016 Kia sedan, had been stopped for a red light on northbound Havendale Boulevard.
Multiple witness statements indicated that when the light changed to green for northbound lanes, traffic held for the approaching police vehicle.
The driver of the Kia also informed PCSO detectives that she heard the sirens, but began to proceed into the intersection because the vehicle next to her moved forward.
The Kia crossed into the path of the police vehicle, and the two vehicles collided.
The APD sergeant was not injured, but the driver of the Kia was taken to a local hospital where she was treated for a broken wrist.
The child, who had been riding in the rear seat, was taken to a local hospital, but was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
Both drivers were determined to have been wearing a seat belt, but seat belt usage by the child is still being investigated.
No criminal charges are anticipated, and the investigation is ongoing.
