LAKELAND, FL (December 11,2023) – On December 7, 2023, traffic crash investigators obtained a warrant and arrested Alexander Collins in connection with the fatal crash which occurred on June 19, 2023, in the 2100 block of North Crystal Lake Drive. Collins was charged with Vehicular Homicide (F2) and Driving While License Suspended or Revoked Causing Death or Serious Injury (F3).
The post-crash investigation determined Collins was traveling 42 miles per hour, five seconds prior to impact and increased speed to 52 miles per hour, one second prior to impact. The posted speed limit for the roadway is 30 miles per hour. The vehicle’s recorded data showed no indication Collins applied the brakes in attempt to avoid the crash. A vehicle inspection found no evidence of mechanical failure prior to the crash.
Based on the evidence collected thus far, investigators determined that Collins’ careless and/or negligent operation of the vehicle was the direct causation of the crash which resulted in the death of the victim.
Collins’ driver’s license had also been suspended since December 2020.
This remains an open and active investigation.
********** Original Release **********
LAKELAND, FL (June 20, 2023) On Monday, June 19, 2023, at approximately 4:12 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash involving a single vehicle and a residence in 2100 block of North Crystal Lake Drive. Just before the crash, a 2016 Dodge Durango was traveling southbound on Longfellow Boulevard, approaching the intersection of North Crystal Lake Drive. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop at the stop sign and continued across North Crystal Lake Drive, striking two signposts before crashing into the occupied residence. The vehicle came to final rest inside the residence, striking a 24-year-old male who was inside the home.
The Lakeland Police Department, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures. The victim inside the home was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene. The driver and passenger of the Durango and two additional persons inside the home did not require medical treatment.
The intersection was shut down for approximately five hours while the scene was processed for the ongoing investigation. At this time, the deceased’s name is not being released pending the open investigation.
Anyone with additional information regarding the crash should contact investigating Officer Travis Payne at [email protected].
Victim:
Male
Age: 24
Address: Brazil
Driver:
Alexander Dalton Collins
Age: 27
Address: Lakeland, FL
