Around 11:20 a.m. the PCSO ECC received calls regarding a two-vehicle crash on Waring Road at Old Medulla Road in unincorporated Lakeland. When first responders arrived, they located 31-year-old Nick Calderon of Land O’ Lakes deceased inside a silver 2012 Mazda 6, which had been struck by a gray 2020 Jeep Gladiator driven by 21-year-old Karen Bautista of Lakeland.
Evidence and interviews indicated that the Jeep was heading south on Waring as the Mazda was heading east on Old Medulla. The Mazda went into the path of the Jeep, and the Mazda was hit on the driver’s door by the front of the Jeep. Calderon was not wearing a seatbelt and there was significant intrusion into his car. He was fatally injured.
Bautista and her passenger were treated and released from Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, with minor injuries. Neither impairment, speed, nor distracted driving on her part appear to be factors. Those are all being investigated further regarding Mr. Calderon.
