A single vehicle crash occurred Sunday night, March 17, 2024 in the Auburndale area, and resulted in the death of the driver.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and Polk County Fire Rescue members were dispatched to the crash at about 10:44 PM, to the crash at 4734 Berkley Road (County Road 655).
When first responders arrived, they determined that 35-year old James Stewart of Polk City was deceased. There were no other occupants of the vehicle.
Detectives from the PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit determined that Stewart’s white 2010 Ford F150 had been traveling north on Berkley Road when it left the east side of the road, struck and severed a TECO utility pole at the base, and then came to a stop after impacting a large oak tree.
Stewart was wearing a seat belt.
The northbound lanes of Berkley Road were closed for approximately five hours, but the accident remains under investigation.
