At approximately 7:47 a.m., a 12-year-old was in the crosswalk on State Road 60 at the intersection of 3rdStreet when he was struck by a 2010 Buick Enclave. Video footage shows the child waited at the crosswalk then began crossing once east and westbound traffic stopped at the light. The driver of the Buick, Ethan Havlock of Lake Wales was traveling east on State Road 60 and ran the red light. The car was traveling at an estimated speed of 47 miles per hour when impact occurred.
Havlock did stop and was on scene when police arrived. As a result of the crash, the child was flown to an area trauma center for immediate treatment. An active investigation is underway to gather more information about this incident.
This crash highlights the importance of paying attention while operating a vehicle and always obeying traffic control devices and signals. Coincidentally, today at 2:00 pm, proposals for red light and school zone speed enforcement cameras will be opened as the Lake Wales moves forward with implementing these programs within the city.
