Lakeland Man Charged In July 6 Fatal Road Rage Crash

HIGHLANDS CITY, FL -- The Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested 22-year-old Brondon Manning of Lakeland, Wednesday, Aug. 15 for his part in a fatal crash last month in Highlands City (see related story).

Daniel Bagwell, 27, of Bartow died at the scene of the July 6 crash after he was impaled by a piece of vinyl fence. Manning, who suffered only minor abrasions, described a road-rage scenario to deputies that led to the crash.

"Through investigative work, collection and analysis of evidence, interviews with witnesses, and forensic math, it became obvious that both drivers in this case were willing participants in high speed street racing,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “This is a terrible reminder that street racing is dangerous and can sometimes result in death."

Video evidence and witness accounts indicated that the two men were racing each other at speeds over 90 mph (in a 50 mph area) when Manning lost control of his car and struck Bagwell's truck.

Manning was charged with vehicular homicide and participating in an unlawful race.

Image via Polk Sheriff

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