Lakeland Pedestrian Killed In Early-Morning Accident

LAKELAND, FL -- The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating a crash that killed a pedestrian on North Combee Road in Lakeland.

The crash occurred at 3:23 a.m. Friday, July 27, about a half mile south of State Road 33.

The truck, a 2016 Hino Box Truck operated by Hoover Transportation of Plant City, was driven by 39-year-old John Bland of Plant City, was traveling south on North Combee Road when it struck 23-year-old Justin Gleon Barnes of 531 Jamestown Ave., Lakeland.

According to the preliminary investigation, the pedestrian had been walking or standing near the center of the road when he was struck. Bland told investigators that he didn't see the pedestrian, who was walking in a dark area wearing dark clothing.

Speed, distraction and impairment do not appear to be contributing factors with the driver, says the sheriff’s office.

Image via Patch

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