Woman Dies In Hit And Run In Lakeland; Police Search For Suspect

LAKELAND, FL — Police are searching for a suspect who is responsible for a fatal hit-and-run with their car in Lakeland on Tuesday night, a Polk County Sheriff's Office news release said.

Authorities have not been able to identify the victim yet, but she is described as a white woman in the age range of 50 to 60.

Police said the incident happened around 8:57 p.m., about 130 feet south of the intersection with Combee Road and Old Combee Road in Lakeland.

Deputies and Polk Fire Rescue personnel found the victim in a ditch on the east side of the road with no pulse. The vehicle that hit the woman is described by witnesses as a green Ford Expedition, possibly 1997-2004 model.

Officers discovered that the victim walked northbound on Combee Road on the east side of the street. As the northbound Ford approached the intersection with Old Combee Road, it swerved off of the road and hit the pedestrian.

Investigators said the woman was dragged 101 feet by the vehicle before coming to a rest in the ditch

Witnesses say that the Ford turned into the Citgo station at 2580 Old CombeeRoad, and stayed there for a brief period of time. It left the store and traveled west.

Police said the Ford Expedition will likely have some damage to the front driver side as a result from the impact. The crash occurred after sunset, and there are no streetlights in the area. The victim was dressed in dark clothing.

If anyone has any information regarding the driver, the Ford Expedition or any other information that might be helpful to this investigation, call Detective Christello at 863-297-1100, or to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers - call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477), visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip," or download the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet.