On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at approximately 5:34 a.m. officers responded to a traffic crash in the 4000 block of Drane Field Road involving a 2006 black Acura sedan, a 2022 black ZHNG Motor Scooter, and a 2001 white Toyota sedan. Just prior to the crash, the Scooter was traveling west on Drane Field Road and the Acura was traveling east on Drane Field Road. The Acura attempted to turn left, and the front of the Motor Scooter impacted the front passenger’s side fender of the Acura. The Motor Scooter appeared to be operating with an unaffixed flashlight which likely contributed to its visibility.
The driver of the Acura stopped to render aid to the driver of the Motor Scooter and less than a minute later a second crash occurred. The Toyota was traveling westbound on Drane Field Road and struck the driver of the Motor Scooter who was still in the roadway.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures. The driver of the Motor Scooter was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he was treated for life-threatening injuries. Subsequently, he succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, around 4:00 p.m. The driver of the Acura sustained minor injuries and the driver of the Toyota was not injured.
The roadway was shut down for approximately three hours to process the scene for the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Traffic Crash Investigator Officer Edgardo Cruz at [email protected].
Acura Driver:
Cameron Ott
Age: 52
Mulberry, FL
Motor Scooter Driver:
Norman Lanier
Age: 62
Lakeland, FL
Toyota Driver:
Leslie Berry
Age: 39
Bartow, FL