On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 10:24 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash involving a blue Honda Civic and a white Jeep in the 4300 block of Harden Boulevard. Just before the crash, the Honda was traveling southbound on Harden Boulevard and the Jeep was traveling northbound on Harden Boulevard. The Honda left its lane of travel, entered the northbound lane of travel into the path of the Jeep where both vehicles collided.
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 drivers of both vehicles were transported to Lakeland Regional Health. The driver of the Honda suffered incapacitating injuries. The driver of the Jeep suffered critical injuries. On July 16, 2023, the driver of the Jeep succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at Lakeland Regional Health by medical staff.
Lakeland Police Traffic Homicide team completed a thorough investigation, examining all available evidence. It was determined the Honda was traveling 85 mph in a 40 mph zone at the time of crash impact and the driver had a blood alcohol level of .208 g/L.
An arrest warrant was obtained for the Honda driver, Ashley Melo, charging her with DUI .15 or Higher, DUI and Property Damage, and DUI manslaughter. On March 19, 2024, at 8:39 p.m. Melo was booked into the Berkeley County Jail in South Carolina for said warrant.
Honda Driver:
Ashley Melo
Age: 23
Lakeland, FL
Jeep Driver (Victim):
Theresa Curtis
Age: 60
Lakeland, FL