On May 14, 2024, traffic crash investigators obtained a warrant for the arrest of Cassidy Mullis in connection with the fatal crash that occurred on June 25, 2023, in the 3000 block of Bartow Road. Mullis was charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death (F1). On May 20, 2024, at 10:30 p.m., Mullis turned herself in at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Processing Center in Frostproof, Florida.
The post-crash investigation determined the vehicle Mullis drove during the crash was a grey, four-door 2018 Nissan Sentra. The vehicle was located hours later at a residence in Winter Haven and had damage consistent with the crash circumstances. A piece of the vehicle left at the scene was matched to the Nissan and DNA evidence located on the vehicle matched the victim, Paul Ruis, age 42, of Lakeland. Upon interview, Mullis admitted she had been driving her vehicle at the time of the crash. A vehicle inspection found no evidence of mechanical failure prior to the crash.
Based on the totality of evidence collected thus far, investigators determined that Mullis knew or should have known of the injury or death to Mr. Ruis and failed to immediately stop and remain to give her identifying information.
This remains an open and active investigation.