LAKELAND, Fla. – Police have arrested a local man in connection with a fatal collision that occurred earlier this week on East Memorial Boulevard. Jeffery Ronald Allen was taken into custody at his home around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, following an investigation by the Lakeland Police Department’s traffic crash unit.
The incident dates back to Monday night, March 2. At approximately 10:45 p.m., emergency responders were called to the 1500 block of East Memorial Boulevard near Interlachen Parkway.
According to investigators, a bronze Ford SUV was traveling westbound when it veered off the road and struck a guardrail. The vehicle then redirected southwest, crossing into the eastbound lanes and striking a silver GMC SUV.
Units from the Lakeland Police Department, Lakeland Fire Department, and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived at the scene to provide life-saving measures. Both drivers were rushed to Lakeland Regional Health. The driver of the GMC SUV later died from his injuries at the hospital.
While Allen was receiving treatment for his own injuries, investigators reported seeing multiple signs of impairment. Officers obtained a search warrant for Allen’s blood to test for alcohol content.
Upon receiving those results, investigators determined there was sufficient probable cause to charge Allen with DUI Manslaughter.
The Lakeland Police Department has stated that the case remains an open and active investigation.
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