LAKELAND, Fla. – A 68-year-old Lakeland man was killed Tuesday morning after being struck by a Tesla while crossing US Highway 98 South. The incident occurred shortly before 6:00 a.m. near the 1300 block of US 98 South.
According to the Lakeland Police Department, Jerald King, 68, of Lakeland, was attempting to cross US Highway 98 South in a marked crosswalk when he was hit by a grey 2021 Tesla traveling northbound in the inside lane.
Investigators noted that the Tesla, driven by Joshua Bartos, 27, of Lakeland, had a green light at the time of the crash, and the pedestrian walking signal for King indicated “do not walk.”
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Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all responded to the scene. Tragically, Mr. King was pronounced deceased at the location.
Bartos did not appear to have any injuries but was transported to Lakeland Regional Health via ambulance as a precautionary measure. He stopped his vehicle and remained at the scene following the impact.
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The Lakeland Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit was called to the scene and has taken over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately four hours while officers processed the crash site.
This remains an open and active investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with additional information regarding the crash to contact investigating Officer Travis Payne at Travis.payne@lakelandgov.net.
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