POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A 28-year-old Davenport woman was arrested early Monday morning after allegedly causing a head-on collision, running from the scene, and trying to hide from deputies under a nearby tree.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the intersection of US Highway 17/92 and Ernie Caldwell Boulevard around 2:42 a.m. on August 17, 2026. Investigators found that a black Hyundai Elantra traveling northbound crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a southbound silver Nissan Maxima.
The driver of the Hyundai abandoned the car and fled on foot.
Deputies called in the PCSO Air Unit to search the area. The helicopter crew picked up a thermal heat signature roughly 100 yards south of the crash site. Flight officers guided ground units to the exact spot, where they found 28-year-old Morgan Elizabeth Taylor lying face down on the ground under a tree.
Both drivers were hurt in the impact. The driver of the Nissan was taken to a local hospital with minor leg injuries. Taylor was taken to Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center for treatment of her injuries.
During a search of Taylor’s Hyundai, deputies found a small amount of marijuana. Investigators also noted that Taylor’s driver’s license had been suspended since May, and she was already on probation for driving with a suspended license and marijuana possession.
Deputies added that Taylor gave false statements about the crash during a sworn interview.
Taylor faces multiple charges, including leaving the scene of a crash involving injury, driving with a suspended license, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, perjury, and violation of probation.
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