LAKELAND, Fla. – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has released more details regarding the fatal crash that occurred Friday evening, October 24, 2025, east of Lakeland.
The victim has been identified as 31-year-old Joshua Caleb Carpenter of Lakeland. Mr. Carpenter was operating a Segway electric scooter when it collided with a 2000 Toyota Avalon XLS on US 92 at Fairway Avenue. He was pronounced deceased when first responders arrived at the scene around 8:08 p.m.
The driver of the Toyota, 60-year-old Andrew Almaraz of Winter Haven, was uninjured and fully cooperated with the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide detectives.
The preliminary investigation indicates that the Toyota was traveling west on US 92 at the proper speed and had a green light as it approached the intersection with Fairway Avenue. At that time, Mr. Carpenter reportedly attempted to drive the scooter north across US 92, near or within the crosswalk, and crossed directly in front of the oncoming Toyota, which held the right-of-way.
Investigators noted that Mr. Carpenter was wearing dark clothing and no helmet.
The investigation required the closure of the westbound lanes of US 92 for approximately four hours. At this time, the PCSO does not anticipate any criminal or civil charges, but the investigation remains ongoing.
ORIGINAL REPORT: A fatal traffic collision between a sedan and a scooter has claimed one life and caused significant road closures on US 92 East in Lakeland on Friday evening.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) issued a traffic alert after deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to the scene at US 92 East and Fairway Avenue at 8:08 p.m.
The crash involved a sedan and a scooter, resulting in the immediate closure of both westbound and eastbound lanes of US 92 East. One person was pronounced deceased at the scene.
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Authorities are urging drivers to avoid the area as significant delays and/or closures are expected while investigators process the scene. Motorists traveling through should seek alternate routes.
The Sheriff’s Office has stated that updates will be provided as they become available.
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