POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A fast-moving investigation into a fatal hit-and-run outside a Winter Haven church has led Polk County detectives to a vehicle believed to be involved in the crash. On Wednesday night, March 11, 2026, an 8-year-old child was killed, and a 10-year-old was critically injured while crossing Crystal Beach Road to attend a function at Faith Baptist Church.
UPDATE HERE: Suspect Caught After Heartbreaking Winter Haven Church Hit-And-Run Claims Young Life
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Thursday that detectives are currently in the Lake Wales area with the vehicle they believe struck the two children. Investigators are also questioning at least two individuals in connection with the incident.
Detectives are now in the process of obtaining a search warrant to officially seize the vehicle and continue their forensic analysis.
The collision occurred at approximately 8:25 p.m. at 2140 Crystal Beach Road, just off Winter Lake Road. Preliminary reports from traffic homicide detectives indicate the children—who are not siblings—waited for a truck to pass before stepping into the street.
They were both struck by a northbound vehicle that fled the scene without stopping to offer aid.
While the 8-year-old died from his injuries, the 10-year-old remains hospitalized in critical condition with a skull fracture, a broken arm, and a broken leg.
ORIGINAL REPORT: A devastating hit-and-run outside a Winter Haven church on Wednesday night left an 8-year-old boy dead and a 10-year-old boy fighting for his life. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently searching for the driver who fled the scene immediately after the collision.
The incident occurred around 8:25 p.m. on March 11, 2026, near Faith Baptist Church, located at 2140 Crystal Beach Road. Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived to find two children had been struck while attempting to cross the street for a church function.
According to investigators, the children—who are not siblings—waited for a truck to pass before stepping onto the pavement. As they crossed toward the church, a northbound vehicle hit both of them.
The 8-year-old child succumbed to his injuries. The 10-year-old was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition, suffering from a skull fracture along with a broken arm and leg.
Witnesses told detectives that the driver did not stop, instead continuing north to the intersection of Winter Lake Road (CR 540) before turning in an unknown direction. Because of the darkness and the speed of the incident, a clear description of the vehicle has not yet been established.
Sheriff Grady Judd stated that detectives and crime analysts worked through the night to track down the person responsible.
“Our detectives and crime analysts have been working all night using every available resource to identify the vehicle, and ultimately the driver who chose to flee, rather than help those two children,” Judd said. “We are praying for the families and friends of the children, and for the child who is in a hospital bed fighting for his life.”
The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information, or anyone who may have been driving in the area of Crystal Beach Road around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, to come forward.
Tips can be reported directly to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 888-400-TIPS.
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