Polk County Sheriff’s Office traffic deputies are investigating a traffic crash that occurred in Lakeland. The crash involved three vehicles and resulted in one death.
Around 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, a silver 2004 Dodge Neon driven by Jeffrey Watson, 47, of Plant City, and a maroon 2008 International tractor-trailer, driven by Daniel Sorrell, 52, of
Cullman, Alabama, were both heading southbound side-by-side on County Line Road approaching the intersection of Drane Field Road in Lakeland. For unknown reasons, Watson’s vehicle drifted left into the lane occupied by the semi.
The left rear of the Neon struck the right front of the semi, causing the Neon to rotate counter clockwise and into the northbound lanes of County Line Road, where it was struck by a black 2008 Dodge Charger that was heading northbound. The Charger was driven by Corey Sutton, 36, of Mulberry. All three vehicles came to a stop.
When EMS arrived, Watson did not have a pulse. He was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center where he was declared dead.
All three drivers were wearing seatbelts, and all three were the only occupants of their vehicles. Sutton, the driver of the Charger, suffered a minor knee injury and was transported to LRHMC to be treated. Sorrell, the semi driver, was not injured.
Northbound County Line Road was shut down for four hours during the investigation. Southbound lanes were restricted to one lane. PCSO deputies said that neither excessive speed nor impairment appear to be factors in the crash. Although no charges are pending, the investigation is ongoing.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
