A pedestrian suffered serious injuries Saturday night in a Winter Haven crash that involved a Polk County Sheriff's Office patrol car.
- Pedestrian injured in crash involving Polk deputy
- Serious injuries to 56-year-old pedestrian
- Deputy Sykes treated and released
According to authorities, Deputy Sheriff Steven Sykes was driving northbound on Rifle Range Road at 8:30 p.m. in response to a call with his emergency lights and sirens activated.
Upon approaching a red 2005 Chevrolet van that was also heading northbound, Deputy Sykes prepared to pass the van on the left when the van turned left in front of him.
The patrol car struck the right front quarter panel of the van, propelling both vehicles off the roadway. The patrol car then entered the parking lot of the Placita Mexico store, and struck a parked grey Chevrolet Equinox, and a pedestrian who was walking in the parking lot.
The pedestrian, 56-year-old Sheila Smock of Winter Haven, was transported to Lake Region Medical Center; she is currently in serious but stable condition.
The van driver, 56-year-old Jose Francisco Rodriguez, Jr., was transported to Winter Haven Hospital, where he was treated and released for minor injuries.
Deputy Sykes was transported to Lake Region Medical Center, where he was treated and released for minor injuries.
An investigation is ongoing.