Hit-and-run suspect dies while fleeing Polk County accident: Sheriff's Office

The Polk County Sheriff's Office reported that on Sunday night, a hit-and-run driver involved in a crash passed away while attempting to flee the scene. A witness recounted that a black Mercedes-Benz sedan had rear-ended their vehicle on County Line and Frontage Road. When the victim emerged from their vehicle, the Mercedes accelerated away heading north on County Line Road. Following the Mercedes, the victim observed the car run a stop sign on Swindell Road. The Mercedes then left the road, hit a ditch, became airborne, and collided with a large tree approximately 120 feet north of the intersection. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the passenger was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Factors contributing to the crash, according to investigators from the PCSO, included excessive speed, reckless driving, darkness, and wet road conditions. Additionally, an open beer bottle with beer remaining inside was discovered in the vehicle. It remains uncertain whether occupants of the Mercedes were wearing seatbelts. Authorities are still working on locating the next of kin for both individuals in the Mercedes. The incident is under ongoing investigation.