News and Investigations

On July 19, 2022, PCSO Traffic Homicide detectives arrested 39-year-old Mark Anthony Poe of Frostproof for DUI Manslaughter (F2). Poe was the at-fault driver in a two-vehicle crash that occurred on June 26, 2022 in Lake Wales that killed a 27-year-old Lake Wales woman. At that time, he was charged with one count vehicular homicide, and was released from jail on July 1, 2022, after posting bond in the amount of $100,000.

A search warrant was obtained for blood collected from Poe at the time of his admission to the hospital. The blood was sent to FDLE for analysis, and the results were returned revealing Poe had a blood alcohol level of .277 grams of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. The legal threshold for DUI is 0.08 grams of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest on July 19th and he was taken into custody the same day.

“At more than three times the legal limit, it is obvious Mr. Poe has a blatant disregard for life. Because of his bad decision to drive drunk, an innocent woman’s life was cut short. My heart breaks for the family of the victim. And while it won’t bring back their loved one, our detectives will do all they can to hold Mr. Poe accountable for his actions.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Poe was transported to the Polk County Jail where he is being held without bond until a first appearance hearing this afternoon.

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Previously released:
Polk wrong way driver charged with vehicular homicide

Polk County Sheriff's Office deputies charged 39-year-old Mark Anthony Poe of Frostproof for vehicular homicide (F2) yesterday, Sunday, June 26, 2022 after he caused a crash on S.R. 60 East at Stokes Road in Lake Wales that resulted in the death of a 27-year-old Lake Wales woman.

According to the investigation so far, at around 3:20 a.m. Poe was driving a white 2009 Chevrolet Silverado in the wrong lane west in the eastbound lanes on S.R. 60 just east of the intersection of Stokes Road. There were three passengers in Poe's truck. At the same time, the victim was driving a white
2017 Volkswagen Jetta east in the eastbound lanes of S.R. 60 when her vehicle was struck head-on by Poe's truck.

The driver of the Volkswagen died at the scene.

The passengers in Poe's vehicle were transported to a local hospital where they were treated and released.

Deputies identified Poe as the driver he had bloodshot eyes and his speech was slurred. Additionally, deputies smelled an odor of alcohol in the Silverado and found an open beer bottle on the rear floorboard. Also located was an open bottle of Jack Daniels Fire Whiskey on the grass median just north of the Silverado. Poe was taken to a local hospital where he is being treated for his injuries. Once released he will be transported to the Polk County Jail.

This investigation is on-going and additional criminal charges are likely.

The roadway was closed for approximately four hours in the area of the crash.