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Heartland Crime Stoppers
SOLVED: Hit-and-run fatality in Winter Haven (Sept. 28, 2025)
Oct 1, 2025
Media Contact : Carrie Horstman, Administrator
Media Contact : Carrie Horstman, Administrator
UPDATE: PCSO deputies arrest man responsible for fatal hit-and-run crash in Winter Haven
Francisco Lapierre, 41, of Auburndale, has been booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death, a first degree felony.
Click here to read the news release: https://tinyurl.com/mutw5vef
ORIGINAL INFORMATION:
The Polk County Sheriff's Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a hit-and-run crash that occurred during the early morning hours of September 28, 2025, in Winter Haven, and resulted in a fatality.
Between 1:39 and 1:41 a.m. that Sunday morning (late Saturday night) an adult female pedestrian was struck in the inside, northbound lane of 1st Street North at the intersection with Avenue R NE by an unknown vehicle that was heading north. The vehicle is believed to have fled northbound after striking the victim.
If anyone has information about this incident they are urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 863-298-6200 and reference case number 25-38975.
If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
- CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477)
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- VISIT the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip,"
- DOWNLOAD the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet.
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