AUBURNDALE, Fla. — The Auburndale Police Department sergeant involved in the November 2023 crash that killed a five-year-old girl has been demoted to the rank of officer, according to a disciplinary report from the Chief of Police.
Danny Swan, who was cited for speeding months after the crash this March, was also given 160 hours of unpaid suspension, six months probationary status, six months restricted vehicle privileges and a mandatory Emergency Vehicle Operations Course, according to Chief Terry Storie's report.
In November of last year, deputies said Swan was heading to U.S. Highway 92 at Old Winter Haven Road in his department Chevrolet Silverado on a call for help from a Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy who reported a combative person.
Swan activated his lights and sirens and was traveling east when he crashed into the side of a Kia sedan, driven by Jermanica Anglin, at the intersection of U.S. 92 and Havendale Boulevard.
Anglin's five-year-old daughter, Jalina, was in the backseat of the car at the time of the crash. She was taken to an area hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
The damage from the crash is estimated to be more than $75,000, according to Storie's report. The Chief said the Polk County Sheriff's Office "found no criminal intent" on Swan's behalf.
"Despite this tragic accident, I believe you still have something to offer the city of Auburndale, its citizens, and the APD," Storie told Swan in his report.
"It is incumbent on you to heed this discipline, learn from it, and teach other law enforcement professionals the consequences of this incident and the negative impact it has on victims' families, your family, your community, and your agency."