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Police: Overnight crash becomes homicide investigation after driver shot and killed in Lakeland

A white Kia that was involved in a crash Friday morning was later found abandoned with multiple bullet holes in the side.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland police are working to find out who shot and killed a 46-year-old man overnight on U.S. 92.

The investigation began just after 2:30 a.m. when a white Kia and a black Ford truck were involved in a crash at the intersection of West Memorial Boulevard and Chestnut Road.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office responded and learned that the truck driver was heading west on West Memorial Boulevard (U.S. 92) when he was hit by the driver of the white Kia.

The truck driver remained on the scene and was not injured. The Kia was found a short distance away abandoned in the center median with multiple bullet holes in the side.

Detectives said the 46-year-old man driving the Kia was shot and taken to Lakeland Regional Health in a personal car before law enforcement arrived. He was pronounced dead a short time later. 

Lakeland police are now gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Troy Smith at troy.smith@lakelandgov.net.  

People can also report anonymous TIPS to Heartland Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-226-8477 or **TIPS.

The roadway was shut down Friday morning in both directions on U.S. 92 between Wabash Avenue and Chestnut Road. It has since reopened. 

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