LAKELAND, Fla. — A 29-year-old man is in critical condition after being struck by a lifted pickup truck Friday night, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
The man was reportedly attempting to cross US Highway 98 North near the Lakeland Crossing shopping center when he was hit by a dark-colored pickup that was trying to switch from the center to inside lanes going south, police said in a statement.
The driver of the truck reportedly tried to avoid the man but was unsuccessful. Police said the truck initially stopped briefly after the crash but fled in the southbound lanes.
The roadway was shut down for approximately four hours while law enforcement investigated. The 29-year-old man was taken to the Lakeland Regional Health Center.
Authorities are currently working to identify the driver of the truck. They believe the truck may have damage on the passenger side.