Woman Critically Injured in Winter Haven Hit-and-Run; Driver Arrested

41-year old Terry Gardner of Lake WalesPhoto byPolk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO)

By Ciara Perez, News Reporter | iSkyCreations - News & Media (ISC)

Published September 30th, 2024

Winter Haven, FL — A 37-year-old woman is in critical condition after being struck by a car in a hit-and-run early Sunday morning, September 29, 2024, on Recker Highway in front of DA Place Hookah Lounge. The driver fled the scene but was later located and arrested by detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).

The crash occurred around 2:50 a.m., when deputies were already en route to the area after receiving multiple calls about a large crowd gathered on the roadway in front of the lounge. Upon arrival, deputies found the crowd to be uncooperative and unwilling to provide information about the crash.

The injured pedestrian was identified as Cierra Tempestt Wright, 37, of Auburndale. Ms. Wright was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, including a fractured skull, brain bleed, fractured jaw, fractured pelvis, and a broken arm. She remains in critical but stable condition.

Despite the large crowd present at the scene, PCSO Traffic Homicide detectives struggled to find witnesses who would confirm details of the crash. Evidence gathered indicated that Ms. Wright had been struck while in the middle of the westbound lane of Recker Highway.

Through diligent investigation, detectives identified a blue 2020 Ford Fusion in Lake Wales with damage consistent with hitting a pedestrian, including a broken right front headlight and a damaged windshield embedded with hair.

The driver, 41-year-old Terry Gardner of Lake Wales, was located and admitted to being in the area at the time of the crash. However, Gardner initially claimed he believed the damage to his vehicle was caused by a brick thrown at his car. Despite this claim, detectives determined otherwise and arrested Gardner.

“Through the investigative efforts of our Traffic Homicide detectives, who are the very best at what they do, a blue 2020 Ford Fusion was found in Lake Wales that had damages consistent to those that would occur by striking a pedestrian. The driver was then located, and an arrest was made. We’re praying for a full and speedy recovery for Ms. Wright.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Gardner has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury (F2) and was booked into the Polk County Jail.

The investigation is still ongoing.

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