A man has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident in Polk County, Florida. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced that 45-year-old Gilbert Almaguer was taken into custody in Bowling Green, Florida and charged in connection with the incident. Almaguer has been booked into the Hardee County Jail and faces one charge of leaving the scene of a crash involving death. The hit-and-run occurred on Friday evening in Fort Meade, resulting in the death of a child who was riding a bicycle at the time of the crash.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the child was struck by a pickup truck on Hutchins Road. Reports indicate that the 9-year-old child was on their way to a friend’s house at the time of the accident. The arrest of Almaguer brings hope of justice for the victim and their family, as authorities work to hold him accountable for his alleged involvement in the hit-and-run.
As the investigation continues, this tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the devastating consequences of leaving the scene of an accident. It highlights the need for drivers to prioritize the safety of others on the road, especially vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the accident to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.