60-year-old Mario Matias / PCSO

Lakeland Bicyclist Killed in Hit-and-Run; Driver Arrested, PCSO Says

By Digital Staff Reporter

LAKELAND, Fla. — A 56-year-old bicyclist was killed Sunday night after being struck by a pickup truck in Lakeland, and the driver accused of leaving the scene has been arrested, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The crash happened at approximately 9:10 p.m. Sunday, September 13, near Sunshine Avenue and Reynolds Road.

According to PCSO, investigators determined a Ford F-150 driven by 60-year-old Mario Matias was traveling northbound on Reynolds Road while the 56-year-old man was traveling northbound on the asphalt near the roadway on his bicycle.

Investigators said the bicycle was equipped with lights.

For reasons that remain under investigation, PCSO said the F-150 struck the rear left wheel of the bicycle, ejecting the bicyclist and propelling him onto the shoulder of Reynolds Road.

First responders performed lifesaving measures before transporting the victim to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival, according to the sheriff’s office.

The F-150 had already left the scene before first responders arrived, investigators said.

Witness Helps Deputies Track Down Driver

According to PCSO, a witness saw Matias pull over approximately one mile from the crash scene.

Investigators said Matias got out of the truck and looked at what PCSO described as extensive damage to the vehicle before getting back inside and continuing to drive away.

Information provided by the witness helped deputies track down the F-150.

During a sworn statement, PCSO said Matias admitted that he knew he had struck something and left the area. Investigators said Matias told deputies that if patrol deputies had not stopped him, he would have continued to his home in Orlando without reporting the crash.

Deputies reported finding no signs of impairment.

However, following his arrest, PCSO alleges deputies found a small bag containing cocaine and fentanyl in Matias’ pocket.

The sheriff’s office also said Matias is a legal immigrant and that an ICE detainer was placed on him due to the severity of the charges.

Matias was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death, possession of cocaine and possession of fentanyl, according to PCSO.

The charges are allegations, and Matias is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Sheriff Praises Witness

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd credited the witness with helping deputies locate the driver.

“Leaving the scene after a crash that takes a life is a terrible decision. We’re proud of the witness who saw what happened and immediately told our deputies. Remember, if you see something, say something.”

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit continues to investigate the fatal crash.

PCSO said no photographs from the scene are available.

Source: Polk County Sheriff’s Office

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