A man was critically injured Saturday in an early-morning crash, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash happened at 6 a.m. on Highway 27 in Haines City, deputies said.
Investigators said a Buick driven by Hakeem McGhee, 26, of Winter Haven, struck the left rear bumper of a Mercedes, driven by Paris Allen, 25, of Haines City.
The Buick crossed the median, before driving into a retention pond near Morris Ranch Road, authorities said.
HAINES CITY, Fla. — Section: WFTV Traffic | Traffic incidents | Road projects
Deputies said the car was almost completely submerged in the water.
McGhee was flown to Lakeland Regional Health. Allen was not injured.
Neither McGhee nor Allen were wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, investigators said.
A Polk County Sheriff’s Office news release said that “it is unknown if impairment was a factor with McGhee, but his speed is being considered as contributing to the crash.“
The investigation is ongoing.
Cox Media Group