Law enforcement in Winter Haven is on the lookout for a suspect accused of intentionally ramming into a police sergeant's cruiser multiple times last Saturday night. At about 9:40 p.m. on Cypress Gardens Boulevard and 9th Street Southeast, the sergeant's vehicle, while stationary at a red light, was struck from behind by a white Ford Mustang Mach-E, reported WFLA. After the initial contact, the driver backed up to hit the patrol car twice more before fleeing the scene.
Both the sergeant and witnesses at the scene were unable to identify the driver or the accompanying passenger due to the Mustang's tinted windows. The officer involved was transported to a hospital as a precaution and has since been released, carrying minor back pain, according to FOX 13 News. The search for the driver led to the discovery of the damaged vehicle at a nearby Lake Dexter home.
A woman present at the residence was identified as the owner of the Mustang and implied she had been in the vehicle at the time of the incident, as per officers' statements. Details on her involvement, however, remain scant. Winter Haven Police, along with assistance from Polk County deputies, have yet to pinpoint the identity of the man behind the wheel, as per WTSP.
Anonymous tips or relevant information can be directed to the Winter Haven Police Department at 863-401-2256.