67-Year-Old Man Arrested for Drunk Driving and Fatally Striking Woman on Motorized Wheelchair in Lakeland

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Photo: Polk County Sheriffs Office

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A 67-year-old man is facing charges of DUI manslaughter, DUI .15 or higher with property damage, and DUI with property damage after a tragic incident on Christmas Eve in Lakeland. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported that a woman riding a motorized wheelchair was fatally struck by the accused, Howard Bennett, who was allegedly driving under the influence.

The victim, identified as 40-year-old Leslie Stone, was traveling east on West Pipkin Road when Bennett’s car collided with her. This devastating accident unfolded near Fairfield Drive, leaving the community in shock and mourning.

According to deputies, when they arrived at the scene, they immediately noticed Bennett’s impaired state. He was observed stumbling and using a patrol car for support. In addition, Bennett had bloodshot and watery eyes, as well as slurred speech. The strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath further raised suspicions of intoxication.

Following a field sobriety test, Bennett was taken into custody. To confirm their suspicions, law enforcement officials requested breath samples from the suspect. Both samples revealed alcohol levels almost twice the legal limit of 0.08. These findings solidified the charges against Bennett.

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Sheriff Grady Judd expressed his condolences, stating, “Our prayers are with Ms. Stone’s family. To lose a loved one in such a tragic manner, especially during the holiday season, is truly heart-wrenching. We hope and pray that our citizens will make responsible choices and celebrate the holidays with caution.”