Suspect arrested in hit-and-run that killed 14-year-old girl in Lakeland

LAKELAND, FL – Authorities say they have arrested the driver believed to have been involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash in Lakeland earlier this month, WFLA reports.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect is 28-year-old Matthew David O’Neill of Winter Haven. Investigators said he was driving a truck the night of July 4 when he struck two teenage girls who were walking home along the shoulder of New Tampa Highway near Clark Road at about 10 p.m.

O’Neill allegedly fled the scene following the crash without stopping to help. The sheriff’s office said their investigation eventually led them to finding the vehicle suspected to have been involved in the crash in the driveway of O’Neill’s home.

He was subsequently arrested on multiple charges, including leaving the scene of a crash involving death and tampering with evidence.

At the law offices of Kemp Law Group, we are here to help if you have lost a loved one due to the reckless actions of a hit-and-run driver. A Polk County Wrongful Death Lawyer will guide you through the legal process during this trying time, and help you pursue compensation for the expenses associated with your tragic loss. The first step is to set up a free consultation, which you can schedule by calling us at 727-325-5512 or completing our contact form.