UPDATE 11/26/2024, 9 AM: Polk County Sheriff’s Office Director of Communications, Scott Wilder, has provided an update to yesterday’s collision between a motorcycle and a Jeep Renegade on Tindel Camp Road in Lake Wales, between Fairmont Rd. and Timberlane Rd.
“That was a non-serious injury crash between a motorcycle and a Jeep,” Wilder says. “EMS responded but did not transport. We issued the motorcycle driver several citations…and a notice to appear in court. There’s no details on how the crash occurred.”
PCSO has provided Lake Wales Daily portions of the police report. Here is an excerpt of the report: (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Lake Wales Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions).
“On 11/25/2024, I responded to the area of 2408 Tindel Camp Rd Lake Wales, FL, in reference to a traffic crash involving a vehicle and motorcycle. Upon arrival, contact was made with involved parties, one being the suspect, Michael Garza Jr.
“The suspect was positively identified by his Florida Driver’s license REDACTED. During the investigation, it was learned the suspect was the driver of the black Kawasaki motorcycle, with vehicle identification number REDACTED, which had been involved in the crash.
“For the purposes of the crash investigation, the motorcycle registration, the suspect driver’s license, and proof of insurance were requested. The suspect provided his Florida driver’s license, but advised he was only test driving the motorcycle, so it was unregistered and uninsured.
“A check using the Driver and Vehicle Information Database revealed the suspect did not have a motorcycle endorsement. The check also revealed the motorcycle was last registered in 2018; however, at the time of the crash no license plate was affixed to the motorcycle.
“Based on the investigation, it was determined there was probable cause for a violation of F.S.S. 320.02(1) operating without/no motor vehicle registration and F.S.S. 322.03(4) No motorcycle endorsement.”
According at an email sent to LWD by Wilder, Garza was also issued a warning for No Headgear (Helmet)/ No $10,000 Medical Benefit on Rider / Operator Over Age 21 (316.211(3)(B))
(Original article) On November 25, 2024, at approximately 4:47 PM, a call was dispatched to Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire Rescue with regard to a traffic collision at 2408 Tindel Camp Rd. in Lake Wales.
A collision occurred between a motorcycle and a silver Jeep Renegade. PCFR has confirmed that no injured persons were transported.
The northbound side of the road was blocked by first responder vehicles picking up tree debris.
Please proceed with extreme caution as this is a 2 lane road that is quite narrow.
