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Disabled Man Killed In Hit-And-Run In Lakeland

Tribune photo by BILLY TOWNSEND

Lakeland police officers examine the scene of a fatal hit and run crash at the intersection of East Memorial Boulevard and Stella Avenue in Lakeland.

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By BILLY TOWNSEND | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 6, 2008

LAKELAND - A 66-year-old man in a wheelchair was killed Wednesday morning in a hit-and-run on East Memorial Boulevard, police reported.

It happened about 6:30 a.m.

James Robert Tanner, of Lakeland, fell out of his wheelchair near East Memorial Boulevard and Stella Avenue when he was struck by what witnesses described as a westbound dump truck, police spokesman Jack Gillen said. Earlier reports that the truck struck the wheelchair with the man in it were incorrect, Gillen said.

Witnesses told police the dump truck stopped briefly after striking the man, but there's no evidence the driver got out, Gillen said.

The body has been taken to the Polk County medical examiner's office for an autopsy, Gillen said.

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