Polk maintenance worker struck, killed by vehicle

Staff photo

A pickup struck and killed a Polk County maintenance worker as his crew worked along the shoulder of Lake Hatchineha Road in Lake Hamilton about 11 a.m., the sheriff's office said.

By STEPHEN THOMPSON | The Tampa Tribune
Published: December 09, 2009
Updated: December 09, 2009 - 3:39 PM

A county maintenance worker was struck and killed by a Dodge Dakota that veered off the roadway this morning, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.

A maintenance crew was working along the shoulder of Lake Hatchineha Road in Lake Hamilton when the accident occurred about 11 a.m., the sheriff's office said. A second worker was clipped by the vehicle, and treated by paramedics at the scene.

The worker who died has been identified as Jimmy Justice, 59, of Lake Wales. The worker who was clipped has been identified as Thomas U. Davidson, 51, of Haines City. .

The driver has been identified as Johnnie M. Lemon, 52, of Lakeland. It is unknown why the Dakota left the road, and the incident remains under investigation.