Series of Hit-and-Run Crashes: Lake Wales Man Arrested After Allegedly Driving Under the Influence.

Series of Hit-and-Run Crashes, Lake Wales Man Arrested After Allegedly Driving Under the Influence.

Authorities in Winter Haven, Florida say a Lake Wales man is facing multiple charges after allegedly causing two hit-and-run crashes while driving under the influence before attempting to hide his damaged vehicle in a nearby elementary school parking lot.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 43-year-old Juan Medina was arrested Tuesday evening following a chain of incidents that left several people injured. Investigators say the events began around 7:10 p.m. when Medina, driving a tan Toyota Camry, rear-ended a silver Hyundai sedan at the intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and Cypress Gardens Boulevard. The crash caused significant damage to the Hyundai. Although the driver of that vehicle reported minor injuries, Medina allegedly fled the scene before emergency assistance could arrive.

Deputies say the situation escalated only minutes later. About five minutes after the first crash, the same Camry reportedly struck a white Chevrolet sedan near Mahaffey Road. That collision injured the driver and two passengers inside the vehicle. Once again, investigators say Medina drove away without stopping to help the victims.

Witnesses quickly alerted authorities, with one person reporting that the driver appeared to have visible facial injuries from the crashes. Another witness directed deputies toward Garden Grove Elementary School, where the suspect vehicle had reportedly been parked.

When deputies arrived, they found Medina sitting in the driver’s seat of the Camry with the engine still running. Investigators also discovered a nearly empty bottle of bourbon next to the vehicle. Medina was taken into custody as authorities continue their investigation into the crashes and resulting injuries.