POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County Sheriff's patrol vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian Tuesday night after the 44-year-old man ran out into the roadway, according to the sheriff's office.
- Thomas Morrison, 44, hit, killed by Polk deputy car
- Authorities say Morrison ran into roadway
The crash occurred around 8 p.m. on U.S. 98 south of Old Eagle Lake Bartow Road.
Authorities said Thomas Morrison suffered blunt force trauma from the impact and was transported to Bartow Regional Medical Center where he died.
Witnesses said Morrison, who was wearing dark clothing, was not in a crosswalk when he ran into the path of Deputy Forrest Scott, who was driving northbound in the outside lane of U.S. 98.
Deputy Scott attempted to avoid hitting Morrison, authorities said, but Morrison's head and body hit the passenger side windshield causing fatal injuries.
According to the sheriff's office, the Bartow Police Department was notified earlier in the evening about a man who was walking in-and-out of traffic on Highway 17.
Authorities said after spending time in the Polk County jail in 2019 and 2020, Morrison was placed on suicide watch.
The crash remains under investigation.