Communication Builds Our Community

Frostproof Woman Struck, Killed by Truck on US 27

Darkness a Likely Factor in Pre-dawn Incident

A Frostproof woman died after being struck by a pickup truck on US 27 near the Camp Inn Resort early Tuesday morning. The location is north of Frostproof, and about three miles south of Warner University.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating the fatal crash. Janie Barnett, 43, of Frostproof was transported to a local hospital but died from her injuries shortly after arriving.

Evidence and witness statements collected by the Traffic Homicide Unit revealed that Ms. Barnett was walking along US 27 when a relative stopped their car off of the east shoulder of the road to pick her up.

A silver 2015 Chevrolet Colorado pick-up truck, driven by 61-year old Perry Jock of Sebring, was travelling north on US 27 when he struck the victim. He was not injured, and remained at the scene to speak with detectives.

Jock told deputies he saw the parked vehicle, but did not see Ms. Barnett until impact. He was not injured, and remained at the scene to speak with detectives.

Jock consented to a voluntary blood draw, but showed no signs of impairment.Neither excessive speed nor distracted driving appear to be factors in the crash. Detectives said the crash occurred before sunrise and there are no street lights in this area.

Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the crash on US 27 at about 6:12 am.

The northbound lanes of US 27 were shutdown at County Road 630A for about five hours.

The crash investigation is ongoing, according to the Polk Sheriff's office..

 

Reader Comments(0)