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FHP: Winter Haven police vehicle struck by speeding car while responding to call; officer seriously injured

Other driver seriously injured in crash on SR-540

Winter Haven crash (Winter Haven Police Department)

WINER HAVEN, Fla. – A Winter Haven police vehicle was struck by a speeding car early Sunday while an officer was responding to a call, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash happened around 2:20 a.m. on State Road 540 near 1st Street S.

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According to troopers, a Winter Haven Police Department Chevy Tahoe had its emergency lights activated as it was traveling east on SR-540 and went through the intersection when a speeding Honda Accord went into the intersection and struck the front of the police vehicle.

The two vehicles went off the roadway, and the police vehicle overturned after hitting a road sign. The Honda rotated off the road and overturned near the police vehicle, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

Winter Haven crash involving police vehicle (Florida Highway Patrol)

The drivers, a 23-year-old police officer and a 21-year-old Winter Haven man, were both seriously injured and taken to a nearby hospital.

Troopers said charges are pending against the 21-year-old man.

Winter Haven crash involving police vehicle. (Florida Highway Patrol)

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