Davenport High School student hit, killed by car while on electric scooter: PCSO

DAVENPORT, Fla. - A 14-year-old boy died Thursday night after a vehicle struck his electric scooter at an intersection in Davenport, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to the scene on US 27 at McFee Drive in the Four Corners area around 7:55 p.m.

Davenport fatal scooter crash

What we know:

Investigators said a 14-year-old boy riding a NIU Kick electric scooter moved east through a crosswalk on US 27 at McFee Drive around 7:55 p.m. Thursday. They added that a black 2026 Ford Explorer heading north in the center lane had a green light and struck the teen as he entered its path.

Emergency crews rushed the ninth-grade Davenport High School student, identified Lummond Prince Muhammad, to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries. The driver, a 38-year-old Orlando man, stayed at the scene with authorities.

Polk County traffic investigation

What we don't know:

Officials have not indicated if speed or visibility contributed to the crash.

What's next:

Sheriff's deputies cleared the scene after shutting down northbound US 27 for about three hours Thursday night. 

Authorities do not anticipate filing charges, but the investigation remains ongoing.

What they're saying:

The 14-year-old was trying to get home that night after visiting a friend in a nearby neighborhood. 

"If you're a child on a scooter — I'm not saying this was the situation here, but — don't be listening to music. You need to hear the traffic around you, and the same goes for people in the vehicle. The roads are crowded these days, and we need to make sure we're paying attention to everything around us," said Brian Bruchey, a spokesperson with the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Alines Rodriguez says she has seen many accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians at this busy corner, which she believes is largely because of poor lighting at night.

"I think there's a big problem with the lighting," said Rodriguez, a food truck owner of After 25 Cuisine. "I mean, there's a large community here on both sides of the street, so there are a lot of pedestrians crossing all the time. We need more lighting. Yeah, we need it." 

In a statement to FOX 13, Polk County Public Schools said, "This is an incredibly sad day for Davenport High and the surrounding community. He was a sweet and personable young man who was well liked by his teachers and fellow freshmen. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. Counselors and mental health supports are available to DHS students and staff if they need help in this difficult time."

Polk County