On March 9, 2026, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 43-year-old Juan Medina of Lake Wales after he caused two hit and run crashes while driving under the influence around 7:10 p.m.

The first crash occurred at the intersection of US Highway 27 and Cypress Gardens Boulevard, where a tan Toyota Camry rear ended a silver Hyundai sedan in the right turn lane. The Hyundai sustained significant rear end damage, and the driver reported minor injuries. The Camry driver fled the scene before the victim could make contact.

Approximately five minutes later, the same Camry struck a white Chevrolet sedan traveling westbound on Cypress Gardens Boulevard near Mahaffey Road. The driver and two passengers reported back and neck pain. Again, the Camry fled without stopping.

A witness from the second crash reported seeing an older tan sedan leaving the area with a male driver who had visible facial injuries. Shortly afterward, another witness located the Camry parked on the grounds of Garden Grove Elementary School.

Deputies arrived and found the vehicle behind the school in a closed parking lot near the dumpsters. The Camry had heavy front end damage consistent with both crashes. The driver, identified as Juan Medina, was still seated in the running vehicle. Deputies made contact and observed multiple signs of impairment, including bloodshot watery eyes, the odor of alcohol, slurred speech, and difficulty maintaining balance. Medina also had a large laceration on his forehead.

On top of a nearby dumpster, deputies located a brown paper bag containing a nearly empty bottle of bourbon. Glass fragments on the bag were consistent with the damaged windshield. Additional glass shards were found inside the vehicle and on Medina’s clothing.

Medina refused to answer questions regarding the crashes, his injuries, or alcohol consumption. He also refused field sobriety exercises and later refused a breath test. EMS evaluated him for injuries and cleared him at the scene.

Deputies learned that Medina is currently on felony probation for trafficking in heroin, active from 2021 through 2031.

Medina was arrested and charged with two counts of leaving the scene of a crash with injury (F3), two counts of DUI with property damage/personal injury (M1), DUI (M2), refusal to submit to breath/urine/blood test (M2), trespassing on school grounds (M2), and violation of probation (M2).

“This suspect made a series of dangerous choices that could have easily ended in tragedy. He put innocent people in danger and then drove onto school property while impaired. Thankfully this happened after hours, but his actions were reckless and completely unacceptable.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff