LAKELAND, Fla. — A tragic single-vehicle collision claimed the life of a Lakeland Police Department motorcycle officer on Thursday, January 9, 2020. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the incident.
Officer Paul Dunn, 50, was en route to work around 5:45 a.m. when the accident occurred. According to deputies, he was riding his agency motorcycle on Lakeland Highlands Road when he crashed into and drove over a raised median for reasons that are currently unknown. The incident took place just south of Lake Miriam Drive.
According to the sheriff’s office, Officer Dunn lost control of his Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle and came to a final rest in the inside left lane of northbound Lakeland Highlands. He was immediately transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he was pronounced dead at 6:53 a.m., as reported by ABC Action News.
The Lakeland Police Department shared on Facebook that Officer Dunn joined their ranks in 2013. He was also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Officer Dunn is survived by his wife and two sons, who are both currently serving in the military, according to the LPD.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Brian Bruchey stated that it is currently unknown whether another vehicle was involved in the crash. The Ledger reported that the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation and also noted the uncertainty regarding the involvement of other vehicles.
Sheriff Grady Judd and LPD Chief Ruben Garcia were expected to provide further details at a media briefing later on Thursday morning. The community mourns the loss of Officer Dunn and extends its condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues at the Lakeland Police Department. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily.
Burying our brethren is never easy, and the law enforcement community will rally around the family of Officer Dunn during this difficult time. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available. The loss of a brother in blue is a loss for the entire community.