Suspected hit-and-run driver arrested in deadly Lakeland crash: Police

Lakeland police have arrested a man they say hit and killed a woman in November and took off. 

Police arrested Daniel Kovacs on Wednesday around 1:45 p.m. at his home. 

Deadly hit-and-run crash

The backstory:

Shortly after midnight on Nov. 24, 2024, Lakeland police said Robin Brown, 67, of Lakeland, was hit and killed on the 700 block of South Florida Avenue.

Surveillance video showed a Land Rover colliding with Brown and leaving the scene without stopping to render aid. 

First responders tried to help Brown, but she died at an area hospital. 

The investigation

What we know:

On Nov. 25, 2024, investigators said as they were checking with local repair shops, an employee of The Lakeland Body Shop Collision Repair contacted the Lakeland Police Department and said a vehicle that matched the suspect’s vehicle from the deadly hit-and-run crash had been dropped off. 

Investigators say that the vehicle was a 2022 silver Land Rover Range Rover Sport registered to Kovacs.

Daniel Kovacs mugshot courtesy of the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Daniel Kovacs mugshot courtesy of the Polk County Sheriff's Office. 

Investigators examined the vehicle and said they found evidence consistent with the crash circumstances and evidence found at the scene. 

The vehicle had been recently washed, and attempts had been made to fix the damage with tape and zip ties, according to LPD. 

What led up to the crash?

Timeline:

Investigators said surveillance video and other evidence showed Kovacs spent a few hours at a downtown restaurant where he was seen drinking alcoholic beverages with Miguel Rodriguez, 41, of Windermere. 

According to LPD, additional video showed Kovacs leaving the downtown area driving his Land Rover with Rodriguez as a passenger just before the crash. 

What they're saying:

"This certainly is a heartbreaking case in which we are grateful for the cooperation of many Lakeland businesses who provided the evidence needed to ensure justice was served for Robin Brown," stated Lakeland Polcie Chief Sam Taylor. "Our investigators have poured many dedicated hours of their time into this case to ensure that as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Ms. Brown as they mourn her loss." 

Suspected hit-and-run driver charged

What we know:

Kovacs has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death and tampering with physical evidence. 

The Source: This story was written with information provided by the Lakeland Police Department. 

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