Lakeland, FL (May 13, 2025) – A violent drug deal in a residential Lakeland neighborhood led to a deadly crash that killed two people Monday afternoon, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred shortly after 1:30 p.m. on May 12 in the Secret Cove neighborhood, near Pirates Way and Ned Engle Boulevard.
Authorities identified the driver of the vehicle as Davin Boutwell, 19, of Mulberry. Boutwell had reportedly driven into the neighborhood in a white Mercedes-AMG, where he was approached by several teenagers. According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, surveillance video showed the teens interacting with Boutwell through the car window before the vehicle suddenly sped off—traveling at a speed deemed “too fast” for the residential area.
Moments later, the Mercedes veered off the road and crashed directly into a home. Fortunately, no one was inside the house at the time. Deputies and paramedics arriving on scene discovered the Mercedes fully embedded in a bedroom wall. Inside the vehicle, Boutwell was found unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Under the front of the vehicle, first responders located Nathaniel Jones, 38, of Lakeland. He had been riding an electric bicycle when the Mercedes struck him during the crash, pushing him into the structure. Jones died from his injuries at the scene. Authorities said he had been en route to visit his brother, who lived next door to the crash site.
In the vehicle, deputies found two gallon-sized bags of marijuana and a large quantity of cash, supporting suspicions that Boutwell had been attempting to conduct a drug sale prior to being shot. The vehicle’s emergency alert system had automatically notified authorities of the crash.
Sheriff Judd described the scene as “chaotic” and confirmed that a search is underway for several young males seen interacting with Boutwell just before the fatal crash. Evidence, including potential items linked to the shooting, was also recovered from a dumpster near Reynolds Food Mart on Reynolds Rd.
Police have not confirmed whether any suspects have been identified or if charges are pending. The investigation is ongoing.
We extend our condolences to the families of both Davin Boutwell and Nathaniel Jones, who tragically lost their lives in this incident.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
This tragic event underscores the dangers of illegal drug activity and the ripple effects it can have on innocent bystanders. While Boutwell appeared to be engaged in a transaction that turned violent, Jones was simply riding his bike through his neighborhood, unintentionally caught in the aftermath of a deadly encounter.
Residential streets like Pirates Way are typically considered safe zones—places where families live, children play, and neighbors gather. This incident shattered that sense of safety, turning a quiet Lakeland afternoon into a double fatality scene marked by gun violence, drugs, and destruction.
Authorities are continuing their efforts to locate and identify the teens involved in the initial encounter and urge community members to come forward with any relevant information. Sheriff Judd also noted that further evidence was collected near the crash site, but details remain confidential as the investigation develops.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has not confirmed any connections between the occupants of the home and those involved in the crash, and interviews with residents are still pending.
If you or someone you know has information that could assist investigators, you are urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
Violent incidents like this deeply affect communities and families. At Local Accident Reports, we are committed to providing accurate, timely updates and helping those impacted by tragic events find access to recovery resources, counseling, and legal assistance. If you’ve been affected by a crash or act of violence like the one in Lakeland, contact Local Accident Reports today for guidance and support.