A 31-year-old Florida man has been arrested for allegedly driving drunk and crashing his vehicle, resulting in the death of his 5-year-old daughter and critically injuring his 3-year-old child.
A press release from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office stated that a toxicology report showed Kody Wills had a blood alcohol content of 0.25 after the crash, more than three times the legal limit in Florida.
At 6:26 p.m. on November 7, Wills ran a stop sign in Polk County while driving on Broadway Street near Lake Parker Drive, and crossed the roadway before striking a tree.
Police said the investigation found “no obvious evidence of pre-impact braking” before Wills hit the tree.
At around 8:30 p.m., a deputy arrived at the Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and noted a strong odor of alcohol on Wills’ breath and other signs of intoxication.
“Post-Miranda, Wills admitted he was driving his vehicle at the time of the crash and that the only passengers in the vehicle were his juvenile children which he had just picked up from their grandfather’s residence,” the affidavit stated.
“Wills stated he was driving home at the time of the crash and missed a turn. Wills stated after the crash he got out of his vehicle and attempted to get his son out, but he fell to the ground. A stranger then came and helped. When asked about the odor of alcohol, Wills admitted he had one shot of Maker’s Mark alcohol earlier in the afternoon at approximately 1:00 pm.”
The sheriff’s office reported that a blood test confirmed Wills had a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.
The Ledger reports that records showed he was admitted to the hospital with alcohol intoxication, along with a broken ankle, hip, and fractured ribs. Doctors also told police that his son’s burns would result in permanent scarring.
“Nothing will bring this beautiful child back to her family, nor heal the injuries to her brother or the emotional devastation that Kody Wills has caused to so many people,” Sheriff Grady Judd said.
“We know that it has been a horrific seven weeks for this family. While our detectives made sure to cross every T and dot every I throughout every step of this investigation, we are confident that we have done everything in our power to ensure Kody Wills is charged appropriately with every felony that he committed, and hopeful that justice will be served. Please continue to pray for this family.”
Wills’ court appearance is scheduled for today. He’s facing charges that include DUI manslaughter, DUI resulting in bodily injury, and
Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: JoLynn Wills/Family Handout via The Ledger; Kody Wills/Polk County Sheriff’s Office]
