Crash involving Polk County Deputy closes U.S. 92

A woman whose vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic caused an accident that sent a Polk County Deputy to the hospital this morning, possibly with a broken leg.

Investigators have closed U.S. 92 near Lynchburg Road in Auburndale. Traffic is being diverted at Lynchburg Road and 21st Street.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office said Deputy James Barber, Jr., was driving his cruiser to work about 5:30 a.m. when the accident happened.

Barber was heading east on U.S. 92 near the sheriff's office northwest district substation in Davenport when the woman crossed the median heading west.

The sheriff's office said her vehicle either struck Barber's department cruiser or he tried to avoid the collision.

His car rolled and landed in a ditch on the passenger's side, briefly trapping Barber, 25.

He was taken to a hospital with injuries the sheriff's office described as not life threatening. Barber may have a broken leg, the sheriff's office said.

The sheriff's office is still investigating and has not identified the woman.

Barber worked in animal control since 2006 and became a deputy in October 2008.

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