Off-Duty Polk County Detention Deputy Killed in Interstate 4 Crash Near Haines City

A Polk County Sheriff’s Office detention deputy was killed in a tragic crash on Interstate 4 near Haines City on the night of June 9, according to investigators.

Jonathan Morales Pabon, 32, was riding as a passenger in an SUV when a sudden lane change near the U.S. Highway 27 interchange led to a collision with a pickup truck traveling at highway speed. The crash claimed the life of the off-duty deputy and left the driver of the SUV with minor injuries.

The incident remains under investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit.

What We Know About the Crash

According to investigators, the crash occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on eastbound Interstate 4 near the U.S. Highway 27 overpass in Haines City.

Authorities reported that:

• Jonathan Morales Pabon was riding in the front passenger seat of a Nissan Rogue.
• A 21-year-old Lake Wales woman was driving the vehicle.
• The Nissan was traveling eastbound on Interstate 4.
• The driver attempted a last-second maneuver to exit the interstate.
• The SUV crossed multiple travel lanes and entered the path of a Ford F-350 pickup truck.

The pickup truck, driven by a 38-year-old Orlando man, struck the Nissan after the vehicle entered its lane.

Deputy Dies at the Scene

Investigators say the force of the collision caused Morales Pabon to move rearward inside the vehicle, where he suffered fatal injuries.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The SUV driver was transported to a hospital with minor injuries. The pickup truck driver was not injured.

Authorities have not indicated that impairment played a role in the crash.

A Life Dedicated to Public Service

Morales Pabon had served as a detention deputy with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office since 2021 and was assigned to the South County Jail in Frostproof.

Before joining the agency, he served with the Florida Department of Corrections from 2018 to 2021.

Originally from New York City, Morales Pabon also held an associate’s degree in HVAC and was described by colleagues as a dedicated public servant.

Sheriff Grady Judd expressed condolences following the tragedy, noting that Morales Pabon had faithfully served the community throughout his career.

Last-Minute Lane Changes Can Be Extremely Dangerous

Traffic safety experts consistently warn against sudden lane changes near exits.

These maneuvers can create dangerous situations because:

• Vehicles in adjacent lanes may have little time to react.
• Traffic speeds are often significantly different.
• Drivers may cross multiple lanes at once.
• Visibility can be limited at night.

High-speed interstate crashes often result in severe injuries because of the tremendous forces involved.

Investigation Continues

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Investigators are reviewing evidence, vehicle damage, and roadway conditions to determine the complete sequence of events.

Additional information may be released as the investigation progresses.

Remembering Jonathan Morales Pabon

The loss of Deputy Jonathan Morales Pabon is a heartbreaking tragedy for his family, friends, coworkers, and the Polk County community.

Those who worked alongside him remember a dedicated public servant who spent years helping protect and serve others.

Our thoughts are with his loved ones and everyone affected by this devastating loss.