On Christmas Eve, 2023, a 40-year-old woman from Lakeland, Florida, lost her life while traveling in her motorized wheelchair.
The tragedy occurred on West Pipkin Road in Lakeland when Leslie Stone was struck by a vehicle.
The driver, identified as Howard Bennett, a 67-year-old man from Plant City, was arrested on Monday, December 25, 2023, and charged with DUI manslaughter and one count of DUI damage to property.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred at 6 pm. Bennett, while driving east on West Pipkin Road, collided with Stone near the intersection with Fairfield Drive.
Upon arrival at the scene, deputies observed Bennett stumbling and using their patrol vehicle for support. He smelled like alcohol and was slurring his speech.
He was taken into custody after failing a field sobriety test. His breath samples registered at .159 G/210 L and .158 G/210 L, both nearly twice the legal limit in Florida, which is 0.08 G/210L.
Leslie Stone, remembered for her kindness and generosity, is survived by her mother, sister, and three children, ages three, 17, and 24. Her 17-year-old child has autism.
Abdulia Wenses, Stone’s sister, expressed her profound grief and sent a poignant message urging against drunk driving. She highlighted the tragic impact of such actions on families.
Sheriff Grady Judd of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office expressed his condolences to Stone’s family, emphasizing the added sorrow of losing a loved one during the holiday season. He urged the community to celebrate responsibly and make better choices than Bennett did.
Howard Bennett faces charges of DUI Manslaughter, DUI .15 or higher with property damage, and DUI with property damage. He is currently held without bond in the Polk County Jail.
