The Winter Haven community is mourning the loss of Reverend Deldrick Arthur Leonard, a pastor, school counselor, and community leader whose life was cut short following a crash in Lakeland earlier this week. Police now have arrested a suspect they say killed him by driving drunk.
On March 7, 2026, traffic crash investigators with the Lakeland Police Department arrested 49 year old Jeffery Ronald Allen in connection with the fatal crash that occurred on March 2, 2026, in the 1500 block of East Memorial Boulevard near Interlachen Parkway. Allen was taken into custody at his home around 8:30 p.m. and charged with DUI Manslaughter.
According to Lakeland Police, the crash happened Monday night at approximately 10:45 p.m. when a silver GMC SUV traveling eastbound on East Memorial Boulevard was struck by a bronze Ford SUV traveling westbound. Investigators say the Ford left the roadway, struck a guardrail, and then redirected across lanes into oncoming traffic where it collided with the GMC.
Rev Deldrick Leonard
Officers with the Lakeland Police Department, along with Polk County Fire Rescue and the Lakeland Fire Department, responded to the scene and began life saving measures. Both drivers were transported to Lakeland Regional Health. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, the driver of the GMC later succumbed to his injuries.
That driver was Reverend Deldrick A. Leonard, 49, a respected pastor and school counselor whose impact reached far beyond the pulpit.
Leonard served the community in multiple roles. He was affiliated with New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and worked as a professional school counselor at Jewett Middle Academy Magnet in Winter Haven. Colleagues and community members describe him as a compassionate leader who dedicated his life to supporting others.
He was also a proud alumnus of Florida A&M University and a former member of the university’s famed Marching 100 band. Friends and former classmates remembered him as someone who embodied faith, service, and leadership.
Leonard’s influence also extended into civic life. He served as a member of the Florence Villa Advisory Committee within the Winter Haven Community Redevelopment Agency, contributing to community development efforts in the area.
Those who knew Leonard say he was widely admired for his kindness, generosity, and his ability to make others feel valued. His warm smile, gentle nature, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on many throughout the community.
Church members described him as a faithful servant whose ministry focused on uplifting others and strengthening the community around him.
During the crash investigation, officers made contact with Allen and reported observing multiple indicators of impairment. Traffic investigators obtained a search warrant for Allen’s blood, which was drawn at Lakeland Regional Health while he was being treated for injuries. After receiving the test results, investigators determined they had probable cause to make an arrest.
Allen was subsequently charged with DUI Manslaughter.
The case remains open and active as the investigation continues.
While the legal process moves forward, many in Winter Haven are remembering Leonard not for the way his life ended, but for the countless lives he touched. Friends say his legacy will live on through the compassion, encouragement, and faith he shared with others throughout his life.
