LAUDERDALE LAKES, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2024) — 67-year-old Lucien Polycarte died after being struck by a tow truck in Lauderdale Lakes.

The Traffic Homicide Unit of the Broward Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a tragic accident that took place on January 3rd  in Lauderdale Lakes.

At approximately 7;14 p.m. On that day, deputies from BSO’s district and Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue responded to a crash report in the vicinity of the 3500 block of West Oakland Park Boulevard in Lauderdale Lakes. Upon arrival, deputies found a man with injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Unfortunately, paramedics declared the man deceased at the scene. The driver involved stayed at the location and detectives from BSO’s Traffic Homicide Unit were notified and arrived to conduct an investigation.

Based on initial findings at the scene, it appears that Etienne Dimanche was operating a tow truck, specifically a 1998 International E5645E model, which was carrying a disabled vehicle while traveling westbound in the outer lane of West Oakland Park Boulevard near the 3500 block.

Investigators have determined that Lucien Polycarte was attempting to cross West Oakland Park Boulevard from north to south at an area away from designated crosswalks or intersections. As Polycarte started crossing the westbound lanes, he narrowly avoided being hit by a passing vehicle in the middle lane. In an attempt to avoid this close call, Polycarte stepped back but unfortunately fell onto the roadway within the outer lane.

According to detectives findings, Polycarte remained on the ground until he was struck by Dimanche’s tow truck as it approached within that outer lane. The tow truck came to a controlled stop after hitting Polycarte.
Dimanche stepped out of the tow truck to inspect the object he had hit.

To the west of the collision site, there was a marked crosswalk with pedestrian crossing signals.

Investigators have determined that excessive speed is not believed to be a contributing factor in this incident. Detectives say this is still an active investigation.