Lakeland Police are investigating a suicide that occurred at 1640 East Fern Road in Lakeland on June 24, 2009. At approximately 6:20 pm, officers responded to a residence at this location after receiving a 911 call from a male who stated that there was going to be a suicide at that location, and he wanted the police and emergency medical persons to be the ones to find the body and not anyone else.
Lakeland Police responded and made contact with two occupants of the residence and found that they had not made the call. They directed an officer to the back of the house to the garage where the landlord lived. As the officer approached the back yard, they observed vehicles parked behind the house. One vehicle was running with a cable attached inside the vehicle and the other end attached to a pole in the garage. As the officer came closer, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and drove away from the house and crashed through a fence and into train tracks located behind the house. As officers approached the vehicle, they found Eric C. Lucht (W/M, DOB: 7/20/66) inside the vehicle deceased. Lucht’s vehicle was running with the gear shift still positioned in drive. The heat from the engine caused a small fire to start. LFD responded and was able to extinguish the flames.
Witnesses that knew Lucht stated that Lucht had a history of mental illness and had attempted suicide in the past. Lucht had served in the military in Iraq and was honorably discharged in 2004.
Next of kin has been notified. Media inquiries should be directed to Sgt. Terri Smith, 863.834.6917. This information is also available on www.lpdonlinenews.com.
Sergeant Terri Smith
