Officer Charlie Dallas, 56, was declared dead at the scene, officials said.

The accident happened just before 4:30 p.m. at U.S. 27 and Jackson Street, according to reports.

According to the FHP, the accident happened this way:

While driving south on U.S. 27, Federico Vasquez, 23, of Sebring swerved left to avoid hitting a 1989 Ford station wagon, driven by Sharon Kolbinskie, 54, of Lake Wales, who was crossing the road at Jackson Street.

Vasquez, driving a 2006 Pontiac G6, crossed the median and into Dallas' path.

The left side of Vasquez's car struck the left side of Dallas' 2008 Ford Explorer, troopers reported.

Dallas lost control of the SUV and it rolled over, throwing him out, reports said.

Vasquez and his passenger, Katie Boyette, were not injured.

Polk County emergency workers called for a helicopter, but by the time it arrived, Dallas had died, officials said.

Dallas, who at the time was working an off-duty detail for Lakeland Regional Medical Center, was not wearing a seat belt, reports said.

Dallas' passenger, Karyn Spencer, 33, of Lakeland was taken to Lake Wales Regional Medical Center for unknown injuries, reports said.

Spencer was a LRMC employee accompanying Dallas on a patient transfer.

The two were on their way back to Lakeland in the LRMC vehicle, said LPD spokesman Jack Gillen.

The others involved in the crash were wearing seat belts.

Charges in the crash are pending.