WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (CBS12) — A hit-and-run crash on Wednesday night killed an 8-year-old boy and seriously injured a 10-year-old in Winter Haven.
According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. outside Faith Baptist Church on Crystal Beach Road. The two boys were crossing the street when a truck, driven by 30-year-old Victoria Johnson, struck them and failed to stop.
The 8-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, while the 10-year-old sustained severe injuries, including a broken arm and a skull fracture, and was transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital in critical but stable condition.
Authorities identified Johnson as a suspect after reviewing surveillance footage and debris. She reportedly attempted to report her 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe stolen to cover her actions, but deputies found her vehicle at a different location.
While being apprehended, Johnson provided conflicting statements about the car‘s whereabouts. Additional investigation revealed her use of methamphetamine prior to the incident.
Johnson faces several charges, including:
- Leaving the scene of a crash with death
- Leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury
- Tampering with evidence
- Driving without a license, causing death
- Giving false information to law enforcement
Two individuals linked to the vehicle, Corey Stewart and Mya Bass, led police on a brief chase before barricading themselves in a home. Both were arrested for resisting arrest. An investigation remains ongoing.