WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (CBS12) — A Winter Haven woman was arrested Thursday following a hit-and-run crash that killed an 8-year-old boy and seriously injured a 10-year-old.
Authorities identified Victoria Johnson, 30, as the suspect after the incident, which occurred around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday outside Faith Baptist Church on Crystal Beach Road. The two boys were crossing the street when they were struck by Johnson's truck, which did not stop, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
The 8-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, while the 10-year-old was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital with critical injuries, including a broken arm, a broken femur, and a skull fracture.
Investigators used surveillance footage and debris to identify a dark SUV. Johnson later reported her 2009 blue Hyundai Santa Fe stolen; however, she was unable to provide consistent details, offering three different accounts, authorities said.
Following her initial report, deputies found Johnson's damaged vehicle on SR 60 in Lake Wales, leading to the arrest of driver Corey Stewart and passenger Mya Bass after a brief pursuit.
Johnson admitted to using methamphetamine before driving that night. She was booked on multiple 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