WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (CBS12) — A woman has been arrested following a meth-related hit-and-run crash that killed an 8-year-old and injured a 10-year-old.
According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, 30-year-old Victoria Johnson was arrested Thursday after fleeing the scene of the incident that occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. Wednesday outside Faith Baptist Church on Crystal Beach Road.
Investigators stated the children were crossing the road when Johnson's truck struck them without stopping. The 8-year-old was killed on impact, while the 10-year-old was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital with serious injuries, including a broken arm, broken femur, and a compound skull fracture. He remains in critical but stable condition.
Authorities determined the suspect's vehicle was a dark SUV, and a break in the case emerged when Johnson reported her 2009 blue Hyundai Santa Fe stolen. Upon arrival, deputies found she had left her home.
Arrest records revealed Johnson provided conflicting statements, initially claiming her car was stolen, followed by saying she loaned it to someone, and ultimately stating she gave it to a man named Corey Stewart. While questioning her, deputies spotted her damaged Hyundai on SR 60 in Lake Wales. The driver, Corey Stewart, and a passenger, Mya Bass, led deputies on a brief pursuit before barricading themselves in a home. Both were arrested and charged with resisting arrest.
During questioning, Johnson admitted to being a regular methamphetamine user, stating she had used it before driving on the night of the incident. Johnson faces multiple charges, including leaving the scene of a crash with death and serious bodily injury, tampering with evidence, and giving false information to law enforcement.