WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (CBS12) — A 30-year-old woman was arrested Thursday for a hit-and-run crash that killed an 8-year-old and seriously injured a 10-year-old.
According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Victoria Johnson of Winter Haven was taken into custody after fleeing the scene of the incident that occurred around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on Crystal Beach Road outside Faith Baptist Church, where the boys were attending a church function.
Authorities report that the truck driven by Johnson struck both children as they attempted to cross the street. The 8-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene, while the 10-year-old was transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital with severe injuries, including a broken arm, broken femur, and a compound skull fracture. He remains in critical but stable condition.
Witnesses and surveillance footage led investigators to identify Johnson's vehicle as a dark SUV. The investigation escalated when Johnson called the Sheriff's Office to report her 2009 blue Hyundai Santa Fe stolen. Upon arrival at her home, deputies discovered she was not present.
Arrest records show Johnson provided conflicting statements regarding her vehicle's status, including claims of theft and lending it to an acquaintance. Meanwhile, deputies located her damaged SUV on SR 60 in Lake Wales, where two individuals, identified as Corey Stewart and Mya Bass, were taken into custody after attempting to evade arrest.
During questioning, Johnson admitted to regular methamphetamine use and confirmed she was under the influence at the time of the crash.
Johnson faces 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
The investigation remains ongoing.