WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (CBS12) — A 30-year-old woman faces multiple charges following a hit-and-run incident that left one boy dead and another seriously injured.
According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Victoria Johnson was arrested Thursday after allegedly fleeing the scene of the crash, which occurred around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday outside Faith Baptist Church on Crystal Beach Road. The two boys, aged 8 and 10, were crossing the road briefly when they were struck by Johnson's truck.
Authorities confirmed that the 8-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, while the 10-year-old was transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital with critical injuries, including a broken arm, femur, and compound skull fracture. He remains in critical but stable condition.
Investigators identified Johnson's vehicle through surveillance footage and debris. She reportedly attempted to mislead authorities by reporting her 2009 blue Hyundai Santa Fe stolen after the incident, claiming different stories to deputies.
During her apprehension, deputies located Johnson's damaged vehicle on SR 60 in Lake Wales. The driver, identified as Corey Stewart, and a passenger, Mya Bass, led law enforcement on a brief chase before barricading themselves inside a residence. Both were apprehended and charged with resisting arrest.
Recordings indicate that Johnson admitted to using methamphetamine before driving that night. She is charged with:
- 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 is ongoing.