POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Following an intense, around-the-clock investigation, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested the woman they believe struck two children outside a Winter Haven church on Wednesday night. Victoria Ashton Johnson, 30, of Winter Haven, was taken into custody Thursday and is being booked into the Polk County Jail.
The crash occurred around 8:25 p.m. on March 11, 2026, at 2140 Crystal Beach Road. An 8-year-old boy was killed and a 10-year-old boy was left in critical condition with a skull fracture and broken limbs after being hit while crossing the street for a function at Faith Baptist Church. The driver fled the scene immediately after the collision.
Detectives located the suspect vehicle—a blue 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe—at a residence on SR 60 East in Lake Wales. A preliminary search of the SUV revealed damage, missing parts, and potential biological matter consistent with a pedestrian strike. Authorities have seized the vehicle for a full forensic analysis, which will include an examination of Johnson’s cell phone.
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Johnson faces several serious charges, including Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death, Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Serious Bodily Injury, Tampering with Evidence, Filing a False Police Report, and Driving While License Suspended or Revoked. Records indicate Johnson has a prior criminal history, including a November 2025 arrest for DUI.
“I am so very proud of my detectives and analysts—who are the very best in the business—for their tenacity and determination which ultimately led to this suspect being taken into custody,” Sheriff Grady Judd said. “Please keep these children’s families in your prayers.”
Traffic Homicide investigators, patrol units, and real-time crime analysts worked together to track the vehicle and establish probable cause for the arrest. While the vehicle was found in Lake Wales, detectives are still investigating exactly how and why it ended up at that specific location.
The 10-year-old victim remains in the hospital fighting for his life. The Sheriff’s Office expects to release more detailed information regarding the case on Friday, March 13, 2026.
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