A 30-year-old Winter Haven woman, Victoria Ashton Johnson, was taken into custody on March 12, 2026, in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred the previous evening. The event, which took place on March 11, 2026, outside the Faith Baptist Church on Crystal Beach Road in Winter Haven, resulted in the death of an 8-year-old boy and left a 10-year-old boy in critical condition with a skull fracture and broken bones.
The two children were attempting to cross the street to attend a church function when they were struck by a northbound vehicle that fled the scene.
Following an intensive investigation, the Polk County Sheriff's Office identified Johnson as the suspect. Investigators located the vehicle involved, a blue 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe, at a residence in Lake Wales. A preliminary examination of the SUV revealed damage consistent with a pedestrian strike, including missing parts and potential biological evidence. The vehicle was seized for a full forensic analysis.
Victoria Johnson was booked into the Polk County Jail and faces multiple serious charges. These include 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 with a suspended or revoked license. According to reports, Johnson has a prior DUI arrest from November 2025. An arrest affidavit stated that Johnson admitted to using methamphetamine before driving on the night of the incident and that after the crash, she attempted to have an acquaintance dispose of the vehicle.Last Seen: Mar 7, 2026
