This browser does not support the Video element.
Previous coverage: Deputies locate vehicle in deadly hit-and-run
Polk County deputies believe they found the vehicle that hit two children Wednesday night. One of them, an eight-year-old, was killed. A ten-year-old remains in the hospital in critical condition. FOX 13's Carla Bayron reports.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - The suspected driver accused of hitting two young children outside a church Wednesday evening, killing an 8-year-old boy and leaving another 10-year-old fighting for his life, has been arrested.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office said Victoria Johnson, 28, of Winter Haven, was taken into custody Thursday evening.
Courtesy: Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
What we know:
The crash happened around 8:25 p.m. on Crystal Beach Road near Faith Baptist Church in Winter Haven. Investigators say that the two children — who are not siblings — were attending a church event and were trying to cross Crystal Beach Road from the west side.
The 8-year-old died from his injuries and the 10-year-old is hospitalized with a broken leg, broken arm and a skull fracture.
According to PCSO, detectives found the vehicle, which was a 2009 blue Hyundai Santa Fe, believed to be involved in the crash Thursday afternoon. It was seized at a home on SR 60 East in Lake Wales, deputies said.
During a preliminary search for the vehicle, detectives said they found damage, missing parts and potential biological matter that was consistent with a pedestrian being struck. A forensic analysis of the vehicle and Johnson's cellphone will be conducted, officials said.
Dig deeper:
Johnson has a criminal history that includes a November 2025 arrest by the Winter Haven Police Department for DUI, PCSO said.
She was arrested Thursday on multiple charges, including leaving the scene of a crash involving death, leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury, tampering with evidence, filing a false police report and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
According to court records, Johnson is being held on a $100,000 bond for this case. In a separate case, she is being held without bond for violating probation from a previous DUI conviction in January.
What they're saying:
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd released the following statement after the arrest:
"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. Please keep these children's families in your prayers."
A member of the church told FOX 13 that the church pastor's 50th birthday celebration was taking place after the Wednesday evening service and the kids were going across the street to get cupcakes and cakes when they were hit.
The identities of the children involved have not been released, but officials say that the one who died was a student at Boswell Elementary. A spokesperson for Polk County schools released this statement:
"This is a terribly sad day for Boswell Elementary, and our community. The child and his parents are beloved members of the Boswell family. He had many close friends at school and was well-liked by all of the teachers and staff. He was known for his incredible spirit and smile, as well as his willingness to help others. We are heartbroken by this loss, and praying for all who knew and loved this little boy. If anyone has any information about this case, please reach out to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office."
The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.