Child dead, another has a fractured skull after hit-and-run crash outside Florida church

The Polk County Sheriff's Office has arrested a Winter Haven woman in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed an 8-year-old boy and severely injured a 10-year-old boy at a church near Winter Haven on Wednesday night.

Victoria Ashton Johnson, 30, was arrested by the Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit, with assistance from patrol units and real-time crime analysts. She is accused of running over the two children and fleeing the scene Wednesday evening.

"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 in a statement. "Please keep these children's families in your prayers."

Johnson's vehicle, a blue 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe, was located and seized from a residence on State Road 60 East in Lake Wales. Detectives noted the vehicle had damage, missing parts, and what appeared to be biological matter consistent with striking a pedestrian.

It happened shortly after 8 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church on Crystal Beach Road just off of Winter Lake Road.

Detectives said the children were on the west side of Crystal Beach Road, crossing the street after a truck had passed, when they were hit by a northbound vehicle.

"That vehicle continued to the intersection with Winter Lake Road and turned in an unknown direction," PCSO said.

The 10-year-old has been hospitalized with a broken leg, broken arm and a skull fracture, PCSO said. The children, who are not siblings, were there for a church function.

Johnson faces several 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.

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