Victoria Johnson, Winter Haven, Florida hit and run driver charged in death of 8-year old boy and critical injuring of 10-year-old while driving high on meth and suspended driver’s license after previous DUI arrest.
A Winter Haven, Florida woman who admitted being high on meth has been charged in a hit-and-run crash that led to the death of an 8-year-old boy and the critical injuring of a 10-year-old.
Victoria Johnson, 30, was taken into custody on March 12, 2026, following a Wednesday night crash, just on 8.30 p.m, March 11, near Faith Baptist Church on Crystal Beach Road according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators say the two boys, who were not siblings were attending a church function and were crossing Crystal Beach Road to get cupcakes when they were struck by a northbound vehicle that fled the scene. The 8-year-old died from his injuries, while the 10-year-old suffered a broken arm, broken femur, and a skull fracture. He remains in critical but stable condition at Arnold Palmer Hospital according to WFLA.
Fatal hit and run driver gave vehicle to friend to ditch it only to allege car was stolen
Witnesses reported seeing a dark-colored SUV leave the scene. Surveillance video captured a vehicle matching that description driving away shortly after the crash.
The following day, Johnson called deputies to report her dark blue 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe stolen. When deputies located her, she gave conflicting statements before eventually admitting she had been driving the night of the crash and believed she may have hit someone. She also told investigators she had used methamphetamine before driving and later gave the vehicle to Charles Cory Stewart (whom Johnson had also smoked meth with prior to the hit and run) to ‘get rid of it.’
A preliminary search of the subsequently located SUV revealed damage and missing parts consistent with a pedestrian crash. Stewart was also taken into custody on charges of resisting arrest and drug possession.
Previous DUI arrest and diabolical court appearance
According to the sheriff’s office, a background check revealed that Johnson had a previous DUI arrest from November 2025. At the time of Wednesday’s hit and run, Johnson had been driving with a suspended license.
Appearing in court via video conference on Friday, Johnson faced multiple charges, including leaving the scene of a crash involving death, leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury, tampering with evidence, driving without a license causing death, and giving false information to law enforcement.
During a period of two minutes, Johnson was observed going through open-mouthed disbelief, derisive laughter, angry outbursts, and finally tears, FOX 13 reported.
Johnson remained held in custody in violation of a previous probation.
A spokesperson for Polk County schools confirmed that the child who died was a student at Boswell Elementary.
‘This is a terribly sad day for Boswell Elementary and our community. The child and his parents are beloved members of the Boswell family,’ the spokesperson told FOX13.
‘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.’
