8-Year-Old Killed, 10-Year-Old Critically Injured in Church Hit-and-Run

Suspect Arrested in Hit-and-Run Crash That Killed 8-Year-Old Outside Winter Haven Church

By Staff Reporter
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published March 13, 2026

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A suspect has been arrested following an intense overnight investigation into a tragic hit-and-run crash that killed an 8-year-old child and critically injured another child outside a church in Winter Haven earlier this week.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, detectives with the Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit, assisted by patrol deputies and real-time crime analysts, worked around the clock to identify the driver responsible for striking two children and fleeing the scene.

Victoria Ashton Johnson / Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Investigators say Victoria Ashton Johnson, 30, of Thornhill Road in Winter Haven, has been taken into custody in connection with the crash. Johnson, born October 14, 1995, is expected to be booked into the Polk County Jail.

Detectives located the suspect vehicle — a 2009 blue Hyundai Santa Fe — at a residence along State Road 60 East in Lake Wales, where it was seized as evidence. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing into how and why the vehicle ended up at that location.

During a preliminary search of the SUV, investigators located visible damage, missing parts, and possible biological evidence consistent with a pedestrian strike. A full forensic examination of the vehicle will be conducted, along with an analysis of Johnson’s cell phone.

Authorities say probable cause was established to charge Johnson with:

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
Driving While License Suspended or Revoked

According to investigators, Johnson also has a prior criminal history, including a November 2025 DUI arrest by the Winter Haven Police Department.

“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,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “Please keep these children's families in your prayers.”

Crash Outside Church

The deadly crash happened Wednesday night, March 11, 2026, outside Faith Baptist Church, located at 2140 Crystal Beach Road in Winter Haven, just off Winter Lake Road (County Road 540).

Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the area around 8:25 p.m. after receiving reports that two children had been struck by a vehicle.

According to the preliminary investigation by Traffic Homicide detectives, the children were on the west side of Crystal Beach Road preparing to cross toward the church where a church function was taking place.

After a truck passed by, the children began crossing the roadway when they were struck by a northbound vehicle. The driver did not stop and instead continued to the intersection with Winter Lake Road before turning in an unknown direction.

Both children, who are not siblings, were attending the church event when the crash occurred.

The 8-year-old child died from his injuries, while the 10-year-old child suffered a broken leg, broken arm, and a skull fracture. The surviving child remains hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said.

“Our detectives and crime analysts have been working all night using every available resource to identify the vehicle, and ultimately the driver who chose to flee rather than help those two children,” Sheriff Judd said earlier during the investigation. “We are praying for the families and friends of the children, and for the child who is in a hospital bed fighting for his life.”

Investigation Continues

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains active as detectives continue processing evidence and conducting forensic analysis related to the case.

Anyone with additional information about the crash is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Heartland Crime Stoppers at 888-400-TIPS.

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