A Florida woman charged with fleeing the scene of a crash that killed an 8-year-old boy appeared in court via video conference Friday, where she laughed and denied involvement as the judge read the charges. Victoria Ashton Johnson, 30, faces multiple felony counts including leaving the scene of a crash involving death, leaving the scene with serious bodily injury, tampering with evidence, driving without a license causing death, and giving false information to law enforcement.
Details of the Crash and Charges
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported the crash occurred just before 8:30 p.m. Wednesday near Faith Baptist Church in Winter Haven. Two boys were struck while crossing Crystal Beach Road during a church event. The 8-year-old victim died from his injuries, while a 10-year-old boy sustained serious fractures and remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition. Witnesses described the suspect vehicle as a dark-colored mid-sized SUV. Surveillance footage showed a vehicle striking an object and then fleeing eastbound, consistent with the crash location.
Authorities arrested Johnson Thursday after she initially claimed her 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe was stolen. She later admitted driving the vehicle the night of the crash and expressed that she “thought she might have hit someone.” Johnson’s driver’s license had been suspended due to a prior DUI arrest. Investigators found damage and possible biological material in the vehicle consistent with a pedestrian strike. The SUV was later located being driven by another individual she had said she gave the vehicle to “to get rid of.”
Court Appearance and Legal Proceedings
During the first court appearance, Johnson laughed and shook her head as the charges were read. She said, “I wasn’t even in the car,” and was advised not to discuss case facts. When asked if she wanted to return for a continuance after securing an attorney, she requested the appointment of a public defender. The judge appointed a public defender to represent her. Johnson admitted to using methamphetamine before driving and discussed meeting with another person afterward to use meth and go fishing.
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