Winter Haven, Florida — A Florida woman accused of fleeing a crash that killed an 8-year-old boy appeared to laugh during her first court appearance, a moment that quickly drew attention as prosecutors outlined the serious charges against her.
Authorities say 30-year-old Victoria Johnson of Winter Haven was arrested Thursday and now faces multiple charges connected to the deadly hit-and-run crash that occurred earlier this week.
During a video court hearing Friday, Johnson was seen shaking her head and laughing while the judge read the charges, according to officials present during the proceeding.
“I wasn’t even in the car,” Johnson said during the hearing before being instructed not to discuss the details of the case.
The judge later agreed to appoint a public defender after Johnson requested legal representation.
Charges filed after deadly crash
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said Johnson faces several serious 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
- Providing false information to law enforcement
The judge set bond at $100,000 for the hit-and-run charges. However, Johnson remains in custody without bond for violating probation related to a previous DUI case.
Two children struck near church event
Investigators say the crash happened around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday near Faith Baptist Church in Winter Haven.
Authorities received multiple 911 calls reporting that two children had been hit by a vehicle while crossing Crystal Beach Road during a church event.
An 8-year-old boy died from his injuries, while a 10-year-old boy suffered severe injuries, including:
- A broken arm
- A broken femur
- A compound skull fracture
The surviving child remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition, according to officials.
“Deputies said the children were attempting to cross the road when they were struck by a northbound vehicle that then fled the scene.”
Evidence leads investigators to suspect vehicle
Witnesses described the suspect vehicle as a dark-colored mid-size SUV. Investigators also recovered debris from the crash site that appeared to come from the lower portion of a vehicle.
Surveillance video from the area captured a northbound vehicle traveling shortly before a loud impact was heard. Authorities say the footage suggests something was struck before the vehicle turned off the road.
The investigation eventually led deputies to Johnson after she contacted authorities.
Suspect initially reported vehicle stolen
According to investigators, Johnson contacted authorities Thursday claiming her dark blue 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe had been stolen.
However, deputies say her story changed during questioning.
She initially claimed the vehicle had been taken the night before. Later, she said she had loaned the SUV to someone who failed to return it.
Authorities say Johnson eventually admitted she had been driving Wednesday night and believed she might have hit someone.
“Investigators said Johnson acknowledged she thought she might have struck a person but left the area.”
Deputies locate vehicle and additional suspect
While transporting Johnson for questioning, deputies spotted the Hyundai Santa Fe being driven by a man identified as Corey Stewart.
Stewart was the same person Johnson allegedly told investigators she had given the SUV to in order to “get rid of it.”
Deputies followed the vehicle to a nearby residence where Stewart and another passenger initially refused to come outside.
A search of the SUV revealed visible damage, missing vehicle parts, and possible biological material consistent with a pedestrian collision, investigators said.
Johnson admits drug use before driving
During questioning, Johnson allegedly told deputies she had been driving around near her home for about 20 minutes but could not recall the exact roads she traveled.
The area she described was approximately 2.8 miles from the crash scene, according to investigators.
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Authorities also say Johnson admitted:
- She had been listening to music while driving
- Her driver’s license was suspended following a DUI arrest
- She knew she was not supposed to be driving
Deputies also reported Johnson admitted using methamphetamine before driving that night.
According to investigators, Johnson later met Stewart at a Circle K convenience store, where the two allegedly used methamphetamine before going fishing at a nearby pond.
Defense claims crash itself may have been accidental
Johnson’s public defender acknowledged the incident was tragic but suggested that the crash itself may not have been intentional.
“This was, in fact, a tragic, terrible accident,” the attorney said during the hearing.
However, prosecutors emphasize the charges stem largely from allegations that Johnson fled the scene and attempted to conceal evidence afterward.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing evidence connected to the crash.
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