The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit, with assistance from patrol units and real-time crime analysts, has apprehended the suspect in a hit-and-run incident from the previous evening where a vehicle struck two children and fled the scene.
The suspect is identified as Victoria Ashton Johnson, date of birth October 14, 1995, residing on Thornhill Road in Winter Haven. She is expected to be booked into the Polk County Jail this evening.
The suspect vehicle, a 2009 blue Hyundai Santa Fe, was located and seized from a residence on SR 60 East in Lake Wales. The investigation continues into how and why the vehicle ended up there.
A preliminary search of the vehicle revealed damage, missing parts, and potential biological matter consistent with a pedestrian strike. A full forensic analysis of the vehicle and Johnson’s cell phone will be conducted.
Probable cause has been established to charge Johnson with the following offenses: 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/Revoked.
Johnson’s criminal history includes a November 2025 arrest by the Winter Haven Police Department for DUI.
Sheriff Grady Judd stated: “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. Please keep these children’s families in your prayers.”
A more detailed update is expected on Friday, March 13, 2026. An official mugshot and affidavit are not yet available. A photo of Johnson in custody is referenced in the press release.
SOURCE: Polk County Sheriff’s Office
