LARGO, FL – A 6-year-old girl who was seriously injured in a hit-and-run collision at the Walmart on Roosevelt Boulevard on May 8 was released from the hospital on Wednesday, according to WFLA.
Lauren Howells was allegedly driving when she hit Cristiane Souza de Oliveira and her six-year-old child as they were exiting the Walmart around 9 p.m. She then reportedly collided with other vehicles as she fled the scene.
First responders transported the child to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. The mother was hospitalized with serious injuries.
In their investigation, officers learned Howell had departed from a Days Inn before the collision and came back afterwards. Her vehicle had damage consistent with the hit-and-run. Howells left the Days Inn in another vehicle before authorities arrived.
Authorities eventually found and arrested Howells. They charged her with leaving the scene with property damage, two counts of leaving the scene with serious bodily injury, and one count of reckless driving with serious injury.
The child was released from the hospital on Wednesday.
Consult the Pinellas County pedestrian accident lawyers at Whittel & Melton, LLC if you have been hurt in an auto vs. pedestrian collision by a reckless driver. Our attorneys and staff are available 24 hours a day to help our clients navigate the difficulties of the Florida legal system. You can reach us by calling 866-608-5529 or via our contact form.