LARGO, FL – A routine evening shopping trip turned tragic when a mother and her young daughter were struck by a vehicle in a Walmart parking lot, leaving the child in critical condition. The driver, Lauren Howells, now faces multiple felony charges for the hit-and-run incident that has left the community in shock.
Authorities say the incident occurred around 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Walmart located on Roosevelt Boulevard. Howells allegedly drove through the parking lot, colliding with another vehicle before hitting Cristian Sousa de Oliva and her 6-year-old daughter, Ayala Rodriguez. The mother sustained serious injuries, while the child is fighting for her life in the hospital.
The chaos of Thursday night has given way to a somber atmosphere as friends and family anxiously await updates on the young girl’s condition. Police are keeping in constant contact with the hospital, hoping for signs of improvement in Ayala’s health, which remains in a precarious state.
Witnesses describe the scene as heartbreaking, noting the family had likely been on a simple errand when the tragic accident occurred. Howells reportedly fled the scene, abandoning her vehicle at a nearby location before moving to a hotel on 34th Street, where she was subsequently apprehended.
Authorities have been working diligently with local agencies to piece together the events leading up to the crash. Investigators are trying to determine the speed of Howells’ vehicle at the time of impact and whether she was under the influence of any substances. They are also exploring the possibility of her receiving assistance in her attempt to evade capture.
The weight of the situation is felt most heavily by the family of the victims, who are grappling with the sudden and devastating change to their lives. Community members have expressed their condolences and are holding out hope for the child’s recovery.
Howells faces four charges, including leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, leaving the scene with bodily injury, and reckless driving. Both mother and child remain hospitalized, with their loved ones keeping vigil and hoping for a positive outcome.
As the investigation continues, the community rallies around the family, offering support and prayers in the face of this unexpected tragedy.