Child injured in serious hit-and-run at Largo Walmart parking lot

A mother and her 6-year-old child were hit by a hit-and-run driver in a Walmart parking lot, according to police reports. The incident took place as Christiane Souza de Oliveira and her child, Aylla Rodrigues, were leaving the Walmart location at 2677 Roosevelt Blvd. The driver not only hit them but also collided with several other vehicles in the lot before fleeing the scene, as stated by Largo police in a news release. The child was rushed to a hospital with severe injuries, while the mother was hospitalized in serious condition. Subsequently, Lauren Howells, 32, was arrested in connection with the accident after Clearwater police discovered the suspected vehicle at a Days Inn. Even though Howells was initially not present at the hotel, it was determined that she had returned with the damaged vehicle indicative of the crash. Howells was apprehended at another location afterwards. She confessed to driving the vehicle, causing the accident, and leaving the scene. Howells is facing numerous charges, including leaving the crash scene with injuries and reckless driving leading to serious bodily harm. Court records show that Howells has a history of arrests in Pinellas County dating back to 2011, including drug-related charges involving cocaine and fentanyl possession.