A Florida woman has been charged over a hit-and-run which injured a mom and left her young daughter fighting for her life.
Lauren Howells, 32, plowed into the victims at a Walmart parking lot in Largo on Thursday, according to police.
She was taken to Pinellas County Jail, where her mugshot was captured. This image has been compared to Piper Chapman, the character from the Netflix series Orange is the New Black.
Howells allegedly struck Cristiane Souza de Oliveira and six-year-old Aylla Rodrigues, leaving the child with life-threatening injuries and the mom with serious injuries.
‘We are just hoping that this child is able to make it through,’ Largo police spokeswoman Megan Santo told FOX13.
As of Friday morning, both victims were still in the hospital, police said.
Howells’ car was later traced to a Days Inn, but she was picked up at a different motel.
Police pulled over another car registered to her as part of a traffic stop and determined her location.
Lauren Howells has been charged over a hit-and-run which injured a mom and left her young daughter fighting for her life
Her mugshot has since drawn comparisons to Piper Chapman, the fictional inmate in the Netflix show Orange is the New Black
Howells, 32, plowed into the victims at a Walmart parking lot in Largo on Thursday, according to police
‘During the interview, Howells admitted to driving the vehicle, hitting something, and leaving the scene,’ Largo Police said in a statement.
Howells is facing several driving offences charges including reckless driving with serious bodily injury and leaving the scene of a crash.
‘For the family involved, we are very, very just heartbroken and our hearts go out to them because that was never supposed to be a part of their evening,’ Santo added.
However, many online commenters were more focused on the uncanny resemblance between her and her Orange is the New Black doppelganger, played by Taylor Schilling.
Howells’ mugshot shows her sporting an orange jumpsuit, just like the one worn by Schilling for much of her time on screen.
The show follows Schilling’s character as she navigates a new life in prison following a conviction for money laundering and drug trafficking.
Howells shares Schilling’s trademark blonde locks and wide-eyed expression.
‘Looks like the girl from orange is the new black like what,’ one person wrote.
Many online commenters were more focused on the uncanny resemblance between her and her Orange is the New Black doppelganger, played by Taylor Schilling (left)
She allegedly struck Cristiane Souza de Oliveira and six-year-old Aylla Rodrigues, leaving the child with life-threatening injuries and the mom with serious injuries
‘That was a GREAT SHOW! Glad they caught this girl. Hope she gets a long time in jail,’ another added in agreement.
‘Don’t do Piper like that lmfao,’ another joked.
Police in Largo confirmed the investigation is ongoing.
‘The Largo Police Department wants to thank the Clearwater Police Department and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance and support throughout this investigation,’ the force added.
