Desperate Plea: Sanford Mom Seeks Justice After Toddler's Hit-and-Run

Persimmon Avenue, Sanford, Florida, USA - In a heart-wrenching incident that has left the Sanford community in shock, 3-year-old Harmonie Rose Bryant was critically injured in a hit-and-run crash on June 12, 2025. Her mother, Lakisha Debose, has been by her side at Arnold Palmer Hospital, where Harmonie is currently in stable condition despite suffering severe injuries, including a fractured skull and spine injuries. The incident occurred while Harmonie was playing on the porch with her brother on Persimmon Avenue when a driver lost control, struck her, collided with a barricade, and fled the scene, leaving behind their vehicle.

Debose has expressed heartfelt frustration over the pain her daughter is enduring and the lack of accountability from the person responsible for this terrible accident. „We need justice,“ she pleads, urging anyone with information about the driver to come forward. The Sanford police have identified two persons of interest but have yet to make any arrests, leaving the family and the community on edge as they strive for answers.

A Community in Mourning

Harmonie’s parents were vigilant, watching their children play what is normally a fun game of „Red Light, Green Light“ when disaster struck. Witnesses reported hearing a loud „boom,“ and several saw a man exit the vehicle before fleeing. Police have shared 911 audio, revealing multiple calls for help where witnesses described the suspect as wearing shorts and glasses. As the investigation continues, concerns about speeding vehicles on Persimmon Avenue have risen significantly. Local residents, along with Harmonie’s family, are advocating for speed-calming measures to enhance safety in the area.

Such tragic incidents are not isolated. Reports suggest that road traffic injuries remain a leading cause of death and disability among children globally. Indeed, children aged 0 to 17 are incredibly vulnerable as pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicle occupants. In 2004 alone, approximately 262,000 child deaths were attributed to road traffic injuries, with a staggering 93% occurring in low- and middle-income countries, as highlighted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Calls for Action

As Harmonie’s recovery unfolds, her family continues to ask for prayers and support from the community. They are not only seeking justice but also raising awareness about the consistent risks faced by children in the neighborhood. The scene of the accident near SW Road and Persimmon Avenue, close to Crooms Academy of Information and Technology and within a mile of the Sanford police station, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive safety strategies.

The situation appeals to all of us: are we doing enough to protect our children? Communities everywhere must take the lead in implementing effective measures such as speed reduction strategies, designated safe routes to schools, and pedestrian-friendly designs. The conversation sparked by this incident could lead to increased safety for children in Sanford and beyond. As we keep Harmonie and her family in our thoughts, let’s also remember our shared responsibility to create safer roads for everyone.

For those with any information related to this hit-and-run, law enforcement encourages direct contact with the Sanford police or the option to report anonymously via Crimeline. Every bit of information helps, and there’s no doubt that justice for Harmonie is a cause worth fighting for.

To learn more about the ongoing investigation, you can read more on Click Orlando here. For further community insights and updates, check out Yahoo News here. And to understand the broader implications of road safety for children, explore the National Center for Biotechnology Information here.