Parents of Sanford toddler nearly killed in hit-and-run ask for community help to solve the case
Sanford Police are asking the community to come forward with information on a hit-and-run that nearly killed a toddler.
3-year-old Harmonie Rose Bryant has been fighting for her life at Arnold Palmer hospital, since she was hit on Persimmon Avenue in the Goldsboro neighborhood on Thursday.
According to her family, the toddler is in stable condition, but she had brain bleeding and multiple fractures to her skull and pelvis.
The family spoke exclusively with Channel 9 and said Harmonie will likely have a long road to recovery. According to the family, the 3-year-old is awake but unable to communicate and could have lasting issues from the crash.
Her parents told Channel 9 they were watching their daughter play 'Red Light, Green Light' with her older brother just feet away from their Sanford home, as a driver jumped the curve and slammed into their daughter.
'We were sitting right there on the porch when it happened. And that car came flying around the corner,' said Harmonie's father Melvin Bryant.
'She went flying in the air. I jumped off the porch, almost fell down the steps,' added Harmonie's mother Lakisha Debose, as she recalled the horrifying moment.
Harmonie's parents said they have been by their daughter's hospital bedside 24/7 since the crash and are asking for continued prayers for her recovery.
The family and several neighbors told Channel 9 speeding is a problem along Persimmon Avenue where the crash happened.
They believe the city needs to take some speed calming measures on the road.
Meanwhile, Harmonie's parents said they are frustrated the person responsible for the hit and run is still at large.
They are begging the community to provide information to police that could help close the case.
'I want justice,' said Bryant, 'I'm asking for anybody to step forward.'
Sanford Police said they do have persons of interest but have not made any arrests yet.
The department said anyone with information about the hit-and-run could contact Sanford Police directly or make an anonymous report via Crimeline.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
Man in critical condition following Chesapeake shooting: Police
CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) – A man is in critical condition following a shooting in Chesapeake Saturday morning, according to the Chesapeake Police Department. Officers responded to the 3200 block of Border Road with reports of gunshots in the area and found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds around 4:40 a.m. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was determined to be in critical condition. Police say this is an active investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP℠, submit a tip online at or use the P3TIPS app on their smartphone. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Central Florida law enforcement gears up for national protests
Law enforcement authorities are making arrangements for a day of nationwide protests that is scheduled for Saturday, June 14th. More than a dozen demonstrations are planned across major Central Florida cities, with at least one organized protest planned in Volusia, Seminole, Orange, Lake, Osceola and Brevard counties. According to organizers, a protest scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. outside Orlando City Hall is expected to draw more than 1,000 people. According to Channel 9, organizers have also reported that over 2,000 people have RSVPed for protests at the US 1 and SR 520 intersection in Cocoa, with more than 500 people expected to attend another demonstration at Florida 44 and Mission Drive in New Smyrna Beach. According to the organizers, they're planning to demonstrate on Flag Day, coincidentally also President Trump's birthday. Organizers say they're coming together to protest the president's plans for a military parade in Washington, D.C., and to show opposition to growing authoritarianism under the Trump Administration. Organizers call the event 'No Kings Day,' and they write on their website, 'A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation.' Amid unrest in California, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier emphasized that Florida law clearly prohibits rioting and includes enhanced penalties for those who break that law. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey also issued a stern warning to Floridians during a press conference in Titusville on Thursday. 'If you throw a brick, a firebomb, or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying your family where to collect your remains, because we will kill you graveyard dead,' Ivey said. On Friday, Channel 9 heard from Law Enforcement in Seminole, Osceola, Volusia and Orange Counties, who said they were aware of protests and were making necessary preparations. Most departments declined to provide specifics for security reasons. A spokesperson for the Orlando Police Department said, 'The Orlando Police Department is aware of the protest taking place downtown tomorrow and has made all necessary preparations. While OPD does not discuss specific security measures, we always assess the needs of large-scale events to make sure enough staff are on hand to protect and serve our community.' You can find more information on protests planned across the country here. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Local woman loses loved ones in devastating fire, advocates for fire safety
Fire can reach a flashpoint in moments, which is why the Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives recommends planning your escape now. Channel 9 attended the Bureau's Safe Kids Day at Andretti Thrill Park in Melbourne this week, joined by Layza Warren. Her sister, Betty Mendre, her niece, Zayla and her nephew, Emmanuel, all lost their lives in a condo fire in Palm Bay. Sadly, only their older brother survived the January tragedy. Warren told us, ' Educate yourselves and be prepared so that if it does ever happen, you're able to survive it.' Investigators have ruled that the fire that took Mendre's life was accidental, likely caused by an electrical issue. Warren's sister was a local business owner. 'She was an insurance broker who was passionate about teaching her clients and the community about Medicaid or Medicare. She did whatever she could to make sure her clients were taken care of. And the outreach in this community, she impacted a lot of lives, educating them. Regarding insurance,' said Warren. Warren hopes her sister's story will continue to inspire others by encouraging them to ensure that even the youngest members of their families know where to find all the windows and doors in their homes, that they open easily, have working smoke detectors and that a safe place is designated to meet a distance away from their homes. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
