Lakisha Debose has dedicated every moment of the past week to being by her daughter’s side.
Three-year-old Harmonie Rose Bryant is currently in the hospital, receiving care from a dedicated team of doctors and nurses following a tragic hit-and-run incident in Sanford that nearly claimed her life.
Debose shares with News 6 that she was relaxing on the porch of their residence on Persimmon Avenue as her 3-year-old played alongside her brother. Out of nowhere, she reported that a driver lost control and hit her young daughter.
“He hit the barricade and lost control and hit Harmonie,” Debose said. “Her brother was right there. I don’t understand how it didn’t hit him as well.”
Authorities report that following the collision, the driver fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle. On Thursday, News 6 provided an update on the ongoing investigation, revealing that two individuals of interest have been identified, although no arrests have been made at this time.
“It just hurts me to my heart knowing this is my poor little baby,’ Debose said.
Debose expressed her frustration over witnessing her daughter suffer and the lack of accountability for those responsible. She informed our team that Harmonie is suffering from a fractured skull along with injuries to her spine and pelvic bone, among other concerns.
Speaking to News 6 just outside Arnold Palmer hospital on Thursday, she remarked, “It’s just been a long week.”
“She’s doing better. We just left the gym. She’s pointing and she’s shaking her head, ‘Yes and no,’” Debose said. “We’re going to be here quite some time.”
A fresh report from Sanford police reveals that witnesses reported hearing a “boom” at the moment of the crash, followed by seeing a man leave the vehicle and flee through nearby driveways.
Audio from 911 calls obtained by News 6 shows that several individuals reached out for assistance, including a man who informed despatch that he was observing the suspect sprinting down Persimmon Avenue towards the railway tracks, dressed in shorts and glasses.
Following the first collision, Sanford law enforcement informed our crew that they had interviewed multiple individuals who fit the descriptions provided by witnesses.
A crash has occurred near SW Road and Persimmon Avenue, just a short distance from the Crooms Academy of Information and Technology. Located just shy of a mile from the Sanford police station.
Debose recounted how her daughter and son were engaged in a game of “Red light, green light” when a car suddenly sped down the street. According to Debose, the speed limit stands at 25 mph.
“Somebody really needs to come forward,” Debose said. “We need answers. We need justice.”
Sanford police have confirmed to News 6 that their investigation remains active and ongoing.
