A mother in Sanford, Florida, is speaking out after her young daughter was hit by a car in a shocking hit-and-run accident.
The incident happened on Monday night, and the child was seriously injured. The mother says her daughter is lucky to be alive, and now she’s hoping someone will come forward with information about the driver.
According to the family, the 3-year-old girl had just finished dinner with her parents and was walking across the street when the car came speeding through the intersection.
The little girl was holding her dad’s hand, and her mother was right beside them. In just a few seconds, a dark-colored car struck the child and kept going without stopping.
The impact threw the toddler to the ground. The mother, still shaken, described the scene as something no parent should ever have to witness.
She said the car hit her baby so hard that her little shoes flew off. The child suffered a broken leg and bruises all over her body. She was rushed to a nearby hospital and had to stay there for treatment.
The mother is thankful her daughter is alive, but said it has been a traumatic experience for the entire family.
She mentioned that if her husband hadn’t been holding their daughter’s hand, things could have been much worse. The girl’s father also got hurt while trying to protect her.
Now, the family is asking for help from the public. They want anyone who may have seen the incident or has camera footage from nearby homes or businesses to contact the police. The mother said she just wants justice for her child. She added that it’s not about punishment—it’s about responsibility. “You hit a baby, and you just kept going,” she said emotionally.
Sanford police are investigating the case and have confirmed they are searching for the driver. So far, no arrests have been made.
The car has been described as a black sedan, possibly a Toyota, but there are no clear leads yet. Officers are asking residents in the area to check their security cameras and come forward with any footage they might have from the night of the crash.
Local neighbors have expressed their shock and sadness after hearing what happened. Many say it’s common to see drivers speeding through the neighborhood and ignoring stop signs. They now hope this incident will make people more aware and careful.
The mother also had a message for the person who hit her child. She said, “You may have been scared, but imagine how scared my daughter was. Please do the right thing.” She hopes that the driver will come forward and take responsibility, not just for legal reasons, but to show some humanity.
The toddler is now recovering at home, but she’s still in pain and has a long way to go. The family is trying to keep her comfortable and distracted with her favorite toys and cartoons.
Her mother says the child has been very brave and that they are grateful for all the support they’ve received from friends and community members.
This incident has brought up larger concerns about pedestrian safety in Sanford neighborhoods. Residents are urging city officials to add more signs, speed bumps, and crosswalks to help prevent future accidents. Some parents say they are now afraid to let their children walk outside, even during the day.
As the investigation continues, the family remains hopeful. They believe someone out there knows something and that soon, the person responsible will be found. In the meantime, they’re focusing on helping their daughter heal, both physically and emotionally.
If you have any information about the hit-and-run that took place near 15th Street and Palmetto Avenue in Sanford on Monday night, you’re asked to contact the Sanford Police Department. Every small tip can help bring the family one step closer to justice.