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Sanford Police search for hit-and-run driver that injured a 3-year-old girl

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Published  June 9, 2025 10:46pm EDT
Seminole County
FOX 35 Orlando
The search for hit-and-run driver who put 3-year-old in hospital

The search for hit-and-run driver who put 3-year-old in hospital

The search continues for the driver involved in a hit-and-run crash that left a 3-year-old girl in the hospital. FOX 35's Matt Trezza spoke with the child's grandmother who hopes police can find the person responsible.

The Brief

    • A three-year-old girl was hit by a car on Persimmon Avenue in Sanford, and the driver fled the scene.
    • The child is recovering in the ICU at Arnold Palmer Hospital, and her family is seeking witnesses to help identify the driver.
    • Sanford Police are investigating the incident, but no suspects have been identified yet.

What we know:

SANFORD, Fla. - Last Thursday night, a driver hit a three-year-old child with a car on Persimmon Avenue in Sanford and then fled the scene.

The child is currently in the ICU at Arnold Palmer Hospital, showing signs of recovery such as opening her eyes and moving her limbs.

Her 13-year-old brother was present during the incident and provided comfort until emergency services arrived.

Persimmon Avenue in Sanford

What we don't know:

Sanford Police have not released information about the identity of the driver or any potential suspects.

Details about the circumstances leading to the incident remain unclear.

The backstory:

The incident has left the family traumatized, with the grandmother expressing her distress and concern for her granddaughter's fight for life.

What they're saying:

Tonja Debose, the victim's grandmother, is pleading for witnesses to come forward and help identify the driver responsible for her granddaughter's injuries.

"I'm so traumatized. I don't I don't know what to say. I'm just I try to stay calm because again, I have panic attacks. But for this three year old, I just don't know. She's fighting for her life."

She spoke from her home in Sanford.

Tonja Debose, the victim's grandmother

What's next:

Sanford Police continue to investigate the case, and the family hopes for leads that will help track down the driver.

The community is encouraged to provide any information that could assist in the investigation.

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The Source: The information in this article comes from reporting and research done by FOX 35 reporter Matt Trezza and the Sanford Police Department.

Seminole CountySanfordCrime and Public Safety