A 22-year-old mother from Florida, Danielle Bryant, was arrested earlier this month after allegedly leaving her 3-year-old child unattended at a playground for over an hour, leading to a near-miss with oncoming traffic. The incident occurred on June 15, 2025, at the Silver Sands Premium Outlets, located approximately 150 miles west of Tallahassee.
According to a news release from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the unattended toddler was spotted by a concerned citizen at 1:11 p.m. during a routine patrol. The citizen reported that the child had been playing alone at the playground since about 11:30 a.m. and had nearly run into traffic before a good Samaritan intervened and pulled him to safety.
The witness, who had observed the child for 45 minutes, brought the child to Silver Sands security after failing to locate the mother. Deputies responded to the scene, where the child was found safe and being cared for by security personnel.
When law enforcement contacted Bryant, she claimed she had been working at a nearby fragrance store and had left her son at the playground, with a friend supposed to pick him up. She also stated that she had been watching him through the store’s window, unaware that the child had been alone for almost an hour and had nearly run into traffic.
Bryant’s reaction upon being reunited with her son was concerning, as deputies noted that she showed no emotions or concern for her child. Investigators revealed that the temperature at the time was 88°F, with a heat index of 101°F, and the child did not have any food or water during the period he was left alone.
Bryant was arrested and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm. She is scheduled to appear in court on July 22, 2025.
Sheriff Michael Adkinson commented on the incident, stating, “This could have ended much worse… This kind of situation is not only dangerous, it is unacceptable.” He expressed his gratitude for the good Samaritan and law enforcement for their quick actions in ensuring the child’s safety.
