Close Menu
  • Home
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • THINGS TO DO
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • Contact
Facebook
Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Niceville.com
Niceville.com
Home»CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY»Mary Esther woman charged after toddler found alone in 101° heat 
CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY

Mary Esther woman charged after toddler found alone in 101° heat 

Niceville.comJune 17, 20252 Mins Read
Walton County Sheriff’s Office emblem on the side of a patrol vehicle.
A Walton County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle. (Niceville.com)

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — A Mary Esther woman was arrested Sunday after her three-year-old son was found alone at a playground for nearly two hours in dangerously hot conditions, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

Advertisement
A square digital ad for Midbay Veterinary Hospital with multiple dogs of different breeds, a blue veterinary cross logo, Dr. Maya Chapman’s contact information, and a “Click” button for scheduling an appointment.

The incident happened on June 15, 2025, at Silver Sands Premium Outlets in Miramar Beach. At approximately 1:11 p.m., a deputy patrolling the area was approached by a concerned citizen who reported that the young child had been unsupervised on the playground since at least 11:30 a.m.

According to witnesses, the toddler had nearly run into traffic before a bystander pulled him to safety. The individual attempted to locate the child’s parent but was unsuccessful and ultimately brought the child to the outlet mall’s security office.

Deputies arrived and found the child safe and in the care of security staff. While they were interviewing witnesses, a woman identified as Danielle Bryant, 22, approached and inquired about her son.

Advertisement

Ms Bryant told deputies she had been working at a nearby store and left her son at the playground, claiming a friend was supposed to pick him up. She also stated she had been watching the child from the store’s window.

However, deputies said Ms Bryant appeared unaware that her child had been with a bystander for nearly 45 minutes and had run toward traffic. She had not contacted law enforcement to report him missing.

At the time the child was found, the temperature was 88 degrees with a heat index of 101. He reportedly had no food or water during the time he was left alone.

Advertisement
Deer Moss Creek® advertisement by Ruckel Properties, Inc. promoting available homes and lots.

Ms Bryant was arrested and charged with child neglect.

“This could have ended much worse,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “Thanks to the good Samaritans who stepped in and the quick action by our deputies, this little boy is safe. But this kind of situation is not only dangerous, it is unacceptable.”

Ms Bryant was released on her own recognizance from the Walton County Jail the following morning.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office said it remains committed to protecting vulnerable individuals and encourages anyone with child safety concerns to contact law enforcement immediately.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleRuckel, Plew honored for top fundraising to help kids in crisis
Next Article WCSO Major graduates from elite FBI National Academy program

Related Posts

Arrested man in handcuffs with handcuffed hands behind back, jell cell in background

Fugitive in Okaloosa murder case captured in Mexico, officials say

July 8, 2025
Badge, two-way radio, on deputy

Panama City man charged after K-9s track him in Freeport assault case

July 8, 2025
Handcuffs on fingerprints crime page file

DeFuniak Springs man charged with meth trafficking after WCSO probe

July 8, 2025
Advertisement
Categories
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • IT'S GEEK TO ME
  • LARRY WILLIAMS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • MARKETPLACE NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • OUTDOORS
  • ROADS / TRANSPORTATION
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • THINGS TO DO
Advertisement
The Wharf 850 Niceville, Florida
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
  • EGLIN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
  • EYEWEAR UNLIMITED
  • HAIR EXPRESS
  • MIDBAY VETERINARY HOSPITAL
  • NICEVILLE FARMERS MARKET
  • NICEVILLE INSURANCE AGENCY
  • RUCKEL PROPERTIES, INC.
  • THE WHARF 850
Advertisement
A square digital ad for Midbay Veterinary Hospital with multiple dogs of different breeds, a blue veterinary cross logo, Dr. Maya Chapman’s contact information, and a “Click” button for scheduling an appointment.
Categories
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • IT'S GEEK TO ME
  • LARRY WILLIAMS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • MARKETPLACE NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • OUTDOORS
  • ROADS / TRANSPORTATION
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • THINGS TO DO
Advertisement
Smiling couple holding Eglin Federal Credit Union Mastercard with promotional rate
Advertisement

ABOUT NICEVILLE.COM

PRIVACY POLICY

TERMS OF SERVICE

© 2025 Niceville.com. All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.