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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
