What to Know
Witnesses in Florida called police on June 12, 2026, reporting they saw a toddler running into traffic on a busy highway near a daycare center. Officers from the Fruitland Police Department rushed to the scene after good Samaritans brought the 2-year-old boy to safety. The child reportedly left the Luv N Hugs Learning Center without anyone realizing it. Now, center employee Halee Russo faces charges as loved ones defend her character and assure it was a misunderstanding.
The little boy reportedly left the center around 10 a.m.
According to court documents obtained by WESH, witnesses claimed they saw the 2-year-old boy running into traffic on U.S. 27/441 around 10 a.m. One witness turned his car around to help. By the time he got to the child, two other vehicles stopped to help. They were able to get the little boy back to Luv N Hugs Learning Center unharmed. The woman responsible for returning the little boy to the daycare center told police she allegedly heard an employee tell Russo the child “almost got hit by a car,” and assured them she would be written up.
Bodycam footage shows a chaotic scene.
In newly released bodycam footage, witnesses tell police the little boy could have been killed. Russo appears and gives a story that conflicts with the witness accounts. First, she blames an unlocked gate and claims the little boy only made it a few feet before he returned to Luv N Hugs Learning Center. An hour later, an officer approaches Russo again and says I’m going to allow you to be a little bit more truthful in what happened.”
Russo tells the officer she was dealing with another child at the time and that the little boy must have squeezed through the gate because it was locked. The officer questions why her story was different, and Russo blames her boss.
“Yes, sir, it was different cause I was doing what my boss told me to say cause she didn’t want to get the center shut down. What I’m telling you now is exactly what happened,” she says in the footage.
Luv N Hugs Learning Center addressed the situation online.
The center’s owner, Desiree Everett, posted a lengthy message on social media asking for grace during a very difficult time.
“While a mistake made by a staff member has led to recent media coverage, this incident does not define me, my daughter Shayvon, or our center as a whole. We are overwhelmed by the support of our parents, many of whom have offered to provide character references on our behalf. This support reflects the high level of professional service and care we consistently provide to our families,” the message reads in part. “We remain committed to serving our community and ensuring a safe, nurturing environment for every child.”
Russo appeared to enjoy her job.
@haleebug98 make snacks with me at work… alright lets have some fun #fyp #trend #foryou #viral #foryou ♬ 11 Binaural Beats 1 Hz – August Son Productions
The 27-year-old posted on social media about her job and her love for the kids at the daycare center. She seemed passionate about the children and her job. Comments on the police department Facebook page from those who claimed to know Russo agreed.
“I know this young lady and she is amazing. Known her since she was a little girl. This is her dream and she loves children! Halee would NEVER!!!! Just neglect a child. Please do not come at her. Did the school have enough staff? Clearly not! Why would she be on the playground with children alone? Who was watching the cameras? This really hurts my heart for her. For the child also, but children by nature are curious and wander,” one person wrote.
“What happened was a terrible situation, and thankfully the child was found safe. But the person people are describing is not the person I know,” another person agreed. “She is one of the kindest, most caring, and most compassionate people I have ever met. She has always put others before herself, especially children.”
Russo faces a charge of child neglect without great bodily harm.
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