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Largo, FL (July 28, 2026) – Three children were injured in a single-vehicle crash on Sunday evening, July 26, on Dryer Avenue in Largo, and the driver is expected to face DUI and child neglect charges, according to police.
Investigators said the crash happened just after 8 p.m. in the 3000 block of Dryer Avenue. Authorities identified the driver as 31-year-old Dezmond Sanford, who was traveling westbound at a high rate of speed with three juvenile passengers when he lost control of the vehicle.
Sanford and all three children were transported to area hospitals for treatment. By Monday, one child had been released, while Sanford and the other two children remained hospitalized. Police believe impairment was a contributing factor in the crash.
Authorities said Sanford will be taken into custody after he is released from the hospital. He is expected to face charges including driving under the influence and child neglect. The crash remains under investigation.
We are thinking of the injured children and hope they, along with everyone else affected by this incident, make a full recovery.
Why Impaired Driving Cases Involving Children Have Additional Charges
When children are passengers in a vehicle involved in an alleged impaired-driving crash, investigators evaluate not only the cause of the collision but also whether the driver’s actions placed the children at substantial risk of harm. Depending on state law and the circumstances, additional criminal charges may apply.
Crash investigators typically review witness statements, vehicle damage, roadway evidence, toxicology results, and other available evidence to determine what factors contributed to the collision. These findings help establish the sequence of events and support any criminal or traffic-related charges.
Single-vehicle crashes involving excessive speed and suspected impairment can result in serious injuries even when no other vehicles are involved. Law enforcement agencies continue to emphasize the importance of never driving while impaired and ensuring children are transported safely.
