Man accused in hit-and-run crash that killed toddler turns self in, police say

A 29-year-old man who police said ran over a toddler Thursday in the parking lot of a Daytona Beach apartment complex turned himself in Saturday, police said.

Earnest Ponder is facing charges of leaving the scene of a crash involving a death and driving with a suspended license during a fatal crash.

Police were called about 8:15 p.m. Thursday to 430 North Charles Street after reports that a toddler had been run over by a car, according to a news release. When they arrived, police discovered 22-month-old Ar’myis Ford in the parking lot outside the apartment building. He was taken to a hospital, where he died, police said.

“Investigators believe Ponder was behind the wheel of a green 2005 Chrysler 300 when he attempted to back up the vehicle, running over the toddler in the process,” the release states.

Witnesses told police Ponder then fled the scene on foot. Authorities obtained an arrest warrant for Ponder and initiated a manhunt.

Ponder was booked into the Volusia County Jail Saturday after turning himself in, police said. He is being held without bail.

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