Body Camera Footage Captures Officer’s Actions Minutes After Fatal Coral Springs Crash

New body-worn camera footage offers a minute-by-minute account of the immediate aftermath of a crash that killed 6-year-old Harlow Tran in Coral Springs.

The video, obtained by NBC6 Investigates, begins at 5:06 p.m., roughly one minute after the collision on May 5, 2024. Officer John Daddino is seen stepping out of his patrol car at the intersection before driving to a stopped Mercedes. The suspected driver, Chevon Graham, lies on the ground nearby while one passenger remains trapped in the vehicle. Bystanders shout about a baby, but Daddino focuses on the Mercedes occupants initially. He puts on gloves and radios the scene, stating, "91, put a rush on the vehicles (inaudible) hear there's a baby in another car." Witness Manuel Sayago confirms the presence of a child, and Daddino responds, "Ok, I know, they're coming, they're coming."

At 5:08 p.m., Daddino heads back toward the intersection, asking, "Hold on, where's the baby? Where's the baby? Where's the baby?" He reaches the group gathered around Harlow, who had been thrown from an SUV driven by her great-grandmother, and begins rescue efforts. Other emergency personnel arrive shortly after.

The timeline of events is now central to a lawsuit filed by Harlow's parents, Samari Curbelo and her husband. They allege Daddino initiated a dangerous pursuit for a minor traffic violation involving dark window tint, prompting the Mercedes to flee. Curbelo questioned why Daddino did not go to her daughter sooner, stating, "I could care less about what's happening there. At that moment, that was the most important. That takes precedence."

Daddino’s written report claims he was not aware anyone from the SUV was injured upon arrival. The city of Coral Springs denies a pursuit occurred, noting in a court filing that "no pursuit was initiated" and that Daddino turned off his lights and siren. However, federal data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lists a police pursuit as a factor in the crash. A Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles spokesperson said the determination is based solely on the crash report.

Surveillance video shows Daddino following the Mercedes with emergency lights initially on. Daddino wrote that he slowed down, almost nearing a complete stop, but the video shows his patrol car continuing west. Data from the Mercedes indicates it was traveling 107 mph just before the impact. An internal police review lists Daddino’s speed at 45 mph, though it is unclear when that speed was recorded or based on what evidence.

Harlow was airlifted to the hospital and pronounced dead. Graham remains in jail awaiting trial on multiple felony counts after pleading not guilty. The city and police department declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation, while Daddino, who is not a defendant, also declined to comment through his union.