A mother has been arrested after she left her child alone at a bar to go to party by herself during their trip to Florida.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said that Amanda Thorpe left her child at Universal CityWalk, a popular dining and nightlife area located next to the Universal Orlando Resort, on Saturday, March 7, according to an arrest affidavit viewed by Us Weekly.
Deputies reported to the scene after they received reports of a missing child. They then located a 12-year-old girl, who was sitting alone on a bar stool inside of one of the venues.
Authorities said that the girl appeared visibly upset and was crying when officers found her.
Investigators eventually identified the girl’s mother as Thorpe, who had reportedly been with her at the bar earlier that evening. The affidavit stated that people in the area realized something was wrong when the child became upset about something while both the mother and daughter were still at the venue.
Deputies said that Thorpe wanted to leave the venue and go to another bar, though the daughter asked if they could go back to their hotel room because she was tired.
The mother and daughter’s disagreement escalated, with authorities saying that Thorpe left the bar alone after she made an offensive gesture toward the girl. Thorpe even told the girl “F**k you” before she stormed off, per the affidavit. The child then remained alone at the bar.
People who witnessed the interaction notified staff members, and the Universal security team was contacted to help locate the girl’s mother.
Security personnel found Thorpe at Red Coconut Club, which is in another part of the entertainment complex. Investigators said she was dancing alone and holding an alcoholic drink in her hand when they approached her.
Thorpe’s eyes were bloodshot and there was an “uncontrollable swaying of the body, unbalance while walking, and the scent of fruity purities coming from her breath,” according to the affidavit.
When speaking to deputies, Thorpe reportedly said she didn’t realize that she left her daughter behind. She also told officers that she thought her daughter followed her or went back to the hotel. However, investigators concluded the child stayed at the location she was left at until security got involved.
Following the incident, Thorpe was arrested and charged with child neglect. She has since been released after posting a $2,500 bond.
It is not currently clear if Thorpe has entered a plea or retained legal representation following her arrest. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comment.
The girl’s grandfather was contacted and later picked her up, according to officials. Authorities also made sure that the girl was safely reunited with family members after her mother was taken into custody.
Members of the security team also reported the incident to the Florida Department of Children and Families, which may lead to a separate review of the situation.
The investigation into the case remains ongoing.
