Orlando, Florida — A Florida mother was arrested after deputies say she left her 12-year-old daughter alone inside a bar at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk while she went to another nightclub to drink and dance.
Authorities identified the woman as Amanda Thorpe, 33, who now faces a child neglect charge following the incident that reportedly unfolded Saturday night at the popular entertainment district.
Investigators say the situation began after Thorpe and her daughter were inside a bar when an argument escalated and the mother decided to leave — without her child.
Deputies say the girl was later found crying and sitting alone on a bar stool, prompting concerned patrons to call police.
Argument inside bar sparked the incident
According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, Thorpe and her daughter were at the CW Shoreline Bar at Universal CityWalk when the situation began.
Police say Thorpe, who was allegedly already intoxicated, got into an argument with another patron inside the venue.
Following the confrontation, Thorpe reportedly decided she wanted to go to another bar in the entertainment complex.
However, the girl told her mother that she wanted to return to their hotel room instead of continuing the night out.
That disagreement quickly escalated.
Investigators say Thorpe became “livid” with her daughter, flipped her off, told her “f— you,” and stormed out of the bar.
Authorities say she then walked away from the venue and headed toward another nightclub nearby.
Child left alone inside busy nightlife area
Police say the 12-year-old girl was left behind at the bar, sitting alone among adult patrons.
Witnesses reportedly noticed the young girl by herself and contacted authorities out of concern.
When deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrived, they found the child visibly distressed.
According to the report, the girl was crying and sitting alone at the bar, waiting for her mother to return.
Deputies then began searching the nearby venues inside the CityWalk complex for Thorpe.
Deputies locate mother on dance floor
Authorities say deputies located Thorpe inside the Red Coconut Club, another nightlife venue within Universal’s CityWalk.
When officers entered the club, they reportedly saw Thorpe dancing on the floor alone while holding a drink.
Deputies approached her and asked about the location of her daughter.
Initially, police say Thorpe claimed she believed the child was with her the entire time.
She later changed her explanation and said the girl was likely back in their hotel room, according to investigators.
Police report signs of intoxication
Deputies also noted several signs indicating Thorpe may have been intoxicated.
According to the arrest affidavit, officers observed that she had:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Noticeable swaying while walking
- The odor of alcohol on her breath
These observations were documented in the report as part of the investigation.
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Mother arrested and charged with child neglect
Following the investigation at the scene, deputies arrested Thorpe on a charge of child neglect.
She was taken into custody and transported to the Orange County Jail.
Court records indicate that Thorpe was later released after posting a $2,500 bond.
Authorities have not released additional details about the child’s current living situation or whether child welfare officials are involved in the case.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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