BRADENTON, Fla. — A Florida fugitive, Courtney Faith Stanley, 27, was arrested on August 12, 2025, after a week on the run with her 2-year-old daughter, who was safely recovered by deputies in Hillsborough County.
Stanley fled from Manatee County deputies during an investigation into a theft at the Walmart located at 6225 SR 64 East, Bradenton, on August 5. Deputies say Stanley got into a vehicle with her toddler unrestrained, knocked a deputy to the ground while fleeing, and avoided arrest.
Authorities expressed concerns for the child’s safety due to the dangerous circumstances of the escape.
During her weeklong flight, Stanley traveled to Illinois before returning to Florida, where deputies arrested her.
She faces several charges, including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing to elude, petit theft with two prior convictions, child abuse without bodily harm, child neglect without bodily harm, obstruction, and resisting arrest without violence.
Stanley’s daughter has been placed in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.
