Putnam County Man Arrested After 15-Month Manhunt for Toddler Overdose

Bruce Harris charged with neglect, drug offenses after one-year-old child overdosed on illegal drugs in his home.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:53pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small plastic bag containing white powder, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the evidence found in a home where a child overdosed.The discovery of illicit drugs in a home where a child overdosed exposes the dangerous realities of drug abuse and neglect.Deltona Today

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 34-year-old Bruce Harris, who had been on the run for 15 months following the overdose of his then-girlfriend's one-year-old child in their Satsuma home. Harris was taken into custody in Deltona, Florida by U.S. Marshals and Volusia County deputies on warrants for neglect, drug possession, and firearms charges.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing opioid crisis impacting families and the challenges law enforcement face in tracking down suspects who flee justice, especially in cases involving vulnerable children and drug-related crimes.

The details

According to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, first responders rushed the one-year-old child to the hospital in January 2025 after the toddler overdosed on illegal drugs that were left within reach in the home where Harris, who was dating the child's mother at the time, was living. Harris disappeared when the investigation began, triggering a 15-month manhunt involving local and federal authorities.

  • The overdose incident occurred in January 2025.
  • Harris was arrested on April 8, 2026 in Deltona, Florida.

The players

Bruce Harris

A 34-year-old man who was dating the mother of the one-year-old child who overdosed on illegal drugs in his home in Satsuma, Florida. Harris fled authorities and was on the run for 15 months before being arrested.

Putnam County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the toddler overdose case and led the 15-month manhunt for Harris.

U.S. Marshals

The federal law enforcement agency that assisted in the search for and capture of Harris.

Volusia County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that helped apprehend Harris in Deltona, Florida.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold those who endanger children accountable for their actions.”

— Sheriff H. D. 'Gator' DeLoach, Putnam County Sheriff

What’s next

Harris will face a judge in the coming days to determine if he will be granted bail as he awaits trial on the charges related to the toddler's overdose.

The takeaway

This case underscores the devastating impact of the opioid crisis on vulnerable children and the challenges law enforcement face in tracking down suspects who flee justice, especially in drug-related crimes involving minors.