Bradenton's Top Crime Stories 2012

Bradenton readers know how common crime – and crime news – can be in southwest Florida. But there were some local stories in 2012 that grabbed the attention of Bradenton residents and didn't let go.

Here's a look at the Top 10 Most Read Crime Stories of 2012 on the Bradenton Patch.

Many of the stories you will recall. Others, you will wonder how you ever missed them. The stories are listed in the order of reader interest.

1.) Boy Arrested for Selling Crack Near His Elementary School 

2.) Animal Network Offers $500 Reward in Cruelty Case

3.) Sarasota Woman's Body Found in a Ditch

4.) Abducted Woman Raped in 16-Hour Ordeal

5.) Bradenton Men Busted In Online Sex Sting in Sarasota

6.) 53 Charged in Food Stamp Fraud Investigation

7.) Officer Shoots at Suspect Outside of Cortez Road Walmart

8.) Former Bradenton Police Officer Charged with Murder in Wife's Death

9.) 62-Year-Old Woman Raped in Home Invasion

10.) Underage Sex Sting Nets 43 Suspects in the Tampa Bay Area