Sullivan Clarke, 13, was allegedly attacked on the Daytona Beach boardwalk around 10 p.m. on Feb. 14 while vacationing with his parents. Authorities arrested 44-year-old Jermaine Long, who faces a charge of second-degree aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Sullivan required 13 stitches, and his family says the wound narrowly missed being fatal. The case remains under investigation; a court appearance was recorded on Feb. 17 with no plea or attorney information listed publicly.
13-Year-Old’s Throat Slashed on Daytona Beach Boardwalk — Suspect Arrested
Sullivan-Clarke (left); and Jermaine-Long.Fox 35 orlando; Daytona Beach Police
A 13-year-old boy vacationing with his family was allegedly the victim of a random, late-night attack on the Daytona Beach boardwalk on Valentine’s Day, local news outlets and police reports say.
What Happened
According to the family and accounts cited by FOX 35, WESH, The Daytona Beach News-Journal and Click Orlando, Sullivan Clarke was walking a few feet ahead of his parents around 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, when a man approached and allegedly slashed the teen’s throat. The family says the assault was unprovoked.
Suspect and Charges
Court records identify the suspect as 44-year-old Jermaine Long. Authorities arrested Long in connection with the incident, and he faces a felony charge of second-degree aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Online court records show a court appearance on Tuesday, Feb. 17; no plea or attorney information was listed at the time of reporting.
Sullivan Clarke with his family.Fox 35 orlando
Injuries and Family Reaction
Local outlets report Sullivan required 13 stitches for the wound. His mother, Lori Clarke, told investigators she saw the man approach with a 'strange look in his eyes' before the attack. Sullivan later told FOX 35 he likely survived because he happened to look up at the moment of the assault.
Sullivan: 'The crazy thing is, I turned at the perfect time, because I was on the phone and I looked up at the slingshot, and that’s how he got the side of my neck and not right here.'
Jerod Clarke, father: 'It was crazy. I mean, I saw my son's neck totally gashed open. I could see the meat in his neck. It was crazy.' He said doctors told the family that had the wound been a millimeter deeper it could have been fatal.
Investigation
Police say they are investigating the circumstances of the attack. Family members characterize the incident as random and unprovoked; officials have not publicly announced a motive. Authorities continue to gather evidence and review court procedures related to the suspect.
Sources: FOX 35, WESH, The Daytona Beach News-Journal, Click Orlando and court records as cited by local outlets.
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