A Saturday night stroll near the Daytona Beach shoreline turned violent when a juvenile suffered a severe neck wound in an attack just off the Main Street corridor, according to police. The assault happened around 10:05 p.m. on South Atlantic Avenue, just south of Main Street, and the child was rushed to Halifax Health Medical Center. Investigators say a motive has not been determined, and the victim’s condition has not been released.
What Police Say Happened
Daytona Beach officers reported being dispatched after a caller said someone had slashed a person’s throat with an edged weapon at about 10:05 p.m. on South Atlantic Avenue, just south of Main Street, according to the arrest affidavit. Police said the victim, whose precise age has not been made public, is a juvenile and suffered a severe laceration to the neck before being transported to Halifax Health Medical Center.
Investigators identified the suspect as 44-year-old Jermaine Lynn Long, who was booked on a felony charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, according to ClickOrlando. Three witnesses were interviewed at the scene, the affidavit states.
Arrest Near Main Street Pier
Officers later found Long near an overpass on the Main Street pier, right next to Joe’s Crab Shack, where he was taken into custody without incident, according to the police report. During a subsequent interview with detectives, Long invoked his right to speak with an attorney, the affidavit notes.
Investigators have not said whether they have located the weapon involved in the attack or whether there is any known relationship between Long and the juvenile victim.
Investigation Still Active
Daytona Beach police say detectives are treating the case as an active and ongoing investigation and are keeping a tight lid on further details while they conduct additional interviews and collect evidence. The department has not released an update on the juvenile’s current condition and has asked anyone with information about the incident to contact detectives, as reported by ClickOrlando. No additional charges have been announced.
What the Law Says
Under Florida law, aggravated battery that involves the use of a deadly weapon or causes great bodily harm is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, according to Florida Statutes F.S. 784.045. Prosecutors are expected to review the arrest affidavit and medical records before deciding whether to proceed with formal charges beyond the aggravated battery count currently listed.
