An Ohio man who pleaded guilty in the 2015 death of his infant son was yanked out of a packed spring break crowd in Daytona Beach on Tuesday, after Volusia County deputies say they spotted him blending in with beachgoers along a busy stretch of shoreline.
Ohio Conviction Comes Back to Haunt Him
The man pleaded guilty in 2015 to involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment in the death of his infant son, according to The Associated Press. Prosecutors said a ceramic mug thrown during an argument struck the baby, and Grove was sentenced after entering the plea.
Beach Stop Turns Into Fugitive Bust
Volusia County Chief Deputy Brian Henderson told investigators that deputies first approached the man after they noticed him seated next to someone drinking from an open container in a popular beach area, according to the New York Post. A search of his backpack turned up a THC vape pen. The arrest affidavit cited by the outlet says that once deputies realized he was wanted out of Ohio and confronted him, the suspect reportedly replied, “It’s over, bro.”
Local Charges and Trip Back to Ohio
Deputies booked the man into the Volusia County jail on local counts that include failing to register as a convicted felon and two drug possession charges, and he is being held while Ohio authorities arrange to bring him back, according to the New York Post. The outlet also reported that Ohio officials issued a warrant in October after they said he violated parole.
County officials say he will remain in Volusia County custody while extradition paperwork moves forward. Law enforcement leaders add that tip lines and stepped-up public safety patrols stay active through the busiest beach weeks as they track out-of-state leads, even in the middle of spring break revelry.
