Daytona Beach’s tourist strip turned into a manhunt zone late Tuesday as Daytona Beach and Volusia County officers searched the boardwalk and pier for a homicide suspect out of Alachua County. Police say the man, identified as Xavion Perry III, ditched a vehicle at the Main Street beach approach and took off toward the Main Street Pier, touching off a multi-agency response that stretched into the morning with officers combing the area on foot.
What police say
Investigators allege that Perry killed his on-again, off-again girlfriend in Alachua County, then fled the area, according to WFTV. Daytona Beach officers reportedly picked up his vehicle using license-plate reader technology and tried to pull it over, which led to a pursuit. Officials told WFTV that Perry had made threats of “suicide by cop” and warned he should be considered potentially dangerous.
Where the search unfolded
Officers ultimately spotted Perry in Daytona Beach on Tuesday night, and he bailed out of a vehicle at the Main Street beach approach before running onto the Main Street Pier, according to WKMG/ClickOrlando. That triggered an intensive sweep of the pier and boardwalk area. Neighbors and visitors near the waterfront reported heavy police activity as officers moved along the beachfront trying to track him down.
Video and local response
FOX 35 Orlando posted video on May 27 showing officers converging near the Main Street beach approach and boardwalk while the search was still underway. The station’s live on-screen report stated that Daytona Beach police were looking for a homicide suspect who had fled Alachua County and had been spotted in the city.
Safety and what officials are asking
Authorities are urging anyone who sees Perry to call 9-1-1 immediately and not to approach him, WKMG/ClickOrlando reported. Police boosted patrols along the beachfront while working with Volusia County deputies to clear the surrounding area and review surveillance footage. Officials have also asked the public to stay away from the pier and boardwalk until officers finish their sweep.
Legal note
The alleged killing remains under investigation by Alachua County authorities, and any formal charges will be decided by local prosecutors once detectives submit their findings, according to WFTV. For now, law enforcement agencies in both Volusia and Alachua counties are asking anyone with information to contact police so the case can be forwarded to the appropriate state attorney’s office.
