Daytona Beach teen survives throat slashing attack

13-year-old boy narrowly escapes life-threatening injury in unprovoked assault near pier

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A 13-year-old boy was the victim of a violent and unprovoked attack near the Daytona Beach Pier on Valentine's Day, when a 44-year-old man approached the boy and intentionally slashed his throat. The boy miraculously survived the attack, with doctors saying the injury was just a millimeter away from being fatal.

Why it matters

This disturbing incident has shaken the local community and raised concerns about public safety, particularly in tourist areas. The unprovoked nature of the attack has left many searching for answers about the perpetrator's motives and mental state.

The details

According to the boy's parents, the family was walking along the Daytona Beach boardwalk when Jermaine Long approached their 13-year-old son, Sullivan Clarke, and intentionally slashed his throat. The boy's father said he could see 'all the way down to the meat' of his son's neck after the attack. Sullivan recalled turning his head just in time, which is why the injury was not fatal. Doctors said the gash was just one millimeter away from being life-threatening.

  • The attack occurred on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2026.
  • Jermaine Long is currently being held in jail without bond.

The players

Sullivan Clarke

A 13-year-old boy who was the victim of the unprovoked throat slashing attack near the Daytona Beach Pier.

Jermaine Long

A 44-year-old man who approached the 13-year-old boy and intentionally slashed his throat in an unprovoked attack.

Lori Clarke

The mother of Sullivan Clarke, the 13-year-old victim.

Clarke family

The family of the 13-year-old victim, who were walking on the Daytona Beach boardwalk when the attack occurred.

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What they’re saying

“I could see his neck gashed wide open. I could see all the way down to the meat.”

— Sullivan Clarke's father (Fox 35)

“I turned at the perfect time... I happened to be looking up at the slingshot, and I turned. And that's why he got the side of my neck.”

— Sullivan Clarke, Victim (Fox 35)

“As soon as he slashed him, I yelled, and I said 'Hey!'”

— Lori Clarke, Mother of victim (Fox 35)

What’s next

Jermaine Long is being held in jail without bond, and authorities are investigating the motive behind the unprovoked attack.

The takeaway

This horrific incident has left the local community shaken and raised serious concerns about public safety, particularly in tourist areas. The fact that the attack was unprovoked and the victim was a young teenager has only heightened the sense of unease and the need for greater security measures to protect the public.