Florida Man Arrested for Threatening Videos of Gunfire

Adrian Morales held without bond after making threats near Daytona International Speedway

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A 45-year-old Daytona Beach man named Adrian Morales was arrested by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office after sending threatening videos of gunfire, including references to the sheriff's office, DEA, and FBI. Morales was located near the Daytona International Speedway, raising concerns due to his past grievances with a NASCAR executive. Detectives recovered a rifle and ammunition from Morales' vehicle and he is currently being held in the Volusia County jail without bond.

Why it matters

The arrest of Morales highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing individuals who make violent threats, especially when those threats are in proximity to high-profile events or locations. The sheriff's office acted swiftly to intervene, underscoring the importance of monitoring and responding to patterns of erratic behavior that could escalate into real danger.

The details

According to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, Morales sent threatening videos of gunfire, saying "this is what's in store." The new threats were directed at someone else, but Morales also referenced the sheriff's office, DEA, and FBI in his messages. Detectives located Morales at the Icon One Daytona apartments, across from the Daytona International Speedway, and took him into custody. They recovered the rifle used in the threatening video as well as several rounds of ammunition from Morales' vehicle.

  • On February 16, 2026, Morales was located and arrested by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.
  • The threats were made in the days leading up to a major event at the Daytona International Speedway.

The players

Adrian Morales

A 45-year-old Daytona Beach man who was arrested for making threatening videos of gunfire, including references to law enforcement agencies and a NASCAR executive.

Volusia County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that located and arrested Morales after he made the threatening videos, citing his past grievances and pattern of erratic behavior.

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What they’re saying

“The pattern of increasingly erratic behavior created urgency for law enforcement intervention.”

— Volusia County Sheriff's Office (wesh.com)

What’s next

Morales is being held at the Volusia County jail without bond, and detectives will likely continue investigating the full extent of his threats and any potential connections to past incidents.

The takeaway

This arrest underscores the importance of law enforcement closely monitoring individuals who make violent threats, especially when those threats are in proximity to high-profile events or locations. Proactive intervention can help prevent escalation and potential tragedy.