Teen Attacked, Throat Slashed on Valentine's Day Vacation

Jermaine Long, 44, arrested in connection with the alleged random attack on 13-year-old Sullivan Clarke in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Sullivan Clarke, a 13-year-old boy, was attacked while walking on the boardwalk with his parents in Daytona Beach, Florida on Valentine's Day. His mother witnessed a man, later identified as 44-year-old Jermaine Long, approach the teen and suddenly slash his throat. Sullivan survived the attack, which left a deep gash, by mere millimeters.

Why it matters

This random and violent attack on a teenager during a family vacation has shaken the community and raised concerns about public safety, especially in popular tourist destinations. The incident also highlights the importance of situational awareness and the need for improved security measures to protect visitors.

The details

According to authorities, Sullivan Clarke was walking a few feet ahead of his parents on the boardwalk around 10 p.m. when his mother, Lori Clarke, noticed a man with a "strange look in his eyes" approaching her son. The man, later identified as Jermaine Long, allegedly slashed Sullivan's throat, leaving a deep gash. Sullivan survived the attack by looking up at the moment of the assault, which caused the blade to catch the side of his neck rather than his throat directly. The teen received 13 stitches for the injury.

  • The attack occurred on Saturday, February 14, 2026 around 10 p.m.
  • Jermaine Long had a court appearance on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Sullivan Clarke

A 13-year-old boy who was attacked while on vacation with his family in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Jermaine Long

A 44-year-old man who has been arrested and charged with a felony count of second-degree aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in connection with the attack on Sullivan Clarke.

Lori Clarke

Sullivan's mother, who witnessed the attack and saw the suspect approach her son with a "strange look in his eyes".

Jerod Clarke

Sullivan's father, who saw his son's neck "totally gashed open" and said the attack was "crazy".

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What they’re saying

“The crazy thing is, I turned at the perfect time, because I was on the phone and I looked up at the slingshot, and that's how he got the side of my neck and not right here.”

— Sullivan Clarke (FOX 35)

“It was crazy. I mean, I saw my son's neck totally gashed open. I could see the meat in his neck. It was crazy.”

— Jerod Clarke, Sullivan's father (WESH)

“We are so lucky our son's alive. The doctor said if it would have been one millimeter deeper, we'd probably be having a different conversation.”

— Jerod Clarke, Sullivan's father (WESH)

What’s next

Jermaine Long is scheduled to appear in court again, where a judge will decide whether to grant him bail.

The takeaway

This random and violent attack on a teenager during a family vacation has shaken the community and raised concerns about public safety, especially in popular tourist destinations. The incident highlights the importance of heightened security measures and situational awareness to protect visitors.