Teenager Attacked on Daytona Beach Boardwalk

13-year-old boy narrowly escapes death after unprovoked assault during family vacation

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A 13-year-old boy was the victim of a shocking attack on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk in Florida. The accused assailant, 44-year-old Jermaine Lynn Long, allegedly slashed the boy's throat with a knife, leaving him with a severe laceration. The boy, identified as Sullivan 'Sully' Clarke, was rushed to the hospital and is expected to survive. Long has been charged with aggravated battery involving a deadly weapon and is being held without bond.

Why it matters

This incident has shaken the local community and raised concerns about public safety on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, a popular tourist destination. The unprovoked nature of the attack on a young teenager has sparked outrage and questions about the suspect's motives and mental state.

The details

According to the arrest affidavit, police were called to the Daytona Beach Boardwalk around 10 p.m. on Saturday after reports of a stabbing. They found the young victim, Sullivan 'Sully' Clarke, with a severe laceration to his neck. Bystanders provided a description of the suspect, leading officers to locate Jermaine Lynn Long near a nearby restaurant. Long was found in possession of a box cutter and a silver knife. The victim stated he did not see his attacker, but witnesses reported seeing Long 'lingering' in the area before the assault. Long allegedly admitted to putting his hands on the victim but denied cutting his throat.

  • The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
  • Long's next court appearance is scheduled for March 10, 2026.

The players

Jermaine Lynn Long

A 44-year-old man who has been charged with aggravated battery involving a deadly weapon for the attack on the 13-year-old boy.

Sullivan 'Sully' Clarke

The 13-year-old victim who narrowly escaped death after his throat was slashed in the unprovoked attack on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk.

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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 'Sully' Clarke (WOFL)

“As soon as we realized what happened, I could see his neck gashed right open. I could see all the way down to the meat.”

— Jerod Clarke, Sullivan's father (WOFL)

What’s next

Long's next court appearance is scheduled for March 10, 2026, where a judge will determine if he should be released on bail.

The takeaway

This shocking attack on a young teenager has shaken the Daytona Beach community and raised serious concerns about public safety in the area. The unprovoked nature of the assault has sparked outrage and questions about the suspect's motives, underscoring the need for increased security measures and mental health resources to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.