Sex Offender Charged in Random Daytona Beach Boardwalk Attack

13-year-old boy narrowly survives after suspect slashes his neck, released from jail just days prior

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 13-year-old boy was walking with his parents on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk when a registered sex offender allegedly approached and slashed the teen's neck. The suspect, Jermaine Lynn Long, had been released from jail just four days earlier and has a lengthy criminal history, including prior arrests for aggravated assault. Doctors said the cut was dangerously close to being fatal.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges communities face in balancing public safety and criminal justice reform, as well as the need for better monitoring and support systems for high-risk offenders after their release from incarceration.

The details

According to authorities, Long approached 13-year-old Sullivan Clarke as he was walking and talking on the phone with his parents on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk. Long allegedly slashed the teen's neck, narrowly missing a fatal injury. Sullivan's parents witnessed the attack and immediately called for help. Long was later found hiding near an overpass and arrested, charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

  • The attack occurred on Valentine's Day while the Clarke family was walking back to their hotel after visiting the Daytona International Speedway.
  • Long had been released from jail just four days prior to the attack.

The players

Sullivan Clarke

A 13-year-old boy who was the victim of the random neck slashing attack on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk.

Lori Clarke

Sullivan's mother, who witnessed the attack and called for help.

Jerod Clarke

Sullivan's father, who also witnessed the attack on his son.

Jermaine Lynn Long

A 44-year-old registered sex offender who was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon for the attack on Sullivan Clarke.

Andrew Walker

A local worker who had spoken with Long just minutes before the attack occurred.

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What they’re saying

“I thought he was stealing Sully's phone. As soon as he slashed him, I yelled and I said 'Hey!'”

— Lori Clarke, Sullivan's mother (FOX 35 Orlando)

“The crazy thing is, I turned at the perfect time because I was on the phone and I happened to be looking up at the slingshot [ride] and I turned. That's how he got the side of my neck and not right [in the center].”

— Sullivan Clarke (FOX 35 Orlando)

“I see the man come down in cuffs, and I was like blown away because that was the same dude I saw walking past me, that just stabbed somebody in the neck.”

— Andrew Walker, Local worker (FOX 35 Orlando)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to grant Jermaine Lynn Long bail as he awaits trial for the attack.

The takeaway

This horrific attack on a child highlights the need for better monitoring and support systems for high-risk offenders after their release from incarceration, to prevent such senseless acts of violence and protect public safety.