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Left: Jermaine Lynn Long (Volusia County Jail). Right: Sullivan “Sully” Clarke (WOFL). Background: Daytona Beach Boardwalk in Florida where Long allegedly stabbed Sullivan (City of Daytona Beach).
In a shocking incident on a Florida boardwalk, a 13-year-old boy narrowly escaped death after his throat was slashed in a seemingly random assault during a family vacation, reported state authorities.
The accused, 44-year-old Jermaine Lynn Long, has been charged with aggravated battery involving a deadly weapon. The arrest affidavit details that law enforcement was called to the Daytona Beach Boardwalk around 10 p.m. on Saturday following reports of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers discovered the young victim with a “severe laceration” to his neck.
Emergency medical services promptly transported the boy to the hospital. Bystanders provided police with a description of the suspect, leading officers to locate a man near Joe’s Crab Shack. Long was reportedly found in possession of a box cutter and a silver knife.
The victim, identified as Sullivan “Sully” Clarke, informed authorities that he did not see the person who attacked him.
“He did not realize he had been cut until individuals nearby in a car pointed out the injury on his neck,” police noted in their report.
Witnesses also said they saw Long “lingering” in the area before the attack. Long allegedly took an edged weapon and slashed the boy across the neck. Post-Miranda, Long reportedly admitted to putting his hands on the victim but denied cutting his throat. He then requested a lawyer and cops stopped the interview.
Sullivan, who was sporting a large bandage on his neck, said in an interview with local Fox affiliate WOFL he was on his phone and walking around with his family after they spent the day at the Daytona 500 races. Suddenly, he was attacked.
“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,” he said, pointing to his Adam’s apple.
Sullivan’s mother first thought it was an attempted robbery until the suspect allegedly pulled out a knife. The boy’s father was stunned.
“As soon as we realized what happened, I could see his neck gashed right open,” said Jerod Clarke. “I could see all the way down to the meat.”
Doctors told the family if the wound was any deeper, Sullivan could have died.
“Who would ever expect someone would attack a 13-year-old boy?” his father said.
Long was taken to the Volusia County Jail, where he is being held without bond. His next court appearance is slated for March 10.