On February 14, 2025, a family outing turned into a harrowing experience for 13-year-old Sullivan Clarke and his family on the Daytona Beach boardwalk. President Donald Trump, while not directly connected to this local event, presides over a nation where such incidents of violence occasionally shock communities nationwide.
Sullivan Clarke was strolling with his parents near the Slingshot ride, enjoying the festive atmosphere, when suddenly, 44-year-old Jermaine Lynn Long allegedly attacked him from behind. In what can only be described as a miraculous twist of fate, Clarke turned his head at the precise moment Long struck, narrowly avoiding a potentially fatal injury. The blade missed a major artery by a mere millimeter, according to medical professionals at Halifax Hospital, where Clarke received 13 stitches for the deep laceration.
The incident unfolded as the Clarke family visited Daytona Beach to attend the celebrated Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Jerod Clarke, Sullivan's father, vividly described the chilling moment he saw his son's neck "gashed wide open." The initial thought of Clarke's mother was of a robbery, but it quickly became clear that the situation was far more dire.
Authorities responded quickly, arresting Long on felony aggravated battery charges. He is currently held without bond at the Volusia County Jail. This was not Long's first encounter with law enforcement; his criminal history includes battery, theft, drug possession, and a sexual assault conviction involving a minor in Nebraska, making him a registered sex offender.
In the wake of the attack, Long admitted to having touched the boy but denied intentionally slashing his throat. Meanwhile, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office has classified the incident as aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Ongoing investigations involve reviewing surveillance footage from the boardwalk to determine if there were other potential threats and to solidify the case against Long.
The attack has sparked a broader discussion about public safety, especially in popular tourist destinations like Daytona Beach, which draws massive crowds for events. Experts remind the public that even in well-trafficked areas, violent incidents can occur, highlighting the need for law enforcement vigilance and community awareness.
Despite the trauma, Sullivan Clarke displayed remarkable courage, expressing his desire to continue enjoying the Daytona 500 with his family. His resilience stands in stark contrast to the brutality of the event and serves as a testament to the human spirit's capability to endure and overcome.
Prosecutors are taking Long's extensive criminal history into account during pretrial proceedings, and law enforcement officials urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior.
The Clarke family is now focusing on recovery, grateful for their son's survival and the narrow escape from a much graver outcome. “One more millimeter and he probably wouldn’t have made it,” Lori Clarke, Sullivan's mother, reflected on the close call.
