DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Authorities are investigating a series of violent incidents linked to a man who allegedly assaulted two individuals on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk within hours of each other over the weekend. Jermaine Long, a registered sex offender, faces serious charges, including hitting a man with a sledgehammer and slashing a teenager’s throat.
The turmoil began early Saturday morning when police received multiple reports about Long’s aggressive behavior. Just a few hours after a disturbing first incident, where he is accused of attacking a man at a nearby 7-Eleven, officers responded to further calls regarding his actions.
According to police reports, Long confronted a man outside the convenience store and, despite the man’s assertion that he had no problem with him, proceeded to strike him with a sledgehammer. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the victim fled into the store, pleading for help, while Long appeared poised to pursue him further.
Earlier in the day, police had already given Long a trespass warning after responding to complaints at a residence on South Hollywood Avenue. Records indicate that Long had been released from jail just four days prior to these incidents, raising questions about his recent behavior.
Prosecutors had previously dismissed charges against Long from a January incident at the same 7-Eleven, where he allegedly brandished a knife and an eight-foot pole during a confrontation. As the State Attorney’s Office reviews this recent string of violence, they are also revisiting the earlier case involving Long, although no specific reasons for the initial dismissal have been provided.
The community is reacting with concern as the nature of these attacks raises alarms about public safety on the popular boardwalk, especially given Long’s criminal history. As investigations continue, local officials are under scrutiny regarding how Long was allowed to remain free despite his troubling track record.
With two incidents marking a concerning trend, Daytona Beach residents are calling for enhanced protections and more stringent measures for offenders like Long, who pose risks to the community.