A 13-year-old boy is recovering after being seriously injured in what police describe as a random and unprovoked attack near the Daytona Beach Boardwalk during Daytona 500 weekend.
The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on February 14, as the teen was walking with his family after spending the day at events tied to the Daytona 500. Authorities say a man approached the family without warning and slashed the boy across the throat before fleeing the immediate area.
Emergency responders rushed the teen to a nearby hospital, where doctors treated him for a severe neck laceration. According to the family, medical staff later indicated the wound narrowly missed critical arteries. The teen is expected to recover.
Police quickly located and arrested a 44-year-old suspect in connection with the attack. He has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and is being held pending further court proceedings. Investigators have not publicly disclosed a motive and continue to review evidence.
The boy’s family described the attack as sudden and completely unexpected, saying the weekend had been planned as a fun trip centered around the iconic NASCAR race. Instead, it ended in a traumatic encounter that authorities say could have been fatal.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has additional information to contact local law enforcement.
Original reporting by Angel Green at WFTV.com