Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Homeless Man Slashes Teen's Neck in Daytona Attack

2/19/2026

27 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Jermaine Lynn Long, a homeless man and registered sex offender, slashed 13-year-old Sullivan Clarke's neck with a boxcutter in Daytona Beach, Florida, on February 14.
Sullivan Clarke survived after a fortunate turn of his head prevented a fatal injury.
Long fled the scene and was apprehended, remaining in custody without bail on aggravated battery charges.
Motive for the attack remains unclear as Long has not spoken to investigators.

History

Historical Context

The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, signed into law on July 27, 2006, established a national sex offender registry and mandated strict registration requirements for offenders. Named after Adam Walsh, who was abducted in 1981, the Act aimed to enhance child safety. Recent incidents, like the attack on 13-year-old Sullivan Clarke, underscore ongoing debates about the law's effectiveness and the need for improved public safety measures.

1 of 2

Story summary

Jermaine Lynn Long, a homeless man and registered sex offender, slashed 13-year-old Sullivan Clarke's neck with a boxcutter in Daytona Beach, Florida, on February 14.
Sullivan Clarke survived after a fortunate turn of his head prevented a fatal injury.
Long fled the scene and was apprehended, remaining in custody without bail on aggravated battery charges.
Motive for the attack remains unclear as Long has not spoken to investigators.

1 / 2