Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood confirmed Thursday that two more teenagers have been arrested in connection with the violent assault that took place at a bonfire in Tiger Bay Forest. The incident, which left a 19‑year‑old man with disabilities severely injured after being beaten for 30 to 40 minutes, has now resulted in four arrests.
Details of the arrests
Earlier this week, the sheriff’s office announced the arrests of 18‑year‑old Cody Stripling and 19‑year‑old Sebastian Bowers, both charged with aggravated battery among other offenses. Those two were taken into custody on Halloween.
On Thursday, Sheriff Chitwood added that 18‑year‑old Logan Levesque and 18‑year‑old Casey Knight have also been arrested. All four teens are being held pending further legal action.
What happened at the bonfire
According to investigators, the assault occurred during a bonfire gathering in the state‑run Tiger Bay Forest. The victim, a 19‑year‑old man with disabilities, was attacked by a group of teenagers and suffered severe injuries after the beating lasted between half an hour and forty minutes.
Volusia County deputies responded to reports of the incident and began a thorough investigation. The sheriff’s office released a statement emphasizing that the safety of all residents, especially those with vulnerabilities, is a top priority.
Sheriff’s response
Sheriff Chitwood praised the swift work of his deputies and investigators, noting that the arrests demonstrate the department’s commitment to holding violent offenders accountable. He urged community members to report any suspicious activity and reassured the public that law‑enforcement will continue to pursue all leads related to the case.
“Violence has no place in our community,” Chitwood said. “We will pursue every avenue to ensure that those who threaten the safety of our neighbors are brought to justice.”
Community impact
The incident has sparked concern among local residents and advocacy groups for individuals with disabilities. Many are calling for increased awareness and preventative measures to protect vulnerable community members during public gatherings.
Local faith leaders have also offered prayers for the victim’s recovery and for the families of the accused, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and restoration while upholding justice.
Legal process
The four teens face multiple charges, including aggravated battery. They will appear before a Volusia County judge in the coming days, where bail and further conditions will be determined.
Authorities continue to investigate whether additional individuals were involved and are reviewing any surveillance footage from the forest area. The sheriff’s office encourages anyone with information to contact the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office at 386‑555‑1234.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
