Teen survives random throat-slashing attack on Daytona Beach Boardwalk, authorities say

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - A Florida man has been arrested after officials say he intentionally cut a teenager's neck. 

Sullivan Clarke, 13, survived the attack on Feb. 14 and is recovering from the injury, while the suspect remains behind bars.

The backstory:

The Clarke family was walking along Daytona Beach Boardwalk back to their hotel around 10 p.m. on Valentine's Day. They had spent the day at the Daytona International Speedway. 

Sullivan was on his phone, just feet away from his parents, when his mother, Lori, noticed a man walking toward him. In a split second, the man reached out and slashed the teenager's neck.

"I thought he was stealing Sully's phone," Lori Clarke said. "As soon as he slashed him, I yelled, and I said 'Hey!"

The situation was much more dire than a robbery. Sullivan’s father, Jerod, described the terrifying moment they realized how badly their son was hurt, saying he could see deep into the wound. Doctors later told the family that if the blade had gone just one millimeter deeper, Sullivan wouldn't have survived.

Sullivan believes looking up at the Slingshot ride at the perfect time is the only reason he is alive to tell his story. Because he turned his head, the blade hit the side of his neck instead of his windpipe or a major artery.

The suspect, later identified as Jermaine Lynn Long, 44, was located near the overpass on the pier and was taken into custody. After interviewing multiple witnesses, police arrested Long for aggravated battery. 

A local worker, Andrew Walker, was shocked by the arrest, especially because he had a friendly chat with the suspect just minutes before the attack. 

"I see the man come down in cuffs, and I was like blown away because that was the same dude I saw walking past me,"

What's next:

Long is currently in the Volusia County Jail and is not allowed to leave on bond. He is facing a serious felony charge for the attack. 

While Sullivan is recovering at home, the family is still searching for answers; Long has refused to talk to investigators, and there is still no known reason for why he targeted the boy.