Suspect who allegedly pistol-whipped teen at Volusia County park in custody, deputies say

Suspect who allegedly pistol-whipped teen in custody

A 39-year-old man accused of pistol-whipping a teenager and threatening another at a park in Volusia County on Sunday night has turned himself in to authorities, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office said.

DEBARY, Fla. - A 39-year-old man accused of pistol-whipping a teenager and threatening another at a park in Volusia County on Sunday night has turned himself in to authorities, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office said.

What we know:

Authorities say Marquevis W. Chance, 39, attacked a teenage couple —a boy and a girl, both 17— in DeBary at a park near Lazlo Circle and Kalin Street around 7:45 p.m. Sunday. 

According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Chance struck the boy in the head with a handgun and pointed the weapon at the girl. He allegedly forced both to undress and fled with their clothes. The boy was taken to a hospital with a head injury.

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Investigators believe the attack was not random. Detectives said they have determined that the assault was retaliatory, linked to an earlier altercation between one of the victims and a family member of the suspect. 

Chance turned himself in at the Volusia County Branch Jail on Monday afternon and is being held with no bond on multiple charges.

What we don't know:

Authorities have not released details about the earlier altercation that allegedly triggered the attack. It’s also unclear whether Chance had prior interactions with either teen before the assault, or whether the weapon used was recovered. Officials have not said whether the clothing or other evidence has been recovered.

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What's next:

Chance faces two counts each of aggravated assault, aggravated battery with a firearm, and armed robbery. He surrendered at the Volusia County Branch Jail and is being held without bond on the armed robbery charges.