August 7, 2006
Gary Davidson
Public Information Officer

SHERIFF’S OFFICE SEEKING HELP IN SOLVING VIDEOTAPED ATTACK 

An argument in a Deltona parking lot turned physical last month as it spilled over into the store, ending with a 28-year-old man getting knocked unconscious while sustaining a head laceration. The assailant quickly fled the store, but not before being captured on film by the business’ in-store video surveillance system delivering several blows to the victim. Volusia County Sheriff’s deputies investigating the case released the video on Monday hoping someone will recognize the attacker.

   
              To view video click on box above 

The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. on July 25 in the parking lot of the Kangaroo Express, 1380 Howland Blvd. The victim and his girlfriend were in the parking lot when they encountered a group of five or six men. Words were exchanged, and a verbal argument continued in the store. The surveillance cameras captured what happened next. The men surrounded the victim, and then the suspect punched the victim two times. The victim fell to the floor and struck his head on the tile, knocking him out. The clerk at the store called 911 to report the attack. “Some of these guys beat up this guy in my store,” the clerk told the dispatcher. “He’s bleeding really bad on the ground.” The victim, who lives in Deltona, sustained a severe bruise near his eye and a laceration to the back of his head and also had several teeth knocked out in the attack. After the suspect and the rest of his group fled the area, the victim was taken to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach for treatment of his injuries. While he was released from the hospital the same day, the victim continues to suffer from the effects of the attack. 

Witnesses said the suspects fled in two separate vehicles -- a white Jeep Cherokee and a large, white tow truck bearing the words “Mobile Home Masters” on both doors. Several of the men also wore what appeared to be work shirts, also bearing the words “Mobile Home Masters” on the front and back. Investigators, however, have been unable to locate any local business or company by that name. The suspect who physically accosted the victim inside the store was described as an approximately 6’1” black man. Anyone with information is asked to call Sheriff’s investigator John Johnson at (386) 860-7030. Those wishing to report information anonymously can also qualify for a reward of up to $1,000 by calling Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida, toll-free, at (888) 277-TIPS.