Port Orange police report surge in juvenile drivers damaging public right-of-way; arrests made

Port Orange Police Chief Manny Marino told the council on Dec. 16 the department has tracked a notable increase in incidents where mostly teenage drivers have driven onto grass and right-of-way areas and caused damage.

Marino said incidents started picking up at the start of the school year, with hotspots including Yorktown, Countryside and Central Park Boulevard. Police identified and arrested several juveniles, including a 17-year-old charged with felony vandalism for damage exceeding $1,000; other arrests and pending charges were reported for individuals as young as 13 and 15. The chief said the department is conducting extra patrols, surveillance and criminal-suppression efforts and encouraged residents to forward camera footage or tips.

Marino addressed parents’ liability and noted state law holds some limits on parent liability tied to particular offenses (for example, statutory language around graffiti). He said the city attorney will review whether parental responsibility could be pursued in broader cases of criminal mischief. Marino also described recent statutory changes that increase penalties for obscuring a license plate if done while committing a crime.

Council members asked about additional deterrents and a non-emergency contact line for reporting suspicious behavior. Marino recommended calling if a crime in progress presents a safety risk, urged residents to report tips and said police would consider options such as landscaping or preventative infrastructure in repeated problem areas.

Next steps: Police will continue targeted enforcement and surveillance and coordinate with the city manager on potential physical deterrents and community reporting options.