Two Arrested After Beating at Tiger Bay State Forest Bonfire, Volusia Deputies Say

a smoldering, abandoned bonfire in a sandy scrub forest clearing surrounded by tall pine trees and palmetto bushes, tire tracks visible in the dirt, natural eve

AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.

  • calendar_today November 1, 2026

Arrests Made Following Violent Incident at Tiger Bay State Forest

Two young men have been arrested in connection with a beating that occurred during a bonfire event at Tiger Bay State Forest. According to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, the incident was captured on video and is now the focus of a law enforcement investigation.

Suspects Identified and Charges Filed

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office identified the individuals arrested as Cody Stripling, 18, and Sebastian Bowers, 19. Both face charges of aggravated battery, among other related offenses, following the violent incident that took place last weekend at the state forest.

Incident Details and Ongoing Investigation

The sheriff’s office described the video footage of the attack as disturbing. The footage, recorded during the bonfire, was shared on social media and drew significant attention to the case. Detectives are working to identify and interview additional individuals who may have been involved, including the person responsible for recording the video.

Lack of Information on Victim and Motive

Authorities have not released further details regarding the victim’s condition or the circumstances that led to the assault. The case remains under investigation as law enforcement continues to gather information and pursue leads related to the incident.

Public Assistance Requested

The Volusia Sheriff’s Office is requesting that anyone with information related to the beating at Tiger Bay State Forest contact them. Tips can be provided by calling 386-248-1777 or by emailing Detective Meeks at LMeeks@volusiasheriff.gov. The public’s assistance may be vital as detectives continue their efforts to identify all individuals involved in the incident.

Conclusion

The arrests of Cody Stripling and Sebastian Bowers mark significant progress in an active investigation following an incident that has raised concerns about violent incidents in Volusia County. Law enforcement officials urge witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward as detectives work to resolve the case.

Related coverage

Source: clickorlando.com.

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