A man was arrested in Florida after a father hit him with a bat for allegedly peeking into his 14-year-old daughter’s room. The suspect, 29-year-old Damon Smith, had been seen near the victim’s home before, according to an arrest affidavit.
The incident took place in Palm Coast, where a couple sitting on their porch noticed a man lurking through the trees near their property. The man fled when they shouted at him, but the father decided to keep watch the next night. Smith returned and was caught peeking into the teen’s bedroom window. The father struck him with a baseball bat, causing Smith to run away.
Video footage shows the father chasing Smith and yelling for someone to call the police. Deputies later found Smith at his residence, which was near the victim’s home. Smith admitted to being between two houses and near a window but claimed he was not being intrusive. He mentioned that he enjoys running through yards and gets a thrill out of going around people’s homes.
Sheriff Rick Staly expressed concerns about Smith’s behavior, suggesting that he may be a potential sex offender. Smith faces charges of prowling, voyeurism, and aggravated stalking of a person under 16. He is being held on an $86,000 bail. Records show that Smith was previously arrested in 2013 for making a bomb threat at a high school.
The victim’s mother revealed that Smith had been seen walking around the neighborhood with his dog before. She expressed relief that her husband was able to protect their daughter from the intruder. The family hopes that Smith’s arrest will prevent him from targeting other victims in the future.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and taking action to protect loved ones from potential threats. It also highlights the role of law enforcement in apprehending individuals who engage in suspicious or criminal behavior. By working together with authorities, communities can help ensure the safety and well-being of all residents, especially children and vulnerable individuals.
