1 hospitalized after man disperses pepper spray at DeLand hotel, officials say

Daniel Young Jr., 59, arrested

Police lights generic

DELAND, Fla. – One person was hospitalized and three others were evaluated Friday night after a man diffused pepper spray in the hallway of a DeLand hotel, according to authorities.

Daniel Young Jr., 59, was arrested after firefighters responded to the Holiday Inn Express and Suites at 180 Fenway Drive.

Recommended Videos



According to the DeLand Police Department, guests at the hotel reported respiratory issues and, after officers investigated, it was learned that Young Jr. sprayed the substance on the walls of a second-floor hallway.

The DeLand Fire Department said guests were removed from the building as a precaution and one person was taken to a hospital for treatment. Three others were evaluated.

Officers found Young Jr. and arrested him.

He has since been booked into the Volusia County jail and faces a charge of criminal mischief. Police said he is a convicted felon, so he was also charged with possession of a weapon (chemical) by a convicted felon.


Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:


About the Author

Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. She is the author of the Central Florida Happenings newsletter that goes out every Thursday.

Recommended Videos