ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – A body washed ashore on a Volusia County beach Thursday morning, and authorities believe it may be the homicide suspect at the center of a manhunt.
“Deputies are on scene on the beach off the 3600 block of Ocean Shore where a body washed up this morning. The body is believed to be that of homicide suspect Xavion Perry, wanted out of Gainesville. Official confirmation is in progress. Will update when available,” the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post.
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Volusia County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Daytona Beach police had been searching for Perry since late Wednesday night. According to Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young, authorities in Alachua County responded to a shots-fired call just before 10 p.m. and discovered a victim who had been killed. Perry was later identified as the suspect.
At 11:30 p.m., Daytona Beach police were alerted through technology that Perry was in the area and attempted a traffic stop. Perry fled, triggering a pursuit.
Young said Perry stopped at the Main Street beach approach, jumped from his vehicle, ran to the Main Street Pier and jumped from the pier onto the beach below. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office joined the search shortly after.
During the incident, Perry was seen streaming live on Facebook, during which he made suicidal statements, according to Young. Authorities had not yet recovered Perry’s firearm as of the initial search.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.