On June 17, DeLand PD arrested Paul Ashford on three counts (one count of Battery with Intent to Cause Bodily Harm, two counts of Cruelty Towards a Child). The arrest was made after two minors flagged down a nearby vehicle, telling the driver they were "getting beat" by Ashford. Three victims were transported by their neighbor to a nearby house for safety.
 
In their statements, the victims stated that Ashford and another adult on the scene had been drinking before an altercation started. Ashford denied all charges to the responding officers before and after arrest.

All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.