Man Arrested for DUI After Hitting 3-Year-Old Boy on Daytona Beach

A disturbing incident on Daytona Beach, Florida has led to the arrest of a man accused of driving under the influence and striking a young child with his vehicle, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

The crash has raised serious concerns about impaired driving in areas where vehicles and pedestrians share space.

What We Know About the Incident

According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on April 27, 2026, on the beach in Daytona Beach.

Deputies say a 36-year-old man, identified as Brock Winkler, was driving a Jeep on the beach when he struck a 3-year-old boy who was running across the sand.

The child, who had been running from the ocean toward the driving lanes, was hit at a low speed but still suffered serious injuries, including:

• A concussion
• A hairline cervical spine (C-spine) fracture

The child was transported to a hospital, treated, and later released without needing surgery.

DUI Allegations and Arrest

Deputies reported that the driver showed clear signs of impairment at the scene.

According to authorities:

• He smelled strongly of alcohol
• He failed field sobriety tests
• He struggled with balance and basic counting tasks

Witnesses also told deputies the man had been drinking earlier and even showed officers a photo of empty beer cans under his vehicle.

The driver was arrested and charged with:

• DUI causing bodily injury
• Refusal to submit to DUI testing

Authorities also noted he was on pretrial release for a separate criminal case at the time of the incident.

The Dangers of Driving on Beaches

Driving is permitted on certain Florida beaches, but it presents unique risks—especially when pedestrians, including children, are nearby.

Key dangers include:

• Limited separation between vehicles and pedestrians
• Unpredictable pedestrian movement
• Reduced visibility due to glare and terrain
• Driver distraction or impairment

Even low-speed collisions can result in serious injuries.

Legal Implications of DUI Causing Injury

Under Florida law, DUI causing bodily injury is a serious criminal offense.

Potential consequences may include:

• Felony charges
• Significant fines
• Driver’s license suspension or revocation
• Jail or prison time

In addition to criminal penalties, civil liability may arise for injuries caused by impaired driving.

Injury Claims for Victims

Victims injured in DUI-related incidents may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Future medical care

Cases involving children can be especially complex and may involve long-term considerations.

Investigation Ongoing

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident.

Our Thoughts Are With the Child and Family

Our thoughts are with the young child and his family as he continues to recover from this traumatic event.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent victims of serious accidents across Florida, including those caused by impaired drivers. If your child or loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, our firm can help you understand your legal rights and pursue justice.

We offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no fees unless we recover compensation for you.