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Article Courtesy of Channel
6 News
By Anthony Talcott
Published June 1, 2026
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PORT ORANGE – The president of an HOA in Central Florida has been accused of
pushing a 12-year-old to the ground during a “verbal confrontation,” according
to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
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In an arrest affidavit, deputies said
that the incident happened on Tuesday around 8 p.m.
At the time, deputies said they were called to Country Club
Drive, where they met with the boy and his grandfather.
There, investigators learned that the boy had been riding
his bicycle around the nearby clubhouse, but he became
tired, so he sat down near the tennis court, the affidavit
shows.
“[REDACTED] stated he noticed a male, later identified as
Paul Holmes, staring at him and making an odd facial
expression,” the affidavit reads. “[REDACTED] stated he then
decided to leave and raised his middle finger toward Paul.”
Afterward, the boy reportedly explained that Holmes
approached him, pushed him to the ground, and yelled, “Do
you know who I am? I’m the president of the HOA.”
Per the boy, Holmes then took his bicycle, placed it in his
vehicle and drove away.
Deputies said they spoke with Holmes, who
initially refused to return the bicycle before eventually
giving in.
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Paul Holmes
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“Paul stated there had been ongoing issues with juveniles gathering around
the clubhouse late at night when the club was closed,” the affidavit
continues. “Although the juveniles had not been observed committing criminal
activity, Paul stated they were not members of the club and therefore had no
business being there.”
Furthermore, Holmes claimed he took the bicycle so that security could
identify the boy and his parents, though the HOA president denied
intentionally placing his hands on the boy, investigators noted.
Regardless, Holmes was arrested and now faces charges of child abuse and
petit theft. He was released on Wednesday evening on bond.
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