Convicted Child Killer and Fugitive Found During Daytona Beach Spring Break Sweep

Volusia County authorities arrested a convicted child killer and wanted fugitive on Saturday during a concentrated law enforcement surge aimed at managing spring break crowds.

Anthony Grove, 45, was taken into custody after deputies encountered him consuming alcohol in public on the Daytona Beach seawall.

Grove was previously convicted of involuntary manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child in Ohio.

The 2015 case involved the death of his infant son, who was fatally struck in the head when Grove threw a coffee mug during a dispute with the child's mother.

Ohio officials had issued a warrant for Grove on October 29, 2025, following a reported violation of his parole.

Authorities in his home state had cautioned that the 45-year-old should be considered dangerous and potentially armed prior to his apprehension in Florida.

Body camera footage released by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office depicts Chief Deputy Brian Henderson questioning Grove regarding his legal status.

During the exchange, Grove initially characterized the death of his son as an accident before admitting to his prior conviction and fugitive status.

At the time of the arrest, Grove was seen wearing bright green sunglasses and a mohawk.

He informed officers that he had been in the Florida area for several days seeking employment while attempting to remain under the radar of law enforcement.

However, investigators determined that Grove lacked the mandatory written travel permit required by his Ohio parole agreement to cross state lines.

This violation triggered his immediate detention alongside several new local charges filed by Florida prosecutors.

Florida authorities have charged Grove with failing to register as a convicted felon and two counts of drug possession.

Police reports indicate that a search of his belongings conducted on the beach uncovered a THC vape pen.

Chief Deputy Henderson emphasized that the arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of proactive policing during the busy vacation season.

He stated that enforcing minor public nuisance ordinances frequently leads to the removal of high-risk offenders from the community.

Grove is currently being held at the Volusia County Branch Jail without bond.

He remains in custody pending formal extradition proceedings to return him to Ohio to face his outstanding parole violation charges.