17-year-old arrested in carjacking case involving 2-year-old.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

After an exhaustive five-month investigation, the Holly Hill Police Department has identified Damien J. Milam, a 17-year-old residing in Daytona Beach, as the primary suspect in a carjacking that occurred on June 1, 2023, involving a sleeping child in the car.

The distressing incident unfolded on Thursday, June 1, 2023, when officers from the Holly Hill Police Department rushed to the 300 block of Clifton Avenue in response to a report of a stolen vehicle with a sleeping child in the rear car seat. The child's mother recounted that she went to retrieve something from a family member's home while she left the running vehicle with her two-year-old child sleeping in the backseat. While the mother went into the residence, Milam stole the vehicle from the driveway with the child still inside.

A rapid collaborative effort ensued, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Daytona Beach Police Department, the Ormond Beach Police Department, and the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, in a comprehensive search for the missing child.

Approximately 30 minutes later, a concerned passerby discovered the unharmed child along the 200 block of State Avenue in Holly Hill, about half a mile from the initial vehicle theft location. The child was swiftly reunited with their parents, fortunately without any injuries.

Four days later, on June 4, 2023, authorities from the South Daytona Beach Police Department apprehended a 16-year-old juvenile male while driving the stolen vehicle. However, no charges were filed against the juvenile for the initial incident.

Following the recovery of the vehicle, forensic experts from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office meticulously processed the vehicle, collecting pertinent evidence for further investigation. Following the investigation, members of the Holly Hill Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division identified Milam as the suspect. Subsequently, an Order to Take into Custody (OTTC) was secured from the State Attorney’s Office, charging Milam with severe felony offenses, including Kidnapping, Child Abuse, and Grand Theft.

Finally, on November 7, 2023, Milam was apprehended by the Daytona Beach Police Department and transferred to the Volusia County Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

“This is an excellent example of Volusia County law enforcement agencies working collaboratively to solve a crime and hold the individual responsible for their actions. I commend the outstanding work of our investigators, partners, and staff for their diligence in bringing this case to a successful conclusion," said Holly Hill Police Chief Jeffrey Miller.