Man Charged In December 2020 Attack In DeLand

DeLand, FL – One person is now charged in the December 13, 2020 attack on a physically disabled man.  Volusia Sheriff’s investigators determined that 22-year-old Malik Sanchez was one of the attackers and deputies arrested him in Deltona yesterday (February 17).  DeLand PD Looking For PairThat Attacked Disabled Man  After the robbery, the DeLand Police Department received numerous tips from the public about the possible identities of the attackers, including an anonymous one naming Sanchez and 29-year-old Damian Crafton as the culprits.  Once investigators had the probable identities of the suspects, they were able to gather evidence using technology that showed that both Sanchez and Crafton were in the immediate vicinity of where the attack took place at the time it took place. Surveillance video shows a man believed to be Sanchez running across the parking lot after Crafton, who was seen in the video punching the victim in the head multiple times using brass knuckles. Crafton is believed to have left the state and may be in Texas.  Sanchez had a semi-automatic pistol on him and two other firearms and a ski mask in his vehicle when he was arrested. He faces a charge of carrying a concealed weapon from VSO and charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated abuse of a disabled adult, and robbery with a deadly weapon from the DeLand Police Department. Sanchez remains in the Volusia County Jail with bond set at $42,500.