Port Orange, Florida — A homeowners association president in Port Orange has been arrested after he allegedly pushed a 12-year-old boy off his bicycle and drove away with it — all because he thought the child shouldn’t be near the community clubhouse.
Paul Holmes, 69, president of the Spruce Creek Fly-In HOA, now faces charges of child abuse and petit theft after the incident unfolded Tuesday evening at the upscale fly-in community, where residents can park private planes beside their homes.
What Happened
The boy told deputies he had been riding his bicycle around the Spruce Creek Clubhouse when he got tired and sat down near the tennis courts. He noticed Holmes staring at him with an odd expression, got back on his bike, and raised his middle finger toward him.
That’s when Holmes allegedly shoved the boy off the bicycle and said, “Do you know who I am? I’m president of the HOA.” He then picked up the bike, placed it in his car, and drove off.
The boy, who had recently moved to the area from Texas with his grandfather, ran home in tears. When the grandfather located Holmes with the bicycle still in his car, Holmes initially refused to return it — sparking a heated argument that was filmed by Holmes’ own wife. He eventually handed the bike back.
Holmes’ Side
When Volusia County Sheriff’s deputies spoke with Holmes, he claimed the boy had “run away” and left the bicycle behind, saying he planned to bring it to security. He denied pushing the child — but also said he couldn’t remember what happened.
Deputies noted visible redness on the boy’s arm and said the story didn’t add up. Holmes then stopped cooperating with investigators.
Arrest and Next Steps
Holmes was taken to Volusia County Jail and has since bonded out. His next court date is scheduled for June 23.
The Spruce Creek Fly-In community spans over 1,000 acres in Port Orange and is one of the largest residential fly-in communities in the country.
