Community Disarms and Detains Suspected Child Rapist in Miami Park

A nearby group of residents successfully caught and restrained an 18-year-old accused of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in a Miami park, before law enforcement arrived to take him into custody.

The incident occurred at Gwen Cherry Park during a youth football and cheerleading practice. According to authorities, the suspect, Antwan Johnson, convinced the girl to fetch toilet paper from the women’s restroom, then followed her inside and attacked her. He allegedly held her in a stall, covering her mouth and choking her, before forcing her pants down and assaulting her.

Witnesses report that a woman entered the bathroom and saw Johnson, who tried to flee the scene after being spotted. She gave chase and yelled for help, notifying others about the assault. A crowd of community members then pursued Johnson across the park, eventually trapping him in a backyard where they subdued him until police arrived.

One bystander, Mike Santiague, recounted the moments of chaos: “She was crying, saying he did all kinds of heinous things. During the chase, I just wanted answers and to help her.” The young girl was taken to a nearby hospital and is listed in stable condition.

Johnson was later charged with sexual battery on a minor, kidnapping, and false imprisonment, and is currently held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center without bond. He is scheduled for a court appearance on July 29, 2025, and could face the death penalty if convicted.