Brave Miami Resident Foils Suspect’s Escape After Park Assault
A brave resident of Northwest Miami-Dade, Mike Santiegue, is sharing his experience of the recent forceful interception of an alleged criminal in a community park. Out of the blue, Mike noticed a suspicious 18-year-old, Antwan Johnson, and without a second thought, he charged after him to apprehend the suspect. Recalling the incident, Mike says, ‘A sudden restlessness took over the park, and I was startled by a woman’s desperate cry—’Catch this man! He has violated a young girl.’ With shared glances, I sprinted after him, crossing through 22nd Avenue.’
Shortly, other community members rallied behind Mike to corner and capture Johnson, who had reportedly violated an 11-year-old girl in the restroom of Gwen Cherry Park. Mike recounts, ‘Another resident joined the pursuit on an electric scooter. We strategized on likely escape routes and had him surrounded, holding him at bay in a backyard awaiting the cops.’
Visuals of the incident have been making rounds on social media platforms showing a group of incensed parents and residents converging for the capture of Johnson. The crowd greeted law enforcement officers on arrival, surrendering the captured suspect into their custody. The narrated incident suggests that subsequent to his malevolent act, Johnson attempted to escape in an easterly direction but was thwarted successfully by the vigilantes of the park until the arrival of the police.
In Mike’s words, ‘All we wanted was justice served, undertaking what was necessary for the safety of our community.’ The local law enforcement officers of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, appreciating this sentiment, dutifully took Johnson into their charge.
This horrific incident unfolded in a truly unexpected setting and timing—an innocent bathroom break by a young girl during her summer camp. Johnson manipulated the girl into an unfavorable situation, claiming the men’s restroom was out of toilet paper and nudging her to fetch some from the ladies’ restroom. Tragically, he then followed her into the restroom, dragging her from the washbasin to the farthest bathroom stall and assaulting her.
When a witness unexpectedly walked into the restroom, Johnson hastily absconded, leaving the girl traumatized as the lady witness alarmaingly screamed for help. Mike emphasized the significant part the community played in assisting in swiftly putting Johnson behind bars. He said, ‘Everyone’s contribution was indispensable, that’s precisely why we exist—to support and protect each other.’
Currently, Johnson is in jail awaiting judgement, denied the opportunity for bond. Numerous charges have been pressed against him including sexual assault of a minor by an adult, kidnapping and false imprisonment of a child aged under 13 years.
‘Relieved’ might not be sufficient to describe our emotions when we apprehended the accused successfully, helping restore a sense of security for our community and the victim’s family’, said Mike. He further added, ‘Without this resolution, frequenting the park could have become a frightening prospect for many young girls and mothers fearing recurrence of such an incident.’
Mike humbly dismissed praises of his actions being classified as heroic. He affirmed, ‘It was just the necessity of the hour—protection of those who can’t protect themselves—that’s the message I wish to pass on.’
Miami-Dade Commissioner Marleine Bastien expressed her grief and anger over the vile act in a message. She voiced her heartbreak over the cruel injustice and announced her commitment to a thorough review of park safety measures and processes currently in place.