An 18-year-old man was arrested in Miami after allegedly sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in a park bathroom, authorities say. The incident reportedly occurred at Gwen Cherry Park, as per the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office. Antwan Johnson is accused of luring the young girl into the women's restroom with the pretense of needing toilet paper from there because the men's bathroom was out, Local 10 reported.
According to an arrest report obtained by CBS News Miami, Johnson followed the girl into the restroom, covered her mouth causing a cut on her lip, and proceeded to choke and sexually assault her in a stall. A witness, according to deputies', intervened after entering the bathroom, prompting Johnson to flee the scene. Following the witness' alert, park-goers chased and detained Johnson until law enforcement officials arrived.
Johnson, who initially denied the allegations, later confessed to the crime and acknowledged the wrongdoing, as stated in the arrest report. Consequently, he now faces serious charges including sexual battery on a minor, kidnapping, and false imprisonment of a child under the age of 13. He was taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with bond yet to be set at the time of reporting, Local 10 further detailed.
The Sheriff's Office highlighted the bravery of the witness and the civilians whose prompt action led to the apprehension of the suspect. The community at Gwen Cherry Park acted swiftly, when a witness exited the bathroom they immediately alerted others about the ongoing assault. Their collective efforts to chase and hold the alleged perpetrator until police arrived potentially prevented further harm, and expedited his capture. The identity of the girl has not been released to protect her privacy and she is currently receiving the necessary support and assistance.
