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MIAMI (WFLA) — When Mike Santiague saw Antwan Johnson, he knew something was wrong.
“When I locked eyes with him, I knew the situation was serious,” Santiague said.
According to NBC affiliate WTVJ, Miami-Dade deputies said Johnson allegedly raped an 11-year-old girl after tricking her into going to the women’s bathroom at Gwen Cherry Park in Miami. He then followed her and attacked the child, investigators stated.
However, a witness walked into the restroom and saw the crime. Johnson then tried to escape while the witness screamed after him.
“(She said) stop him, he just raped this girl,” Santiague said.
Santiague and several other people then chased the suspect as he tried to flee the park into a nearby neighborhood.
“He was jumping gates, got caught behind the house and we cornered him at that point,” Santiague said.
The group then restrained Johnson until deputies arrived.
Santiague said he saw the girl’s mother after the attack.
“She was very upset and hurt,” he said. “Words can’t even explain the look on her face because it looked like she was not even there.”
WTVJ reported that Miami-Dade County Parks Director Christina White issued a statement saying the safety of park visitors is a top priority and that her department is “deeply saddened” by the attack at Gwen Cherry Park.
“Our hearts go out to the victim and their family, and we wish them a full recovery during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read.