LAKELAND, Fla. – A violent incident unfolded outside a Lakeland nightclub on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, leaving one man injured.
Around 12:33 AM, Lakeland Police Department officers responded to reports of a stabbing at a nightclub located on Highway 98 North. Upon arrival, they discovered a 22-year-old male victim suffering from multiple stab wounds to the back.
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The victim recounted a verbal altercation with an unidentified man outside the club, after which he retreated inside. However, the assailant followed and attacked him from behind.
Witnesses at the scene identified the attacker as 24-year-old Johnnie Brown IV from Winter Haven. A warrant was issued for Brown’s arrest on charges of Attempted Second-Degree Murder with a Deadly Weapon, with a bias enhancement added due to a witness claiming Brown used a racial slur before the assault.
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With the assistance of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement apprehended Brown in Winter Haven. Despite being taken into custody, Brown refused to cooperate with detectives.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Detective Derek Gulledge at derek.gulledge@lakelandgov.net.
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