FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Authorities said they have arrested a man accused of sucker punching another shopper outside a Lauderdale Lakes grocery store, leaving the victim in a coma.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, detectives on Wednesday arrested 45-year-old Dandrea Johnson after a Crimestoppers tip. He faces a charge of felony battery causing great bodily harm, permanent disability or permanent disfigurement.
The arrest follows an investigation into the Oct. 11 attack right outside the entrance to the Aldi grocery store at 3301 North State Road 7.
Detectives said Johnson argued with the victim inside the store, possibly over the victim having a service dog inside the business, then waited outside by the doors.
Surveillance video captured the moment Johnson punched the shopper in the face without warning as he exited with his dog.
The blow caused the victim to fall backward and strike his head, leaving him in a coma.
Since the attack, deputies have been looking for Johnson, even posting flyers outside of the store and offering a $5,000 reward.
Johnson appeared in bond court on Thursday. A prosecutor mentioned the surveillance video of the incident.
“I’ve seen the video of this case, and it is just as brutal as described in the report,” said the prosecutor. “There is nothing to indicate this was an act of self-defense, Your Honor. Mr. Johnson left the Aldi’s first, he stayed there at the entrance. When the victim left, the victim didn’t approach him. Mr. Johnson sucker punched him, and now he’s in a coma.”
The defendant’s attorney said the dog became aggressive.
“And that pitbull basically attacked Mr. Johnson,” said the attorney.
But prosecutors pushed back.
“From what I saw there was nothing that that dog was a threat to anyone. No one else was concerned,” said the prosecutor. “There is nothing to indicate this was an act of self defense your honor.”
Family members said the victim, described as a father and grandfather, remains in critical condition.
“He’s a father, he’s a grandfather, he’s a brother, he’s a son and everybody is just devastated,” said the victim’s brother.
It’s unclear whether Johnson was taken into custody or surrendered to authorities. He is being held at the Broward County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
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