Sheriff’s Deputies & K9 Injured by Aggressively Resistant Suspect

St. Lucie County, Fl- Sheriff Ken Mascara announced that two deputies and a K9 were injured while attempting to arrest a 32-year-old Fort Pierce man today.

According to the Sheriff, deputies were called at approximately 11 a.m. to the 2700 block of North U.S. 1 where a victim stated at 3 a.m. they were riding in a car with Stravious Brandon Johnson, when Johnson told the victim to give them the car. When the victim refused, Johnson pulled the victim from the car by their hair and stole the vehicle.

“Given the violent nature of the crime, detectives immediately responded and began their investigation into this incident,” said Sheriff Ken J. Mascara.

According to the Sheriff, Johnson was located in the stolen vehicle at approximately 3:45 p.m. This was near the intersection of Hartman Rd. and Orange Ave. where deputies attempted a traffic stop.

“Johnson refused to stop for our deputies and immediately fled at a high rate of speed, leading deputies on a pursuit that ended at a home in the 3300 block of Avenue Q,” Mascara said. “Johnson forced himself into the home, causing the homeowners to hide in the back of their home.”

According to the Sheriff, two deputies made entry into the home, including a K9 deputy and his partner. Johnson aggressively resisted their attempts to arrest him.

“At one point, Johnson attempted to choke the K9 and injured both deputies,” Mascara said. “After several minutes, our deputies gained control of Johnson and he was placed under arrest.”

According to the Sheriff, the K9 was not injured, however, both deputies were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Both deputies were treated and released.

Johnson was charged with carjacking, home invasion, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, offenses against police canines and fleeing and eluding.

“Stravious Johnson is no stranger to violent crimes and has an extensive criminal history,” Mascara said. “He was released from the Department of Corrections on September 30 after serving time for similar offenses.”

Mascara stated “I am so proud of our deputies, who even after being injured in their confrontation with this violent criminal, were determined to make the arrest and put him where he belongs…back in jail.”

Johnson was transported to the St. Lucie County Jail where he will be booked on these charges. Bond was not readily available.