Man stabbed in alleged hate crime at Lakeland nightclub; 1 in custody

LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) — A man was taken to the hospital with multiple stab wounds Saturday evening following what Lakeland police say may have been a hate crime.

Lakeland Police Department officers said they were called to a nightclub off Highway 98 North shortly after midnight after receiving reports of a stabbing.

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Once on scene, officers met with the 22-year-old victim, who told them he had gotten into a fight with another man outside on the patio. Police said the suspect was later identified as 24-year-old Johnnie Brown.

The fight initially ended without any physical violence, according to police. Once things calmed down, the 22-year-old said he left the scene, but eventually went back inside the bar.

Shortly after, he said Brown grabbed him from behind and stabbed him at least four times in the back.

Witnesses reported hearing Brown uttering racial slurs just before the stabbing, police said.

Johnnie Brown (Credit: Lakeland Police Department)

The victim was taken to Lakeland Regional Health, where officials said he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Brown had already fled the nightclub before police arrived. However, detectives said they were able to track him down with the help of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, since Brown was known to frequent the Winter Haven area.

The police department said Brown was arrested for attempted second-degree murder with a deadly weapon. His charges were also upgraded due to the nature of the crime, officials reported.

According to detectives, Brown refused to be interviewed after his arrest and was taken to the Polk County Jail.

The investigation continued on Sunday. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Derek Gulledge at [email protected].

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