Hollywood, Florida – A suspect has been apprehended in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred in February near the 2800 block of West Broward Boulevard, an area in unincorporated Central Broward. The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) V.I.P.E.R. team, specializing in Violence Intervention Proactive Enforcement Response, successfully arrested 35-year-old Michael Petty.
Investigation and Arrest
The incident unfolded just after 9:52 p.m. on Thursday, February 29, when local law enforcement and Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue teams responded to reports of an injured man. Upon arrival, they found 29-year-old Vashay Johnson lying on the roadway, suffering from severe injuries. Despite the immediate response, Johnson was pronounced deceased at the scene.
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The BSO Homicide Unit detectives took over the investigation. Their efforts over the months helped piece together the events of that tragic night. Eventually, their findings led them to identify Michael Petty as the person responsible for Johnson’s death, and obtained a warrant for Petty’s arrest.
On Thursday, May 2, V.I.P.E.R. detectives located Petty in Hollywood and took him into custody without incident. He was subsequently booked into BSO’s Main Jail, facing a charge of first-degree murder.
The case highlights the critical role of specialized units like V.I.P.E.R. in addressing violent crimes and ensuring the safety of Broward County residents.
