POLICE: Suspect Arrested For Sexual Assault On Fort Lauderdale Teen

by News Desk | May 18, 2022 · 10:40 am | Fort Lauderdale News

POLICE - Suspect Arrested For Sexual Assault On Fort Lauderdale Teen - John Gardner

Last Updated: Mar 21, 2026 · 3:39 pm

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POLICE: Suspect Arrested For Sexual Assault Of Fort Lauderdale Teen

14-Year-Old Girl Sexually Assaulted By Armed Suspect. Suspect In Custody.

Police - Suspect Arrested For Sexual Assault On Fort Lauderdale Teen - John Gardner

Police – Suspect Arrested For Sexual Assault On Fort Lauderdale Teen – John Gardnerfort

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (Boca Post) — Fort Lauderdale Police tells Boca Post that an arrest has been made after a 14-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by a man armed with a knife on Tuesday morning.

John Gardner, 33, of Fort Lauderdale, was arrested on Tuesday morning shortly after he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl. Fort Lauderdale Police tell Boca Post that the girl and her friend were followed by Gardner into a backyard and then they told him that he had to leave to which he complied.

When one of the girls was looking for a safe way into the house, Gardner returned and pulled a knife on the other girl who he then sexually assaulted. After the assault, Gardner left the scene.

Gardner was quickly located by a nearby BSO deputy and taken into custody without further incident. Gardner was still in possession of the knife when Deputies found him. During an interview, Gardner admitted to detectives from the Special Victims Unit that he committed the sexual assault.

Gardner is currently in BSO custody facing the following charges:

  • SEX ASLT WITH WEAPON SEX BAT VICTIM OVER 12 YOA
  • LEWD/LASC MOLEST VIC 12-16 YOA OFFNDR 18YOA OLDER
  • RESIST OFFICER-OBSTRUCT WITHOUT VIOLENCE

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