MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office honored Cheryl Donalson Thursday morning for swiftly responding to a child in need at Gwen Cherry Park nearly two months ago.
“I am one of the chair moms for the park,” Donalson said. “I was where I was supposed to be.”
At the park on the evening of July 8, Donalson was approaching a restroom when she “noticed it was open but didn’t feel right.”
Inside, investigators say 18-year-old Antwan Johnson was committing acts of sexual violence against an 11-year-old girl who he lured inside by appealing to the young girl’s kindness — asking if she could get him toilet paper before following her in.
Outside, Johnson did not know that Donalson — a military veteran — was about to take action that would lead to his arrest.
“I got to get him — I need to get him — I need to make sure she is safe,” Donalson said.
Without hesitation, she chased after him.
“I served in the Air Force — so have that quick response from the military deployments,” she said.
But in the moment, she says her instincts also stemmed from being a mom.
“I felt like a parent protecting a child,” Donalson said. “I screamed for help — he was caught and she was safe.”
Johnson is facing four felonies, including kidnapping.
Speaking about her actions, a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office official said “her decision — to continue — and your bravery led to” keeping the community safe.
After receiving the certificate of appreciation, Donalson said she still doesn’t feel like a hero, but rather a mom who jumped into action “to do the right thing” and make sure the man didn’t hurt any girls ever again.
Johnson’s next court hearing is in October.
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