Only in Florida: Man accused of posing as police officer in deadly kidnapping

A bizarre and deadly kidnapping case in South Florida has led to the arrest of a 21-year-old man accused of participating in a violent operation involving suspects dressed as police officers, a vehicle equipped with flashing emergency lights, a gunfight and a burned getaway car.

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, Devorise Carl Johnson was arrested in connection with the kidnapping and killing of 22-year-old Eddrick Bethune.

Suspects Allegedly Pretended to Be Police

Investigators say the incident began around midnight on October 4 at the Aliro Apartments in North Miami.

According to the arrest report, Johnson and four other men approached Bethune in a Toyota Camry equipped with flashing red and blue lights.

Two of the men allegedly wore black shirts displaying the word “POLICE” and carried firearms.

Authorities say the suspects ordered Bethune to the ground, handcuffed him and took his apartment keys and cellphone.

What appeared to be a police operation was allegedly the beginning of a violent kidnapping.

Gunfire Inside an Apartment

Investigators say Johnson and two other suspects used Bethune’s keys to enter his apartment, where another person was present.

A gunfight followed, leaving Johnson wounded.

According to investigators, Johnson and the other suspects escaped by jumping from a third-floor window. Some of the chaotic moments were captured on video by witnesses.

Meanwhile, Bethune was forced into the suspects’ vehicle.

Victim Found Dead, Vehicle Set on Fire

Hours later, a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office captain discovered Bethune’s body along a roadway near Southwest 216th Street and Southwest 189th Avenue.

He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigators subsequently located a vehicle matching the description of the suspects’ car. Authorities determined that it had been intentionally set on fire.

Suspect Arrested After Hospital Treatment

Johnson was arrested after being released from a hospital where he had received treatment for gunshot wounds.

He faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, kidnapping, attempted murder, armed robbery, armed burglary and falsely impersonating a police officer.

Investigators have not publicly confirmed whether the four other individuals allegedly involved have been arrested.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The case highlights a particularly disturbing concern: criminals allegedly using police-style clothing and emergency lights to gain control over a victim.

Johnson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.