MAN WHO PULLED GUN AT WILTON MANORS BAR GETS PROBATION

By John McDonald

A man who pulled a gun and angrily confronted patrons at a Wilton Manors bar during Pride month has been sentenced to three months' probation.

On Feb. 7, Broward County Judge Melinda Brown sentenced Kenneth Justesen, 45, to three months' probation on a misdemeanor charge of an improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon or firearm.

Police arrested Justesen on June 25, 2022 outside of GYM Sportsbar, 2287 Wilton Dr. where witnesses said he was threatening and harassing patrons while looking for his phone.

In the arrest report, WMPD Sgt. Daniel Plunske stated video from witnesses showed Justesen confronting the victim outside the bar with a gun by his side, warning if the victim came any closer he would shoot.

Plunske located a loaded black Glock pistol on Justesen.

“The firearm was loaded and actively had one round in the chamber along with an additional 8 rounds in the magazine,” Plunske wrote.

Justesen originally pleaded not guilty, but changed his plea to no contest. As part of his probation, Justesen must forfeit all firearms and is not allowed to possess any weapons or firearms for three months. He must also complete a Direct Hit Firearms Training Course to keep his concealed carry license.

Included in the sentencing is a $293 court fee. Justesen is represented by attorney and Sunrise Commissioner Neil Kerch.

Officers were able to locate and detain the suspect, a 41-year-old white male, not long after the incident was reported. After an interview, the suspect was released.

WMPD is withholding the names of both participants, in the victim’s case, invoking Marsy’s Law, an amendment to the Florida Constitution that shield’s information from the public record in the Florida Constitution.

On Feb. 16 SFGN spoke with the victim who confirmed the incident and added he was called several homophobic slurs. He said it was not the first time he had been threatened in Wilton Manors.

Wilton Manors Police Chief Gary Blocker said his investigators are working with the State Attorney’s Office “to assess all elements to include whether or not bias played a role.”

“Violent crime shall have no comfort in our community and we will use the investigative tools, the laws of our state and our passion to protect and support a safe Island City,” Blocker said.

Blocker is asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has more information to contact Detective

Frantz Petitpapa at (954) 390-2168 or submit an online tip to CrimeStoppers at www.browardcrimestoppers.org.