Machine gun-toting MUNI rider arrested after quick-thinking operator calls cops mid-journey
A felon armed with a machine gun was arrested as he exited a MUNI light rail vehicle thanks to the work of a level-headed passenger and a quick-thinking operator, a court has been told.
Johnny Johnson, 31, will appear today at San Francisco’s Hall of Justice in Behavioral Health Court.
Prosecutors say Johnson was spotted by a concerned strap-hanger in the early evening of March 4 2025 riding in the back of the MUNI LRV in San Francisco’s Ingleside district.
That rider told the operator who summoned police as the vehicle continued its journey westbound from the intersection of Plymouth Avenue and Broad Street.
SFPD officers captured Johnson as he left the rail car half a mile further on. In his underwear they found a Glock 19 pistol equipped with an extended magazine and a switch enabling operation in automatic mode.
Evidently displeased with his capture, Johnson headbutted an officer in the face while being escorted to a patrol car.
He earlier pleaded ‘not guilty’ to seven felony firearms charges and one count of battery on a peace officer which is charged as a misdemeanor.
Bail for Johnson was initially set at $200,000. Superior Court Judge Gerardo Sandoval later made a “no bail” order and directed production of a mental health diversion eligibility report.
Court records show that Johnson was previously convicted of carrying a concealed firearm in 2016 in San Francisco and that he is forbidden to possess firearms for life because of an earlier adjudication that he is a danger to others as a result of a mental disorder or illness.
He remains in custody.
The case continues.
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