A 17-year-old Grossmont High School student testified Aug. 3 he was carjacked by a man who put hypodermic needles to his neck, saying they contained the AIDS virus.
The student, who was only identified as Branik, identified Thomas Johnson, 36, as the man who approached him at 8306 Parkway Drive in La Mesa on March 28 and initially asked him for a ride.
A 17-year-old Grossmont High School student testified Aug. 3 he was carjacked by a man who put hypodermic needles to his neck, saying they contained the AIDS virus.
The student, who was only identified as Branik, identified Thomas Johnson, 36, as the man who approached him at 8306 Parkway Drive in La Mesa on March 28 and initially asked him for a ride.
Branik told El Cajon Superior Court Judge Lantz Lewis he said no, but Johnson pulled out needles from his pocket or waist and put them “a couple of inches” from his neck.
“I was in shock. I was scared,” said Branik in the preliminary hearing. “He said ‘I will stab you with these needles that have AIDS.”
Branik said he drove onto Interstate 8, the College area, Waring Road as Johnson kept changing directions as to where he wanted to go. Finally, Branik punched him in the jaw and escaped from his 2000 Ford Ranger truck.
Branik ran towards a 7-Eleven and called police while Johnson drove off in his truck. Johnson was later arrested following a chase from police and the truck was wrecked. Johnson was injured. Branik was not hurt in the ordeal, but was shaken up. Branik said he bought the truck for $3,000 and his lost possessions in the vehicle were valued at $980.
Lewis ordered Johnson to stand trial for kidnapping during a carjacking, robbery, felony assault, making a criminal threat, auto and grand theft. He was additionally ordered to stand trial for attempted robbery, elder abuse, and evading police with reckless driving in other crimes after the carjacking.
Johnson came into court in a wheelchair, and his attorney, Samantha Greene, told Lewis her client does have AIDS. His parents from Chicago were in the courtroom audience.
Greene asked the $2 million bail be lowered to $500,000, and she said Johnson’s parents have agreed to relocate to San Diego to care for their son, who has had four surgeries and cannot walk. Deputy District Attorney Matthew Carberry opposed the reduction, saying Johnson has a prior robbery conviction and poses a flight risk. Lewis lowered the bail to $1.5 million and ordered Johnson to next appear in court on Aug. 18. Johnson has pleaded not guilty.
Former Santee coach sentenced to jail
A former Santee gym coach who had sex with a 15-year-old girl has been sentenced to one year in jail and must register as a sex offender for life.
Patrick Jay Wehrung, 25, was given credits of 132 days in jail and his projected release date was set for Nov. 21, according to the sheriff’s department.
San Diego Superior Court Judge Dan Link placed him on three years probation and sternly warned him not to have any contact with her again. “If you dare to contact her while you’re on probation, you will get prison,” said Link. “This relationship is done.”
The judge and Deputy District Attorney Nicole Roth both noted Wehrung was jailed May 27 after he sent an Instagram message to her in violation of his release conditions. Wehrung had been free on $80,000 bond.
House arrest and work furlough were ruled out by Link as options. He was fined approximately $1,500.
Wehrung met the girl while he worked at Champion Gymnastics & Cheer in Santee. He was fired after he was arrested Feb. 9. He is from Santee.
Wehrung pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, oral copulation with a minor and digital penetration of a juvenile. He could have received five years and four months in prison.
“I don’t think you fully understand,” said Link to Wehrung. “One of her first sexual experiences is now confined to you. She’s been affected dramatically.”
Link told Wehrung that because the girl was 15 years old, she could not consent to sex legally. Wehrung, wearing jail clothing, said nothing.
The victim, now 16, and her mother were in the crowded courtroom audience but did not say anything.
“Hopefully, he will reflect on the consequences of his actions,” said Roth afterwards.
