OAKLAND — A 34-year-old man has been charged with kidnapping a suspected sex worker in a high-prostitution area, an alleged crime witnessed by two local undercover cops, court records show.
Brandon Johnson posted $100,000 bail for his release from jail on charges of kidnapping. He is set to appear in court in late May for a preliminary hearing.
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An undercover detail was working on the 800 block of International Boulevard, monitoring suspected prostitution activities, when they spotted an early 2000s silver Mercedes make a U-turn and the driver appear to take interest in a group of sex workers on the corner, according to to police. A man then allegedly hopped out of the car, chased down a young woman, threw her into the vehicle, and drove off, as she screamed, kicked, and flailed.
The undercover cops broadcasted the suspected kidnapping onto a radio channel. Another officer tracked down the Mercedes and arrested Johnson, authorities said.
The incident occurred April 16, roughly two weeks after Johnson was charged with second degree robbery in an unrelated incident. He posted $50,000 for his release in that case. Johnson also has two prior robbery convictions, both from 2019, according to the criminal complaint.
The undercover detail was there that night intending to locate child victims of human trafficking, authorities said.
As a condition of Johnson’s release on bail, he has been ordered to avoid parts of Oakland known for prostitution, court records show. Johnson has pleaded not guilty.