EL CAJON, Calif. -- A man at the center of a chaotic and dangerous police pursuit on Memorial Day made his first court appearance Thursday, where he faces multiple felony charges including domestic violence, child endangerment and evading police.
Jahlil Johnson, 29, pleaded not guilty during the hearing, where prosecutors detailed a harrowing series of events that they say endangered lives and resulted in an officer-involved shooting.
The incident began when Johnson allegedly assaulted a woman by strangulation, then fled the scene in a vehicle with his two young children, ages 5 and 7, inside. Due to the presence of the children, police initially held back from escalating the situation.
After Johnson let the children out of the vehicle, the pursuit resumed, spanning roughly 30 miles and crossing through several city jurisdictions. According to police, Johnson maneuvered around tire spikes and eventually reversed into a police vehicle, injuring an officer. The officer responded by firing at the car, though Johnson was not struck by any bullets.
The chase ultimately came to an end after Johnson's father reportedly stepped into traffic to block his son's path. Johnson then attempted to flee on foot and was eventually subdued by officers using a taser. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during his arrest.
In court, prosecutors argued for a $2 million bail, citing serious concerns for public safety and the well-being of the victims.
"The defendant's release to the public will endanger the lives of the named victims in this case, and any law enforcement officers who may come to their aid," the prosecutor stated during the hearing."
The defense pointed out that Johnson did release his children early in the incident, but the judge ultimately set bail at $1.5 million. Protective orders were also issued for all three victims: the woman involved and Johnson's two children.
Johnson is currently being held at the San Diego Central Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 5 for a readiness hearing.