Man Disappears After Judge Lowers Bail in San Pablo Street Race Murder Case

Charles Johnson III was on parole when he allegedly crashed into and killed a pedestrian during an illegal street race.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:34pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield or damaged vehicle part, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a deadly street race incident.The aftermath of a deadly street race exposes the grim reality of illegal high-speed driving and its devastating consequences.San Pablo Today

Charles Johnson III, a 31-year-old Richmond resident, was charged with murder in 2024 for allegedly crashing his Dodge Charger into and killing 51-year-old Ernesto Reyes during an illegal street race in San Pablo. After Johnson's bail was lowered from $2.2 million to $200,000, he disappeared and a $1 million bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the criminal justice system's handling of repeat offenders and the dangers of illegal street racing, which has become an ongoing issue in some Bay Area communities. The judge's decision to lower Johnson's bail, despite his prior conviction for evading police, has raised questions about public safety and the effectiveness of the bail system.

The details

According to police, Johnson was racing a Mustang through the streets of San Pablo on August 24, 2024, when he crashed into and killed Ernesto Reyes. Johnson then allegedly fled the scene without attempting to render aid. Johnson had a prior conviction for evading police, which involved him running over a police officer's foot, and was on parole at the time of the collision.

  • On August 24, 2024, Johnson allegedly crashed into and killed Ernesto Reyes during an illegal street race in San Pablo.
  • In 2024, Johnson was charged with murder and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.
  • In May 2025, a judge lowered Johnson's bail from $2.2 million to $200,000.
  • For the next six months, Johnson continued to make court appearances.
  • In January, Johnson failed to appear for a hearing, and a $1 million bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

The players

Charles Johnson III

A 31-year-old Richmond resident who was charged with murder in 2024 for allegedly crashing his Dodge Charger into and killing Ernesto Reyes during an illegal street race in San Pablo. Johnson had a prior conviction for evading police and was on parole at the time of the collision.

Ernesto Reyes

A 51-year-old man who was killed when Johnson allegedly crashed into him during an illegal street race in San Pablo.

Judge Terri Mockler

The judge who lowered Johnson's bail from $2.2 million to $200,000, a decision that has raised concerns about public safety.

Tim Ahearn

The deputy public defender who argued that the charges against Johnson were overblown and that he needed a chance at freedom to help his ill mother.

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What they’re saying

“Although the prosecution alleges that Mr. Johnson was racing another car at high speed when the incident occurred, Mr. Johnson informed the police that he was fleeing a car driven by a masked individual who pointed a gun at him.”

— Tim Ahearn, Deputy Public Defender

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on a new court date in July, but unless Johnson turns up, the prosecution will remain in limbo.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing illegal street racing and repeat offenders in the criminal justice system, as well as the potential consequences of bail decisions that prioritize individual circumstances over public safety concerns.