Profile

Name: James "Rick" Richard Johnson
Aliases: Rick
Sex: Male
Race: White
Age Now: 40
Height: 6'2''
Weight: 170 lbs.
Hair (Color, Description, Facial Hair): Brown
Eyes (Color and Correction): Brown
Wanted for: Robbery (2 cts.), Alameda, CA; Apr 1997
False Imprisonment (2 cts.), Alameda, CA; Apr 1997
Conspiracy, Alameda, CA; Apr 1997

Locations

Last seen: Alameda, CA Johnson hasn't been seen since the robbery attempt in 1997 in Alameda.
Possible location: California Johnson's car was found at the San Francisco airport. It is unknown to where or even if he travelled.
Last known: San Rafael, CA

Traits

His driver's license is suspended
Police say that he was a former or possible current Synanon member
Very healthy and body conscious
Is an expert pool player and hustler
Has lots of girlfriend and police describe him as a \"ladies man\"
Likes to take risks
Was a high rise window washer
Police say he does not do drugs but has made money importing and selling drugs
Likes the beach
Tends to be quiet and introspective and is very philosophical about life
Police say he has suicidal tendencies

Case Story

Friendship Turns Greedy

Alameda Police say James \"Rick\" Johnson was the mastermind behind an attempted robbery at Lamco Jewelers in Alameda California in April of 1997. The attempt failed, but the owners Richard and Wanda Cook were almost beaten to death in the process. According to officials, Johnson had befriended pool hustler and jeweler Richard Cook. When Johnson found out that Cook kept a safe in his store, which allegedly held millions of dollars in cash and jewels, police say Johnson plotted to rob Mr. Cook of his money.

The Plan Coming Together

According to officials, Johnson recruited a team of six men. Police say each man had a specific role in the job: two men scoped out the store, two other men subdued the Cooks and secured the location, one served as a lookout and the sixth man was recruited to create an accident with the Cooks' only employee, so he would not get to work on time. Officials say planning for the robbery took over a year.

Robbery Gone Wrong

Johnson knew that Mr. Cook would never give up the safe combination, so he created a scheme to take the entire safe. Police say the team of men retrofitted a U-Haul truck with a heavy-duty wrench and enough iron to handle the move. When the time was right, the team went into action. Equipped with walkie talkies and police scanners, each member of the gang meticulously did their part. But, police say half-way through the plan, something went wrong. Police arrived for a dispute nearby, but it was enough to scare off Johnson and his crew. The team fled, and all but Johnson were captured. Johnson's car was found at the San Francisco Airport. He is known to have an active passport and connections in Europe, but police have no leads.