Jury Convicts Ryan James Johnson of DUI Causing Great Bodily Injury, Reckless Driving, and Hit and Run

[San Luis Obispo County] District Attorney Dan Dow announced that a San Luis Obispo County jury has convicted Ryan James Johnson (48) of San Luis Obispo, of felony driving while under the influence of drugs causing great bodily injury, reckless driving causing great bodily injury, hit and run causing great bodily injury and property damage, and driving on a suspended license.  

In a separate court trial after the jury verdict, Superior Court Judge Crystal Tindell Seiler made legal findings that Johnson was previously convicted of four serious or violent felonies that qualify as “strikes” under California’s Three Strikes Law. The prior convictions include two counts of robbery where a co-defendant was armed with a firearm, residential burglary, and conspiracy to commit robbery.

During the trial, jurors heard evidence that on December 27, 2023, Johnson, who was under the influence of methamphetamine and marijuana, drove southbound on Highway 101 through San Luis Obispo. At the time of the crime, Johnson was driving the vehicle without a valid driver’s license because it had been suspended years earlier for a prior DUI conviction.  

Near the Marsh Street exit, Johnson abruptly turned his car around and began driving northbound against traffic. He drove in the emergency lane, reaching speeds of over 70 miles per hour in heavy traffic. When he reached the Broad Street exit, he slammed head-on into another motorist, causing Johnson’s car to go airborne and strike a second vehicle. 

One victim suffered serious injuries from the head-on collision, and the second victim’s vehicle was badly damaged. Johnson exited his disabled car, discarded two methamphetamine smoking pipes from his pockets, and attempted to flee the scene. Bystanders pointed Johnson out to the California Highway Patrol Officers who then detained him.  

A DUI investigation and forensic blood draw revealed Johnson was under the influence of methamphetamine and marijuana.  Johnson was arrested and taken to the hospital for medical clearance prior to booking at the jail. While awaiting medical clearance, and when officers were not in his immediate presence, Johnson left the hospital on foot. CHP officers arrested Johnson at his home the following day.    

Johnson’s sentencing hearing is set for November 3, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. in Department 9 of the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court, the honorable Crystal Tindell Seiler presiding, where he faces a possible maximum sentence of 31 years and 4 months to life in prison.

This case was investigated by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) with the assistance of the CHP Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT).

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Hunter Starr.  Victim and witness assistance were provided by Victim Advocate Aracely Maldonado and Witness Coordinators Eloiza Basinger and Kellie Navarro.