Interior of one of the Ramblewood Apartments
FREMONT – A homeless man who caused a scene at the newly built Ramblewood Apartments at 38000 Hastings Street is costing Alameda County taxpayers nearly twice as much—to stay at Santa Rita Jail.
Mark D. Johnson (54) was arrested December 12, after he refused to leave an apartment he liked, but couldn’t afford. Johnson visually inspected a unit after telling property management staff that he was interested in renting.
Monthly rents for one-bedroom units range from $2,199 to $2,299. Tenant amenities include air conditioning, in-unit laundry machines, walnut planking floors, a fitness center with a swimming pool and spa, skylights, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and private patios.
Once inside an apartment, Johnson wouldn’t leave and vandalized a sign when told that police would be called to remove him. He allegedly made criminal threats to harm staff, before a Fremont officer arrived and hauled him away.
Johnson was charged with making a criminal threat intending to terrorize, vandalism, trespassing, and obstructing or resisting an officer. Police said Johnson also had an outstanding arrest warrant in San Francisco.
Johnson is being held at Santa Rita Jail, where it costs taxpayers roughly $135 daily or $4,050 monthly per inmate. That’s nearly double the monthly rent for a one-bedroom unit Ramblewood. Johnson’s bail was set at $30,500.
