A man with a cache of weapons and a sniper-like setup in his apartment in a Hollywood high-rise is now facing charges, Dist. Atty. George Gascón said Thursday.

Braxton Kyle Johnson has been charged with one count of making criminal threats, two counts of possession of illegal assault weapons and one count of solicitation of murder, the district attorney said.

Some residents of the 22-story luxury apartment complex became concerned about their new neighbor and alerted police, leading to his arrest. Johnson had been bragging about an arsenal of weapons and saying the CIA was watching him, police said.

Rifles belonging to Johnson were loaded with ammunition and pointed out the windows of his newly rented 18th-floor Hollywood apartment, which had panoramic views of a busy street and a public park. One rifle with a scope was mounted on a small tripod, similar to the ones used by hunters — or military snipers.

Residents called police to say that Johnson had been making bizarre threats against them and security staff at the Lumina Hollywood, the apartment complex in the 1500 block of Gordon Street near Sunset Boulevard.

In one of those conversations, the district attorney said the 25-year-old Johnson asked a woman if she had anyone who needed killing.

“Los Angeles County is still reeling over the tragic mass shooting in Monterey Park,” Gascón said. “Were it not for the brave actions of the witnesses in this case, this could have also been an incredible tragedy. I want to also thank the LAPD for quickly apprehending this person and potentially saving countless lives.”

 

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