Lontavious Johnson
WALNUT CREEK — Two partying firemen and their reveling women companions were arrested at the downtown Walnut Creek Marriot hotel, a few hours after the Second Annual Firefighters Ball ended.
Hotel staff called police shortly before 5 a.m. on October 23 for assistance, reporting that four drunk and rowdy guests had become belligerent and refused to leave. When police arrived, one of the firemen placed an officer in a headlock and a fistfight ensued between him and two officers, police said.
All four revelers were booked at the Martinez Detention Facility and later released. The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District has placed both firemen on leave while the incident is being further investigated.
Andrew Desmond, 31, was arrested for obstructing and resisting an officer, disorderly conduct and trespassing. Desmond was released on $21,000 bail.
Lontavious Johnson, 32, was charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct. Johnson was cited and released.
The two women were also cited and released. Shirlee Johnson, 33, of Oakley, and Leah Mendaros, 35, of Daly City, were each charged with obstructing an officer, disorderly conduct and trespassing. In addition, Johnson was booked for a parole violation.
Two officers and Desmond sustained minor injuries. One of the woman was accused of assaulting a security guard, but no assault charges were filed.
The firefighters ball is a charity event hosted by the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County Local 1230, which apologized for the incidents following its event.
