Minneapolis, Minnesota – A second man faces criminal charges in connection with a fatal shootout in Minneapolis that claimed the life of a firefighter earlier this month. Dallas Antonio Villarreal-Griffin, 27, of Columbia Heights, has been charged with second-degree riot after allegedly being involved in the exchange of gunfire that resulted in the death of Eagan and Eden Prairie firefighter Joseph Johns.
Villarreal-Griffin was arrested on May 17 and confessed to using a “ghost gun” during the shootout, where he was shot in the leg. His alleged accomplice, 28-year-old Marquise Trevone Hammonds-Ford from Monticello, was arrested and charged on May 14 in connection with the same incident.
The fatal shooting occurred near Whiskey Junction Bar in Minneapolis, where Johns was tragically caught in the crossfire while directing traffic. Amidst the chaos, Villarreal-Griffin and Hammonds-Ford were identified as part of the group responsible for initiating the deadly exchange of gunfire.
According to court documents, the shooting erupted between two groups outside the bar. Villarreal-Griffin and Hammonds-Ford were among those involved in escalating the tension before shots were fired, ultimately leading to Johns’ death.
Reports indicate that the incident occurred during a gathering to commemorate the founding anniversary of a motorcycle club, with the presence of hundreds of people at the location. Surveillance footage revealed Villarreal-Griffin and Hammonds-Ford taking part in the confrontation, with Hammonds-Ford allegedly firing the initial shots that triggered the violent escalation.
While Villarreal-Griffin initially denied any involvement in the shooting upon arrival at the hospital, he later admitted to participating in the armed confrontation. He also disclosed possessing a 9mm “ghost gun” that he used during the shootout. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Johns’ death and the extent of Villarreal-Griffin and Hammonds-Ford’s involvement.
Villarreal-Griffin remains in custody at Hennepin County Jail, with a previous criminal history that includes cases related to domestic violence. Authorities are actively pursuing leads to identify other individuals implicated in the deadly shootout, underscoring the ongoing nature of the investigation.