MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – A second man faces criminal charges related to a fatal shootout in Minneapolis which resulted in the death of Eagan and Eden Prairie firefighter Joseph Johns. Dallas Antonio Villarreal-Griffin, 27, of Columbia Heights, has been charged with second-degree riot in connection to the incident. Villarreal-Griffin allegedly admitted to firing a “ghost gun” at a group during the shootout, where he was also shot in the leg.
His associate, 28-year-old Marquise Trevone Hammonds-Ford, of Monticello, was arrested and charged earlier in the month. The shootout occurred near the Whiskey Junction Bar following a gathering to commemorate the anniversary of a motorcycle club’s founding. Court documents indicate that the incident was sparked by Villarreal-Griffin and Hammonds-Ford’s group, who were antagonizing and brandishing guns at those inside the bar before the shooting began.
During the exchange of gunfire, Johns was caught in the crossfire while directing traffic and unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. Surveillance footage revealed Villarreal-Griffin and Hammonds-Ford running to a vehicle during the shooting. Villarreal-Griffin proceeded to fire multiple shots at the opposing group before fleeing the scene.
Following his arrest, Villarreal-Griffin confessed to participating in the armed confrontation and possessing the “ghost gun” used in the shooting. Despite being informed that he may have been involved in Johns’ death, Villarreal-Griffin claimed he left the weapon in the vehicle that transported him to the hospital. He remains in custody at Hennepin County Jail, where he also has prior criminal history linked to domestic violence cases.
The investigation into the shootout is ongoing, as authorities work to identify and apprehend others involved in the incident. The tragic event has sparked concerns about the presence of illegal firearms and escalating violence within the Minneapolis community, highlighting the need for increased efforts to address such issues and prevent further tragedies from occurring. The loss of Johns has deeply affected his colleagues, family, and the broader firefighting community, emphasizing the importance of ensuring public safety and addressing the root causes of such violent incidents.