Felony Vandalism and Felony Obstruction

The Sonora Police Department arrested 31-year-old Clayton F. Johnson of Sonora for felony obstruction, felony vandalism and multiple misdemeanor charges.

Shortly after 3:00 am on Sunday August 30th, the Police Department received several 911 calls regarding a male subject running up and down the hallways breaking glass.

When officers arrived on scene, the subject later identified as Clayton Johnson, armed himself with a fire extinguisher and concealed himself behind a corner in the hallway.  When the initial contact was attempted, Johnson deployed the fire extinguisher at the officers and filled the first and second floors with a cloud of retardant.  Johnson then pulled the fire alarm and retreated deeper into the hotel hallways.

The officers on scene requested additional units from the Sheriff’s Department to assist with the scene. When the extra units arrived, Johnson decided to cooperate and was taken into custody without further incident.

Johnson is being accused of damaging doors, windows and other fixtures in the hotel in addition to the damage caused by deploying the fire extinguisher.  He was booked at the Tuolumne County Jail for felony obstruction of a peace officer, felony vandalism, tampering with fire protection equipment, sounding a false fire alarm, possession of methamphetamine and heroin, and violation of probation.