Zac Slotemaker

Professor Sue Schenkel

9/28/16
COMM 101
News Story 2
A 27-year-old Arizona man, suspected of drug sales, fell to his death from the 10th floor
of Hartford Hotel in Newport Beach after being arrested Friday morning.
John James Johnson had been staying at hotel for about a week before his death. Newport
Beach police said they went to Johnsons room and purchased 3 ounces of cocaine from him.
Police returned his room at 1:15 a.m. Friday and arrested him. Johnson complied to sit in the
chair handcuffed as police searched the room according Sgt. John Thursby.
Suddenly Johnson lept up from the the chair and bounded towards a small opening to the
three-foot-wide balcony where he went over the railing to his death.
Police are unsure whether this was an attempt of suicide or escape. The momentum could
of been a factor in his death according to Police Detective Bob Martinez.
The momentum of the body and the speed of his run carried his body to the balcony
railing, where he lost his balance and tumbled over the railing. , Martinez said.
The results of the autopsy may reveal more details as to accident or escape, however it
will be a week to receive the results.
The coroners spokesman stated that the Autopsy on Johnson is planned for next week.
The Hartford Hotel representatives have no comment on the death at this time.