Lawyer: Wanted Hillsborough firefighter will turn himself in after his vacation
TAMPA (FOX 13) - A Hillsborough County firefighter wanted in connection to a bar brawl in Key West likely will not turn himself in for weeks, according to his attorney.
According to police, Clinton Walker, 33, was caught on surveillance video in a fist fight at the Rumor Lodge in Key West on September 17. Authorities said Walker was at the bar along with several members of the "Outlaw Motorcycle Gang" for the annual Poker Run.
"It happened so quickly that everybody was kind of in shock," said Katarina Hodel, or DJ Blondie, as she's known while working at the bar.
Hodel was standing feet away in the DJ booth when several men began arguing and eventually throwing fists and chairs.
"Within seconds, there was blood everywhere. People were getting hit. I'm surprised I didn't get hit," said Hodel.
Surveillance video led Key West Police to issue battery charges against Walker, but his attorney said he is not on the run from the law.
"There's certain media reporting that he's a fugitive. It's just not accurate," said Attorney Jerry Theophilopoulos. "He's currently not in the state of Florida, because he's on vacation."
He said Walker left the area before learning of the charges against him, but together they have made arrangements with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office for Walker to turn himself in in nearly a month.
"On December 5, when he returns, he will be processed through the jail, as far as turning himself in," said Theophilopoulos, who said they have also made plans with a bail bondsmen to expedite the process.
He denied Walker's current involvement with the Outlaws.
"He's not involved with a gang. He was at one time a member of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. He has not been a member for some time now."
Word of Walker's possible involvement led Hillsborough County officials to issue a notice to employees on Friday that effective immediately, any employee's involvement with violent outside organizations could result in disciplinary action up to termination.
Walker is currently on paid administrative leave with the Hillsborough County Fire Department.
A copy of the Hillsborough County memo to employees read:
Today, a Countywide directive was issued for all employees under my administration that prohibits employees from any membership or voluntary participation with an outside organization that is recognized by government agencies to support or be involved in criminal or illegal discriminatory activity. Involvement or participation with such organizations or groups will not be tolerated as these affiliations are contrary to the mission of public service. This directive is a reminder of our continuing obligation to represent all of the citizens of Hillsborough County.
Employees were notified that that directive was effective immediately in order to ensure the delivery of service to our citizens where our employees are loyal and committed to the best interest of Hillsborough County.
Background:
Participating or engaging in outside activities that may result in a potential conflict of interest between the loyalty to Hillsborough County and the loyalty to an outside organization is not in the best interest of the County and its citizens. Therefore, the directive was issued pursuant to Civil Service Rule 11.2(26), adopted by the County Administrator as HR Policy 7.6, Rule 26, which states that employees are prohibited from exhibiting actions that are prejudicial to the good order or detrimental to the interest of Hillsborough County including an employee's affiliation with an outside organization.
A violation of this directive by an employee will be considered a violation that shall result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.
Subject Two, Clinton Neal Walker:
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Nov. 18, 2016) - Today, Hillsborough County Firefighter Clinton Neal Walker was placed on paid administrative leave as a result of the outstanding warrant for his arrest related to an incident in Key West, Florida.