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Former Battle Ground Mayor Encouraged Violent Threats Over RV Parking enforcement
The Battle Ground Police Department is investigating threatening social media posts, including comments seemingly encouraging violence against government buildings and law enforcement, stemming from a dispute over municipal codes regarding recreational vehicle and trailer parking. The controversy highlights escalating tensions between residents, city officials, and a former mayor with a history of intra-party conflict.
Battle Ground’s municipal codes require that boats, RVs, and trailers be stored out of public view on private property. Recent enforcement of these regulations has sparked heated debate within local Facebook groups, culminating in an anonymous tip submitted to both The Reflector and the Battle Ground Police Department on December 30th. The tip included screenshots of concerning online exchanges.
The initial catalyst for the uproar appears to be a december 29th post detailing a $250 fine issued to a resident for storing a trailer in their backyard. The post inquired about potential City Hall meetings to discuss the matter.
However, the conversation quickly took a dark turn. A now-deleted comment from a Facebook user named Anthony DiRocco reportedly stated, “Guess it’s time to start burning government buildings and throwing rocks at cops.”
Adding fuel to the fire, Philip johnson, who served as Battle Ground’s mayor from 2016-2017 and 2022-2023, and as a council member from 2012-2023, responded with apparent encouragement. “We’ll follow your lead, brother,” Johnson’s comment read. “When do you expect to kick off the melee?”
Battle Ground Police Chief Dennis Flynn addressed the situation in a statement, emphasizing the seriousness of the threats. “the Battle Ground Police Department (BGPD) is aware of recent social media posts regarding enforcement of Battle Ground municipal codes related to RV and trailer parking (BGMC 17.133.030, 10.14.060,17.135.057, and 17.135.150), purportedly made by a citizen and a former elected official,” Flynn stated. “Washington law prohibits threats such as statements about ‘burning government buildings’ (RCW 9.61.160) and threats to use force, including comments about ‘throwing rocks at cops’ (RCW 9A.84.010). Based on our review,the posts appear to approach the legal threshold for potential violations.”
Flynn affirmed the department’s commitment to upholding constitutional rights, including free speech, while simultaneously condemning threats and intimidation as detrimental to community safety.
The incident comes after the Clark County Republican Party (CCRP) Central Committee formally opposed Johnson’s bid for city council during the most recent election cycle. Matthew Bumala, chair of the CCRP, issued a statement in July 2025, explaining that Johnson “has repeatedly undermined fellow Republicans by taking out negative ads against candidates from within his own party.” The CCRP characterized his actions as divisive and damaging to the conservative movement in Clark County.
In response to the growing public concern,the Battle Ground City Council approved a temporary moratorium on enforcement of the RV and trailer parking regulations following a public hearing on January 5th. According to a city news release, this pause will allow time to review the existing code and consider potential updates. residents with active code enforcement cases issued as October 2025 will receive updated facts.The council is scheduled to review municipal code 17.135.150 at a study session on February 2nd.
