Rohnert Park Motel Mattress Fire Smokes Out Alleged Meth User

ROHNERT PARK - A man who fled after allegedly setting a Rohnert Park motel mattress on fire was taken to the hospital for examination and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

According to Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety officials, 30-year-old Utah resident Neeman Hammer told investigators he had consumed an "unknown amount" of methamphetamine earlier in the day and also the previous night while occupying a room at the Motel 6, 6145 Commerce Blvd.

At some point, Hammer told officers, he fell asleep while smoking a cigarette in bed.

Hammer said when he woke, the mattress he was laying on was engulfed in flames, according to officials, and out of fear, he ran from the room to the parking lot.

Rohnert Park Police and Fire Units responded to the motel about 12:22 a.m., and found heavy smoke coming from room 234.

Officials say several guests had evacuated the building prior to their arrival on scene.

Rohnert Park patrol officers say they confirmed room 234 had been evacuated, and evacuated the adjoining rooms.

Once the mattress fire was extinguished, officials say all of the hotel guests were able to return to their rooms except for the guest in room 234.

There is no estimated dollar loss at this time.

Rohnert Park DPS officials have not announced formal charges against Hammer at this time.

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