SLO firefighter pleads not guilty in connection with June bar fight

A San Luis Obispo firefighter pleaded not guilty Thursday to assault with great bodily injury and battery after a fight in a local bar on June 4.

John Ryan Mason, 34, was arrested on suspicion of causing a fight in a restroom at Pappy McGregor's on Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo.

According to San Luis Obispo police Lt. Jeff Smith, a 911 call was made to police on a report that a man was bleeding from the mouth and nose.

Responding officers found Los Osos resident Jory Brigham, 32, lying on the bathroom floor with significant facial injuries.

An investigation found that Brigham and Mason were attending a wedding party at the restaurant.

According to Smith, Brigham and Mason got involved in an argument while in the restroom.

Mason allegedly struck Brigham multiple times in the face with his fist, elbow and forearm.

Brigham was knocked unconscious and suffered multiple fractures to his jaw, nose and eye area. Mason was uninjured.

A pre-preliminary hearing for Mason is set for Aug. 30 in Judge Michael Duffy’s courtroom.

This story was originally published July 15, 2011 at 10:13 AM with the headline "SLO firefighter pleads not guilty in connection with June bar fight."