Hero in girl's rescue owes pile of money

On Oct. 28, the owner of Rizzo's French Dip made The Seattle Times after he got credit for rescuing a little girl from a burning car.

The same day, Kenny Johnson also got a notice from his landlord: Get out.

It turns out that Johnson — who also goes by the name Frank Rizzo — was way behind on his bills. The restaurant closed abruptly this month, and Johnson has moved to Los Angeles.

The landlord's notice says Johnson owed nearly $3,000 in back rent. He owed $3,200 more in unpaid utilities.

Johnson, 40, confirmed all this. He also said he owed the state back sales tax.

Then he added: "You know, I am a hero awarded a proclamation from the city of Seattle."

On Oct. 21, Johnson witnessed a fiery crash near his Ballard sandwich shop. He said he rushed to the car, ripped the door off the hinge and pulled 3-year-old, Anna Kotowicz from the back seat. She wound up with some bruising and a broken arm.

Her father, Andy Kotowicz, a longtime employee of Sub Pop Records, died in the crash.

Johnson thought he "had a pass to heaven," employee Nathan K. Grier says now.

And for a time, business at the sandwich shop was booming. It seemed everyone wanted to support the man who'd saved the little girl.

His employees say, however, Johnson left them holding the bag. They did not receive regular salaries and thus can't collect unemployment. Moreover, Johnson put the utility bills in 22-year-old Grier's name. Johnson confirms all this.

How Grier's name came to be on the utility bill is a matter in dispute.

In any case, it covers both the restaurant and the house behind the shop, which Johnson leased from the same landlord. He let Grier live there in exchange for working in the shop. Employee Anthony Ferris, 22, also lived there, Johnson said. In addition, the men earned tips, and Ferris got $30 a day.

Grier and Ferris are angry. They lost their jobs and their home in one day. They say Johnson received the 30-day notice from the landlord before he left town but neglected to tell them. Johnson said that's not true.

The landlord could not be reached for comment.

Johnson himself confirmed that his image as a hero is somewhat at odds with his track record, which includes a felony conviction. He insisted he would pay all the money he owes.

"I have no reason to lie because I'm a grown man," he said.

Staff reporter Erik Lacitis contributed to this report.

Maureen O'Hagan: 206-464-2562 or mohagan@seattletimes.com