Antioch Police and Con Fire personnel responded to the scene of the fatal collision causing a back-up in the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 between Pittsburg and Antioch Monday morning, Dec. 22, 2025. Video screenshot courtesy of Spotlight CoCoCounty.
Following collision involving DA Senior Inspector killing Antioch assault suspect running on Hwy 4; CHP leads investigation
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California – A fatal traffic collision with a pedestrian is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol pursuant to the County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol.
On Monday, December 22, 2025, at approximately 10:35 a.m., in the area of Delta Fair Blvd. in Antioch, a suspect engaged in a disturbance at Delta Bowl. According to Antioch Police, the initial incident occurred at the Comfort Inn, located at 2436 Mahogany Way, where the 27-year-old male suspect had pulled a fire alarm and then struck a 47-year-old male security guard. As police responded, the suspect climbed over a fence and entered eastbound Highway 4 on foot.
The individual was struck in the roadway by an oncoming county vehicle driven by a District Attorney Senior Inspector whose duties were unrelated to the disturbance. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The California Highway Patrol is the venue agency conducting the traffic collision investigation. The California Department of Justice has been notified. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has yielded legal analysis to avoid a potential conflict of interest. The investigation is ongoing.
Antioch Police and Con Fire personnel responded to the scene of the fatal collision causing a back-up in the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 between Pittsburg and Antioch Monday morning, Dec. 22, 2025. Video screenshot (top) and aerial drone photo (bottom) courtesy of Spotlight CoCoCounty.
Struck by on-duty County DA Senior Inspector
Multi-agency investigation ensues
By Lt. William Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
On Monday, December 22, at 10:33 a.m., the Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center received a call from security personnel at the Comfort Inn, located at 2436 Mahogany Way, reporting that a suspect had pulled a fire alarm and then struck a security guard.
Responding officers arrived on scene and located the 47-year-old male security guard who was pursuing the suspect in the area behind Kaiser, near Delta Fair Boulevard.
An Antioch Police Department officer was in the area with emergency lights activated while responding to the call. The 27-year-old male suspect, who possibly saw the lights, then jumped over a fence and ran onto the freeway, where he was struck by an on-duty Contra Costa County District Attorney Senior Inspector who, by chance, was driving in the area and was not involved in the initial incident.
At no time were responding Antioch Police Department officers involved in a foot pursuit of the suspect.
The investigator and Antioch Police Department officers immediately rendered medical aid; however, the suspect died at the scene.
A witness, who chose not to be identified and was stuck in the eastbound traffic back-up on Highway 4 between Loveridge Road in Pittsburg and Somersville Road in Antioch, said he saw police pumping the suspect’s chest. According to Spotlight CoCoCounty, the suspect “was struck in the number one lane near the Center divide.”
The back-up lasted for about two-and-a-half hours until Antioch Police issued an update at 1:07 p.m. that “the roadway is now open.”
The suspect’s name is not being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
As is standard protocol, the Antioch Police Department, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the California Highway Patrol will conduct a joint investigation into the incident. Any additional information will be provided by the Investigations Bureau.
Additional inquiries, tips, or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Robert Ibanez at (925) 481-8398 or by email at ribanez@antiochca.gov.
The SF Bay Area KYDS Club of Kiwanis is doing free gift wrapping until Dec. 24 at the Somersville Towne Center in Antioch. Donations accepted to help the Key Clubbers attend their yearly District Educational Convention in April. Look for the Holiday Gift Wrap sign near the security desk on the east end of the mall.
Acting Animal Services Manager Cat Cottle (in green shirt holding check), Antioch Police Chief Joe Vigil (with photo of the late Nancy Kelly) and Captain Desmond Bittner are joined by Mr. & Mrs. Keith Farr,Trustees of the Nancy K. Kelly Trust to receive the legacy gift on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. Also pictured is Violet, the kitten adopted by Ms. Kelly in 2012. Photo: Antioch Animal Services. Inset photo of Ms. Kelly source: Mountain Democrat
From Nancy K. Kelly Trust
By Antioch Animal Services
Antioch Animal Services is deeply honored to have received a $106,000 legacy gift from the Nancy K. Kelly Trust, presented by Trustee Keith Farr and his wife on July 22, 2025. According to Acting Animal Services Manager Cat Cottle, the gift check was presented by Trustees Mr. and Mrs. Keith Farr. “They aren’t relatives, just very good friends of the decedent,” Cottle shared.
Nancy Kelly (March 31, 1944 – September 13, 2024) was a longtime Antioch resident whose life was rooted in service, civic engagement, and genuine care for others. She served her community in countless ways – as a Credit Union manager, Neighborhood Watch Captain, Antioch Garden Club member, and volunteer for numerous city and social causes. Wherever Nancy lived, she showed up, got involved, and made her community stronger.
Nancy was also a devoted cat lover. Thirteen years ago, she adopted a three-month-old tortoiseshell kitten named Velvet from Antioch Animal Services. That small act of love created a lifelong bond with the shelter – one that she carried with her long after moving to Placerville, where she continued her commitment to volunteering, civic involvement and friendship.
This extraordinary bequest reflects Nancy’s enduring thoughtfulness and her belief in giving back to the community she once called home. Her generosity will have a lasting impact on the animals in our care and the people who serve them.
We are profoundly grateful to the Trustees of the Nancy K. Kelly Trust for honoring Nancy’s life and values in such a meaningful way. Her compassion lives on through every life touched by this gift.
According to her 2024 obituary, Nancy Kathryn Kelly was born at Camp Stoneman, (in Pittsburg) California to parents Lydia M. and Edward F. Kelly. She became close friends with many people whom she remained friends with until her passing. Nancy moved to Placerville approximately 10 years ago where she bought her beloved home. Here as well she had many good friends and acquaintances. She was a committed and dedicated Marshall Hospital volunteer and was very active in the local Democrat Party and the Placerville Library. Nancy loved entertaining and often invited groups of friends for an afternoon party to enjoy her beautiful garden and home. Nancy loved gardening, cats, good wine, laughing and creating beautiful, crafted items. She is survived by a sister, two brothers, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Nancy will be remembered as a generous, creative, independent, strong woman and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.”
By Lt. Franco Cesar #7264, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On December 18, 2025, at 8:46 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 2700 block of Entrada Circle. Upon arrival, officers located a 17-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound.
Officers immediately began providing medical aid until personnel from Con Fire arrived on scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
During the investigation, officers identified the suspect as a 14-year-old male, who was taken into custody at the scene for Negligent Discharge of a Firearm.
According to Bay New Video, “Thursday night Antioch police responded to…reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they found one juvenile that had been accidentally shot in the face by his cousin. Witnesses said the bullet entered the cheek and exited the back of the neck. The victim was transported to a local hospital. The cousin was taken into custody by Antioch police. There has been in the city of Antioch over the past year a reduction of violent crime…Tonight’s shooting was an unfortunate accident.”
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at tips@antiochca.gov.
The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a homicide that occurred on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 8:04 a.m. at a home on the 5100 block Laurel Drive in unincorporated Concord.
Valley Station deputy sheriffs responded to a welfare check and found a resident of the home deceased on the property. Detectives believe the incident began as a domestic issue when a family dispute escalated into an altercation. Three others who suffered from injuries were transported to a local hospital.
The victim is identified as 38-year-old Antonio Valdez of Antioch. A person in the home who suffered injuries remains in the hospital.
The Investigation Division Homicide Unit and Crime Lab responded to the scene. Detectives believe the incident began as a domestic issue when a family dispute escalated into an altercation. There are no outstanding suspects and no threat to the public.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
In partnership with Showers of Blessings Prayer and Outreach Ministries
By Allen D. Payton
Najee Harris, L.A. Chargers running back. Photo source: Da Bigger Picture Foundation
Join NFL football running back and Antioch High School standout, Najee Harris on Saturday, Dec. 20 for Da Bigger Picture Foundation’s Christmas Toy Drive in partnership with Showers of Blessings Prayer and Outreach Ministries.
“Come join us this holiday as we will be partnering up and passing out toys,” Harris said. “Limited toys so come early.”
In college, Najee played for the national champions Alabama Crimson Tide then was drafted by and played for the Pittsburg Steelers in the NFL. He is currently a running back for the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year contract but has been out for the season since September due to a torn Achilles.
About Da Bigger Picture Foundation
Formed in 2021, according to greaterthanthegame.org, Da Bigger Picture Foundation is “a non-profit that focuses on assisting underserved families in reaching their potential and goals. The foundation’s hope is to provide tools and assistance to families facing challenging times. Some of the key areas of focus will be education, homelessness, addressing hunger, and utilizing sports as a platform to develop life skills.”
About Showers of Blessings Prayer and Outreach Ministries
We are an outreach ministry that feeds those in need. We give out free groceries on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Learn more at www.facebook.com/thereshallbeshowers.
Students participated in the 1-mile and 3-mile runs and race with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. All photos courtesy of Antioch Unified School District unless noted.
By Allen D. Payton
According to the Antioch Unified School District, “despite chilly conditions, hundreds turned out for the 49th annual Holiday Run & Walk for Health.
“Founded by Tom Torlakson, former State Superintendent of Schools, the event was held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Contra Loma with many of our students running the race, including several high school cross country runners.
“Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch and the Rotary Club of the Delta, proceeds benefit our schools and community.”
Race Director Mike Green shared the following results of two races:
Male 3-Mile Race Winners
Giancarlo Olmedo – 15 years old – 19:31.5
Jailen Johnson-Truitt – 18 – 20:09.3
Dennis Gavrilenko – 22 – 20:26.3
Female 3-Mile Race Winners
Valeria Espinoza – 20 – 19:43.0
Kylie Wisely – 17 – 21:27.8
Jaelyn Wilkins – 17 – 22:53.8
Santa (Joe Goralka) with runners from the Antioch Police Department. Photo by Tom McNell
Green offered “Special thanks to East Bay Regional Parks District / Contra Loma for helping us host this event. Thank you to the Race Directors from Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs of the Delta, and to our event sponsor, Dr. Ali Shirani.”
