Distraught Antioch Man Shot and Killed by Police

Denny Gonzales - Antioch Herald file photo by Amy Claire

Popular Antioch Barber Denny Gonzales

By Lieutenant Diane Aguinaga, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 3:44 p.m. the Antioch Police Department received a call from a distraught 35 year old male stating he was going to kill himself; that he was going to kill a police officer; or may have already killed a police officer. At the time of the call, APD only knew the male’s first name and where he worked. The male continued to make several more distraught phone calls to APD and in each one, threatened police officers and himself. Once the male was positively identified as Denny Gonzales, officers responded to his house in the 4800 block of Lefebvre Way off Country Hills Drive and Hillcrest Road, where he came out of his garage and down his driveway holding a firearm.

As APD officers told him to put the gun down, the male fired at least one round at the officers, who in turn fired back at the male. The male was pronounced dead at the scene.

As is standard protocol in officer involved shootings, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office was called in to conduct a joint investigation with APD.

Gonzales was a barber at the International Barber Shop in Antioch.

Any further information or additional press releases will be provided by the Investigations Bureau at (925) 779-6939. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH

Publisher Allen Payton contributed to this story


12 Comments to “Distraught Antioch Man Shot and Killed by Police”

  1. ANONYMOUSLY SPEAKING says:

    That’s a lie. The cops didn’t let him out the garage!! He was trying to jump in his car and they shot and killed him in cold blood . APD is wrong and they know it!!

  2. Nita says:

    Hard to believe Denny was suicidal, would love to hear the 911 tape. He was an awesome barber, greeted everyone professionaly and with a warm smile.

  3. lady22 says:

    I knew it was a lie because they took his car an if he wasn’t in it why take it the apd messed up big time…he didn’t have no gun they jus didn’t want him to get away nor give him time to get out..I wana hear them tapes as well cuz he didn’t call n threaten them.

  4. SHA says:

    This is an unfortunate tragedy. My prayers go out to his fiance’ and children. In a situation like this nobody wins.

  5. James Marchetti says:

    A terrible bit of news – I’ve heard good things about this man and now he is gone from our midst.

    Whatever the situation, I am saddened that Denny is dead.

    Prayers for his family and friends for the terrible hurt they must all be feeling.

    — Jim

    • James Marchetti says:

      Also, I live off Country Hills, other side of Hillcrest and there was a copter hovering for HOURS afterwards as well as Country Hills being completely blocked off by cars, vans and yellow tape. If this is the same event, then I have my doubts about how this story tells it… if that’s what happened, then why all the yellow tape BLOCKS away from the street and the helicopter for hours and hours?

      I am concerned if these two events are the same two events… it does not fit.

  6. […] Antioch Herald: Distraught Antioch Man Shot and Killed by Police […] http://crimevoice.com/armed-gunman-shot-by-police-13673/

  7. You fools says:

    You ignorant fools. Even IF he was innocent, what dumb ass goes towards the cops with a gun in his hand?? Good shooting APD! Don’t ever call up dispatch, threaten the live of officers, and shoot at them! Root in hell!

    • DB says:

      you are the ignorant fool….What a terrible thing to post.Perhaps you, your friends or a family member may be in a similar situation one day.If so, would you feel the same way

    • Denny Gonzales Niece says:

      You can “root” in hell. You are clueless, Don’t speak on anything you lack Knowledge to! I like how your anonymous. Stay that way. Call it a “threat” if you want

  8. Annon says:

    From a friends facebook page:
    The important part of all of this is to pray for her, and her children and that unborn baby and may she be blessed. This mother of 3 soon to be 4 children needs the support of the community and doesn’t need to be judged. She did not do this… there is a website people can go to and show their support for her by making contributions. its http://www.youcaring.com then you enter his name Denny Gonzales, this is the best way to reach out to her and show your support for this family.

  9. DB says:

    Many cops are trigger happy anyway. I dont believe for a minute that he fired at them.They should have let him get in his car. I feel very sadden for his family & friends that he left behind :C Only God knows what happened. May he RIP

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