Letters: Antioch resident, pastor says his apartment complex is “gang warzone”, he and family still displaced
Editor:
(Note: Following is a letter to the editor which contains a copy of an article about the matter published by eastcountytoday.net)
A shooting broke out Wednesday morning in an apartment complex in the 3900 block of Delta Fair Blvd. in the City of Antioch that left multiple apartments struck by gunfire and families displaced.
The shooting occurred at approximately 9:15 am in the Delta View Apartments off Delta Fair Blvd and Fair view.
According to preliminary information, at least 3 apartments were struck by gunfire. A gas line was struck causing apartments to fill with gas. A water line was struck causing flooding.
Nothing has been released on the incident by Antioch Police, even after several requests have been made. On Friday, Antioch Public Information Officer Rolando Bonilla responded regarding the incident.
“FYI – no one was hit in this shooting so this is not something we would typically write a press release for.”
No other information has been released by the City of Antioch even after four requests for information on the incident.
Editor’s note: Attempts at request for info on this incident:
- Two requests to Media Access Line
- email sent Wednesday at 2:45 pm
- email sent Thursday at 10:34 am
- email sent Friday at 1:46 am
The following was a statement released by Pastor Henry L. Dillihant III MSPH & Family
Date: April 21, 2022
On April 20, 2022 at approximately 8:30 am, several rounds of gunshots was fired. My wife’s sister’s house was hit as well as my house and gas main was struck by automatic rifle fire. I was called from my house to help my sister-in-law who was pinned down by gun fire. Several shooters/gang members took over the complex. While running to help my wife’s sister, passing a hail of bullets, GOD protected us, where we live turned into a war zone. I was able to retrieve them while her house was being shot into. We have had to leave our residence. We have not been back. There is some confusion on what’s going on here. Here is the situation:
- We are victims of violent crime
- We are victims of gang violence
- Our housing situation is not safe
- Family members have been traumatized and we need help
- Because of the gas main to our unit being directly hit by gun fire, that unit filled with gas and we had to leave with the clothes on our back.
- I was able to get some of my medication
- My sisters-in-law house was riddled with gun fire, her gas main was struck and water pipes hit as well causing flooding and damage to a lot of her property
- Our children suffered mental and physical damage due to the violence they witnessed and trying to remove them from the situation.
- We are all trying to cope with this situation mentally, as best we can knowing there are still active gang members and shooters living in this community.
- The management of this community, both the owners/facilities and parent services company have not reached out or returned telephone calls
- The management company has however done their best to stop us from receiving help from other agency’s and denying help to our families to be placed in a safer situation
- This is an on going dangerous situation, we have reached out to many people for help. And will do our best to keep everyone updated. There are other victims from this terrible situation, call the Antioch Police Department for assistance.
Please contact Ms. Nina Carter, community crisis specialist for information or to be of any assistance to the Dillihants and their family 1-800-377-0190.
Antioch Police: (925) 778-2441
Antioch Police Email: jstenger@antiochca.gov
Henry L. Dillihant, III, MSPH, M.H.Sc.
Antioch
the attachments to this post:
Letters to the Editor Victims of Crime with gun