Interim Chief Ford won’t say if APD has a policy on release of body cam videos; coordinates with council members on Community Forums

By Allen D. Payton

During a press conference by Antioch Interim Police Chief Ford Wednesday morning, Oct. 11, 2022, he reported that of the 102 sworn officers currently on the city’s police force there are only 76 active, with eight officers under investigation and on paid leave. That’s from the total of 115 sworn officers budgeted by the city council. Ford was joined by Captains Tony Morefield and Trevor Schnitzius, as well as Leiutenant John Fortner who helped provide information to answer reporters’ questions.

Two officers who are suing the city and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker are also on paid leave. But it is not known if either or both officers are included in the eight under investigation. (See related article)

That leaves between 16 and 18 sworn officers who are on paid leave for illness or injury. Antioch Police PIO Darryl Saffold later confirmed, “we have several officers who are sick or injured.”

In response to a question of how many candidates the department currently has on in the academy, Schnitizius said they had one trainee in the Alameda County Police Academy, one of several used by the department, and that they had added four officers to the force in the past two months.

No Update on Investigation of Alleged “Crimes of Moral Turpitude”

Although he was expected to provide an update on the investigation of the officers by the FBI and Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, Ford would not offer any additional details. He mainly said, “our officers deserve their due process…and should not be tried in the court of public opinion” and that “the purported allegations are not reflective of the organization as a whole.”

During the question and answer portion of the press conference, following Ford’s brief, prepared remarks, when asked for a definition of the term, “crimes of moral turpitude” that the eight are accused of and what could fall under that he responded, “I’m not prepared to speak to anything about the investigation, specifically.”

Asked if they were on paid leave, Ford responded, “they are technically separated from the organization and on unpaid leave.” When asked to clarify if the eight officers were on non-paid or paid leave, he said, “paid leave”.

(See related article)

APD Coordinates with Council Members on Community Forums

Ford was then asked if the Community Forums are his forums, the department’s or the council members’ forums and if he would commit to in the future not hold the in the afternoon, when most people are still not home from work, like the recent one. Ford responded, “the Community Forum is really a platform for the community, it doesn’t belong to us, it doesn’t belong to the council.”

“I do work in concert with each councilperson,” he continued. “I give them the respect to identify the venue in their district. Then we respond to the venue of their choice.”

Asked how many K-9 teams the department has deployed Sergeant

Asked about the suspect in the

Won’t Say if APD Has Policy on Officer Body Cam Footage Release

Since only two police body cameras have been released by APD since they’ve been used, he was asked what is the department’s policy for releasing videos and specifically the footage from the incident with Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker in October 2021.

“I just want to speak to the idea that…in consultation with our city attorney the decision that was made was made. I’ll leave it at that. We did consult with the city attorney.”

“So, it’s on a case-by-case basis?” he was then asked. Ford responded, “I’m not going to say that. With specific reference to what you just inquired, we did consult with the city attorney, and that decision was made.”

Pressed further for APD’s policy, he said, “There are rules and regulations surrounding that, for sure. Absolutely.” But Ford didn’t say what if any the department’s policy is for releasing body camera video footage.

 

 

 

Seven since she was elected include reports of gunshots, dirt bike riding, loud music, fireworks

By Allen D. Payton

Due to reports that there have been multiple calls for service by Antioch police at the home of District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha-Torres Walker over the past few years, a Public Records Act request was made to the Antioch Police Department. The response shows there have been 11 reports of incidents at her home between June 2020 and last month.

Two of the calls were about the same loud music on the same day on August 21, 2021, and four calls were on Oct. 2 and 3, 2021, which ended in her being charged with interfering with a police officer who responded to the scene of five or six gunshots. The charges against her were later dropped by the District Attorney. (See related articles here and here)

That totals eight separate incidents resulting in calls for service by Antioch police at Torres-Walker’s home in Antioch, of which seven occurred since she was elected in November 2020.

Following is the information about the complaints provided by APD’s Police Records Supervisor Amanda Nelson (her specific address has been removed by the Herald): Calls for service at Torres-Walker’s home – APD 092022

• 10/5/21 5:30 pm at — Gary Ave. Reports of someone riding a dirt bike up and down the street.
• 10/3/21 1:35 am at — Gary Ave. Reports the vehicle that fired shots earlier had returned and several people got out of the vehicle with flashlights.
• 10/3/21 12:27 am at — Gary Ave. Reports of a loud party in the area and 5-6 shots heard.
• 10/2/21 6:46 pm at — Gary Ave. Reports a group of people drinking alcohol in front of this location, and driving dirt bikes up and down the street.
• 10/2/21 5:38 pm at — Gary Ave. Reports people riding dirt bikes on the street and popping wheelies. 8/29/21 4:21 pm at 508 Gary Ave. Reports disturbance amongst guests and one refusing to leave.  Related to loud music calls and also a dog being let out.
• 8/23/21 8:04 pm at — Gary Ave. Reports a group of juveniles riding quads and dirt bikes and then gathering at this location.
• 8/21/21 2:00 pm at — Gary Ave. Reports loud music came back on after officers drove by.
• 8/21/21 1:34 pm at — Gary Ave. Reports loud music coming from a parked vehicle.
• 3/20/21 7:31 pm at — Gary Ave. Reports subjects from this residence riding a quad on the sidewalk.
• 6/10/20 8:37 pm at — Gary Ave. Reports of fireworks coming from the backyard of this location.

Questions for Torres-Walker Go Unanswered

About the incidents and what she’s done in response Torres-Walker was asked, “Were you at home during each of the calls for service? Did you speak with officers each time? If not, were any of your children at home at the time and responsible for the incidents? If so, have you spoken to them about the behavior that resulted in reports to the police department resulting in calls for service at your home and if so, what did you tell them? Have you apologized to your neighbors for the incidents and the impact on their quality of life?”

In addition, she was asked, “for full transparency by you, will you ask the Antioch Police Department to release the police body camera video footage of the incident on Oct. 3 in which you were accused of and charged for interfering with a police officer and do so before the election?”

She did not respond prior to publication time.

First elected in 2020, Torres-Walker is running for re-election to her District 1 seat this year.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

 

After two-year hiatus Contra Costa Musical Theatre brings fun and laughs to El Campanil Theatre in Antioch Nov. 4-20

By Liz Nunan, Chair, Marketing Committee, Contra Costa Musical Theatre

Contra Costa Musical Theatre (CCMT) is thrilled to present the non-profit organization’s first musical production in over two years, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!” The show will run on select dates Nov 4 – 20, and tickets are $38 for adults and $32 for Youth and Senior showgoers. Tickets are available on the El Campanil Theatre website.

About the Show 

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is a riotous ride, complete with audience participation and a delightful den of comedic genius. Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, this fabulous musical features a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.

The plot centers around an eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter, one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.

About the Production 

CCMT’s production is directed by John Maio, produced by David Pinkham with Musical Direction from Kerry Leyden and choreography by Justin Sabino. The cast features wonderfully talented performers from across the Bay Area.

After many wonderful years at the Lesher Theater in Walnut Creek, CCMT productions are now traveling to different theaters across the community in an effort to reach new audiences. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will be presented at the historic El Campanil Theatre in Antioch.

PLEASE NOTE: This production is rated PG-13 due to a small number of profanities and vulgarities.

About CCMT

Contra Costa Musical Theatre, Inc. (CCMT) was founded in August 1961 with the purpose of bringing high-quality Broadway musicals to the East Bay. We are a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to an appreciation for and involvement in musical theatre of the highest quality. Since those early beginnings, CCMT productions have been presented on a variety of stages. We have been honored with numerous Shellie Awards and Bay Area Theatre Critic Circle Awards for our productions and the artists associated with our productions, and have had the unique privilege of presenting several East Bay Premieres in recent seasons.

 

New hearing set for Dec. 13

By Allen D. Payton

According to an Antioch resident who was at the courthouse in Martinez, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022, Mayor Lamar Thorpe did not show up for his DUI trial before Judge Joni T. Hiramoto, and that his lawyer stated Thorpe wants to change his plea from not guilty. The resident also shared that a new hearing for Thorpe is set for Dec. 13, 2022, in Dept 20. at 8:30 am. The information was later confirmed by Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office Public Information Officer, Ted Asregadoo.

Thorpe was arrested in March for DUI at 1:15 a.m. in Concord. In a Facebook video later that morning he apologized for having “the drink with dinner”. He wouldn’t say with whom or where he had dinner nor what alcohol he had consumed that night. Thorpe was charged by the DA and later pled not guilty. (See related articles here, here, here and here)

However, reports from the staff of an Antioch restaurant are that Thorpe had consumed three shots of alcohol earlier that evening before heading out of town.

An email was sent to Asregadoo Wednesday morning asking, if he could confirm the information provided by the resident was true and if not, to please provide the correct information. In addition, he was asked who from the DA’s office is prosecuting the case.

“You are correct,” he replied. “The next court date is on 12/13/22 at 8:30 am in Department 20.  They set the date today for a change of plea. I don’t know which DDA has been assigned to this case, but the supervisor of the misdemeanor trail team is Jay Melaas.”

Attempts to reach Thorpe were unsuccessful asking if what the resident shared is true and if not to please provide the correct information. He was also asked, “Why weren’t you there? Were you still in Seattle for the APTA conference or traveling home at the time? What will you be changing your plea to? No contest or guilty? Will you attend the new hearing on Dec. 13?”

Thorpe might have been traveling home from the conference, today and unable to respond to questions. An effort to reach staff of Tri Delta Transit asking who from the agency attended the conference and if Thorpe, who is the agency’s board vice chair, was among them were unsuccessful prior to publication time. District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson who is also a board member for the agency representing Antioch did not attend the conference, as was previously expected.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

 

After she checked her calendar and selected the date

By Allen D. Payton

At the end of the regular Antioch City Council meeting Tuesday night, Oct. 11, 2022, Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica who was leading the meeting in Mayor Lamar Thorpe’s absence, called for a special meeting. He wanted only one item on the agenda, a vote to censure Thorpe. Both Councilwomen Lori Ogorchock and Monica Wilson agreed.

Barbanica wanted to hold the meeting on Thursday, Oct. 13 or Friday, Oct. 14. But Wilson said she would be unavailable. She checked her calendar and selected next Tuesday night, Oct. 18th. Barbanica and Ogorchock agreed but Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker said she would be unavailable that night.

Then, Thursday morning at 9:50 a.m., Barbanica informed the Herald that “the special meeting has been cancelled. I received a call from the city attorney, and he informed me Monica had changed her mind.”

Asked if he would contact Wilson and Torres-Walker to learn if they were available another night to hold the special meeting Barbanica said he would call City Attorney Thomas L. Smith to poll the councilmembers to determine if there’s a third vote for a special meeting.

“I believe the mayor should be my third vote to hold a special meeting if he truly believes in transparency as he has claimed since taking office,” Barbanica added.

Efforts to reach Wilson were unsuccessful Wednesday morning asking her, “Why did you change your mind? Did you discover this morning a conflict in your schedule that night? Do you still support holding a special meeting to vote on censuring the mayor? If so, what nights next week are you available and have you informed the city attorney of those options?”

Efforts to reach Torres-Walker were unsuccessful asking if she supports holding a special meeting to vote on censuring the mayor and if so, what nights next week she’s available and has she informed the city attorney of those options.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

 

By Darryl Saffold, Public Information Officer, Investigations Bureau, Antioch Police Department

ANTIOCH, CA. On 10/11/2022 at approximately 11:05 PM, Antioch Police Department Dispatch received numerous 911 calls of a pedestrian down in the roadway who was suffering from major injuries. Callers located the victim approximately 160 feet south of the Contra Loma Boulevard and Buchanan Road intersection.

At approximately 11:08 PM, Antioch Officers arrived on scene and located a 50-year-old female who was in critical condition. Officers immediately began life-saving measures with the assistance of other Emergency Medical Services that arrived at the scene to assist. The victim was transported to a local area hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.

During the investigation, it was determined that the victim was crossing the street westbound at the Contra Loma Boulevard and Buchanan Road intersection. Simultaneously, a vehicle driving southbound on Contra Loma Boulevard, at a high rate of speed, struck the female while she was in the crosswalk and before she could make it safely to the other side of the road. The involved vehicle then fled the area and did not stop to check on the status of the victim before leaving.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact the Antioch Police Department Traffic Unit at (925)779-6864 or email Officer Egan at Jegan@Antiochca.gov.

We offer our deepest condolences to the family of this tragic and unfortunate event.

Charges: assault with a deadly weapon and vehicular manslaughter as one of the three children was removed from life support and passed away

By Allen D. Payton

On Tuesday, October 11, 2022, 29-year-old Ray Shaqil Reeves, was arrested in Oakley by Antioch Police officers for causing the accident that struck and injured three 12-year-old siblings, a girl and two boys, on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, as they were walking home from school in Antioch. All three children were transported to hospitals and one of the boys was later removed from life support and passed away. (See related articles here and here)

Reeves caused the accident that resulted in the injuries. As previously reported, according to witnesses a red Chevrolet Impala struck a tan Mercury Mystique in the area of Sycamore Drive and Manzanita Way, forcing the Impala in the direction of the juveniles walking on the southwest corner of Sycamore Drive and Manzanita way.

According to witness statements, the Mercury Mystique was traveling westbound on Sycamore Drive and was waiting for traffic to clear before turning left (southbound) onto Manzanita Way. Simultaneously, the Chevrolet Impala exited Sycamore Square onto westbound Sycamore Drive at a high rate of speed. As the Impala approached the Mercury, the Impala attempted to pass the Mercury on the left just as the Mercury began to make the left-hand turn. Regrettably, the result was the Impala colliding into the Mercury, propelling the Impala in the direction of the juveniles reportedly walking home from school.

He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for violation of the following California Penal Code Sections: PC 192 (c)(1)-Vehicular Manslaughter, PC 245(a)(1)-Assault with a Deadly Weapon, PC 245(a)(1)-Assault with a Deadly Weapon, PC 245(a)(1)-Assault with a Deadly Weapon, PC 245(a)(1)-Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and PC 245(a)(1)-Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

UPDATE: His bail has been set at $390,000 and arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 1:30 p.m.

The Antioch Police Department thanked “the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for hearing this case and filing charges against Reeves.”

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of the children and pray for the family and loved ones during this time of grief. Words fall short of expressing our sorrow for the victims of this extremely tragic incident,” the APD shared in their press release about the arrest.