Downtown Rivertown Antioch businesses will be coming together to network and meet with you for food, beverages and raffles prizes during a Mix & Mingle at Rivertown Treasure Chest, 306 G Street, on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, from 5-8 pm.

Our new mayor Ron Bernal and downtown developer Sean McCauley will be there as guest speakers. Music by The Les Edwins Show!

Don’t miss this event!

“Robust, nationwide search” for a “chief who will lead our department into a new era.” – City Manager Bessie Scott

By Allen D. Payton

During a press conference in the Community Room of the Antioch Police Facility on Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, 2025, Antioch City Manager Bessie Scott announced Police Captain Joe Vigil as the City’s next acting chief.

“The City of Antioch is proud to announce Joe Vigil as the new acting police chief,” she said. “Chief Vigil will succeed Interim Police Chief Brian Addington.”

Retired from the Pittsburg Police Department, Addington is limited to working 960 hours per year and that time is coming to an end. Vigil will take on the chief’s role as of this Friday, Jan. 10th.

Scott shared her confidence in Vigil’s leadership saying, “Chief Vigil has dedicated his life to serving the residents of Antioch. He’s a proven leader who will continue championing our reforms addressing violence reduction, community engagement and strengthening our police ranks.”

Chief Vigil will continue moving our police department in a positive direction while our national search for a permanent chief continues,” Scott stated. “Chief Vigil has been dedicated to Antioch and has served in various leadership roles at the police department. Ha has also served as interim chief for the Antioch Police Department from August 2023 to February 2024. As acting chief he provided stability and support to the men and woman who serve our community. I am confident that Chief Vigil will continue the work of lowering crime, engaging our community and helping us seamlessly transition to a permanent police chief.”

Vigil brings 25 years of law enforcement experience, including service with the Sacramento, Richmond and Antioch Police Departments. During his career, he has:

•Managed the Support Services Bureau as captain.
•Served as acting police chief (Aug. 2023–Feb. 2024).
•Completed the POST Command College.
•Earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Cal State Long Beach.

“As acting chief, he provided stability and support to the men and women who serve our community,” Scott stated. “I am confident that Chief Vigil will continue the work of lowering crime, engaging our community and helping us seamlessly transition to a permanent police chief.”

While Vigil steps into this vital role, the City of Antioch will continue its nationwide search for a permanent police chief. Chief Addington will remain available in a support capacity.

Vigil Thanks Addington, Scott

Vigil shared prepared remarks thanking both Addington and Scott saying, “I would like to take a moment to thank Chief Brian Addington for his time with us. The leadership and direction he provided over the last year has been beneficial and meaningful as we continue to rebuild and move our department forward. I am grateful for the short time I have been able to work with you. I would also like to thank the city manager, Ms. Scott, for her faith in me continuing to move the police department in a positive direction.”

“As we work towards finding a permanent chief, I will continue working with Ms. Scott, City Staff, and all department heads to ensure a safer and stronger Antioch. I want us to continue working with our mayor and city council on moving the agency and the needs of the city forward. Our priorities will continue to be hiring, recruiting, and public safety. We will continually work with staff to examine our deployment strategies and resources along with working with local leaders and our community to help the city thrive. I am looking forward to working with the Department of Justice and making the police department better in every aspect possible.

Transparency, community trust, and crime reduction are priorities. I will update our residents on milestones as we progress on these initiatives. I ask for the community’s involvement, feedback, and support as we take on these challenges together.

Please know you have my full commitment, and I am passionate about the city of Antioch and our Police Department.”

Addington Offers Final Remarks as Interim Chief

During the press conference Addington offered brief, prepared remarks saying, “I want to take a moment to recognize and congratulate Acting Chief Vigil. When I first arrived, I didn’t know him personally, but I’ve been consistently impressed by his depth of knowledge, his unwavering commitment to constitutional policing, and his strong focus on crime reduction strategies. He truly cares about this community and has been working tirelessly to improve it.

Having now worked alongside him, I can confidently say that he will lead the department in the right direction over the next six months as the national search for a permanent chief is underway.”

Scott Offers Thoughts on Recruiting Process, Thanks Addington

During her remarks, Scott shared her thoughts on the department and permanent chief saying, “Maintaining public safety and public trust in our police department continues to be a top priority for me. One of the most important decisions I will make in my role is choosing a new police chief who will lead our department into a new era.”

“We will take time to choose the right individual for the job that our community deserves,” she added.
“Choosing a new chief is just part of the positive changes we are making at the Antioch Police Department,” Scott continued. “Recently, the City announced a deal with the Justice Department that includes detailed reforms and five years of monitoring by an independent law enforcement consultant approved by the Justic Department. The goal of this monitoring process is to ensure that our police department is adhering to non-discriminatory policing, hiring and discipline.”

In terms of the search for a permanent police chief, the City of Antioch is conducting a robust, nationwide search,” Scott continued. “Our process is thorough, and we are looking for the best candidates to help lead our police department.”

“I also want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to Chief Brian Addington who will be retiring from the acting chief position,” the city manager shared. “Chief Addington has provided guidance, wisdom and a foundation from which we can continue to grow. Chief Addington will still be involved, lending his support and input as we continue to move forward.”

In addition to Scott, the City’s Human Resources Director Ana Cortez was in attendance and available to answer questions from the media about the search.

“Stay tuned for updates as we work toward shaping the future of public safety in Antioch!” a post on the Antioch Police Department’s Facebook page about the press conference stated.

By Sgt. Kristian Palma #6286, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On January 5, 2025, at approximately 12:43 PM, Antioch Police officers responded to Gentrytown Park (near Carmona Way) for the call of a person shot during the commission of a robbery. Two suspects approached the victim inside the park and demanded the victim’s property. A struggle ensued between the victim and the suspects.

One of the suspects, described as a Hispanic male adult, produced a handgun and shot the victim several times. The other suspect was described as a Black adult male. Both suspects fled the area with the victim’s property.

APD officers arrived on scene, providing medical aid until Contra Costa Fire arrived on scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital in critical but stable condition. The investigation is ongoing.
This information is made available by the Field Services Bureau. Tips can also be sent to tips@antiochca.gov.

By Antioch Police Department

On January 6, 2025, at approximately 10:17 AM, Antioch police officers responded to the 3900 block of Rockford Drive for a reported shooting. Dispatch received multiple calls of a man down suffering from gunshot wounds.

When officers arrived, they found a 26-year-old victim on the ground. Responding officers immediately began life-saving measures until relieved by paramedics. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he died.

Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released. The identity of the victim is not being released at this time.

This information is made available by the Investigations Bureau. Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Duffy at (925) 779-6884 or by emailing aduffy@antiochca.gov.

For five years in response to use-of-force practices, texting scandal

“The agreement we have secured will ensure that Antioch’s policing practices are free from discrimination in the road ahead — the community deserves nothing less.” – Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division

Requires Consultant, Commission, Community Engagement Plan, Language Access Plan, Community Liaison Officer

By Allen D. Payton

On Friday, January 3, 2025, Interim Antioch Police Chief issued the following statement: We are pleased to announce the City of Antioch has entered into a stipulated agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ): This agreement follows their investigation into the Antioch Police Department’s use-of-force practices and a texting scandal that surfaced last year. (See related articles here and here)

The actions that prompted this investigation were unacceptable and failures occurred. The City of Antioch is fully committed to ensuring that such incidents never occur again.

Our collaboration with the USDOJ underscores our dedication to fostering trust, transparency, and accountability within our police department. Under this five-year agreement, we will implement and enhance comprehensive policies, practices, training programs, community engagement initiatives and oversight mechanisms to ensure that officers uphold integrity and fairness while addressing misconduct swiftly and effectively.

We acknowledge that trust is earned, not given, and this agreement marks a meaningful step forward. We also remain fully cooperative with the California Department of Justice (CADOJ), which is conducting an independent pattern-and-practice investigation into the Antioch Police Department.

Our commitment to creating a transparent, accountable and community-focused police department remains steadfast. We will continue to serve the residents of Antioch with honor, respect and fairness.
The City of Antioch is committed to fostering trust, accountability, and transparency within our Police Department. Today, we are announcing a major step forward: a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.

This agreement represents our pledge to strengthen policies, training, oversight, and community engagement to ensure integrity, fairness, and professionalism in our service to the residents of Antioch.

“Under the agreement, APD will hire an expert law enforcement consultant jointly selected by the parties to review and update APD’s policies, procedures and training on a variety of topics, including non-discriminatory policing, use of force, hiring and promotions, investigations of misconduct, discipline, community policing, language access, and other topics. The agreement contemplates a role for the Antioch Police Oversight Commission and sets forth a framework for data collection and reporting for a five-year period of departmental monitoring, among other provisions.”

U.S. Department of Justice Issues Statement on Agreement

The following was issued by the USDOJ on Jan. 3, 2025: The Justice Department announced today an agreement with the Antioch, California, Police Department (APD) and the City of Antioch to resolve an investigation of race discrimination and other discriminatory conduct by APD officers against members of the public in Antioch.

The department launched its investigation after the public disclosure of discriminatory text communications that dozens of APD personnel allegedly exchanged between September 2019 and January 2022. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California jointly investigated APD’s compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) and the nondiscrimination provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (Safe Streets Act). Title VI and the Safe Streets Act collectively prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and religion by recipients of federal financial assistance, such as APD.

The agreement shares additional details on the investigation. In April 2023, the DOJ received information released by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office that revealed text messages exchanged by APD officers containing racist and sexist slurs and other discriminatory content and discussing possible civil rights violations. In June 2023, the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California initiated an investigation of the APD.

At one point, 31 officers were placed on paid leave mostly for the text scandal. However, most of the officers caught up in the scandal only received some of the text messages but didn’t send any. Ultimately, 13 Antioch officers were fired but Michael Rains, attorney for the Antioch Police Officers Association, whose firm has represented 17 of the officers believes 10 will get their jobs back. (See related article)

“Fair and non-discriminatory policing is fundamental to effective law enforcement, especially for those agencies that receive federal funding,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “In working with the Justice Department to institute policing reform, Antioch Police Department sends a strong message that the discrimination and misconduct that prompted this investigation will not be tolerated. The agreement we have secured will ensure that Antioch’s policing practices are free from discrimination in the road ahead — the community deserves nothing less.”

“Law enforcement is only effective when it inspires public confidence,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California. “A police department that discriminates based on race and other protected classes undermines both public safety and public confidence. Today’s agreement will help ensure that policing in Antioch is done constitutionally and will help restore public trust.”

In response to the investigation, APD, the City of Antioch and the City Manager worked cooperatively with the department to reach a resolution agreement embodying a commitment to nondiscrimination in APD’s policing operations and advancing its ongoing efforts to prevent and address discriminatory law enforcement practices.

“Under the agreement, APD will hire an expert law enforcement consultant jointly selected by the parties to review and update APD’s policies, procedures and training on a variety of topics, including non-discriminatory policing, use of force, hiring and promotions, investigations of misconduct, discipline, community policing, language access, and other topics. The agreement contemplates a role for the Antioch Police Oversight Commission and sets forth a framework for data collection and reporting for a five-year period of departmental monitoring, among other provisions.”

Nondiscrimination under Title VI and the Safe Streets Act is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at civilrights.justice.gov/report/.

Requires Consultant, Commission, Community Engagement Plan, Language Access Plan, Community Liaison Officer

The agreement requires several items and processes including, “within 90 days of the Effective Date, the City, the APD, and the United States will identify and mutually agree on a Consultant who is a law enforcement expert with a proven track record in civil rights and law enforcement compliance, as well as state of California law enforcement experience and knowledge of California compliance requirements. The Consultant shall serve as the single point of contact with the United States and be retained by the APD at the City’s expense.” The “annual cost of the consulting engagement shall not exceed $250,000 per year.”

The agreement also requires the City to maintain the Antioch Police Oversight Commission (APOC) for the duration of the agreement and ensure a minimum of five of the seven members at all times.

It also requires, “APD within 180 days of the date of the agreement to develop a Community Engagement Plan and a Language Access Plan “to communicate with the entire Antioch community, including individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).” It also stipulates that, “Within two years of the Effective Date of this Agreement, the APD will ensure the creation of a position for one Community Liaison Officer” who must be bilingual and “will work with peripheral support groups such as the Antioch Police Department’s Community Service Officers, the city’s Public Safety and Community Service sic Department as well as the…Community Response Team.”

Agreement May Be Terminated Early Based on APD Compliance

According to the 25-page agreement signed on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, by City Manager Bessie Marie Scott, Interim Police Chief Brian Addington, City Attorney Thomas Lloyd Smith and City Clerk Melissa Rhodes, “This Agreement may terminate prior to the five-year date (‘Early Termination’) if the United States determines that the APD has substantially complied with each of the provisions of the Agreement and has maintained substantial compliance for at least twelve months, no sooner than three years from the Effective Date.”

The agreement was also signed on behalf of the USDOJ by Assistant Attorney General Civil Rights Division U.S. Department of Justice Kristen Clarke, Chief of Federal Coordination and Compliance Section Christine Stoneman, and includes the names of Deputy Chief Coty Montag, Senior Attorney Bharathi Venkatraman and Attorney Jenna Grambort, all of the Federal Coordination and Compliance Section, USDOJ Civil Rights Division, and signed by Michael A. Keough, Assistant United States Attorney on behalf of Ismail Ramsey, United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California.

Addington ended his statement with, “Together, let’s build a safer and stronger community.”

En Español

La Ciudad de Antioch Firma un Acuerdo con el Departamento de Justicia de los Estados Unidos

La Ciudad de Antioch se complace en anunciar que hemos firmado un acuerdo estipulado con el Departamento de Justicia de los Estados Unidos (USDOJ). Este acuerdo surge a raíz de su investigación sobre las prácticas de uso de la fuerza del Departamento de Policía de Antioch (APD) y un escándalo de mensajes de texto que salió a la luz el año pasado.

Las acciones que dieron lugar a esta investigación fueron inaceptables y representan fallas significativas. La Ciudad de Antioch está plenamente comprometida a garantizar que tales incidentes no vuelvan a ocurrir.

Nuestra colaboración con el USDOJ subraya nuestra dedicación a fomentar la confianza, la transparencia y la rendición de cuentas dentro de nuestro Departamento de Policía. Bajo este acuerdo de cinco años, implementaremos y fortaleceremos políticas sólidas, programas de capacitación, participación comunitaria y mecanismos de supervisión para garantizar que los oficiales actúen con integridad y justicia, y que cualquier conducta indebida sea abordada de manera rápida y efectiva.

Reconocemos que la confianza no se da por sentada, sino que se debe ganar. Este acuerdo marca un paso significativo hacia adelante. También continuaremos cooperando plenamente con el Departamento de Justicia de California (CADOJ), que está llevando a cabo una investigación independiente sobre los patrones y prácticas del Departamento.

Nuestro compromiso con la creación de un Departamento de Policía transparente, responsable y enfocado en la comunidad permanece firme. Continuaremos sirviendo a los residentes de Antioch con honor, respeto y equidad.

Para más información sobre el acuerdo, visite: Office of Public Affairs | El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con la Policía de Antioch, California, para resolver la investigación de discriminación por motivos de raza | United States Department of Justice.

El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con la Policía de Antioch, California, para resolver la investigación de discriminación por motivos de raza

El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy un acuerdo con la Policía de Antioch, California (APD, por sus siglas en inglés) y la Ciudad de Antioch para resolver una investigación de conducta racista y discriminatoria de agentes de la APD contra miembros del público en Antioch.

El Departamento inició su investigación después de la divulgación pública de mensajes de texto discriminatorios que decenas de miembros del personal de la APD supuestamente intercambiaron entre septiembre del 2019 y enero del 2022. La División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia y la Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito Norte de California investigaron conjuntamente el cumplimiento de la APD con el Título VI de la ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 (Título VI) y las disposiciones antidiscriminatorias de la Ley General de Control de Delitos y Calles Seguras (ley de Calles Seguras). El Título VI y la ley de Calles Seguras prohíben, en su conjunto, la discriminación por motivos de raza, color de piel, origen nacional, sexo o religión por parte de entidades que reciben apoyo financiero federal, tal como la APD.

«La vigilancia policial justa y no discriminatoria es fundamental para la aplicación efectiva de la ley, especialmente para aquellas agencias que reciben financiación federal», comentó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «Al trabajar con el Departamento de Justicia para instituir una reforma policial, la Policía de Antioch está enviando un mensaje fuerte que la discriminación y la conducta indebida que impulsaron esta investigación no se tolerarán. El acuerdo que hemos conseguido garantizará que las prácticas policiales de Antioch estén libres de discriminación en el camino futuro—la comunidad no merece menos».

«La aplicación de la ley sólo es eficaz cuando inspira la confianza pública», afirmó Ismail Ramsey, el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Norte de California. «Una fuerza policial que discrimina por motivos de raza y otras clases protegidas socava tanto la seguridad pública como la confianza pública. El acuerdo de hoy ayudará a garantizar que la vigilancia policial en Antioch se realice de manera constitucional y ayudará a restablecer la confianza pública».

En respuesta a la investigación, la APD, la Ciudad de Antioch, y la Administradora de la Ciudad trabajaron en cooperación con el Departamento para alcanzar un acuerdo de resolución que encarnase un compromiso con la ausencia de discriminación en las operaciones de vigilancia policial de la APD y el avance de sus esfuerzos continuos por prevenir y abordar las prácticas discriminatorias de aplicación de la ley.

En virtud del acuerdo, la APD contratará a un consultor experto en aplicación de la ley seleccionado conjuntamente por las partes para revisar y actualizar los procedimientos, políticas y capacitación de la APD sobre una variedad de temas, lo que incluye la vigilancia policial no discriminatoria, el uso de la fuerza, la contratación y ascensos, investigaciones de conducta indebida, la disciplina, la vigilancia comunitaria y el acceso lingüístico, entre otros temas. El acuerdo contempla una función para la Comisión de Supervisión de la Policía de Antioch y establece un marco para la recopilación de datos y la presentación de informes durante un período de cinco años de supervisión departamental, entre otras disposiciones.

La no discriminación en virtud del Título VI y la ley de Calles Seguras es una de las principales prioridades de la División de Derechos Civiles. Hay más información sobre la División de Derechos Civiles a www.justice.gov/crt. Los miembros del público pueden denunciar posibles infracciones de los derechos civiles en civilrights.justice.gov/report/.

Actualizado 3 de enero de 2025

Wanted after Saturday night hours-long lockdown while police surrounded house in search of Marlon Wheeler who faces multiple charges, held on $985,000 bail

Multi-agency effort

By Lt. Matthew Koch #3018 Antioch Police Field Services Division and Allen D. Payton

On Saturday, December 28, 2024, at approximately 6:35 p.m., Antioch police officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation in the 4700 block of Knollpark Circle. As officers were enroute, they received several 911 calls reporting the suspect, 30-year-old Marlon Wheeler, shot at his 37-year-old girlfriend. The victim and her three children, an 8-year-old boy and two girls, ages 11 and 14, were able to flee the residence unharmed. A nearby residence and vehicle were struck by gunfire in the process.

Officers on the scene developed information that the suspect lived at the residence and was barricaded inside the home. After numerous attempts by officers to contact Wheeler, the Antioch Police Department’s SWAT and Crisis Negotiations teams were activated to de-escalate and safely take Wheeler into custody. However, it was later learned he had left between the time police received the call and they arrived on the scene.

Out of an abundance of caution, at 10:12 p.m. a lockdown alert was issued to nearby residents using the Community Warning System and a post on the Antioch Police Facebook page reading, “There is currently law enforcement activity near Country Hills and Knoll Park Circle in Antioch. Residents in the area north of Lone Tree Way and south of Country Hills Drive are advised to shelter in place.

Instructions:

• Go inside immediately.

• Close and lock all windows and doors.

• Do NOT call 9-1-1 unless you need to report a life-threatening emergency.

To report suspicious activity, please contact the Antioch Police Department at (925) 778-2441.

We will provide updates as more information becomes available.”

Several streets in the area were closed including Knollpark Circle, Knollpark Way and Country Hills Drive between Knollcrest Drive and Parkdale Way and half of Knoll Park was taped off.

A mobile command center was set up on Country Hills Drive and the Brentwood Police Department’s Bearcat tactical vehicle was brought to the scene. An Antioch officer could be heard over a loudspeaker repeatedly identifying themselves, naming the suspect, “Marlon Steve Wheeler” and sometimes “any and all occupants” as well as the address, then saying it’s “surrounded. We would like you to safely surrender. Come out with nothing in your hands. You will not be harmed.  You will not be injured. We are not leaving.”

About 11:00 p.m., an officer could be seen knocking on the door of a neighbor’s house across the street from the suspect’s home. At 11:28 p.m. the Antioch PD’s M-RAP vehicle arrived on scene and some of the tools in it were removed by Antioch SWAT members.  

A few neighbors who live on Knollpark Circle were held behind the police tape and not allowed to return to their homes. At 12:01 a.m. a woman who lives down the street from the suspect’s house was escorted to her home by an officer. But others who lived closer were not allowed into the cordoned-off area.

After several hours of attempts to contact Wheeler, at 12:03 AM the Antioch Police Department’s SWAT team was deployed to the residence and a loud explosion could be heard from the use of a flash-bang device. Then again at 12:27 a.m. another flash-bang device was deployed, and another loud explosion could be heard. APD Lt. Desmond Bittner said the suspect may not be in the house.

The SWAT then entered the home and determined Wheeler was no longer on scene and at 12:45 a.m. the house had been cleared and at approximately 1:00 a.m., the shelter-in-place was lifted.

Antioch PD thanked the Brentwood Police Department for assisting by lending their armored rescue vehicle. APD also asked the public’s help if anyone who knew Wheeler’s whereabouts to contact the police department and asked to not contact him as he was considered armed and dangerous.

BOLO, Pursuit from Lafayette and Sunday Arrest

Late Sunday morning, Dec. 29th, a “Be On the Lookout” on the APD’s Facebook page and a photo of the suspect writing, “The Antioch Police seeking assistance in locating Marlon Wheeler, who is considered armed and dangerous.

If you see Wheeler, do not approach him. Please call 9-1-1 immediately.

We will provide additional updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for your assistance.”

Early Sunday afternoon, a Lafayette Police Officer spotted Wheeler, attempted a traffic stop and a pursuit ensued to Antioch over Kirker Pass Road in Pittsburg. As it came into Antioch and Antioch Police learned of the pursuit they took over.

Wheeler was involved in a solo-vehicle collision into a fence near the intersection of Somersville and Buchanan Roads. His vehicle became disabled, and he barricaded inside his car for a short while. Pittsburg PD responded with their armored vehicle. Officers worked diligently to de-escalate the situation, and Wheeler surrendered peacefully a short time later. A firearm was also recovered.

At about 1:05 p.m. Sunday, Antioch Police issued the following update on their Facebook page: “We are pleased to report that Marlon Wheeler is now in custody. Thank you to the Lafayette Police Department and Pittsburg Police Department for their invaluable assistance.

We sincerely appreciate your shares, cooperation, and patience as this incident was resolved. Thank you for helping us keep our community safe!”

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, seven-inch tall, 155-pound Wheeler was born April 23, 1994, was arrested for 187(A) PC – murder, 245(A)(2) PC assault with a firearm, 246 PC shooting at an inhabited dwelling or occupied vehicle, 273.5(A) PC – corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition upon a spouse or co-habitant, 30305(A)(1) PC – a person prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm in possession of ammunition, 29800(A)(1) PC – felon in possession of a firearm and 2800.2(A) VC – felony reckless evasion of a peace officer and the pursued vehicle is driven in a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.

He is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $985,000 bail.

Includes reckless driving & sideshow enforcement, electric bicycle safety, autonomous vehicles, retail theft, more

SACRAMENTO – As we head into the new year, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is highlighting the new public safety laws that were passed during this year’s legislative session and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Unless otherwise noted, the laws referenced below take effect on January 1, 2025.

Tools to Address Reckless Driving and Sideshows:

Vehicles: Speed Contests (AB 1978, Sanchez)

Assembly Bill 1978 permits storing a vehicle when an individual is arrested but not taken into custody for obstructing or placing a barricade a highway or off-street parking facility for purposes of aiding a speed contest or exhibition of speed.

Vehicles: Impoundment (AB 2186, Wallis)

Assembly Bill 2186 permits the arrest and custody of individuals engaged in an exhibition of speed in an off-street parking facility. It also permits the impounding of the individual’s vehicle for not more than 30 days.

Vehicles: Sideshows and Street Takeovers (AB 2807, Villapudua)

Assembly Bill 2807 defines a “sideshow” and a “street takeover” as the same type of event.

Vehicles: Removal and Impoundment (AB 3085, Gipson)

Assembly Bill 3085 provides authority to seize and impound a vehicle with a warrant when the vehicle was used in violation of a speed contest or exhibition of speed (including aiding or abetting). This bill also permits electronic service of the notices of impoundment and storage hearings. 

Emergency Alert Information Sharing:

Electronic Toll Collection Systems: Information Sharing: Law Enforcement (AB 2645, Lackey)

Assembly Bill 2645 allows transportation agencies operating electronic toll collection systems to share real-time license plate data with law enforcement during active emergency alerts, such as AMBER, Ebony, or Feather Alerts. This legislation eliminates the need for a search warrant in such situations, enabling quicker responses to locate suspect vehicles linked to emergencies, such as child abductions.

Electric Bicycle Safety:

Electric Bicycles, Powered Mobility Devices and Storage (SB 1271, Min)

Beginning January 1, 2026, SB 1271 focuses on improving the safety standards for electric bicycles (e-bikes), powered mobility devices, and related lithium-ion batteries. It requires these devices and their components, such as batteries and charging systems, to be tested by accredited laboratories to meet specific safety standards. The bill also mandates labeling these products to show compliance with safety regulations, ensuring consumers are informed. Furthermore, it prohibits distributing, selling, or leasing e-bikes and related equipment unless they meet these standards, aiming to reduce risks like fire hazards and electrical malfunctions. Beginning January 1, 2028, the bill would prohibit a person from renting or offering for rental an electric bicycle, powered mobility device, charging system, or storage battery unless it has been tested to the specified safety standard.

Vehicles: Electric Bicycles (AB 1774, Gipson)

Assembly Bill 1774 prohibits modifying an electric bicycle’s speed capability to an extent it no longer meets the definition of an electric bicycle.  Also, it prohibits selling a product or device that can modify the speed capability of an electric bicycle to an extent it no longer meets the definition of an electric bicycle.

Vehicles: Electric Bicycles (AB 1778, Connolly)

Assembly Bill 1778 authorizes a local authority within the County of Marin, or the County of Marin in unincorporated areas, to enact an ordinance or resolution prohibiting a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 2 electric bicycle or requiring a person operating a class 2 electric bicycle to wear a helmet.

Vehicles: Electric Bicycles (AB 2234, Boerner)

Assembly Bill 2234 establishes the San Diego Electric Bicycle Safety Program and authorizes a local authority within the County of San Diego, or the County of San Diego in unincorporated areas, to enact an ordinance or resolution prohibiting a person under 12 years of age from operating a class 1 or 2 electric bicycle.

Photo Enforced Speed Enforcement Pilot Program:

The City of Malibu’s Speed Safety System Pilot Program (SB 1297, Allen)

Senate Bill 1297 establishes a five-year Speed Safety System Pilot Program in the City of Malibu. The bill defines a ‘speed safety system’ as a fixed or mobile radar or laser system, or any other electronic device that utilizes automated equipment, to detect a violation of speed laws and obtains a clear photograph of a speeding vehicle’s license plate. The bill establishes mandates regarding policy, enforcement, implementation, public notification, and a system evaluation report.

Clean Air Vehicle Sticker Extension:

Vehicles: High-Occupancy Vehicle Lanes (AB 2678, Wallis)

Assembly Bill 2678 permits vehicles with a Clean Air Vehicle decal to drive in High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes until January 1, 2027, if federal law permits.

Autonomous Vehicles:

Vehicle Equipment: Driver Monitoring Defeat Devices (SB 1313, Ashby)

Senate Bill 1313 prohibits using, possessing, or selling devices designed to interfere with driver monitoring systems in vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems or autonomous technology. These systems monitor driver alertness and help ensure safety when automated features are used. Violating this law is classified as an infraction. Exceptions are provided for manufacturers testing new technology, vehicle repairs, and updates compliant with safety standards or modifications for disability accommodations. This law aims to enhance road safety by preventing tampering with critical monitoring systems.  

Autonomous Vehicles Interactions with First Responders and Traffic Violation Notices – AB 1777 (Ting)

Upon the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) adoption of necessary regulations, AB 1777 creates new authority for a law enforcement officer to issue a “notice of autonomous vehicle (AV) noncompliance” to an AV manufacturer for an alleged traffic violation committed by one of their vehicles.  Beginning July 1, 2026, AB 1777 establishes additional requirements for how AVs that operate without a human operator in the vehicle interact with first responders, including a requirement for manufacturers to provide a two-way device in the vehicles to communicate with first responders.  

Pedestrian Safety Around Buses:

Transit buses: Yield Right-of-Way Sign (AB 1904, Ward)

Assembly Bill 1904 authorizes a transit agency to equip a transit bus with a “yield” right-of-way sign on the left rear of the bus.  The sign may be a static decal or a flashing light-emitting diode (LED).

License Plate Manipulation:

License Plates: Obstruction or Alteration (AB 2111, Wallis)

Assembly Bill 2111 prohibits any alteration of a license plate’s reflective coating to avoid detection from any entity, not just law enforcement.

Property Theft from a Vehicle:

Crimes: Theft from A Vehicle (SB 905, Wiener)

Senate Bill 905 creates the crime of Unlawful Entry of a Vehicle, which addresses unlawfully entering a vehicle with the intent to commit a theft or any felony. It also adds the crime of Automotive Property Theft for Resale, which addresses possessing stolen property obtained from a vehicle with the intent to sell or exchange the property for value. The property’s value must be over $950.00 and not for personal use. The value of property can be combined within two years of separate acts. 

Combating Retail Theft:

Crimes: Organized Theft (SB 982, Wahab)

Senate Bill 982 makes the crime of organized retail theft permanent and strengthens measures to address retail crime. The bill eliminates the expiration date for specific provisions targeting organized retail theft, ensuring long-term tools for law enforcement to combat this issue.

Crimes: Fires (SB 1242, Min)

Senate Bill 1242 amends Penal Code Section 452 regarding the unlawful setting of fires. It updates penalties and legal language to clarify offenses, including circumstances involving organized retail theft.

Sentencing Enhancements: Sale, Exchange, Or Return of Stolen Property (SB 1416 Newman)

Senate Bill 1416 focuses on combating organized retail theft by increasing penalties for those involved in the resale of stolen goods, often referred to as “fencing.” The bill, until January 1, 2030, creates sentencing enhancements for individuals who sell, exchange, or return stolen property for value, particularly when the property exceeds specific thresholds. Punishment increases from one year to four years based on a property value scale ranging from $50,000 to over $3 million.

Theft: Jurisdiction (AB 1779, Irwin)

Assembly Bill 1779 addresses the issue of organized retail theft by streamlining the prosecution process. Specifically, it allows district attorneys to consolidate charges for theft offenses committed across multiple counties into a single trial, provided all affected county district attorneys agree.

Crimes: Organized Theft (AB 1802, Jones-Sawyer)

Assembly Bill 1802 ensures that the crime of organized retail theft remains permanently defined in state law and extends the CHP’s Property Crimes Task Force indefinitely. This bill eliminates the “sunset” clause that would have otherwise allowed the statute and the task force to expire.

Regional Property Crimes Task Force (AB 1972, Alanis)

Assembly Bill 1972 expands the scope of the CHP’s Regional Property Crimes Task Force to include cargo theft as a property crime for consideration and requires the task force to provide logistical and law enforcement support for railroad police.

This bill emphasizes cargo theft as a specific priority and aims to strengthen resources for law enforcement agencies to combat these issues. As an urgency statute, AB 1972 went into effect immediately upon its passage in August 2024 to address these concerns promptly.

Crimes: Shoplifting (AB 2943, Zbur)

Assembly Bill 2943, also called the “California Retail Theft Reduction Act,” strengthens measures to combat organized retail theft by creating a specific crime for serial retail theft, allowing the aggregation of property value for thefts committed within 90 days to qualify as grand theft. It empowers law enforcement to make arrests using video evidence or sworn statements, shields businesses from lawsuits for reporting crimes and promotes rehabilitation through diversion programs for minor offenders. The bill aims to dismantle theft rings while balancing public safety and criminal justice reforms.

Crimes: Theft: Retail Theft Restraining Orders (AB 3209, Berman)

Assembly Bill 3209 creates a retail crime restraining order.  A court may issue a restraining order when sentencing an individual for specific retail theft-related crimes, including vandalism of a retail store and assaulting a retail store employee.  The restraining order prohibits the individual from entering or being on the grounds of the establishment and may include parking lots adjacent to and used by the establishment.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

By Jeremy Gamez, Boys Scouts of America Troop 153, Antioch, CA

Do you need your Christmas tree picked up in Antioch? Have the Boy Scouts do it.

Please use the following link to schedule your pickup. https://pickup.antiochtroop153.org/

We are asking for a donation of $30 for unflocked trees and $40 for flocked trees. Please use the link, it is going to improve our services and help our parents and Scouts doing the tree pick up. Even if you’ve already emailed us, please fill out the link. We are picking up trees on the weekends of Dec. 28 & 29 and January 4 & 5, 2025. Please have your tree on the curb by 9:00 A.M. 

Our parents and Scouts will be picking trees all day and might not pick up your tree until later in the day. If you have issues, pls email us, we will follow up shortly. We are all volunteers and have limited resources. No DM, no text messages, we have multiple parents monitoring the troop email account. Please only email once. We may not respond to your email until later in the day.

To pay, please use Zelle. Look for: “Boys Scouts of America Troop 153” – full name (no abbreviations). Zelle makes it easier. You can use our troop tree pick up email for Zelle: troop153treepickup@gmail.com. If you’re unable to use Zelle, checks are appreciated made out to: “BSA Troop 153”. Checks can be left under your doormat on the day of pick up.

Thank you!