Tinkerbell was stolen and returned to her owner thanks to the efforts of Antioch Police Officer Constantine Kawalya. Photo (left) & video screenshots source: Antioch PD.
Dog-nappers Isaiah Kingstringer, Zoie Ledesma arrested inside Antioch Police Station, have history of arrests, out of custody
By Acting Lt. Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On Friday, December 26, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., a family was shopping at Target on Lone Tree Way in Antioch with their 10-week-old Yorkshire Terrier, “Tinkerbell.” While inside the store, the family was approached by two individuals who complimented them on the puppy. The individuals then took the puppy from the family and fled the area in a vehicle.
Officer Constantine Kawalya initiated a thorough investigation into the incident. During the investigation, officers learned that Tinkerbell was a Christmas gift for the family’s three-year-old daughter. The investigation led to the identification of a vehicle involved in the incident, as well as the suspected individuals, 20-year-old Isiah Mellow Kingstringer and 21-year-old Zoie Sofia Ledesma.
The suspects’ car was followed, stopped and towed by Antioch Police. Officer body-cam video screenshots
On December 27, 2025, an Antioch Police Department officer who was aware of the investigation located the suspect vehicle traveling within the City of Antioch and conducted a traffic stop. The vehicle was subsequently towed as part of the investigation.
Later that day, Kingstringer and Ledesma arrived at the Antioch Police Department lobby to retrieve the towed vehicle. Both individuals were arrested on outstanding warrants related to the theft of Tinkerbell.
Dog-nappers Zoie Ledesma and Isaiah Kingstringer were arrested and questioned in the Antioch Police Station. Officer body-cam video screenshots.
During a follow-up interview, Officer Kawalya determined the location of the puppy. Tinkerbell was safely recovered and reunited with her family.
Kingstringer and Ledesma were booked into the Contra Costa County Jail on the following charges
• PC 487A(a) – Grand theft of an animal
• PC 532(a) – Theft by false pretenses
• PC 182(a)(1) – Conspiracy
The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at tips@antiochca.gov.
According to localcrimenews.com, this is the third arrest this year for Kingstringer, a Richmond resident, including by Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputies on June 30th for possession of marijuana for sale and on August 4th by Richmond Police for addict in possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner and revocation of probation. He was also previously arrested in 2023 by BART Police for battery on transportation personnel with injury.
According to localcrimenews.com, Ledesma, a Hercules resident, was previously arrested twice in 2023 by Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Deputies for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, driving without a license, failure to obey a peace officer and warrants or holds only.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, she is Asian-Pacific Islander and as of Monday, Dec. 29 at 5:00 AM, she had also bonded out of custody.
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.
59-year-old Frank Troia in a photo from Facebook posted on May 27, 2024.
Attacker used “improvised weapon”, held on $530,000 bail
Sister organizes GoFundMe to pay for “proper services”
By Lt. William Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
According to a press release issued by Antioch Police Lt. William Whitaker today, “On December 4, 2025, the victim of the November 18 attack, 59-year-old Frank Troia, died from the injuries he sustained. The charges initially filed against the suspect, 34-year-old Brandon Rowlett, will be amended to murder (187 PC).”
Evidence markers were placed at the scene of the physical altercation on Lone Tree Way Tuesday morning, Nov. 18, 2025. Photo courtesy of Spotlight CoCoCounty. (Redacted by the Herald)
As previously reported, on November 18, 2025, at approximately 2:46 a.m., the Antioch Police Department dispatch center received multiple calls of a subject down on the roadway at Lone Tree Way and W. Tregallas Road. When officers arrived on scene, they located the victim who appeared to have been involved in a physical altercation. Antioch police officers provided aid to the victim at the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he is in critical condition.
On November 19, at approximately 8:30 a.m., the Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, located and arrested Rowlett.
“He passed late last night,” Whitaker stated.
Asked if Troia was struck with a pipe, he said, “We found the improvised weapon used. It’s crucial evidence to the case. But we’re not going to release that information at this time.”
As previously reported, the sister of Troia has organized a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to pay for “proper services” for her brother.
Additional inquiries, tips, or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Arturo Becerra at (925) 779-6937 or by email at abecerra@antiochca.gov.
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, four-inch tall, 162-pound Rowlett is Hispanic, and now being held on $530,000 bail in the West County Detention Facility. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 9 at 1:30 p.m. in Martinez Superior Court.
Driver with fake police lights on his pickup truck was arrested over the weekend. Screenshots of APD police body cam video
“Those are illegal, bro” – APD Officer Yega
“I didn’t know” – suspect
By Antioch Police Department
Imitation may be the greatest form of flattery… but impersonating the police is a crime.
This weekend, Officer Yega and his K9 partner Loki were traveling on A Street when they spotted a red pickup truck equipped with police-style lights pulling cars over.
The self-appointed “officer” was a bit shocked when the real police showed up, and he immediately pulled over. When questioned, the driver claimed he bought the lights on TikTok and didn’t know he wasn’t allowed to pull people over.
“Because a guy cut me off,” he added.
“That’s illegal, bro,” Yega told him.
“I didn’t know,” the driver responded.
The driver was arrested, booked into jail, and the truck was towed away. TikTok cops will not be tolerated in Antioch. (See incident video)
Pickup truck with fake police lights. Photo Antioch PD
UPDATE: Later, Antioch Police Communications Manager Stacey Malsom issued the following press release about the arrest:
On December 1, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., an Antioch Police officer observed a red Ford F-150 pickup truck on A Street displaying flashing red and blue lights, causing other vehicles to pull over. The officer conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver.
Following an investigation, the driver was arrested for impersonating a peace officer, and the vehicle was impounded. The unlawful use of emergency lights creates a serious risk to public safety, and the Antioch Police Department takes these violations seriously.
If you believe you were a victim of this incident or have additional information, please contact Officer J. Yega at JYega@antiochca.gov.
On a serious note:
If you’re ever unsure whether you’re being stopped by a real police officer, you can always call 9-1-1. A dispatcher will confirm the officer’s identity and ensure your safety.
If you believe you’ve had an encounter with the red pickup truck or the suspect involved in this incident, please call (925) 778-2441 and let us know.
Arrested by Walnut Creek Police, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; held on $200,000 bail
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, that a suspect in possession of child sexual abuse material faces a four-count felony complaint.
32-year-old Ryan Allen Fenton of Antioch (born 6/13/1993) was arrested in Antioch Tuesday by Walnut Creek Police on a warrant related to a complaint the District Attorney filed with the court on February 3rd, 2025. The complaint was amended and refiled on November 25th after investigators with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force found additional evidence Fenton was in possession of child sexual abuse material.
Fenton was arraigned Wednesday in Superior Court in Martinez at 10:30 am on the following:
· Two felony counts for possessing over 600 images of child or youth pornography on or about October 23rd, 2024, and November 25th, 2025 [PC 311.11(c)(1)].
· Two felony counts for possessing child or youth pornography on or about October 23rd, 2024, and November 25th, 2025 [PC 311.11(a)].
District Attorney Diana Becton said, “The possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) is not a victimless crime; it is an act that perpetuates the sexual abuse of children and fuels a criminal enterprise. As District Attorney, my office treats the possession of CSAM with the utmost gravity, recognizing that every image and video represents an assault on a child.”
Fenton’s preliminary hearing is set for December 9th at 8:30 am at the A.F. Bray courthouse in Martinez in Department 6. He remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on a $200,000 bond.
Case No. 01-25-00447 | The People of the State of California v. Ryan Allen Fenton
According to localcrimenews.com, Fenton was also arrested in 2020 in Inyo County for speeding, driving without a license and failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility.
This morning, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Walnut Creek Police Detectives, in coordination with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, served a search warrant at a residence in the 1600 block of Lipton Street in Antioch as part of an ongoing investigation.
One individual was arrested on suspicion of possession of child pornography.
During the search, detectives discovered suspected illegal fireworks. The WCPD Bomb Squad was requested to respond for safe collection and assessment. Upon arrival, bomb technicians identified materials requiring further evaluation, prompting a response from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) team.
Antioch Police posted a warning on social media with the message, “Avoid the area of Lipton Street at Trembath Lane due to an active hazmat response. Earlier this morning, a neighboring agency investigating in the area located items of concern. Out of an abundance of caution, the bomb squad was notified, and they are currently on scene. At this time, we do not believe there is any threat to the public.”
Both the WCPD Bomb Squad and CFD Hazmat have since cleared the scene. There is no ongoing threat to public safety. No further details are being released at this time due to the active nature of the investigation.
Chief Joe Vigil (center) is joined by new Antioch Police officers and leaders sworn in on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. They include (L-R) Lt. Franco Cesar, Officer Adrian Rivera-Pelayo, Officer Bryan Diaz and Captain Shane Bower. Photo: APD
Plus, new Crime Analyst and CSO
Brings the total sworn officers on the force to 86
By Antioch Police Department
During an oath of office ceremony on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, the Antioch Police Department officially added two sworn officers, a captain and lieutenant, as well as a crime analyst and community services officer to the force. The ceremony was held in the Antioch Police Department’s Community Room.
Chief Joe Vigil administered the oaths of office. He previously introduced each of them to the public and City Council during their special meeting on Nov. 4, 2025. (See 32:40 mark of video)
Captain Shane Bower
Shane was born and raised in Concord, California and is a lifelong resident of Contra Costa County. He began his career in Law Enforcement in 1996 as a Police Reserve Officer for the City of Walnut Creek. By May 1997, Shane was a Deputy Sheriff for Contra Costa County where he worked Detention and Patrol. Shane lateralled to the Vallejo Police Department in 1999 where he worked Patrol, Crime Suppression, Traffic, Internal Affairs, and was the Professional Standards Division Commander. He held several ancillary duty positions including Field Training Officer, Rangemaster, Hostage Negotiator, and SWAT Commander.
Shane served 21 years in the United States Army Reserve working in Communications, Intelligence, Military Police, and Psychological Operations. He is a veteran of the Iraq War where he served as a Team Leader on a Tactical Psychological Operations Team. Shane also serves as the Chair of the Veterans Commission for the City of Martinez as well as a committee member honoring Veterans. He holds an A.A. degree in liberal arts and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Shane is excited about this opportunity to serve to citizens of Antioch and looks forward to building a strong relationship with the community.”
During the Nov. 4th Council meeting Bower said, “I want to take this opportunity to thank you for this opportunity to allow me to provide exceptional service to the citizens of this community.
Lieutenant Franco Cesar started his policing career with the Vallejo Police Department in 1996 as a Police Cadet. He was hired by the Fairfield Police Department in 2001 as a Police Officer, and he was promoted to Sergeant in 2011.
During his time as a Sergeant with the Fairfield Police Department, Lieutenant Cesar oversaw an exceptional range of critical units, including Patrol, Youth Services, Major Crimes, Family Violence, Peer Support, Special Operations Team, Gang Unit, SWAT Team, and Mobile Field Force Team. He also coordinated key programs such as the Active Shooter Response Program, Explorer Program, and Threat Liaison Program.
His exceptional service was recognized with two Officer of the Year Awards and the most recent honor of the Fairfield PD 2024 Manager of the Year Award. Additionally, he volunteered with the Fairfield Police Activities League (PAL) as an Executive Board Member and Treasurer before leaving the department.
Lieutenant Cesar holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Napa Valley College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from California Coast University. He also graduated from the Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI) in 2020.
Lieutenant Cesar enjoys taking his family on international trips. His unique travel ritual is exploring the local McDonald’s menu in every country he visits, specifically searching for the exclusive, special items that cater to the regional palate. It’s a fun and easy way for him to sample the unique flavors of a new destination.
During the Nov. 4th Council meeting, Cesar offered his appreciation for the new position and said, “I’m ready to work. I’ve been a worker all my life. I’ve got a great work ethic. I’m ready to help out the department and moving them forward to the future. Thank you to the chief for the opportunity.”
Adrian Rivera-Pelayo – Police Trainee
Adrian grew up in Brentwood and attended Liberty High School. Shortly after graduating High School, he joined the restaurant management sales industry. In his free time, he enjoys working on cars, exercising and spending time with his pets. Adrian moved out when he was 18 and became a homeowner at age 19.
Fun fact: Adrian loves playing video games.
Bryan Diaz – Police Trainee
Bryan was born in Martinez and was raised in the east bay. He attended Freedom High School and graduated in 2015. Shortly after, he joined the US Marine Corps and served for about eight years, two of the eight years he was overseas in Okinawa, Japan. He then served 4.5 years at the Marine Corps headquarters in Quantico, Virginia where he was promoted to Sergeant. While in the Marine Corps, he became a black belt in the martial arts program and later became a black belt instructor. Prior to joining APD, he worked as a program manager for the anesthesia department at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton.
Fun fact: Bryan is a single dad to his 5-year-old son and they both enjoy training in Martial Arts.
During the Nov. 4th Council meeting he said, “I just wanted to say thank you for this opportunity. I’m very excited to be part of the progression that the City is making and I will not let you down.”
Vigil also shared that the two new officers graduated from the Police Academy on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025.
Amanda Young – Crime Analyst
Amanda was born and raised in Southern California and moved to the Bay Area in 2017. Before joining APD, she worked as a Dispatcher for the California Highway Patrol. During her free time, she likes to spend time with family, travel, go to comedy shows and listen to country music.
Fun fact: She doesn’t eat any fruit or vegetables.
America Estupinan Gaytan – Community Services Officer
America was born in Martinez and raised in Pittsburg. She graduated from Pittsburg High School in 2017, where her favorite subjects were Math and Physics. Shortly after, she attended CSU East Bay and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. In her free time, she enjoys building Legos, listening to music, and spending time with her family. She also loves traveling to Mexico and attending concerts. America is excited to join APD and begin this new chapter in her career.
Fun fact: America is the first in her family to make it through college and earn a Bachelor’s Degree.
According to Lt. Michael Mellone, that brings the total sworn officers on the force to 86. The City Council has included 105 sworn in this year’s budget.
By Acting Lt. Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau
On Friday, November 21, 2025, just after 7:15 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at the eastbound on-ramp to State Route 4 at Hillcrest Avenue. When officers arrived, they located a 63-year-old Antioch man lying in the roadway.
11/24/25 UPDATE: According to Sgt. Rob Green, the victim “was not in the crosswalk and riding an electric bicycle” when he was struck “on Hillcrest before the onramp to eastbound Hwy 4.”
Officers immediately provided medical aid until ConFire personnel arrived. The man was transported to a local hospital with major injuries and is currently listed in critical condition. The driver involved remained at the scene and cooperated with officers.
Investigators from the Antioch Police Department’s Traffic Unit responded and have assumed responsibility for the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441 or Traffic Collision Investigator Sergeant Green at (925) 779-6968, email rgreen@antiochca.gov.
