12 more in or heading to the academy

By Allen D. Payton

During a brief ceremony at the Antioch Police Facility Community Room on Monday, June 24, 2024, Interim Chief Brian Addington swore in two new officers, Hunter Whitson and Ryan Tryner and introduced the department’s newest dispatcher, Sara Martin.  In attendance were family members, APD leaders and officers, District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock and Hans Ho of Neighborhood Watch.

Addington offered some inspirational words to the three additions and encouraging words to their families.

“Our communities depend on us more than ever to serve and protect,” the chief said. “Your job is to uphold justice and…individual rights. You meet the highest levels of professionalism and compassion.”

To the families he said, “Your continued love, support and encouragement are needed now more than ever.”

Addington then administered the oath of office to the new officers, followed by each one being pinned with their badge. He also shared a few details about each of the three and gave them the opportunity to share a few words.

Officer Hunter Whitson

Hunter was born and raised in the East Bay and graduated from Benicia High School. While in high school, he played and excelled in football all four years and won the section championship in both his junior and senior years. He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2017 and spent his time as an 0311infantry rifleman. He was stationed on MCBH Hawaii to include deployments throughout the North Pacific. On his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and going out on the boat.

Fun fact: Hunter Was a part of RIMPAC, where 23 different countries come into the Pacific to get trained by the USMC and conduct joint operations.

Whitson was pinned by his finance while holding their baby who squealed to the delight of those in attendance

“This has been a huge accomplishment for me,” he shared. “I’m excited to join the Antioch Police Department.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you,” Whitson said while looking at his fiancé.

Officer Ryan Tryner

Ryan was born and raised in Antioch and currently still lives here. Prior to becoming a CSO, Ryan worked as a part time Parking Enforcement Officer. He also worked at Los Medanos College as a Police Aide. Ryan enjoys martial arts and was an instructor for a gym in Brentwood. 

Fun fact: Ryan enjoys baseball and coaches a team in Brentwood.

He had his father pin the officer’s badge on him which was followed by a hug.

“Thank you everyone. I look forward to continuing my service in the Antioch Police Department,” Tryner said.

Dispatcher Sara Martin

Sara worked for Kaiser for 23 years as a surgical tech in the operating room. She also worked for the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office for two years as a dispatcher and one-year records and warrants clerk.

Outside of work, Sara loves to hike with my dog Savy (more of a stroll now since she is 16).  She also enjoys reading and watching her Nieces and Nephews play sports.

Fun Fact:  Sara loves to follow the Niners and Giants to away games.

“I’m also excited and proud to be here,” Martin stated.

They were then administered the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor by Addington.

He said Sarah had already started in her new position and the two new officers will go through additional training then enter the FTO program.

Later, Addington shared that this brings the department to 75 sworn after recently losing three officers. That’s out of 115 in the budget approved by the city council.

He also said there are four cadets currently attending the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Academy eight more entering the academy at the beginning of July. Six will attend the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Academy and two will be at the Butte College Academy.

By Acting Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On June 14, 2024, at approximately 8:52 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the 900 block of West 8th Street on a report of a male who had been shot while inside a residence and in need of medical attention.

When officers arrived, they located a male suffering from a graze wound. Officers immediately rendered first aid until they were relieved by paramedics. The victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Based on the investigation, officers believe the residence was targeted, and we are actively working on this case. This investigation is in its preliminary stages and evidence and witness statements are being collected at this time. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released.

6 occurred in parking lots, 4 while followed home

By Antioch Police Department

A word of warning to our community. Antioch PD has been investigating a series of robberies connected to bank visits. In the last 90 days, there have been nearly a dozen instances of community members being robbed after leaving local banks.

In four cases, the robberies happened at a different location after the victims left the banks. In six other instances, the actual robberies happened in the bank parking lots.

The thieves have stolen cell phones, wallets and money. Our detectives are working to make arrests in these incidents.

Yesterday, Thursday, June 13, 2024, Detectives Schaffer and Cox detained two robbery suspects after a foot pursuit and one of the suspects was armed with a firearm.

Below is an updated list of locations and additional information on the robberies we are currently investigating.

Victims Followed Home From Banks:

· April 1 – victim was followed home from Walnut Creek bank. Robbed at home, take was a purse. 2400 block of Montecito Court – no arrest

· May 22 – victim arrived home from the Chase Bank on Somersville Road. Purse was taken by force with the victim was knocked to the ground. 1500 block of Daisy Way – no arrest

· June 8 – robbery occurred at 2300 block of Buchanan Road. Victim stopped at Chase Bank, then  parked across the street and robbed of jewelry. – no arrest

· June 11 – victim left Chase Bank on Delta Fair Blvd. as they left, in an intersection and somebody ran up to their car, trying to break the window. Victim drove off, no loss.

Robberies in Bank Parking Lots:

· March 25 – Bank of America on Somersville Road, victim went to drive up ATM, after was approached by someone on bicycle. Robbed of cash and phone.

· April 3 – Bank of America on Somersville Road, victim went to drive up ATM, as they pulled away, approached by someone who robbed them of cash and cell phone.

· April 4 – Chase Bank on Delta Fair Blvd., victim using ATM when suspect ran up and robbed them of phone and wallet.

· April 10 – Chase Bank on Lone Tree Way, attempted. Victim entered vehicle after leaving bank and suspect demanded property, victim left before theft could occur.

· May 20 – BMO on Somersville Road, victims making a deposit for the County Fair. (See related article)

· June 11 – Chase Bank on Lone Tree Way, victim walking to the car after cashing check, victim robbed by the suspect.

We are asking our community to be vigilant and take precautions. If you see something, say something.

8 more active officers since April 12; at least 4 have been terminated; Chief shares names of all 75 sworn in report to Oversight Commission

By Allen D.  Payton

In response to requests for information on police staffing and the number of officers in the racist text scandal who were back to work Interim Antioch Police Chief Brian Addington shared today the report provided to the Antioch Police Oversight Commission for their meeting yesterday, Monday, June 3, 2024. In his report Addington wrote, “The Antioch Police Department is currently authorized 115 sworn police officer positions. The department currently has 75 sworn police officers and 40 vacant sworn police officer positions. Of the 75 sworn police officers, 58 are actively working, and 17 are inactive.” In response to the commission’s request he also provided the complete list of names for all 75 officers including the 17 currently inactive.

That’s a decrease in staffing of two sworn officers but an increase of eight active officers since April 12 in spite of four additional officers joining the department, last month.

Addington was asked by the Herald for whatever information he could share about the Antioch Police Officers who were caught up in the text scandal and are now back to work, specifically  for the total number of officers from the text scandal who have returned to work, as well as total on the force currently active, plus any demotions in rank and title, as well as any who have been terminated.

He responded, “Based on your request…this is the available information that I can provide” which was the report to the commission.

On May 20, 2024, Mike Rains, attorney for the Antioch Police Officers Association whose firm represented 17 officers who were placed on paid leave during the investigation of the text scandal shared additional information.

“I think all the cases where we have represented Antioch officers have been resolved. Some are back to work, some they terminated,” he said.

“They screwed up the entire case,” Rains stated. “The 745 motion made by the lawyers representing Pugh, Windom and McGee” referring to three of the four suspects convicted of murder, last month. (See related article)

“At the most that was 12 officers. They released the entire report without a protective order,” he complained, speaking of the redacted report that listed all the officers and inadvertently revealed all their names and cell phone numbers. “Someday I’m going to sue the DA in the county for doing that.” (See related article)

“Four officers have been terminated. We’re going to go to arbitration on those,” Rains said. My office represents maybe one or two more. Julia Fox (his associate) represents them.”

Rains added, “The names of the officers who went back to work” could be shared. “But not the disposition of their individual cases.”

See the Chief’s APD Staffing Report to the Commission.

“Not any business, including any business I worked for would take a deposit at night” – Craig Cannon, Contra Costa County Fair Board President

Shares more details, says policies and procedures will be discussed at next Board meeting June 12

Positive Fair news: Mexican rodeo group working to bring Hispanic-themed events to former arena

By Allen D. Payton

Following the armed robbery of proceeds from the Contra Costa County Fair during an attempted bank deposit early Monday morning, May 20, 2024, after the end of this year’s fair Sunday night, on Thursday, Fair Board President Craig Cannon shared additional details about the incident. (See related article)

Asked to confirm the amount of $90,000 that was stolen he said, “I got it as a little under $100,000. I got that from the police. (Fair CEO) Joe Brengle’s not even talking to me.”

However, according to another board member, John Pence, Brengle sent out an email Wednesday night to him and the other board members about the matter. Cannon said he hadn’t seen it.

“Not any business, including any business I worked for would take a deposit at night,” Cannon continued. “It’s unusual. It’s one of the things I want to get the board together to talk about. Why would you make such a poor decision? The only one who has a deposit key is the fair manager.”

“A lot of information is not being shared when it’s supposed to be,” he stated. “It all boils down to the fair manager. He handles the overall money receipts, personnel, hiring and firing. But Joe works for the board. We hire and fire him.”

Asked if insurance will cover any of the loss, Cannon said, “I don’t believe so because it wasn’t during Fair hours or on property and it wasn’t in the bank. There’s a really thin line, there.”

Asked why the people depositing the funds weren’t joined by armed escorts by either the contracted security firm or county sheriff’s deputies, he responded, “That’s the question I’m trying to find out. But he’s (Brengle’s) not being forthright. That’s what we will discuss at the next board meeting. I’ve talked to the State of California, and they said I can’t have an emergency meeting. In my eyes, almost a hundred grand is a major crime against us.”

About the security firm, Praetorian and this year’s Fair, Cannon said, “They were great. This year’s fair was a good one and safe.”

He then reiterated what was shared with other media, that the loss of that amount of money could impact the fair’s music headliners and animal attractions for next year.

“This whole thing stinks,” he stated.

Two Temporary Staffers Handled Deposit

Asked who handled the deposit Cannon said, “Two temporary staffers hired by the Fair, this year in charge of parking and ticket sales. That’s another red flag. Something’s really wrong. Joe seems like a sensible guy. I don’t know why he would make that decision.”

Asked why the money wasn’t left in a safe on the fairgrounds and deposited during daylight, he said, “That’s a decision for the fair manager” and shared that the Fair, technically state’s 23rd District Agricultural Association, currently only has two full-time employees, Brengle and an administrative assistant who works in the office with him.

Since it’s the public’s money Cannon said, “That’s my concern. I also suggested the state bring in the CHP which oversees county fairs in the state. They delegate the authority to the county sheriff’s office.”

“I don’t work for the state,” he explained. “I’m appointed by the governor. Not this governor, the past one. The appointments are renewed. We can barely have a meeting quorum. If someone is sick, we can’t hold a meeting. The governor’s busy with the budget.”

Asked why the funds weren’t taken to the bank by the fair manager and a board member for a check and balance and if there is a procedure in place Cannon stated, “There will be. The Fair Board is all about policies and procedures. The manual is about 50 pages. But we don’t handle the day-to-day. Taking funds to the bank during daylight hours should be the policy.”

“He (Brengle) hasn’t been forthcoming to anyone on the board about this,” the fair board president reiterated. “This is crazy. It makes no sense at all.”

One positive thing Cannon shared is that a Mexican rodeo group is working to bring Hispanic-themed events to the former arena that was used as the paintball park.

The next board meeting, which is open to the public, will be held Wednesday, June 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fair Board Directors’ Room at the Contra Costa Event Center (fairgrounds) located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch.

Possibly $90,000, police seek public’s help

By Acting Sergeant Kristian Palma #6286 Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau

On Monday, May 20, 2024, at approximately 2:18 AM, Antioch police officers responded to the 2500 block of Somersville Road for the report of an armed robbery.

When officers arrived, they contacted two victims. Officers learned the victims were employees of the Contra Costa County Event Park (Fairgrounds). The Contra Costa County Fair had ended, and two employees were tasked with conducting the night deposit. While conducting the night deposit at the BMO Bank they were approached by an unknown suspect. The suspect robbed the victims of the money and personal belongings at gunpoint.

Other news reports have pegged the amount stolen at $90,000. When asked, a county fair representative offered no comment but didn’t know how that amount was known by other media. Questions were emailed late Wednesday night to Fair CEO Joe Brengle asking if that’s correct, why the deposit was made at that time instead of leaving it in a safe on the fairgrounds and waiting until Monday morning to make the deposit, what is the usual procedure and for any additional information he could share.

We are asking for anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau. Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Sgt. Palma at (925) 779-6876 or by emailing kpalma@antiochca.gov.

Additional questions were emailed to Brengle Thursday afternoon including:

“Shouldn’t the deposit of such an amount be made with an armed escort, such as staff from the security company, Praetorian hired by the Fair this year or county sheriff’s deputies? Does the Fair have policies and procedures in place for handling deposits? Were they followed? What are they? What amount does the $90,000 (or more) represent of the Fair’s proceeds? Will the Fair’s insurance cover any or all of the loss? What impacts will it have for the Fair’s future?”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

A former Hockey Hall of Famer in Canada, two former youth football players including a Deer Valley High School grad and a father of two

By Antioch Police Department

We are happy to announce the swearing-in of four new Antioch Police officers! Officers Loroño, Jones, Serna, and Church all graduated from Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Center. Chief Addington swore them in using the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor and Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance for Public Officers and Employees. We welcome them and wish them the best as they embark on the next part of their careers and start their Field Training Program!

Alejandro Loroño 

Alejandro was born in Walnut Creek. He grew up in Brentwood and graduated from Heritage High School. Growing up he played club hockey for the Tri-Valley Blue Devils out of Dublin. During his time playing hockey he traveled all over North America to compete against various teams. During his free time, he enjoys going on motorcycle rides, playing hockey, working out, going to the shooting range, and playing video games. He is extremely excited, blessed and honored to start a career with APD! He also placed third in his class in the Academy.

Fun Fact: He became a former Hockey Hall of Famer for a year after winning a tournament in Canada. Getting his teammates names and his own put into the Hall of Fame! 

Trayjen Jones

Trayjen was born and raised in Concord. He graduated from Concord High School in 2021 and then moved to Antioch with his family. Growing up Trayjen played football and ran track in high school. He has a total of six siblings, which consist of five sisters and a stepbrother. Although he grew up in Concord, Trayjen loves the City of Antioch and cannot wait to be able to give back to the city as a Police Officer.

Fun Fact: Trayjen played football for 11 years before graduating high school, he wanted to play in college, but decided to pursue a career in Law Enforcement.  

Placido Serna

Placido was born and raised in Stockton. He graduated from Sture Larson High School in North Stockton. He then attended San Joaquin Delta College where he received his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology. During his free time, he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and their two kids, spending time with his friends, and working out.

Fun Fact: On Placido’s 21st birthday neither of his kids were born yet, but on his 22nd birthday both of his kids were already born, and no they’re not twins!

David Church

David was born in Redwood City and raised in Antioch. He attended Deer Valley High School where he played football for the Wolverines. He has worked a variety of jobs including construction, retail management, auto sales, and real estate sales. During his free time, he enjoys working out, playing/ watching sports, going on nature excursions, and traveling to different destinations. He’s extremely excited and honored to serve his hometown of Antioch as a peace officer!

Fun fact: David can slam dunk a basketball.

Sgt. Rob Green returns to Antioch PD’s Traffic Bureau

Antioch, Calif. — During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May, Antioch Police Department would like to remind drivers to always look twice for motorcycles. By practicing safe driving habits and taking shared responsibility on our roads, we can help everyone arrive at their destination safely.

“Motorcycles may be difficult to spot, so be extra careful before changing lanes,” Sergeant Rob Green said. “A simple double take could mean the difference between a safe journey and a tragic crash. Motorcycle riders do not have the same protections drivers and passengers do. Let’s all do our part to keep each other safe out there.”

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2022. Motorcyclists were about 22 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and four times more likely to be injured.

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers

• Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
• Do not follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.

Motorcyclists

• DOT-compliant helmet with eye protection.

Lastly, both drivers and riders should never drive/ride distracted or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In addition, Antioch Police announced the following on their Facebook page on Sunday, May 19, 2024: “We have an exciting update to share! The Antioch Police Department is bringing back our Traffic Unit. Keeping our roadways safe for our residents is a top priority. Sgt. Rob Green is back in our Traffic Bureau. Officers assigned to the Traffic Unit have specialized training in major collision investigations, DUI investigations, and accident reconstruction. The primary goal of the Traffic Unit is to reduce the number of accidents and to encourage traffic safety on our city streets and in our neighborhoods.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.