Officer trapped inside suspect’s car while driving high-speed across town

By Allen D. Payton

According to Lt. William Whitaker of the Antioch Police Investigations Bureau, this morning, Friday, February 20, 2026, at 5:16 a.m., Antioch Police officers were dispatched to the 4500 block of Lone Tree Way for a report of a robbery in progress. While officers were en route, the reporting party stated that one of the suspects was armed with a firearm and had threatened him.

According to Captain Desmond Bittner, “The suspect vehicle backed into the FoodMaxx store before the officers arrived,” smashing in the front glass doors. One employee said store employees heard the crash, saw some of the commotion, called police who arrived quickly, and that there was more than one suspect who entered the store and attempted to steal alcohol.

When officers arrived, they confronted a suspect at the scene. During the encounter, the suspect rammed his vehicle into an occupied patrol car. An officer who was outside the suspect’s vehicle then came into contact with the driver, and a physical struggle ensued.

During the altercation, the officer was pulled into the vehicle as the suspect drove forward, striking both a patrol car and the nearby store.

The officer gave the driver multiple commands to stop the car, but he did not comply. The suspect continued driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed with the officer trapped inside. The officer then discharged his service weapon, striking the suspect. The suspect exited the vehicle on the sidewalk in front of a house on the corner of Southwood Way at Field Brook Court and fled on foot but was apprehended a short time later.  Bittner confirmed, “The suspect was arrested in the area of the Southwood Way location.”

Two K9 Officers could be seen searching the perimeter and a Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Investigator could be seen leaving Southwood Way before detectives arrived.

According to Con Fire Captain Daniel, his agency was called by Antioch Police and Con Fire “transported one individual” to an area hospital. A photographer from Emergency Spotlight who heard the call said, “I woke up early to sirens then turned on the scanner and heard them request a fire engine and ambulance for a person on that street who was shot in the leg.”

Officers provided medical aid at the scene. The suspect sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and the officer suffered minor injuries.

In accordance with department policy, the officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave.

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau is leading the investigation in partnership with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, pursuant to the Contra Costa County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information regarding the incident, is encouraged to contact Detective Becerra at (925) 779-6866 or via email: abecerra@antiochca.gov or by calling the Investigations Bureau at (925) 779-6926.

Details about the suspect have been requested. Please check back for any updates to this report.

Include Dispatchers in public, social media campaign for new contract

“150 days out of contract and no relief in sight.” – APOA

APD Management also out of contract but working under previous one

So far, six Closed Session Conferences with Labor Negotiators held

Share Barbanica’s social media post regarding concerns about City spending more money on another homeless hotel

By Allen D. Payton

Ignoring the advice of City Manager Bessie Scott to Antioch Police Officers Association has continued their public campaign regarding the lack of a contract with the City since the end of August with an added complaint of the difference in pay with other local agencies. They’ve included Dispatchers’ pay in their list of complaints and with posts on their Facebook page and Instagram account as part of their campaign.

Antioch PD Among Lowest Top Step Hourly Pay in County

In a post on the organization’s Facebook page on Friday, Jan. 30, 2025, they show a chart of top step hourly pay for police officers for 17 agencies in Contra Costa County plus, BART Police. It shows Antioch PD has one of the lowest levels of pay. Their contract used to include a requirement that they be paid the second highest in the county, as Antioch is the second largest city by population. But now, 14 other police agencies offer a higher top step pay than Antioch which offers $67.56 per hour.  Neighboring agencies pay more with Oakley PD at $69.93, Brentwood PD at $69.89 and Pittsburg at $69.69. San Ramon PD offers the highest top step pay in the county at $77.81 per hour.

Antioch Dispatchers Also Affected

In a separate post on Saturday, January 31st, the APOA shared a video about Dispatchers’  pay and wrote, “The lack of a contract for the APOA is far more problematic than you may have thought. The pay gap extends to our members in dispatch as well! 150 days out of contract and no relief in sight.”

The video includes an audio narrative with subtitles which reads, “Every call for help in Antioch starts the same way. With a dispatcher answering the phone. But here’s the reality. Antioch police dispatchers are significantly underpaid compared to neighboring agencies.

“Dispatchers at the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and Pittsburg Police earn nine thousand nine hundred dollars more per year than Antioch. Concord dispatchers make twenty-two thousand four hundred four dollars more. Pleasant Hill pays seventeen thousand eighty-eight dollars more. Richmond dispatchers earn twenty-six thousand six hundred seventy-six dollars more annually. Walnut Creek pays seventeen thousand nine hundred seventy-six dollars more. Brentwood pays twelve thousand five hundred sixty-four dollars more. And Martinez pays sixteen thousand forty-four dollars more than Antioch.

“These aren’t small differences. They’re life-changing pay gaps. And they come with real consequences. When experienced dispatchers can earn tens of thousands more by crossing city lines, recruitment suffers. Retention suffers.

“Antioch dispatchers are working understaffed and often work sixteen-hour shifts to cover the empty spots. That means fewer dispatchers, longer wait times, increased stress, and heavier workloads for those who stay.

“If Antioch wants to recruit and retain skilled dispatchers, pay must reflect the responsibility of the job. That means a meaningful contract with competitive salaries. Because when dispatchers leave, everyone in this city feels the impact.”

In addition, APOA has been posting more videos on their Facebook page and Instagram account as part of their campaign.

Antioch Police Management Also Out of Contract

Members of the Antioch Police Sworn Management Association were asked if they have a new contract with the City and if theirs also expired at the end of August. Captain Desmond Bittner responded, “It expired the same time as APOA’s. I had them (the City) add language saying the contract will continue until we worked out a new one.”

Share Former Councilman Barbanica’s Post About City Expenditures for Homeless

The APOA also reposted comments by former Antioch Councilman Mike Barbanica about the City considering spending funds on another homeless hotel writing, “We want the public to see where their money is going!”

In a post on his “Community Member” Facebook page, Barbanica, a former Pittsburg Police Lieutenant, showed a photo of the now closed Comfort Inn, located on Mahogany Way at Highway 4 and Auto Center Drive and entered the discussion writing, “$1,200,000 potentially every year, local taxpayer funded…up to 15 years…

If other funding falls short, Antioch taxpayers are on the hook!

Transparency note: I didn’t author this from a single document. I reviewed staff reports, press reports, spoke with several people familiar with the proposal, and used AI to help compile a neutral, fact-based outline so the numbers could be seen clearly. The goal here is clarity, not advocacy.

Here’s the total City of Antioch financial commitment for the proposed Homekey+ housing project if it is approved and funded by the state:

1. One-time Local Match – The city would provide a one-time contribution of $750,000 toward acquisition and rehabilitation of the property when the Homekey+ award is received.

2. Annual Operating Subsidy – The City would commit up to $1.2 million per year to help operate the facility.

3. Duration of Operating Support – That annual subsidy is for five years, with two optional extensions of five years each (for a potential total of 15 years of subsidy) if the project continues to meet Homekey+ program guidelines.

4. Overall Total Estimate – Based on the staffing report and Council discussion, the total projected financial commitment over the long term is roughly $18 million–$19 million if you include the operating subsidies plus the one-time match (i.e., ~$1.2 M × 15 years = ~$18 M, plus the ~$750 K match).

Summary of Antioch’s Commitment if Homekey+ is Approved

Component Amount

One-time contribution (acquisition/rehabilitation) $750,000, Annual operating subsidy Up to $1.2 M per year

Duration of subsidy 5–15 years (with extensions), Approximate total over full life ~$18 M–$19 M

Important Notes

This commitment only takes effect if the state awards Homekey+ funding and the City moves forward with the project after award.

The operating subsidy requirements could be reduced if alternative funding sources or partners contribute support, but the report assumes the full amount will initially be covered by the City.

WHAT COULD THIS MEAN?

The $1.2 million per year is a CITY / local commitment, not state money.

Now the break down so there’s no ambiguity.

Who pays what in the Antioch Homekey+ project

State of California (Homekey / Homekey+)

Through California Department of Housing and Community Development:

Pays up-front capital costs: Property acquisition, Rehabilitation / conversion, This is a one-time grant, not ongoing funding,

The state does NOT commit to covering long-term operations.

City of Antioch (local funds)

From Antioch: One-time local match, $750,000 (city funds), Annual operating subsidy, Up to $1.2 million per year, Initially 5 years, With two optional 5-year extensions, Potential exposure: up to 15 years

This money comes from local sources: City General Fund, Measure funds / local housing allocations, Other city-controlled revenue (not guaranteed state funding), The staff reports are explicit that the City is responsible for covering operating shortfalls if other funding does not materialize.

What that means… The state helps buy and convert the building, The city commits to keeping it running, If other funding falls short, Antioch taxpayers are on the hook, That’s why council members and staff describe it as a long-term fiscal obligation, not just a grant.”

—————

Six Closed Session Conferences with Labor Negotiators to Discuss Contracts

To date, the City Council, City Manager Bess Scott and a representative from the City Attorney’s Office have held six Closed Session meetings entitled Conference with Labor Negotiators with representatives of the APOA and City employee groups to discuss their contracts. The first one was held August 12 followed by additional meetings on Aug. 26, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, 2025, and Jan. 13 and 27, 2026.

Questions for APOA, City Staff, Council Go Unanswered for Now

Questions were asked of APOA leadership, when did negotiations begin and who represented the organization.

Questions were also emailed on Saturday, January 31st, to City Manager Scott, Mayor Bernal, the four council members and the City Attorney’s Office staff. They were asked, “Why wait so long to begin negotiations when the contracts for at least the APOA and APD Management Association ended on August 31st? Is that usual practice? Why not start sooner? Why didn’t you have meetings before every regular meeting to get things worked out?”

They were also asked, “Besides the APOA and APD Management Association, have the contracts also expire for the other employee groups, including the Management Unit, Treatment Plant Employees’ Association, Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3 and Confidential Unit? If not, when do their contracts expire?”

Finally, the council and staff members were asked, “How long are the new contracts expected to last? One year, two, three or five years?”

The questions were resent to City staff and council members early Tuesday morning, Feb. 3, 2026. But no responses were received prior to publication time. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Warrants served at Pittsburg and Antioch homes to locate 26-year-old Jamir Wilson

UPDATE 1: Held on $150,000 bail

By Lt. William Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

The Antioch Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal hit-and-run of a 17-year-old Jeana Flores of Antioch.

On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the Antioch Police Department executed search warrants at two residences in Pittsburg and Antioch as part of the ongoing investigation. During the operation, officers arrested 26-year-old Jamir Bradley Wilson (born 3/8/1999) without incident on suspicion of hit-and-run causing death. Investigators also recovered evidence from both locations.

As previously reported, on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 3:33 a.m., the Antioch Police Dispatch Center received a report of a person down on the side of the roadway in the area of L Street between West 18th Street and West 10th Street, near the race track at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) directly across the street from the football field in Eells Stadium at Antioch High School.

Responding officers arrived on scene and located an adult female victim. Officers immediately rendered medical aid; however, the victim died at the scene. Based on the findings of the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office autopsy it appeared the victim was struck by a vehicle. (See related article)

This remains an active investigation, and no additional information is being released at this time. Any future updates or press releases will be issued by the Investigations Bureau. The case is expected to be filed with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office later this week.

2/4/26 6:55 PM UPDATE 1: According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 160-pound Wilson is Black and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $150,000 bail.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Antioch Police Detective Robert Ibanez at (925) 481-8398 or Officer James Desiderio at (925) 331-7474 or via email at jdesiderio@antiochca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Oakland Police Department

Vehicles from Solano County, Antioch and Manteca were seized after being involved in illegal sideshow activity and evading officers in Oakland.

With the assistance of the Flock Camera System, Oakland Police Department investigators have identified and seized 16 vehicles so far this year. In 2025, 195 vehicles were towed, and 23 arrests were made for police evasion, reckless driving, and illegal sideshow activity in Oakland.

OPD remains focused on preventing this dangerous and illegal activity that puts the entire community at risk. Investigators are actively working to identify those responsible and hold participants accountable.

We continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to prevent and reduce these dangerous activities. Participation in illegal sideshows in Oakland may result in your vehicle being towed and seized with a 30-day hold.

OPD remains committed to protecting Oakland’s streets and public safety.

Systemwide property crime down 43%, auto thefts decrease by half, robberies by 60%; aggravated assaults up 12%; smaller decreases in Contra Costa County

By San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District

Crime on BART plummeted in 2025, a testament to the hard work of the BART Police Department and the effectiveness of BART’s investment in initiatives and infrastructure that both increase safety and enhance the customer experience.  

Overall crime on BART dropped 41% in 2025 compared to the previous year, with violent crime down 31% and property crime down 43%, according to the December 2025 Chief’s Monthly Report. Additional highlights include auto thefts decreasing by half year over year and robberies decreasing by 60%. The only crime category to see an increase was aggravated assaults which were up 12% over 2024.

In Contra Costa County violent crime was down 24.6% from 61 incidents to 46 and property crime decreased 34.3% from 443 incidents to 291. The only category to increase was burglary structural with 50% more incidents from six to nine.

This substantial decrease in crimes in the system comes as ridership continues to grow steadily, with BART serving nearly 5 million more trips in 2025 than 2024, a year that also saw  ridership growth in addition to a drop in crime.  

“Safety is about more than enforcement. It’s about presence, partnership, and creating an environment where all riders feel comfortable using BART,” said BART Police Chief Kevin Franklin. “BART PD is committed to deterring criminal activity, responding quickly when help is needed, and ensuring riders feel safe throughout their journeys. These numbers demonstrate the impact of officers who are engaged and focused on building trust with the communities BART serves.” 

“Riders are witnessing firsthand the improvements to safety, cleanliness, and customer experience that define the New BART,” said BART General Manager Bob Powers. “We’ve combined infrastructure upgrades, such as improved fare gates and station lighting, with additional safety presence and customer-centered service to make BART a comfortable experience for everyone who rides. I want to thank BART PD for their tireless commitment to serving the public.”  

BART PD boosted the visible safety presence in the system by doubling officer presence systemwide and ensuring police are riding trains more. This approach is strengthened by BART’s ongoing use of unarmed Crisis Intervention Specialists, Transit Ambassadors, Fare Inspectors, and Community Service Officers.  

Safety efforts were also bolstered by the installation of 715 new fare gates at all 50 stations, a project completed in August 2025, four months ahead of schedule. The taller, stronger fare gates are improving the station environment and deterring fare evasion and unwanted behavior. The number of riders who say they’ve witnessed someone not paying has dropped 59% in the last year.  

BART also maintains a network of 4,000+ surveillance cameras, minimizing response time and holding suspects accountable, and continues to install LED lighting on platforms and in parking facilities to eliminate dark corners. Efforts such as these not only improve safety, but the entirety of the BART experience by making the system more welcoming and comfortable.  

In 2025, BART PD continued its robust officer recruitment campaign with a $15,000 hiring bonus ($5,000 upon hire and $10,000 upon completion of the Field Training Program) for laterals and academy graduates and a robust outreach strategy, including a dedicated JoinBARTPD.com recruitment site and the recent launch of a  BART PD Instagram to reach potential recruits where they are.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

UPDATE: A 2012 candidate for Mayor of Antioch, Michael Leon accused of killing then 52-year-old Brenda Leon, held on $1 million bail

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – Today, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office charged 67-year-old Michael Anthony Leon (born 7/17/1958) with the 2015 murder of his wife, Brenda Joyce Leon, who was 52 years old at the time of her death.

After an extensive investigation, the District Attorney’s Cold Case Unit determined that Brenda Leon’s death on September 28th, 2015, was an act of homicide. The investigation uncovered previously unknown digital evidence and new factual details that were central to the decision to file charges.

Michael Leon was taken into custody from his Antioch residence on January 22nd by the DA’s Office Bureau of Investigations. It was initially investigated in 2015 by Antioch PD. He is charged with murder under Penal Code Section 187(a) and personal use of a firearm causing death under Penal Code Section 12022.53(d). If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in prison.

“Brenda Joyce’s family never lost faith that the truth would come to light,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “Today’s filing in Contra Costa Superior Court honors that perseverance and demonstrates that cold cases are never forgotten, regardless of how much time has passed.”

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 190-pound Leon is being held on $1 million bail.

No press release about the incident was issued by Antioch Police at the time, nor was it included in the City Manager’s weekly report which offered the Department’s calls for service highlights for Sept. 24 – Oct. 1, 2015, as provided by then-Police Chief Allan Cantando. Efforts to reach Cantando to ask if he could recall why that occurred was unsuccessful prior to publication time.

2012 Candidate for Mayor of Antioch

8:00 PM UPDATE: It was discovered in the Herald’s archives that Michael Leon was a candidate for Mayor of Antioch in 2012 and a newcomer to politics, placing fourth behind Wade Harper, Gary Agopian and Don Freitas. At the time, his candidate statement showed he was a “Marketing Associate for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning company.”

Later, during the campaign, Leon said he was a business owner and located it in Oakley.

Leon described himself as a “regular Joe” or “Joe the Plumber” type who was encouraged to run by his neighbors after he was featured on Channel 4 news for helping get rid of squatters and some problem Section 8 tenants from his neighborhood. (See related articles here, here and here)

According to her obituary, “Brenda Joyce Leon passed away Monday, September 28, 2015, at the age of 52. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Michael Leon and her two loving children, Michelle Wonders, and Monica Tagas. Brenda was born to James and Myrna Francis in Walnut Creek, CA, on August 28, 1963 – the sixth of nine beautiful children. She called Concord home for 36 years where she truly blossomed in life – obtaining her High School diploma from Carondelet, working for her father’s transportation company, Bay Area Piggyback, Inc., marrying her loving husband, and starting her family. Her greatest pleasure and ultimate solace came from being a doting grandmother to her grandchildren, Michelle Wonders’ daughter Audrey – age 4 and son Elliot – age 1 ½.”

1/25/26 UPDATE: According to an SFGate report, “Brenda’s two adult daughters had doubts from the start that their mother would kill herself. In 2021, they filed a wrongful death suit against a male killer named as ‘John Doe’ in court records. In the lawsuit, they claimed the killer faked a suicide note and staged the scene before police arrived.”

Michael Leon is set to be arraigned in court on January 26th at 1:30 pm in Martinez.

Case No. 01-26-00248 | The People of the State of California v. Michael Anthony Leon

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By City of Antioch

Join us for an important community conversation about human trafficking. We’re screening “Buying Her,” a powerful documentary exposing the realities of human trafficking in America. This is a chance to learn, connect with local advocates and take action.

Friday, January 23 | 6:00 PM

El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. 2nd Street, Antioch

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

• Panel discussion with local experts & service providers
• Q&A session

Why this matters:

• Raise awareness about human trafficking
• Educate on warning signs & prevention
• Inspire action for change

If you or someone you know needs help:

National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888

RSVP: bit.ly/screeningbuyingher

Together, we can make a difference.

In critical, but stable condition

By Acting Lt. Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On Monday January 5, 2026, at 12:38 PM, Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of shots fired in the parking lot of the Delta View Apartment complex located at 3915 Delta Fair Boulevard.

While officers were responding, they learned that an 11-year-old girl had sustained a gunshot wound to the head while inside a vehicle in the apartment complex parking lot. After the shooting, the vehicle left the apartment complex and drove to a nearby shopping center parking lot. Multiple callers reported the vehicle’s location, allowing officers to respond directly to the shopping center.

Upon arrival, officers located the girl inside the vehicle and immediately rendered first aid until relieved by Contra Costa County Fire Department personnel. The girl was transported to Children’s Hospital Oakland, where she is listed in critical, but stable condition.

Preliminary investigation indicates the shooting occurred in the parking lot of the apartment complex. At the time of the incident, the victim was seated in the passenger seat of her family’s vehicle as they were exiting the parking lot. At this stage of the investigation, the family does not appear to have been the intended targets.

“The suspect was on foot when the shooting occurred,” Lt. Bill Whitaker shared. “It’s unclear if he was shooting at someone nearby the vehicle or at the vehicle.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Antioch Police Detective John Cox at (925) 481-8147 or via email at jcox@antiochca.gov.

All additional inquiries regarding this case should be directed to Investigations Lieutenant Whitaker at (925) 779-6876. Further updates will be provided by the Investigations Bureau as they become available.Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.