Archive for the ‘Police & Crime’ Category

Antioch Council will discuss 41 existing, 16 potential lawsuits during special closed session Thursday

Thursday, June 18th, 2026

Several related to alleged police civil rights violations

Will also discuss city attorney performance evaluation

By Allen D. Payton

During a special closed session meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2026, the Antioch City Council will meet with legal counsel to discuss 41 existing lawsuits, 16 potential lawsuits and the performance evaluation of City Attorney Lori Asuncion. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers before adjourning behind closed doors.

Some of the lawsuits were among those also discussed by the city council during their meeting on Dec. 19, 2024.

Existing Lawsuits

1) Jayson Robinson v. Antioch Unified School District, Antioch Water Park, City of Antioch, Contra Costa Superior Court, (Case No.C20-02420). – Former student with a heart disorder who almost drowned during a class outing. (See related article)

2) Trent Allen, et al. v. City of Antioch, et al., United States District Court Northern District of California, (Case No. 3:23-cv-01895-TSH). – Ongoing civil rights class action lawsuit against the City, as well as police officers and former chiefs. Plaintiffs also include Shagoofa Khan, Adam Carpenter, Joshua Butler, Diego Savala, Kardell Smith, Dejon Richards, Dreshawn Jackson and David Mackin. Defendants also include former Police Chiefs Tammany Brooks, Tony Morefield, Steven Ford, and former officers Josh Evans, Eric Rombough, Morteza Amiri, Scott Duggar, John Ramirez, Timothy Manly Williams, Tom Lenderman, Loren Bledsoe and Thomas Smith. As previously reported, Allen is one of four suspects convicted of the 2021 murder of Arnold Marcel Hawkins and the attempted murder of Aaron Patterson. He and the other plaintiffs claim civil rights violations by the officers. The case appeared to be settled last year. But, without explanation from City staff, continues to be adjudicated. (See Settlement and related articles here and here)

3) Ashika Kanji v. City of Antioch, Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C24-00795). Personal Injury and Torts – Motor Vehicle lawsuit.

4) Reagan DeGuzman v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No.C23-00666).

5) Nicholas Warner v. County of Contra Costa, City of Antioch, Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C23-02689). According to an EINPresswire report, “a bicyclist was injured when a designated bike lane was abruptly blocked by a locked metal gate located in an insufficiently illuminated section of (a developing) roadway.” According to court documents, “Plaintiff alleges he was injured while riding a bicycle between 10:30 and 11:00 pm on property owned by the City of Antioch” and amount demanded is $35,000. New home developer “K. Hovnanian plans to file a cross-complaint against Teichert Construction, Inc. and/or All Commercial Fence, Inc., the parties responsible for erecting and/or maintaining the gate alleged to have caused the injury.”.

6) Susan Shintaku v. City of Antioch, Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C24-00356).

7) O.Y. a Decedent, et al., v. Contra Costa County, et al., United States District Court Northern District of California, (Case No. 3:24-cv-05154-PHK). Civil rights lawsuit by plaintiffs A.Y. a minor, W.Y. a minor and O.Y. a decedent. Defendants include Jessika Fulcher, Sr Worren Young, City of Antioch, Contra Costa County, Flynne Lewis, Raji Ponnaluri, Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation, Colleen Sullivan and The Learning Center.

8) Jordan Davis v. County of Contra Costa, et al., United States District Court Northern District of California, (Case No.4:21-cv-04651). The complaint, filed on June 16, 2021, alleges civil rights violations. Defendants include County of Contra Costa, Nicole Martinez, Brian Rose, Ashley Crandall, Vernita James, Hutchings Christian, City of Antioch.

9) Nirvana Allen v. City of Antioch, Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No.C22-02401).

10) Lamar Young v. Sgt. Stenger, et al., United States District Court Northern District of California, (Case No. 21-cv-08131-DMR).  Young is one of two brothers arrested in 2020 for a brutal sexual assault of a woman and convicted in 2022 of sex crimes and robbery. (See related articles here and here).

According to court documents, this is a civil rights case filed Aug. 15, 2023, by self-represented Plaintiff Lamar Young. He alleges “that the following Defendants employed by the Antioch Police Department (“APD”) used excessive force against him during an interrogation on October 29, 2020, in West County Detention Center in Contra Costa County: Sergeant James Stenger; and Detectives Kelly Inabnett, Mellone, and Bledsoe.Plaintiff asserts that during the interrogation, he refused Defendants’ request that he put on a mask in order for them to take a photograph of him wearing it.Plaintiff alleges that when he refused to put on the mask, Stenger, Mellone and Bledsoe forced him to wear it, using excessive force against him in the process. Plaintiff further claims that Inabnett failed to intervene to stop the use of excessive force. Plaintiff also alleges a state law claim of negligence against Stenger for failing to prevent a ‘safety issue’.”

11) Jessie Wilson and Dajon Smith v. City of Antioch, et al., United States District Court Northern District of California, (Case No. 4:24-cv-02758-JSW). A federal civil rights lawsuit filed on May 8, 2024, against the City of Antioch, and individual, now former, police officers Morteza Amiri, Eric Rombough, and Devon Wenger, former Chief Tammany Brooks and DOES 1-50.

12) Pat Stack, et al., v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C24-01065).

13) Mary Reed v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C24-01367).

14) Marilou Gecale v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-01383).

15) Michael Sweets v. Antioch Police Department, et al., United States District Court for the Northern District of California, (Civil Action No. 24-9275 VC). According to Justia.com, the case is a Prisoner: Civil Rights complaint filed by Michael Sweets, a pretrial detainee at West County Detention Facility in Contra Costa County. The case involves allegations of false arrest and search and seizure of Sweets’s vehicle.

16) Estate of Linda Woolridge, et al. v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-01750). The case arose from the tragic death of Woolridge, a 29‑year‑old mother of two, who was fatally struck by a drunk driver, Antioch resident Alexander Mayorga, while riding her bicycle on Lone Tree Way in the early morning of July 27, 2024. (See related Herald articles here, here and here)

17) Kathryn Wade, et al. v. City of Antioch, et al., United States District Court for Northern California (Civil Action No. 3:25-cv-03200-TSH). – Filed by Wade on April 9, 2025, other plaintiffs include S.B., China Young, Adrian Arroyo and Brandon Lopez. Defendants named in the suit include City of Antioch, current or former Chief A. Morefield, Chief Tammany Brooks, Sgt. Evans, Sgt. Jimmy Wisecarver, Sgt. Stenger, Officers Kelly Inabnett, Aaron Hughes, Morteza Amiri, Devon Wenger, Eric Allen Rombough, Jacob Ewart and Michael Mellone.

According to the East Bay Times, Wade previously sued the City and two police officers, Michael Mellone and Jacob Ewart, in March 2023. The Antioch City Council voted in November 2024 to pay Wade $349,000 as part of a settlement. She claimed her son Malad Baldwin was assaulted by Antioch Police Department officers in 2014.

“The lawsuit said that Baldwin was seated in Wade’s car, which was parked in front of their house, when two Antioch police officers — James Colley and Casey Brogdon — approached the car, opened the passenger door and yanked Baldwin out. The two officers then kicked and beat him with a flashlight even after he lost consciousness, court documents state. Wade, who was present during the incident, also reportedly sustained physical and mental injuries.

“In her complaint, Wade claimed that apart from the alleged assault of Baldwin, Antioch officer Santiago Castillo had also verbally assaulted and pointed a gun at her while she was in a wheelchair that same month. She also alleged that Baldwin was again beaten at least three times in September and December of 2019, as well as in March 2020.”

Baldwin, who, according to Localcrimenews.com, had been arrested multiple times between 2014 and 2020, died March 13, 2021. However, according to his mother, he was never convicted of a crime.

18) Angelia Baxter v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-02194). According to Law.com, the personal injury lawsuit is for damages arising from an incident that occurred on city property or premises.

19) Espiridion Puga v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-03209).

20) Jonathan Smith v. City of Antioch, et al., United States District Court for the Northern District of California, (case No. 4:25-cv05572-KAW). Civil rights lawsuit.

21) Antioch Police Officers Association v. City of Antioch, Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. N23-1629). As previously reported by the Herald, the APOA’s attorney, Mike Rains, said the lawsuit is to obtain then-Mayor Lamar Thorpe’s phone records because the City won’t provide them, claiming they couldn’t find any. The Public Records Act request covers the nine days prior to Thorpe’s Wednesday, March 30, 2023, press conference when he spoke about the investigation into the racist text scandal among Antioch officers.

22) Christopher Martinez v. City of Antioch, Antioch Police Department, et al., Contra Costa County Superior Court, (Case No. C24-03123). Civil – Labor and Employment lawsuit.

23) Annette Bullock, et al. v. City of Antioch, Contra Costa County Superior Court (Case No. C19-01331). Lawsuit by 17 retired City employees over medical after retirement health benefits.

24) California Resources Production Corporation v. City of Antioch, Before the Public Utilities Commission of the State of California, (A.23-07-008, MSN21-2354). – Regarding the previous council’s shutdown of the natural gas pipeline. (See related articles, here and here)

25) Devon Wenger v. Antioch Police Department, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-00578). – By former Antioch Police Officer convicted, sentenced to 7.5 years in prison for conspiring to violate civil rights, distribute steroids, and obstructing justice. Wenger claims he was framed and retaliated against as a whistleblower. (See related articles here and here)

26) Brittany Hopper v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-00988).

27) Donna Miles v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-00148).

28) Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-00916, C25-02768) According to Law.com, this is a real property judicial foreclosure action. Defendants also include Does 1 through 20 (undisclosed), the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the Testate and Intestate Successors of Darrell Oliver, Deceased, and all persons claiming by, through or under such decedent.

29) Royal Pacific Funding Corporation v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (C25-01851).

30) Linda Price v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No.C25-01700).

31) Gary Dartez & Tamisha Latimore v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Limited Civil Jurisdiction, Contra Costa County, (Case No. N25-1849) Rent Program. Filed Sept. 17, 2025, the defendants include Redwood Property Investors III, LLC.

32) Lucia B. Albers & Elizabeth Ann Iannaccone v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. N26-0037). A civil action by developer of the Albers Ranch 294-home project in the Sand Creek Area. Although approved by the City Council in January 2025, Albers claims discrimination and she’s being overcharged fees that make her project financially unviable. Plaintiffs are seeking a writ of mandate and declaratory relief against the City of Antioch.

33) Katie Harrison v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-03507).

34) Karl Brownlee v. City of Antioch and California Community Housing Agency, Superior Court of the State of California, Limited Civil Jurisdiction, Contra Costa County, (Case No. N26-0212) Rent Program.

35) Wintrust Mortgage, a Division of Barrington Bank & Trust Company, N.A. v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C26-00295).

36) Shimmick Construction Co., et al, v. City of Antioch, et al., United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Oakland Division, (Case No. 3:25-cv-05618 & 25CV109652 [Superior Court of  Alameda]). For Unlimited Breach of Contract/Warranty by the General Contractor for non-payment for work on the City’s Brackish Water Desalination Plant in which they are seeking damages of $30 million plus interest. (See related article)

37) Dason Melius v. J. Yega, City of Antioch Police Officer, et al., United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. 25-cv-06956-CRB). Filed on May 5, 2026, by a a pretrial detainee at Contra Costa County’s West County Detention Facility (WCDF). According to court documents, “Plaintiff alleges that on September 22, 2023, he was arrested by several City of Antioch Police Department officers who used excessive force against him. He specifically alleges that officers J. Yega and Joseph Chandler ‘lift and throw [plaintiff] to the ground face down, with handcuffs.’ FAC (ECF No. 12) at 5. Then officers Chandler and B. Lassas ‘bounced on plaintiff’s legs while they were bent backwards,’ and officers Lassas and Aguilar ‘appl[ied] pressure or force to plaintiff’s back, pushing air out, stopping his ability to breathe.’ Id. Plaintiff further alleges a series of purported violations in connection with the conditions of his subsequent confinement at MDF (Martinez Detention Facility) and WCDF in 2024. Among other things, he alleges that various correctional staff at MDF and WCDF were deliberately indifferent to his health and safety needs and interfered with his right of access to the courts.”

38) Jami Bruno, the Estate of Gabriel Gaspar v. Contra Costa County et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-00820-EGW). A Personal Injury and Torts – Motor Vehicle lawsuit. Defendants include the City of Antioch, Contra Costa County Fire Emergency Services and Contra Costa County Fire Rescue Services. According to court documents, “The incident occurred on March 20, 2024, at the intersection of W. Fourth St. and L Street in Antioch.”

The lawsuit alleges, “Gabriel Gaspar was involved in a motorcycle-vehicle collision outside the Antioch Police Station. Antioch Police Department personnel arrived first and began resuscitation efforts, successfully reviving Gaspar two to three times. Contra Costa County Fire Emergency Services and Fire Rescue personnel arrived and took over medical care. However, they negligently ordered Antioch Police personnel to stop CPR and failed to continue life-saving resuscitation efforts. Defendants breached their duty by ceasing resuscitation efforts prematurely, in direct violation of established protocols. Defendants failed to act with reasonable care when they stopped resuscitation efforts.”

39) Christian Gutierrez et al. v. City of Antioch et al., United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. 3:24-cv-01697-JSC). Civil rights violation complaint against Gonzalez Adrian, Antioch Police Department, City of Antioch, Stenger James, Vincent James, Harger Matt, Thomas Steve, Doo Will. Filed by Rosalba Zendejas, Christian Gutierrez, Giovanni Gutierrez.

40) Javier Elias Aguilar v. Anthony Valdez, Jr. et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C23-00410). According to Unicourt.com, on 02/24/2023 Aguilar filed a Personal Injury and Torts – Motor Vehicle lawsuit. Defendants also include Officer Ryan Duff and City of Antioch.

41) Jasmine Morris-Hughes v. Alameda Contra Costa Transit District et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-01756). According to UniCourt.com, on 06/20/2025 Morris-Hughes filed a Personal Injury and Torts – Motor Vehicle lawsuit. Defendants also include the City Of Antioch, County of Contra Costa and Does 1 to 50, inclusive. Court documents claim, Bus Driver Toby Sanders  “negligently, carelessly, recklessly, willfully, wantonly, and tortiously operated a motor vehicle in the defective mechanical condition of a motor vehicle…in such a manner so as to cause the motor vehicle to begin the chain of events which ended up with Plaintiff MORRIS-HUGHES was thrown to the right after an unsafe left turn, causing her physical, bodily, mental, and emotional injury. Plaintiff was injured in her health, strength, and activities, and sustained injury to her body and shock and injury to her nerves and nervous system, all of which have caused and continue to cause her great mental, physical, and emotional pain…”

The meeting will begin and end inside the Council Chambers located at City Hall, 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown. The City Attorney will report out of Closed Session any action taken by the Council.

53-year-old Antioch man fatally shot in Stockton

Tuesday, June 16th, 2026

Had criminal record dating back to 2014

By Allen D. Payton

According to the Stockton Police Department, a homicide occurred on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 12:15 AM on Battlement Drive in the Seaport District.

The male victim, 53, was in an argument with the known suspect when the suspect pulled out a gun and shot him in the leg. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Detectives responded and assumed the investigation.

According to the San Joaquin County Medical Examiner’s Office as Ceasar Raasann Ammons, Sr. of Antioch.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-foot, four-inch tall, 225-pound Ammons had a history of 12 arrests dating back to 2014.

An effort to obtain the suspect’s name was unsuccessful prior to publication time. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Five arrested for retail theft at Antioch Target store

Friday, June 5th, 2026
A woman and man are two of five arrested for retail theft of the Antioch Target store and the gun and stolen items confiscated on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Photos: Antioch PD

One suspect celebrated his 54th birthday in county jail, 30-year-old female accomplice has history of arrests

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Police Department shared on Thursday, June 4, 2026, “We teamed up with the Target Corporation for a proactive enforcement operation at our local Target store on Lone Tree Way. The mission was clear: disrupt organized retail crime, stop ongoing theft, and keep our shopping centers safe through proactive surveillance and rapid intervention.

“Thanks to the seamless teamwork between our officers and Target’s asset protection team, the operation successfully removed a dangerous weapon and multiple offenders from our streets.

“The Results:

  • 2 Felony arrests
  • 3 Misdemeanor arrests
  • Approx. $1,000 in stolen merchandise recovered
  • 1 Illegally possessed, loaded handgun seized.

“We deeply value our local business owners and workers. We remain committed to working hand in hand with them to prevent crime, protect their livelihoods, and ensure a safe environment for everyone who lives, works, and shops in Antioch.”

Felony Suspect Celebrates Birthday in Jail, Female Accomplice Has History of Arrests

According to Antioch PD CitizenRIMS, arrested on Thursday, June 4, 2026, were 54-year-old Robert Jack Murley on his birthday, and 30-year-old Sarah Lynn Garcia, together, as well as 51-year-old Patrick Joseph McCloud and 27-year-old Giovanna Elizabeth Villanueva Vela.

6/10/26 UPDATE: According to Lt. Franco Caesar, the fifth person arrested was Eric Linsey, an 18-year-old Black male from Antioch who stole lotion and cheese. He was charged with a misdemeanor.

The five-foot, eight-inch tall, 165-pound Murley is White and was arrested at 1:31 p.m. for five felonies. His charges include conspiracy to commit a crime (F), carrying a concealed weapon on a person (F), possession of a non-registered firearm (F), felon or addict in possession/etc. of a firearm (F), and petty theft with two or more priors – shoplifting (F).

The five-foot, three-inch tall, 115-pound Garcia is White, was also arrested at 1:31 p.m. for two felonies. She was charged with petty theft with two or more priors – shoplifting (F) and conspiracy to commit a crime (F).

Murley’s and Garcia’s Case Number is 26-5110 and the Incident Number is 2606040140.

The six-foot, three-inch tall, 180-pound McCloud is White and was arrested at 12:39 p.m. and/or 7:00 p.m. for misdemeanor shoplifting. He was issued a summons and cited. His Case Number is 26-5125.

The five-foot, two-inch tall, 135-pound Villanueva Vela is Hispanic and was arrested at 4:38 p.m., also for misdemeanor shoplifting. She was also issued a summons and cited. Her Case Number is 26-5117 and the Incident Number is 2606040140.

According to Antioch PD CitizenRIMS the details of Linsey’s arrest are as follows:

Shoplifting (M)  Crime: 459.5(A) PC  Crime Type: Larceny/theft  Crime Classification: Misdemeanor
Address: 5700 Block of Lone Tree Way, Antioch  Occurred: 6/4/2026 at 4:40 PM
Case Number: 26-5119 Incident Number: 2606040140

No additional information about the suspect could be found in an online search.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Murley, born 6/4/1972, is Hispanic and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Garcia, born 3/22/1996, is Hispanic and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail. She has an out-of-county court date scheduled for June 8th at 1:30 p.m.

According to localcrimenews.com, Garcia is from Antioch and has a history of 11 arrests since 2023, for crimes including vehicle theft, grand theft, receiving stolen property, possession of burglar’s tools, drug possession and on March 24th by Antioch Police for false impersonation of another in his/her private or official capacity for a second time.

According to localcrimenews.com, McCloud lives in Richmond and was arrested Oct. 4, 2025, for possession of a narcotic controlled substance and on March 25, 2026, for warrants or holds only.

East County Vehicle Theft Suppression operation results in six arrests, four illegal firearms seized, more

Thursday, June 4th, 2026
12 law enforcement agencies participated in the operation on May 21, 2026. Photos: Antioch PD

Multi-agency effort in Antioch, Pittsburg, Oakley

By Antioch Police Department

On Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Antioch Police Department hosted a Vehicle Theft Suppression and Enforcement Team (VSET) operation involving the cities of Antioch, Pittsburg and Oakley. The operation brought together 65 officers from 12 law enforcement agencies across Contra Costa County, including the CHP Contra Costa and Contra Costa County Probation Department.

As a result of the coordinated enforcement effort, officers conducted 112 enforcement stops, leading to:

• 6 felony arrests

• Recovery of 4 illegal firearms

• 22 citations issued

• Arrest of three subjects following a pursuit of a vehicle wanted in connection with felony charges

• Recovery of an occupied stolen vehicle and the arrest of its occupant

• Recovery of 5 abandoned stolen vehicles

• 9 vehicles impounded

In addition to enforcement activities, officers partnered with Contra Costa County Probation to conduct probation searches at 11 locations and worked alongside CHP on a business inspection.

This operation highlights the effectiveness of regional collaboration in addressing crime, enhancing public safety, and improving the quality of life throughout our communities. We thank all participating agencies for their commitment and teamwork in making this operation a success.

Coffee with a Cop Thursday, May 21st

Tuesday, May 19th, 2026

Antioch Police seek individual, public’s help IDing him, regarding March homicide

Thursday, May 14th, 2026
The driver of the white car seen on W. 2nd Street in these City Hall surveillance camera video screenshots is sought by police regarding the homicide on March 13, 2026. Source: Antioch PD

48-year-old Concord man with history of arrests died from injuries sustained in beating near Antioch waterfront

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

The Antioch Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the driver of the vehicle pictured above in connection with an ongoing investigation related to an incident that occurred on March 13, 2026.

Investigators would like to speak with this individual to obtain additional information and better understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As previously reported, on Friday, March 13th at 5:42 p.m., Antioch police officers responded to the 700 block of W. 1st Street for a report of a physical fight in progress.

UPDATE 1: The 48-year-old victim, later identified as Leon Belcher of Concord, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He never regained consciousness and was removed from life support on March 21, 2026.

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau is actively investigating this incident.

Anyone who recognizes the driver or has information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact Detective Jeong at (925) 779-6933 or jjeong@antiochca.gov.

UPDATE 2: According to localcrimenews.com, he was White and five-feet, 11 inches tall, with a history of arrests dating back to 2014, including just nine days before on March 4th in Solano County for driving without a license suspended for drunk driving. His previous arrests were for crimes including assault, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse, false imprisonment by violence, cruelty to a child by inflicting injury and child endangerment.

Leon Belcher. Source: GoFundMe

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds to pay for Belcher’s cremation. According to Nicole Mathews, who set up the page, “Leon Belcher was the loving father of Cameron and Michael Belcher. He lived life with a carefree spirit, always ready for a fishing trip or a ride on his Harley. Leon was surrounded by many friends who loved him dearly, and he brought joy and adventure to everyone who knew him.

“On March 13th, Leon suffered a tragic injury in Antioch, California, when he was struck in the head. He was placed on life support at the hospital, and after a difficult week, his two sons made the heartbreaking decision to take him off life support on March 21st.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Response by Antioch Police Community Engagement Team officers leads to job for homeless man

Wednesday, April 29th, 2026
Antioch Police Community Engagement Team Officers Riosbaas (left) and Shipilov (center) check on Harry on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, who was given a job by 7-Eleven owner Mena. Photo by Antioch PD

By Antioch Police Department

On Thursday, April 23, 2026, officers with the Antioch Police Community Engagement Team responded to a report of an unhoused individual trespassing on private property. When Officers Riosbaas and Shipilov arrived, they made contact with a young man named Harry. During their conversation with Harry, he explained that he had been experiencing homelessness for an extended period of time and was making efforts to obtain employment, so he could afford housing and transportation, but had been unsuccessful so far despite applying to several local businesses.

Officers used their contacts with Mena, the owner of 7-Eleven on Sunset Lane and Davison Drive, and gave Mena Harry’s contact information. Within 15 minutes Mena called Harry and set up a job interview while officers Riosbaas and Shipilov were still on scene. Harry was extremely grateful for the opportunity! Officers gave Harry some pointers for the interview and he aced it! Harry was hired and his first day of work was April 26, 2026.

Officers Riosbaas and Shipilov checked in on Harry on Tuesday, April 28 to congratulate him on his success and took the opportunity to pose with him and Mena.

These are the contacts that make a difference in our community. At the Antioch Police Department, our Community Engagement Team is committed to more than just enforcement. They’re here to build relationships, connect people with resources, and help create pathways to success.

This is just one example of how collaboration, compassion, and proactive policing can positively impact lives. We would like to thank Mena for being willing to give Harry an opportunity, and we wish Harry continued success in this next chapter.

Antioch Police to hold community meeting Monday, April 27

Saturday, April 25th, 2026
Map source: Antioch PD

By City of Antioch

Join us for a community meeting with the Antioch Police Department on Monday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Ignatius Church, 3351 Contra Loma Blvd.

During the meeting, we will share updates and discuss issues or concerns affecting the community. This is an opportunity to ask questions, receive helpful information and engage directly with your Police Department.

For those attending, please note:

– Enter through the Parish Hall entrance

– Park in the nearby lot as shown in the attached location photos

– Please do not enter through the main church entrance

We encourage all interested community members to attend.

To contact the Antioch Police Department call (925) 779-6900 and to learn more visit www.antiochca.gov/186/Police-Department.