Photo of possible downtown vandal. Provided by APD.

By Acting Lieutenant Powell Meads #3917, Antioch Police Field Services

On Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 at approximately 9:00 AM, the Antioch Police Department received an online complaint regarding vandalism in the downtown area and specifically at City Hall. Officers responded and located three city vehicles, a door at City Hall, and one local business that had been vandalized with spray paint. The vandalism had occurred sometime during the night and was discovered in the morning.

The following morning (Monday, 11/26), the Antioch Police Department received additional reports of vandalism in the downtown area. Officers responded and discovered black spray paint on numerous business fronts, mostly on W. 2nd Street and “G” Street in downtown Antioch. The vandalism consisted of spray-painted swastikas, vulgar words and phrases, as well as racial slurs. It does not appear at this time that any specific businesses were targeted by the responsible(s).

Officers began canvassing the area for evidence and located surveillance footage that captured the responsible.

Photo of the possible vandal. Provided by APD.

Two still photographs derived from the surveillance are attached below. The first photo is from 11/25/18 where the suspect was captured on surveillance vandalizing the city owned vehicles. The second photo is believed to be the same person and was captured on 11/26/18, although no actual criminal acts were recorded. This case is still actively under investigation with additional surveillance to be collected and reviewed.

This preliminary information is made available by the Field Services Division. Any further information will be provided by the Investigations Bureau.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

A church building on W. 3rd Street was tagged with swastikas and profanity late Sunday night or early Monday morning, Nov. 25 or 26, 2018. Photo by Allen Payton

Photo of possible downtown vandal. From APD Facebook page.

Police have security camera footage of suspect

By Allen Payton

Over 20 buildings, including churches, city hall, businesses and a mural, were hit with black spray paint by vandals over the weekend. Some of the taggings included swastikas and profanity. According to Denise Skaggs from the City of Antioch’s Code Enforcement a total of 22 locations were tagged.

Pastor Eugene Jackson of Church of God Holy, which recently relocated to W. Third Street from their previous location on A Street, said “I was informed by text by one of our members that there were swastikas on the building.”

“When I saw them My heart sunk and I’m deeply saddened, because of the history of racism…against black churches in America,” he continued. “We contacted police and the news media. We want this racist hatred to be exposed… because it does exist in Antioch.

“We just held our second service, yesterday after we purchased the building and closed escrow last week,” Jackson stated. “This is someone who has a disdain for people of color. We are praying for this sick individual.”

Pastor Eugene Jackson speaks in front of his vandalized church on W. 3rd Street, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018. Photo by Allen Payton

When asked when it occurred, he responded, “I was informed at about 8 a.m. It probably happened early this morning between 1 and 3 A.M.”

“The police did mention that there were other buildings that have been vandalized. One had an ATM which has a camera on it. So, they’re hoping that will help them identify the individual,” Jackson added.

Another building on W. Second Street, which is the location of another church, that was vandalized with spray paint. But it appears that an attempt was made to clean it up.

An historic mural on W. 4th Street, commissioned by the Antioch City Council in the late 1990’s, was vandalized, as well. Photo by Allen Payton

In a post on their Facebook page, Monday morning, the Antioch Police wrote, “Over this past weekend, our downtown area was heavily damaged by vandals. Numerous businesses and vehicles were defaced with offensive words and symbols. This criminal behavior is not reflective of our community or our beliefs. As a police department, we are aggressively investigating these crimes. As members of this community, we are saddened and disappointed. Clean-up has already begun and we are now reaching out to our community to help us in identifying the responsible(s). If you have any information that will assist us in our investigation, please contact our Dispatch Center at (925) 778-2441.”

Then at 12:43 p.m. the Antioch Police wrote on their Facebook page, “We have an update on our earlier post regarding vandalisms in the downtown area of our City. Though the case is still being actively investigated, we have located surveillance footage of the suspect. If you recognize him, please contact Antioch Police Dispatch (925) 778-2441.” They also posted several photos of the suspect.

UPDATE 5:00 P.M., 11/26/18 – Good news thanks to the City crews! Most of the damage was cleaned up. According to former Antioch Councilwoman Elizabeth Rimbault, who was on the council when the murals were commissioned in the mid-1990’s, called city staff to inform them, the murals in downtown have been treated with anti-graffiti material.

In addition, Rimbault said she was looking to start a fundraiser for a summertime repair to the paint that came off and some of the peeling.

Takes life of teenager

By CHP-Contra Costa

Monday night at about 9:28pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a three-vehicle collision at Highway 4 eastbound at Willow Pass Road in Concord. Upon CHP and emergency personnel arrival, three vehicles were located at the scene (a Chevrolet Chevelle, a Nissan Sedan, and a Mitsubishi Lancer) and tragically the driver of the Mitsubishi (19-year-old male) was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet sustained major injuries and was determined to be under the influence and later arrested. The driver of the Nissan had only minor injuries and did not go to the hospital. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased driver. Please direct inquires to them.

In the initial investigation, it appears that the driver of the Chevrolet (Willie David Hamlin, DOB-12/25/1971, from Antioch) was traveling eastbound on Highway 4 at a high rate of speed approaching Willow Pass Road in Concord. He veered his vehicle to the right and crashed into the metal guard rail to the right of the roadway. Then he allowed his vehicle to veer back into the lanes of traffic and collided with the Nissan, but only caused minor damage. He then continued across the lanes towards the #1 lane where he collided in a broadside manner into the Mitsubishi with the 19-year-old driver, subsequently killing him. The 44-year-old driver of the Nissan only sustained minor injuries and was able to walk away. Hamlin suffered major injuries (but not life threatening) and was transported to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek. While there, CHP conducted a DUI investigation and he was subsequently placed under arrest for FELONY DUI and GROSS VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER. Due to Hamlin’s injuries, he remains at the hospital for treatment but upon his release, CHP will take him into custody and book him into the county jail. His release from the hospital at this time is unknown.

This collision is still under investigation and if anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980. Thank you.

Unfortunately, this is another reminder of the carnage and impact that DUI driving can cause and to know that impaired driving is 100% preventable, 100% of the time is even more disastrous. Please never drive impaired.

New Antioch Police Officer Riley Kathain with Chief Tammany Brooks following the oath of office ceremony on Nov. 15, 2018. Photo by APD

By Tammany Brooks, Antioch Chief of Police

Today, we are swearing in another member of our APD family. Join us in welcoming Officer Riley Kathain.

Riley grew up in Brentwood and graduated from Heritage High School in 2009. After High School, Riley attended Los Medanos College and put himself through the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Academy. Upon completion of the academy, Riley went back to school full time while working for his father’s construction company and received his Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice.

Prior to being hired by Antioch PD, Riley worked as a lineman for AT&T. In July 2017, Riley was hired as a Community Services Officer with the Antioch Police Department and spent most of his time working as one of our jailers. He recently completed the Basic Academy requalification course at the Napa Valley Criminal Justice Training Center. His childhood dream was to be an Antioch Police Officer, so Riley is very excited to advance his career here at Antioch PD.

In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, trips to the mountains, and playing golf.

A funny fact about Riley is that he regularly watches Wheel of Fortune and hopes to one day be a contestant on the show.

That brings the total sworn officers on the Antioch Police force to 100.

By Sergeant Matthew Harger #3305, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 at about 7:30 pm, Antioch Police units were dispatched to the 2500 block of D Street regarding a shooting. When Officer’s arrived on scene a 20-year-old male victim was found on the sidewalk suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Evidence at the location suggested numerous gunshots were fired into an occupied residence by someone in a passing vehicle. The victim was struck by the gunfire while he was inside of the home. The victim was transported to a local hospital suffering from multiple non-life-threatening gunshot wounds which were a result of this shooting. There is not any suspect information at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441 or 925-779-6884. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

New Antioch Police Officer Calvin Prieto takes his oath of office administered by Chief Tammany Brooks, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018. Photos by APD

By Chief Tammany Brooks

Please join us in welcoming our newest Police Officer, Calvin Prieto!

New Antioch Police Officer Calvin Prieto with Chief Brooks.

Calvin grew up in San Leandro and graduated from San Leandro High School in 2007. After High School, Calvin enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. As a Marine, Calvin deployed several times including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Humanitarian aid services in Myanmar. Calvin was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant in 2011.

After returning to the Bay Area in 2011, Calvin put himself through the Alameda County Sheriff’s Regional Training Center. Upon graduation, in February 2012, Calvin was hired by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and was assigned to custodial services as a deputy. He left ACSO in 2014 to work for the city of San Leandro as a Police Officer.

While working as a police officer, Calvin attended school part time and obtained his bachelors degree from the American Military University in Criminal Justice in 2014. He later returned to JFK University in June 2018, and obtained a masters degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Organizational Leadership. Calvin is excited to bring over his family to the Antioch Police Department and serve the community.

In his free time, Calvin enjoys spending time with family and friends and enjoys taking his family on road trips.

A fun fact about Calvin is that he has participated in the U.S. Police & Fire Olympics and has won two gold medals in the “prestigious” sport of Dodgeball. His pre-game routine includes watching the movie “Dodgeball,” and quoting Ben Stiller.

Asked how many officers are now on the force, Brooks responded, “We’re at 99 right now. I anticipate being at 100 by end of the year.” Previously he stated there are six recruits in the academy that he hopes to have on the force by early next year.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch SWAT arrives on scene on Deerfield Drive where the standoff occurred, Monday night, Nov. 5, 2018. Photo by Allen Payton

By Sergeant John Fortner, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau, Violent Crimes Unit

On Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 at approximately 7:26 pm, a citizen called the Antioch Police Department to report that their neighbor (a 32-year-old male) threatened him with a firearm. When officers responded, they contacted the reporting party and learned about an on-going dispute between the two neighbors. During this day’s incident, the victim and his neighbor were standing outside attempting to mediate the issues when another family member brandished a black semi-automatic firearm in a threatening manner. The victim returned to his residence and called the police.

When officers arrived, they learned about the dispute and the brandishing that happened just moments prior. As officers approached the suspect’s residence, he called out to them from an open upstairs window. The officers identified themselves and their purpose for being there. The suspect told them he would be right down. Upon opening the front door, and without warning, the officers were immediately fired upon. One officer was struck in the head and retreated to a parked vehicle. The officer’s injuries were visibly consistent with being struck by gunfire, and other officers at the scene reported that an officer had been shot. The suspect retreated into the house and closed the door barricading himself. The victim officer began bleeding profusely and was quickly transported to a local area trauma center.

Shortly afterwards, police supervisors arrived at the scene and a call for emergency support and mutual aid was requested. With the assistance of responding allied agencies, the scene was quickly contained and cordoned off. Initially, a shelter-in-place was initiated for the immediate neighborhood while officers were attempting to establish contact with the occupants of the residence.

The response to the Officer Involved Critical Incident included the Contra Costa County Sherriff’s Office, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, the District Attorney’s Office, and numerous local allied agencies. The response provided valuable support to the Antioch Police Department’s SWAT Team, the Hostage Negotiation Team, the Investigations Bureau, and Command Staff.

During preliminary negotiations with family members, it was learned that the 32-year-old suspect was refusing to surrender peacefully. The barricaded suspect was home with his parents, and information developed that the suspect had a history of law enforcement contact in another city, which involved the possession and use of a black semi-automatic firearm that currently showed to be registered to him.

During the standoff, one family member exited the house. One other family member did not exit, and it was unknown if they were being held against their will. As the standoff continued, it was discovered that the injured officer sustained multiple non-life-threatening injuries consistent with being shot by a high-powered BB-type firearm. Once this information became known, Hostage Negotiation Team members continued to work with family members at the scene to build rapport with the suspect, which led to the peaceful surrender of the responsible and a successful resolution to the incident.

As the suspect was transported to the Antioch Police Department jail for booking, the Investigations Bureau took over the investigation with the assistance of senior inspectors from the District Attorney’s office. A search warrant was served at the location and two high-powered BB-type rifles were recovered along with a BB-type replica of a black full-sized semi-automatic pistol, BB ammunition, and live pistol ammunition.

At the conclusion of the investigation, this case will be referred to the District Attorney’s office for the felony charges of PC 245(c), Assault w/a Deadly Weapon Other than a Firearm on a Peace Officer; PC 422, Criminal Threats; and PC 417.8, Brandishing a Deadly Weapon at a Peace Officer.

The Antioch Police Department wishes to express sincere gratitude for the outpouring of support and assistance during this critical incident, from the beginning through to its peaceful resolution.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925)778-2441 or Detective Gonzalez at 925-779-6923. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Police cars from a variety of agencies line Deerfield Drive where the suspect was holed up in his home, Monday night. Photo by Allen Payton

By Sgt. William Dee, Antioch Police Patrol Bureau

On Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 at approximately 7:45 p.m., Antioch Police responded to 4559 Deerfield Way for a report of a man with a gun. While on scene, a 32-year-old male resident, shot one of the responding officers, striking him in the head. The officer was rushed to an area hospital, where he was treated and later released with minor injuries. Numerous area police agencies responded to the scene and set up a perimeter. (See related article).

After a 5-hour stand-off, the suspect surrendered to police and was taken into custody without incident. The suspect is currently in custody at the Contra Costa County Detention Facility.

Any further information or additional press releases will be provided by the Investigations Bureau at (925) 779-6939. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

See more photos on the Antioch Herald Facebook page.