Apprehended by Antioch Police dog

By Acting Lieutenant Rick Martin #3343, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On Sunday, February 11, 2018, at approximately 2:36 pm, CHP officers notified Antioch Police Dispatch they were in pursuit of an armed carjacking vehicle out of Oakland on the city streets of Antioch. The pursuit came to an end when the suspect, a 35-year-old Antioch resident, pulled into the driveway of a residence in the 4500 block of Elkhorn Way near Deerfield Drive.

The suspect would not exit the vehicle and did not comply with commands given by officers on scene. Less than lethal rounds were fired into the vehicle, blowing out the windows and an Antioch PD canine was deployed. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident. There were no injuries to officers or residents in the area. Oakland PD came to the scene and took over the investigation.

According to witnesses the man appeared to be Hispanic. But, his identity has not yet been released.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact the Oakland Police Department. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

By Sergeant John Fortner #3264, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau Violent Crimes Unit

On Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018, at approximately 10:22 AM, a resident from the 1200 block of “C” Street called 911 to report that an elderly female family member had been assaulted and was possibly deceased. The caller, fearing for their safety, fled from the residence to phone the police. Several officers responded to the residence. When they arrived, officers found a 76-year-old elderly female on the living room floor bound in tape suffering from numerous serious injuries.

The caller reported that a 44-year-old white male, family member admitted to assaulting the victim over the course of several hours and was possibly under the influence of narcotics. The suspect fled the scene in his vehicle as officers were responding but, was quickly located in the neighborhood. A short vehicle pursuit ensued, and the suspect led the officers to the area of “A” Street and Railroad Avenue. The chase came to an end when the officers disabled the suspect’s vehicle and took him into custody.

The victim was rushed to a local area hospital and is currently in stable, but critical condition. The suspect was also treated at a local area hospital and cleared for incarceration.

This incident is currently under investigation.

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

Also wanted for felony assault, had federal warrant for his arrest

By Sergeant John Fortner #3264, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau Violent Crimes Unit

On Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018, members of the Antioch Police Department saw Lloyd Joseph Harris, Jr. (age 40 of Antioch) driving a car on Golf Course Road near Lone Tree Way. The officers recognized Harris and knew that he had a federal warrant for his arrest, which listed him as “armed and dangerous.” Harris was also wanted in connection with a recent felony assault that happened in another Bay Area law enforcement jurisdiction. In addition to the above-mentioned information, Harris was known to the officers as a person of interest from a previous Antioch homicide case.

Harris was contacted by several officers in an effort to take him into custody. Harris did not comply with the officers’ commands. During this contact, one Antioch officer discharged his duty weapon striking Harris. Afterwards, lifesaving measures were immediately taken and Harris was transported to a local area hospital. While at the hospital, Harris succumbed to his injuries.

The event activated the Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident (LEIFI) protocol. Members of the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office responded to the City of Antioch to begin an investigation assisted by Antioch detectives. Technicians from the Contra Costa County Crime Lab also responded to process the scene. A realistic looking, full-sized firearm was recovered from the ground where Harris was removed. Upon later examination, the item was determined to be a BB gun. The firearm fell to the ground from Harris’ waist when he was removed from the vehicle.

No officers were injured during this incident. The officer who discharged his firearm is a ten-year veteran of the Antioch Police Department and is currently assigned to 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.

Had a criminal record, released from jail last year, was selling real estate but relapsed on drugs, committing “white collar crimes”, wanted by federal marshals

By Allen Payton

The man an Antioch Police officer shot Thursday night has died and was identified Friday morning by his girlfriend of 10 years, Antioch resident Jennifer Crackel, as Lloyd Joseph “Joe” Harris of Antioch. He was also known as “Bucky Joe” and “Buck” having been given those nicknames for his bucked teeth he had as a child.

She shared what she knew of Harris and what transpired, as she choked back tears.

“What the Antioch police did was really wrong,” Crackel said. “They didn’t say he was resisting arrest or pulled a gun. I was with him, yesterday morning. It was an airsoft gun. He would not have pulled it. I know this man. He was scared they were going to kill him. They straight up killed him in cold blood.”

She shared about Harris’ criminal past and current activities.

“He got out of jail, last year,” Crackel stated. “He was in jail in Solano County for three years and some change. I was with him (when he was arrested). He got into a high-speed chase, we never hit any other cars or any cops. No one ever got hurt. A Vallejo cop said Joe tried to ram him, but that wasn’t true.” (See related article by CBSLocal).

“His parents were finally able to make bail of $995,000, last year and he was still trying to fight his case,” she continued.”

“For about a year he was really doing well. He’s very smart,” said Crackel. “In September he relapsed on methamphetamines. He was definitely going the wrong direction. The police were already looking for him.”

“He didn’t sell drugs. He does real estate. He owns homes. He liked money. He wasn’t doing anything to harm anyone,” she continued. “He wasn’t robbing. He was doing, you know white collar crimes. Identity theft he was definitely involved with. He wasn’t doing it. He was orchestrating it. He had people doing it for him.”

Crackel then shared other reasons he was wanted by multiple agencies, as stated in the press release by Antioch Police Chief Tammany Brooks, following the shooting.

“He violated his probation. He didn’t show up for testing. He had a couple domestic violence abuse cases, with me. A couple bad ones,” she stated. “The federal marshals were looking for him. There was a federal warrant out for his arrest for selling large amounts of drugs across state lines. That was about 10 to 12 years ago.”

“I don’t know exactly why the Antioch Police were looking for him so hard.  He didn’t deserve death,” Crackel said.

“One of the officers said to me, some time ago, ‘Tell Buck what I always tell him, the time limit on my murder charge never goes away.’”

Asked if he was wanted for murder, Crackel responded, “They were trying to say that. But it was b…s… It was going on for years. They had a vendetta against him. They straight up killed.”

“What was the reason for them to open fire on him, like that?” she asked. “One shot. They were aiming to kill him. He was dead before he got to the hospital.”

When asked how she knew that, Crackel replied, “I called the hospital and I could just tell by the way they talked. They couldn’t tell me anything.”

Asked if she has spoken to the police, she said, “I haven’t. But, his parents have. The District Attorney and Chief of Police came to their house about 10 or 11 last night in Antioch…they’ve been living here in Antioch their entire life. They’re good people. The best I’ve ever met in my life.”

“They started asking Joe’s parents, if he was violent, if he was carrying around a gun. Interrogating them,” Crackel continued. “They (his parents) started getting offended. They wanted to know if he was still alive. His dad got really mad. He said ‘I want to know what’s going on.’ They said, ‘he’s dead. He’s gone.’ So cold hearted.”

Asked if she was there at the time, she replied, “No, I was not there. I called his dad and he told me right after. He was so p—ed off about it. They know how much I loved him.”

“His mother is just beside herself. That was her only child,” Crackel shared. “He would have been 41 in April.”

However, when asked about Crackel’s claims, Chief Brooks responded, “While I cannot at this time confirm the name of the person involved in the incident last night, I can assure you neither myself or the district attorney are directly involved in the investigation, and neither of us were part of, or present at, any interviews.”

Harris had also been arrested by Pittsburg Police in 2010 for evading police and attempting three carjackings during a chase. See related article by the Contra Costa Times.

Please check back later for any updates and more details.

By Tammany Brooks, Antioch Chief of Police

Thursday afternoon, Feb. 8 shortly after 5:00 p.m, Antioch Officers located a dangerous fugitive wanted by multiple agencies and attempted to take him into custody. During the contact, at least one officer fired his duty weapon, striking the subject. A firearm was recovered at the scene near the 76 gas station at Golf Course Road and Lone Tree Way.

The subject was taken to an area hospital and his condition is unknown at this time. None of the involved officers were injured during this incident.

This case is being jointly investigated along with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

No further information is available at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Antioch Police at (925) 778-2441. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

From APD Facebook page

You all maybe noticed a marked increase in the number of officers on the streets of Antioch on Monday, and this is why. Officers not only conducted a traffic enforcement detail during the morning hours, but then in the late afternoon/early evening hours, a number of officers also participated in proactive enforcement detail in which they focused their efforts on locating criminal offenders as well.

During the traffic enforcement portion of the day’s activities, officers issued 54 citations for a variety of violations that are among the common causes of vehicle collisions in our city. During this time, two of the drivers were arrested for outstanding warrants they had, as well as one of the vehicles stopped being towed.

Later that same afternoon, the officers participating in the second part of the day’s enforcement efforts were able to take advantage of their numbers and got to take some extra time to meet with community members along the W. 2nd and G Streets business corridor, as well as the Somersville Towne Center.

As for their enforcement efforts, an occupied stolen vehicle was located in the area of Somersville Road and Highway 4 in which the driver was safely stopped and detained without incident and the case is still under investigation. Later, a man on a bicycle attempted to flee from officers in the area of W. 8th and J Streets. During his brief attempt to elude officers, he discarded a handgun before being arrested. He was sent to county jail on multiple weapons charges.

We are happy to see these efforts continuing and be able to incorporate some of the day’s activities into meeting with the community, as well as being able to conduct enforcement efforts we know are important to everyone.

See more photos of the day’s activities on the Antioch Police Department Facebook page.

On Sunday, February 4, football fans across the country will gather with friends and family to watch Super Bowl LII.  The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind motorists to designate a sober driver before the game begins.

“Drunk driving is completely avoidable, but continues to be a serious problem,” CHP Acting Commissioner Warren Stanley said.  “We want motorists to remember that drinking and driving is a choice that can have catastrophic results.  If you choose to drink, do not drive.”

According to preliminary data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, during last year’s Super Bowl, one person was killed in an alcohol-involved collision and 41 others were injured on California’s roadways.  That same day, there were 247 arrests made by the CHP for driving under the influence (DUI).  Consequences of a DUI arrest are jail time, the loss of a driver license, higher insurance rates, court fees, car towing and repair, and lost wages from time off work.

“There are no excuses when it comes to driving under the influence,” Acting Commissioner Stanley added.  “Have a game plan ready to avoid a tragedy.  Leave your car keys at home if you will be consuming alcoholic beverages, and use public transportation, a designated driver, or a ride-hailing service to stay safe.”

If you are hosting a Super Bowl party, be a team player and help keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel.  Make proper arrangements and designate your sober driver before the big game begins.  And remember:  Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

The public can help by calling 9-1-1 if they suspect a drunk driver.  Callers should be prepared to give the vehicle’s description, location, license plate number, and direction of travel.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

At the corner of happy, healthy and higher prices? Violations attributed to human error.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday that its Consumer Protection Unit joined with the District Attorneys of Santa Clara, San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties in a civil law enforcement action against Walgreen Co., the operator of more than 600 Walgreens stores in California. Walgreens, a nationwide corporation, has its headquarters in Deerfield, Illinois.

The civil action was based in part upon scanner inspections conducted by local Weights and Measures offices, including the office of Contra Costa County Department of Agriculture Division of Weights & Measures, Humberto Izquierdo Director. The District Attorneys alleged that Walgreens violated state law by charging customers more than the lowest posted or advertised price for items.

The alleged violations also included Walgreens’ failure to comply with laws prohibiting selling or offering to sell infant formula or baby food after the “use by” date and over-the-counter drugs after the expiration date has passed. These violations were discovered as a result of inspections by the County Environmental Health Services Divisions and District Attorney Investigation Units. The Santa Clara County Superior Court approved the Modified Stipulated Judgment on January 29, 2018.

“It seems that Walgreen’s couldn’t get their act together here, more than other counties,” said Deputy District Attorney Gary E. Koeppel of the Consumer Protection Unit. He was the lead Deputy DA from Contra Costa County, prepared much of the documentation and was the main contact for negotiations with Walgreens’ law firm in San Francisco. “We were having probably a larger problem here in Contra Costa.”

Without admitting wrongdoing, Walgreens agreed to pay $2,250,000 in civil penalties and costs. The judgment also prohibits violating applicable laws and requires Walgreens to institute a compliance program. That program includes procedures to ensure the removal of infant formula, baby food and over-the counter drugs prior to the “use by” or “expiration” dates. The program also requires procedures to ensure that consumers are charged accurate prices, such as removal of shelf tags from store shelves prior to expiration and adjusting charges at point of sale to reflect the lowest advertised, posted or quoted price on the sales floor for in-store purchases.

The present Modified Stipulated Final Judgment “superseded” or replaced a 2013 pricing violations judgment against Walgreens, by adding new injunctive, compliance and civil penalty and costs provisions to address the new pricing and expired product violations. Walgreens cooperated with prosecutors during the investigation and the resolution of this case.

District Attorneys work with Departments of Weights & Measures to protect consumers from pricing errors and with Environmental Health Divisions to enforce laws prohibiting the sale of certain expired products. Consumers should always check receipts to verify that they are charged the correct price and make sure that the products they purchase are not beyond their expiration dates.

“If there’s a tag on the shelf that indicates a price and when scanned it indicates a higher price, it’s a violation,” Koeppel said. “The provisions in the state Business and Professions Code are clear. You have to sell it at the lowest, advertised price, even if it has expired. If it’s still on the shelf at the lower price with a tag in black and white, they have to sell at the expired price.”

“The County Agriculture Department’s County Weights and Measures are responsible for this, including gas stations,” he added.

“During the course of our negotiations over the scanner violations we did an undercover operation with our health departments throughout the state and we came up with about 33% of the stores that came back with over the counter pain medication and baby formula that had expired dates,” he stated.

Part of the injunction includes the requirement that at least 90 days before the expiration on pain medication and 30 days for baby formula Walgreens must remove those items from the shelves,” Koeppel explained, “Then other requirements such as posting of conspicuous signs.”

“Regarding the scanner violations, we’ve had this term placed in other injunctions with other big box stores, requiring managers have to walk through the aisles once a week and pull expired tags,” he continued. “Plus, they’re required to keep records whenever customers complain any time prices are higher and enter that data into a system that keeps track of scanner price modifications, when the shelf price was lower than the scanned price.”

Asked if the stores are required to provide a period report, Koeppel replied, “No. But, Weights & Measures has the right to go in any time and request a copy of the report.”

He wanted to point out that “Walgreens has been very cooperative and primarily blame the violations on human error,” due to “the turnover in employees and difficulty training them. Nothing constitutes an intentional violation. For clarity, they’re not alone. I’m not going to name other stores. But, scanner violations are very common in big box situations. It’s been pretty rampant, over the years. Unintentionally, for the most part.”

Asked about the liability the stores face, Koeppel responded, “It’s a big, potential liability issue with the baby formula and pain medication if someone got sick. But, from our discussions with experts, the best would be weaker potency, not greater health risks.”

Allen Payton contributed to this report.