By Sergeant John Fortner #3264, Antioch Police Investigations Division

On Thursday, June 8, 2017, at approximately 9:55 AM, Antioch police officers responded to the 4300 block of Palomar Drive for a subject who was accidentally shot with a BB gun. Once at the scene, officers located a15-year-old male victim, who was on the ground with what appeared to be a small wound to his chest. The victim was unresponsive and first-aid/life saving measures were started. The victim was transported to a local area hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injury.

During the investigation, it was learned that the juvenile victim was shot with a pellet rifle once in the chest, by a juvenile, male friend, also 15-years-old. At this time, based on several witness statements and evidence located at the scene, the incident appears to be a tragic accident. All of the parties at the scene are cooperating with the investigation which is ongoing.

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.

By John Crowder

Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis announced, Wednesday that a $5.9 million grant for an innovative arrest-diversion program to be implemented in Antioch has been recommended for approval by the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC).  Burgis was notified earlier this week of the recommendation, which came following review of a grant request approved for submission by the Board of Supervisors last February.  If approved by the BSCC Executive Steering Committee at their meeting scheduled for June 8, preparatory steps for program implementation would begin this summer, with services beginning by the end of this year.

CoCo Lead Plus, a partnership between the Antioch Police Department (APD), Contra Costa County Health Services Department, Contra Costa Housing Authority, Contra Costa Health, Housing, & Homeless Services Division, and community-based organizations will be responsible for implementation of the program.  Using the grant, APD will create and implement new arrest-diversion protocols, resulting in coordinated services being made available for people with mental health issues who have been repeatedly arrested for a broad array of low-level, non-violent charges.  In addition to providing help for individuals suffering from mental health issues that result in frequent interaction with the criminal justice system, the program is expected to free up APD resources to focus on more serious crimes.

“People with complex behavioral challenges repeatedly cycle from the streets to the jails and back to the streets,” Burgis stated. “To interrupt this cycle and strengthen the community for all of us, CoCo Lead Plus will combine coordinated diversion protocols with peer-driven outreach and engagement, evidence-based behavioral health services, wraparound social and vocational supports, and opportunities for both transitional and permanent housing for program participants.  Innovative programs such as this provide help for those with mental issues while allowing our police departments to focus resources on the reduction of more serious crime.  This is a win for our entire community.”

Officers Tom Smith, left and Scott Duggar are presented with the Medal of Valor by Chief Tammany Brooks, at the annual Antioch Police Awards Ceremony, May 25, 2017. Photo by Allen Payton

Robert Green is named Officer of the Year

By John Crowder

Two Antioch police officers received Medals of Valor on Thursday, May 25, at the annual Antioch Police Department Awards Ceremony.  The awards were given to Officer Tom Smith, who also received a Purple Heart, and Officer Scott Duggar, in recognition for their actions and the bravery they exhibited during a dramatic incident in which Officer Smith was wounded by a shotgun blast to the head.

Antioch Police Chief Tammany Brooks described the incident to a standing room only crowd in the Antioch City Council chambers.  Brooks related how Smith was following a man suspected of numerous offenses, including three other shootings, arson, and carjacking.  In an attempt to evade Officer Smith, the suspect crashed the vehicle he was driving.  Exiting the wrecked car, the suspect immediately began firing at Smith, still in his patrol car.

During the gun battle, Smith was hit in the head, but was still able to keep the suspect engaged and to radio for help.  Officer Duggar arrived on the scene and also engaged the suspect, finally rushing him and placing him under arrest.

Brooks noted the bravery exhibited by the two officers in the performance of their duties, and emphasized how they exemplified the character of Antioch’s sworn staff, who every day step forward to put their lives on the line, if need be, to protect the city’s citizens.

In addition, former Captain Robin Kelley was recognized by Brooks for her years of service as a new retiree.

Also during the ceremony, Brooks surprised Father Robert Rien, Antioch Police Chaplain and pastor of Antioch’s St. Ignatius Church, with an award recognizing his more than ten years of service to the department.  Brooks noted that Rien will soon be recognized as a Master Police Chaplain at the International Conference of Police Chaplains, coming up in July.  Rien will be the only police chaplain in Contra Costa County to have attained this rank.

Antioch Police Officer of the Year Robert Green with Chief Brooks. May 25, 2017

Other awards presented at the ceremony included:

Officer Robert Green, Officer of the Year

Samantha Peterson, Civilian Employee of the Year

Hannah McDevitt, Explorer of the Year

Officer Matthew Koch, Distinguished Service

Officers Jonathan Adams, Frederick Blumberg, Jacob Ewart, Randall Gragg, Kelly Inabnett, Mark Moraga, and Amel Sahnic, Meritorious Service Awards.

Anita Soares, Commendation

Also recognized were three former Crime Prevention Commissioners, Mike Gadams, Audrey Taylor, and Karen Williams.

By Lieutenant D. Bittner #3252, Antioch Police Investigations Division

On Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at approximately 8:13 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the 400 block of W. 19th Street on the report of a male bleeding. Once at the scene, officers located the victim, an adult Hispanic male who had an apparent stab wound to his torso. The victim was transported to a local area hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The case is currently under investigation.

This preliminary information is made available by the Investigations Division. 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.

The Coroner’s Division of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is requesting the pub-lic’s assistance with two cases in Antioch.

By Jimmy Lee, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

David Norman Wise

Seeking Next of Kin

On April 28, 2017, David Norman Wise was found deceased at the Amtrak train station in Antioch. Wise, a transient, died of natural causes. The Coroner’s Division has not been able to find any next of kin. Wise was 60 years old, 5’8” tall, and weighed about 200 pounds. He had brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information on next of kin or relatives is asked to contact the Coroner’s Division at (925) 313-2850.

John Doe’s clothing

John Doe Case

On May 2, 2017, the Coroner’s Division responded to a “train versus pedestrian” incident at the railroad tracks, east of the Amtrak Station, 100 I Street in Antioch. The man appeared to have walked into the path of an oncoming train. The man has not been identified. He is described as being Hispanic or South American, 25-35 years old, 5’ – 5’5” in height, 110-125 pounds, with dark brown curly hair, and brown colored eyes. He was wearing a blue short-sleeve jersey-style shirt with lime green de-signs, black jeans, a black belt, white socks, and black shoes. See photos.

Anyone with any information on the identity of this person is asked to contact the Coroner’s Division at (925) 313-2850.

Press Release Received 12:38 AM, 6/1/17

By Sergeant John Fortner #3264 Investigations Division

On Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at approximately 5:46 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the 2100 block of Lemontree Way for the report of gunshots. Once at the scene, officers located evidence of a shooting. A Black male adult shooting victim fled from the scene in a vehicle and collided with several uninvolved occupied vehicles as he fled. The victim was contacted a short distance away on “L” Street near the Highway 4 overpass. The victim was transported to a local area hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

During the investigation, an Hispanic male adult suspect was identified and subsequently located at a residence in the 2100 block of Lemontree Way. Initially, the suspect refused to cooperate with police and exit the residence. After a short stand-off the suspect exited and was peacefully taken into custody.

Currently, the investigation is on-going.

This preliminary information is made available by the Investigations Division. 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.

Suspect’s vehicle following the conclusion of the police pursuit, at Auto Center Drive and Century Blvd in Antioch, Friday, May 26, 2017. Photo courtesy of Jon Davis

Following collision with police car, vehicle pursuit, and injuring two in another car

By Corporal James Stenger 3604, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On Friday, May 26, 2017, at about 6:42 PM, two Antioch Police Officers observed a vehicle driving recklessly on Sycamore Drive and Peppertree Way. The officers attempted to catch up to the vehicle and the vehicle spun out of control on L Street near Lemontree Way. The driver of the car 24-year-old Joshua Hawkins intentionally drove into a police car then fled in his vehicle. A vehicle pursuit was initiated.

Hawkins drove up onto the sidewalk on Auto Center Drive near Century Boulevard, hit a light pole, drove into the intersection and struck three cars. While Hawkins was driving on the sidewalk he narrowly missed a pedestrian. Hawkins attempted to drive off again and an officer intentionally struck Hawkins’s car to disable it. Hawkins was taken into custody and suffered no injuries.

Two of the occupants of a vehicle Hawkins struck were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Hawkins was booked into the County Jail on the charges of Felony Assault on a Peace Officer, Felony Evading and Felony Probation Violation.

This preliminary information is made available by the Field Services Bureau. There will be no further information released regarding this case at this time.

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.

By Sergeant John Fortner #3264, Antioch Police Investigations Division

On Monday, May 22, 2017, at approximately 12:12 PM, Antioch officers were dispatched to the report of several shots fired at a residence in the 1000 block of Saint Francis Drive. Upon arriving at the scene, officers contacted three adult residents who reported being shot at by an unknown White male adult in a white sedan. Luckily, none of the residents were injured or struck by gunfire during this incident.

During the investigation, a suspect was identified and subsequently located at a residence in the 200 block of San Joaquin Avenue. The suspect refused to cooperate and exit the residence for Antioch PD patrol units. The Hostage Negotiation Team and the SWAT Team responded to the scene in an effort to resolve the situation peacefully and take the subject into custody.

At approximately 9:50 PM, the standoff was resolved and the suspect was taken into custody by the SWAT Team. The suspect will be booked into the Martinez Jail, and the investigation is still on-going.

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.