By Lieutenant D. Bittner #3252, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

The Antioch Police Department and the Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney are currently investigating an Officer Involved Shooting. At approximately 10:13 PM on Thursday, March 16, 2017, Antioch Police Officers were dispatched to a reported shooting that was occurring in the 2000 block of Mokelumne Drive. As officers arrived in the area they located an involved vehicle. Officers attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle and the driver failed to stop for officers.

Officers pursued the vehicle and during the pursuit the suspect vehicle rammed an Antioch Police patrol vehicle near Wawona Court. Shots were fired by the officer and the suspect was wounded. A firearm was located in the suspect’s vehicle. The suspect was transported to an area hospital and was treated for his injuries. The suspect is in stable condition at this time. No officers were injured. This investigation is in its early stages and no further information will be released at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Detective Vanderpool with the Antioch Police Department at (925) 779-6988.

Any further informationor 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.

This undated image shows 16-year-old Elena Mondragon, who died during an officer-involved shooting in Hayward, on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. (Photo by KGO-TV)

By Allen Payton

According to a report by KGO-TV ABC 7 News, today, an Antioch teenage girl who was killed during a police involved shooting in Hayward, on Tuesday, March 14 was pregnant. The coroner estimates that 16-year-old Elena Mondragon was within the first trimester, the report stated.

In addition, the report stated that Hayward police have captured a man suspected of running away from the scene of the shooting and that her family members have said he is not Mondragon’s boyfriend. The shooting occurred near the Hayward campus of Cal State East Bay and two detectives were hurt, as a result, according to an earlier KGO-TV report.

“Hayward police say Fremont police detectives stopped a stolen vehicle that was wanted in connection with multiple armed robberies in Fremont and the Bay Area,” the earlier report stated.

Mondragon was one of the passengers inside the vehicle, along with another male and female, both of whom were later arrested. The suspect’s vehicle “rammed the detective’s vehicle injuring two detectives. Police say those detectives fired at the suspect vehicle hitting” Mondragon. She later died at the hospital from her injuries.

According to an Antioch resident who chose to remain anonymous, a vigil was held near Knoll Park in Antioch, Wednesday night, in her memory.

The Mondragon family has set up a GoFundMe account to help pay for funeral expenses.

Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando with new Officer Ryan Duff following his oath of office ceremony on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. Photo courtesy of APD

By Allen Payton

During an oath of office ceremony at the Antioch Police Facility on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, the Antioch Police force grew to 100 sworn officers, with the addition of new Officer Ryan Duff.

Captain Tammany Brooks provided the following background on Duff:

“Ryan grew up in the Los Angeles area until he was 13 years old and moved to Antioch where he attended Deer Valley High School. After graduating from DVHS, Ryan attended Los Medanos College and eventually transferred to California State University, Hayward where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

After finishing college Ryan decided he wanted to start an exciting career in Law Enforcement. Ryan has nearly 10 years of law enforcement experience. He previously worked for the Emeryville and Concord Police Departments.

During his career Ryan has worked as a patrol officer, a range instructor, a defensive tactics instructor, an impact weapons instructor, and an FTO. Ryan is excited to join the Antioch Police Department. He is looking forward to working and contributing his efforts to improve the community and the department.

Ryan enjoys BBQ’ing for his family and friends, working on his cars, and going on family road trips.”

The addition of Duff brings the APD 11 net additional officers and half-way to the 22 more officers promised by the city council, from the funds provided by the Measure C half-cent sales tax passed in November, 2013.

Another computer stolen from a Starbucks patron during snatch and run, one suspect caught

Following are the Antioch Police Department calls for service highlights as published in City Manager Steve Duran’s Weekly Report dated March 3, 2017 and provided by Chief of Police Allan Cantando.

Calls for Service and Arrest Data:

Time Period: 02/23/17 00:00:00 – 03/01/17 23:59:59

Number of Calls for Service: 1,628

Number of Case Reports: 281

Number of Arrests: 62

Felony:  34

Misdemeanor:  28

Arrests with DUI charge:   6

The data is based upon unaudited CAD/RMS data at time of report generation.

• 3/1/17 at 12:30 pm, Antioch PD received information of a stolen vehicle traveling eastbound on Sycamore Dr. An officer was in the area and located the vehicle on W. Madill St. near G St. A high-risk traffic stop was conducted and 23 year old John Earlywine was taken into custody without incident. He was also found to have a warrant for his arrest. He was later transported to County Jail, and the stolen vehicle was returned to its owner.
• 2/28/17 at 4:18 pm, an officer was on routine patrol when he made a traffic enforcement stop for vehicle code violations. The driver, 52 year old Thomasa Roberts, was contacted and found to have an outstanding warrant for her arrest related to theft charges. Roberts was arrested without incident and later transported to County Jail.
• 2/28/17 at 7:50 am, officers responded to the 3100 block of S. Francisco Way on a report of a family disturbance. Upon the officers’ arrival, it was discovered 45 year old Luis Flores had an outstanding felony warrant for failing to register as a sex offender. In addition, Flores had a served protection order which prevented Flores from being at the residence.  The officers contacted Flores hiding inside the residence.  He was arrested without incident and later sent to County Jail.
• 2/28/17 at 5:32 am, officers were dispatched to Quail Lodge on Deer Valley Rd. for a report of a male breaking into vehicles. Prior to officers’ arrival, the male fled in a vehicle and the reporting party provided a description of the vehicle. Officers located the vehicle fleeing the area and performed an enforcement stop.  Officers contacted the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, 40 year old Richard McKenzie.  McKenzie had stolen property in his vehicle from the victim vehicles at Quail Lodge.  McKenzie was arrested without incident for auto burglary and sent to County Jail.
• 2/27/17 at 10:02 pm, an officer contacted 54 year old Rosalind Stovall during a pedestrian contact. Dispatch advised that Stovall had a warrant for her arrest. Stovall was issued a Promise to Appear with a new court date.
• 2/27/17 at 5:40 pm, an officer contacted 46 year old Anthony Davis loitering in front of a convenience store on W. 10th St. Dispatch advised Davis had an outstanding warrant. He was placed under arrest without incident and sent to County Jail.
• 2/27/17 at 5:29 pm, an officer observed 24 year old Tyler Belleci driving on A St. He recognized Belleci from prior contacts and knew he had an outstanding warrant. A traffic enforcement stop was conducted and Belleci was contacted.  He was placed under arrest without incident and sent to County Jail.
• 2/27/17 at 2:32 pm, an officer on routine patrol in the area of L St. and Highway 4 observed a vehicle traveling southbound on L St. with 21 year old Robert Wickham in the passenger seat. The officer was familiar with Wickham and knew he had an outstanding felony warrant related to narcotics and weapons violations. The officer stopped the vehicle and arrested Wickham without incident.  He was booked at Antioch PD and later sent to County Jail.
• 2/26/17 at 7:30 pm, an officer was at 7-11 on E. 18th St. when he saw 50 year old Mark Fosselman walk into the store. He recognized Fosselman from prior police contacts and knew he had an outstanding warrant. He placed Fosselman under arrest, and he was sent to County Jail.
• 2/26/17 at 5:41 pm, an officer was driving by Quikstop on Sycamore Dr. and saw 34 year old Lawrence Wiley. The officer recognized Wiley from prior contacts and knew he had an outstanding warrant. Wiley was arrested without incident and sent to County Jail.
• 2/26/17 at 9:00 am, an officer followed up with the victim from an assault that occurred at the Somersville Town Center on Somersville Rd. on 2/21/17. It was discovered the victim had been admitted into an area hospital for a serious head injury from the assault; however, the victim had since been discharged from the hospital. The officer then contacted the 14 year old female suspect in the 4100 block of Delta Fair Blvd. and arrested her without incident.  The juvenile suspect admitted to her involvement in the fight and was later booked into Juvenile Hall for felony assault.
• 2/26/17 at 1:43 am, an officer located a vehicle that had a Felony Want associated with a weapons case out of San Francisco. The officer followed the vehicle, waiting for assist units. The driver, later identified as 46 year old Damon Page, accelerated and entered westbound Highway 4. A pursuit was initiated and stayed on Highway 4. Page later surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident when his vehicle’s engine stalled. There were no collisions or injuries during this incident. Page was booked into County Jail and San Francisco PD was notified.
• 2/26/17 at 12:20 am, 32 year old Cochise Potts was contacted in front of Romi’s on E. 18th St. He was found to have three warrants for his arrest. He was taken into custody without incident and later booked into County Jail.
• 2/25/17 at 8:37 pm, an officer attempted a vehicle stop on a Honda that was being driven by 36 year old Daniel Torres for vehicle code violations. Torres yielded, but as the officer was starting to exit his vehicle, Torres sped off. Torres drove less than a block before colliding with truck and trailer that was exiting westbound Highway 4. Torres’ vehicle became disabled, and he attempted to flee on foot but was taken into custody without further incident. Torres was found to be on Federal Probation with a probation warrant for his arrest. A search of his vehicle was done and he was found to be in possession of almost 5 ounces of methamphetamine. Torres was later booked into County Jail for narcotics charges, attempting to evade police, and his warrant.
• 2/25/17 at 5:13 pm, 18 year old Ryan Arnold and an unidentified male adult entered Starbucks on Lone Tree Way and stole a MacBook Pro from the table and ran outside. Two off-duty officers were in the area and detained Arnold at gunpoint until Antioch PD officers arrived on scene. The second suspect was able to escape in an awaiting vehicle.  Arnold was arrested for burglary and grand theft and sent to County Jail.
• 2/25/17 at 4:17 pm, officers were dispatched to California Check Cashing on Delta Fair Blvd. on a report of subjects loitering in front of the business. Officers arrive and contacted 18 year old Damarcus Murry, and two 17 year old males and advised them not to loiter in the area or risk being cited. Approximately one hour later, officers were sent back to the area because the group returned.  Murry and one of the 17 year olds became combative and were taken into custody after a brief struggle with officers.  Murry was found to be in possession of marijuana for sales and was sent to County Jail for the drug possession charges as well as resisting arrest.  The 17 year old was sent to Juvenile Hall for loitering and resisting arrest.
• 2/25/17 at 3:17 am, officers responded to a silent video alarm at Gino’s Auto Body on W. 10th St. The alarm company advised that a subject was seen tampering with vehicles in the back lot. Officers arrived on scene and quickly established a perimeter. 35 year old Ronald Phelps was contacted kneeling down near the open driver’s door of a Honda in the back lot. He had gained access to the car with a set of shaved keys and was in the process of trying to get it started. Phelps was taken into custody without incident. He was later booked into County Jail for attempted vehicle theft and possession of burglary tools.
• 2/25/17 at 2:04 am, 58 year old Arthur Martinez was contacted in the Lucky’s parking lot on E. 18th St. He was taken into custody on a warrant for his arrest. He was later booked into County Jail.
• 2/24/17 at 10:32 pm, an officer was in the parking lot of the Holiday Lodge on W. 10th St. when he saw an Audi A4 driving eastbound on W. 10th St. The officer recognized the Audi as being stolen on 2/22/17 during an armed robbery. The officer followed the Audi until cover units could arrive and a traffic enforcement stop was conducted on California Ave. in Pittsburg. 30 year old Brandon Lopez was contacted as the driver and 38 year old Susan Martin was contacted as the passenger in the Audi.  Lopez was searched and found to be in possession of about 1 gram of suspected methamphetamine.  The vehicle was searched and a loaded pistol was found in a backpack inside of the vehicle. Lopez was found to have a felony warrant.  Both were booked into the County Jail for vehicle theft, narcotics and weapons charges.
• 2/24/17 at 3:44 pm, 44 year old Ramon Gonzalez and the 35 year old victim were involved in a minor traffic collision in the Wal-Mart parking lot on Lone Tree Way. Gonzalez fled the scene and was stopped by an officer when he was pulling into the driveway of his house. Gonzalez was determined to be driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage.  The victim identified Gonzalez as the suspect.  Gonzalez was arrested for misdemeanor hit and run and DUI and booked into County Jail.
• 2/24/17 at 12:08 am, an officer in the area of Sycamore Dr. and Peppertree Way observed 23 year old John Earlywine commit a vehicle code violation. A traffic stop was conducted on William Reed Dr. near L St. and dispatch advised the vehicle was stolen. Earlywine and a female passenger, identified as 30 year old Rachel Robinson, were taken into custody without incident. Robinson was also found to have a warrant for her arrest. Both were later transported to County Jail for vehicle theft and the warrant.
• 2/23/17 at 9:15 pm, officers were dispatched to San Jose Dr. near Buchanan Rd. for the report of a possible traffic collision. Upon their arrival, they located 49 year old Anthony Johnson in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. He appeared to be trying to start the vehicle which had moderate front end damage. Johnson was asked to step out of the vehicle and officers observed signs of Johnson being under the influence of alcohol. They asked Johnson to perform some field sobriety tests. Based on the results of the tests, Johnson was taken into custody.  While officers were on scene with Johnson, a victim of a hit and run accident called dispatch to report Johnson’s vehicle colliding into her vehicle at L St. and E. 18th St.  Johnson was later transported to County Jail for DUI and Hit and Run.
• 2/23/17 at 9:41 am, officers contacted 34 year old Edward Crandell in the field at the end of Viera Ave. and found him to have warrant for his arrest. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to County Jail.
• 2/23/17 at 7:31 am, officers were dispatched to the parking lot at Waldie Plaza for a disturbance. The caller indicated a male subject was inside a maroon Cadillac honking his horn excessively while yelling. Upon arrival, 56 year old David Peacock was located behind the wheel of his running but parked Cadillac. Peacock showed objective signs of being under the influence of alcohol. A series of field sobriety tests were given which Peacock failed. Peacock was subsequently arrested and transported to County Jail for DUI.

Antioch Police Captain Tammany Brooks and new Police Officer Eric Rombough following his oath of office ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 14. photo courtesy of APD.

By Allen Payton

The Antioch Police Department recently swore in two new police officers during brief ceremonies at the Antioch Police Facility.

First to be sworn in on February 14, was Officer Eric Rombough, a lateral hire from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.

He was born and raised in Hayward, California. Rombough graduated from Chabot College with an Associates in Earth Sciences. he earned his degree while he worked full time with his father building custom homes both in the bay area and other northern California cities. In 2012, Rombough was sworn in as a deputy sheriff for Alameda County. During his time with the Sheriff’s Office he worked in the jail and as a patrol officer.

A photo of Rombough and Captain Tammany Brooks was posted with the following comment on the APD Facebook page, the day he was sworn in:

“Please say hello to the newest member of the Antioch PD family. Officer Eric Rombough, pictured here with Captain Tammany Brooks, was sworn in today. He is a lateral officer from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office who comes to us with 5 years’ experience. Congratulations Eric and welcome!”

New Antioch Police Officer Brock Marcotte. photo courtesy of APD.

Next to be sworn in, this past Monday, March 6 was Officer Brock Marcotte. He was born in Danville, California. In 2010 he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he was assigned the military occupational specialty of Anti-Armor Missile-Man. Marcotte served two combat tours to Afghanistan and was meritoriously promoted to Corporal. His awards include the combat action ribbon and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Upon honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in June of 2014 he moved back home to Danville, where he began his degree in Construction Management. Marcotte attended the 182nd Academy Class at the Contra Costa County Law Enforcement Training Center where he graduated last Friday.

According to Brooks, another new officer is expected to be sworn in later this month which will bring the Antioch Police force to 100 sworn officers. That will give the city a net 11 new officers from the Measure C half-cent sales tax approved by Antioch voters in 2013.

Chief Allan Cantando

Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando has announced his retirement after serving nearly 30 years with the Antioch Police Department, the last five-and-a-half its leader. Cantando said that while the decision to leave was difficult, he believed the time was right for him to move on to the next challenge in his professional career and has accepted a position as Vice President, Protective Services Regional Manager for Bank of America.

“Leaving this career after serving this great community is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” Cantando said. “It’s bittersweet, but I am truly excited and looking forward to being part of the amazing Bank of America team.”

Chief Cantando said he will remain the city’s top cop until the first week of April. City Manager Steve Duran has tapped Captain Tammany Brooks to serve as the interim chief until a permanent hiring decision is made.

His retirement follows the announcement by Duran last November of his own retirement planned for August, this year. Messages have been sent to both Mayor Sean Wright and Mayor Pro Tem Lamar Thorpe seeking comment and asking if the council will wait to have the new city manager hire the new chief. Please check back later for updates to this story.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Deputy Michael Foley, photo courtesy of Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.

By Allen Payton

The funeral service for Michael Foley, an Alameda County Deputy Sheriff and Antioch resident, will be held this Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the Concord Pavilion.

The 60-year-old was struck by a bus at the Santa Rita jail in Dublin on Wednesday, February 22 and died from his injuries, the next day. Foley worked for the Concord Police Department for 29 years, prior to his service with Alameda County.

A message was posted on the Sheriff’s Facebook page on Thursday: “It is with great sadness we report that Alameda County Deputy Sheriff Michael Foley has died from his injuries. Mike started his law enforcement career in 1978 as an Officer with the Concord Police Department. After a long and successful 29 year career there, he retired and was hired by ACSO in 2007. Michael was one of the hardest working Deputies on this agency. He used his experience and wisdom to mentor countless numbers of young officers throughout his career. He was an extremely kind man who loved his family, friends, co-workers and community. He believed in public service and making the world a better place. All of us who were touched by his life will never forget him. He is a role model and a great example for others to follow. Our hearts are broken today. Please keep Mike and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Sheriff escort for Deputy Foley’s body on Sunday, Feb. 26.

On Sunday, Alameda County Deputy Sheriffs escorted Foley’s body from John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Coroner’s Bureau, according to a post on the Alameda County Sheriff’s Facebook page.

He is survived by his wife Tammie, and children Michael, Jr. and Tonya. A GoFundMe account has been set up to benefit the Foley family and has been verified by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. http://www.gofundme.com/deputy-mike-foleys-family-fund. According to that site, Foley “chose to work as a deputy at the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office to put his son, Michael Jr., through college.”

In addition, the San Francisco Police Credit Union has established an account under the Deputy Sheriffs Association of Alameda County Charitable Foundation for the benefit of Deputy Sheriff Michael Foley. Contributions may take place in person at a local branch, mail or electronically utilizing account #1387350 S5 M Foley Memorial Fund.  Funds may be forwarded to SFPCU via mail or electronically as follows:

ACSO DSA Charitable Foundation for Michael Foley

2550 Irving St San Francisco, Ca 94122

Acct#1387350 S5

Routing#321076496

Traffic backs up on Highway 4 in the eastbound lanes west of Hillcrest Avenue following a shooting at about 9:00 p.m. Saturday night. photo courtesy of KRON4.

By CHP Golden Gate Division

On Saturday, February 25, 2017 at approximately 9:03 PM, a freeway shooting occurred on eastbound Highway 4, just west of Hillcrest Avenue in Antioch.

A black male adult in a blue Toyota Solara was identified as the victim. A currently unknown suspect vehicle fled the scene.

CHP arrived on scene at the Hillcrest Avenue off ramp and determined that the victim had succumbed to his apparent gunshot injuries.

This is an active and ongoing investigation. If anyone saw this incident or the events leading up to it, please contact 1-800-TELL-CHP (1-800-835-5247).