Antioch Police Department leaders join Detective Brian Rose (center) at a luncheon honoring him and other Community Champions, today. Standing: Detective Jim Perkinson, Rose, Chief Allan Cantando, Seated: Sergeant Tom Fuhrmann and Lieutenant Tony Morefield.

By Allen Payton

According to a post on the Antioch Police Department’s Facebook page, Detective Rose is being honored today, Wednesday, April 20, as a 2016 Community Champion by Community Violence Solutions, at a special luncheon in Pleasant Hill. The recognition is for those “who go above and beyond the call of duty to end sexual violence in our community.”

“I, along with everyone else here at the Antioch Police Department, am extremely proud of Detective Rose,” said Chief Allan Cantando. “Please join me in congratulating him.”

Founded in 1974, Community Violence Solutions, the umbrella organization for the Rape Crisis Center of Contra Costa and Marin Counties, is one of the oldest rape crisis centers in California, and one of the oldest in the country. The organization provides support services to child and adult victims of sexual assault and their families through seven main programs. For more information visit www.cvsolutions.org.

As published in City Manager Steve Duran’s Weekly Report dated April 15, 2016 and provided by Chief of Police Allan Cantando.

Calls for Service and Arrest Data Summary:

Time Period: 04/07/16 00:00:00 – 04/13/16 23:59:59

Number of Calls for Service: 1,637

Number of Case Reports: 335

Number of Arrests: 89

Felony: 39

Misdemeanor: 48

Infraction: 2

Arrests with DUI charge: 3

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

• ·On 4/13/16 at 11:43 pm, 49 year old Leonard Burleigh was contacted during a vehicle stop on E 18^th St. and found to have a felony narcotics warrant for his arrest. Burleigh was taken into custody without incident and booked into county jail.
• ·On 4/13/16 at 9:10 pm, 26 year old Rocky Sims was contacted during a disturbance investigation on James Donlon Blvd. near Blythe Dr. He was found to have a warrant out of Alameda County and taken into custody without incident. He was later booked into county jail.
• ·On 4/13/16 at 4:52 pm, officers were in the area of W.8^th St. near K St. on an un-related call for service. While in the area, officers located a stolen Acura which was being driven by 21 year old Andrea Rice. Rice seemed to have trouble operating the vehicle as she exited the car and got into the passenger seat. 30 year old Lyteika Jamerson then entered the driver’s seat and began to drive away. Officers stopped the vehicle and were able to detain both occupants without incident. Both Rice and Jamerson stated the vehicle belonged to an acquaintance, who had given them the keys to the car. Both Rice and Jamerson were released pending further investigation.
• ·On 4/13/16 at 9:56 am, 26 year old John Appling was contacted asleep in a stolen vehicle at the foot of G St. Appling stated that he drove his own car to the foot of G St. to meet an associate who was in the stolen car. Appling’s car was indeed parked next to the stolen one. And although the car was stolen, Appling’s story was checking out. It was unknown who actually drove the car there, and Appling was released pending further investigation. Cameras in the area are being reviewed and the investigation is ongoing.
• ·On 4/12/16 at 10:35 pm, the victim was sitting in front of the apartments at 1000 Claudia Ct. when she was approached by two male adults. One of the males pointed a hand gun at her demanding her property. The victim’s purse was ripped from her grip by the responsibles. They walked away with her property and told the victim she will be shot if she did not run away. The victim complied with the demands and ran home where she contacted police.
• ·On 4/12/16 at 10:30 pm, a home owner arrived home from work and as she exited her vehicle on Aster Dr., she was approached by a female adult. As her attention was drawn toward the female, an adult male approached her from the opposite direction and pointed a handgun at her face. The female pushed the victim to the ground, kicked her in the back, and took her purse, cell phone and car keys. The male pulled the victim away from the vehicle by the hair and the responsibles got into the victim’s vehicle. The responsibles stole the victim’s vehicle but abandoned it a short distance away due to the vehicle tires locking from the emergency brake which was still applied. The responsibles fled on foot toward W 10^th St. We attempted to ping the victim’s cell phone but the phone had been powered off. The case is still under investigation.
• ·On 4/12/16 at 6:17 pm, officers contacted 41 year old William Wilkinson during a dispute he was in with another person on Campbell Ave. Wilkinson had a felony warrant in the system and also had probable cause for his arrest for a threats case. Wilkinson left on his bike prior to our arrival. Wilkinson was located on Klengel St. and fled on foot when an officer attempted to contact him. Wilkinson was located in a neighboring yard and arrested without incident. He was booked into county jail.
• ·On 4/12/16 at 1:18 pm, a local hospital called to report a gunshot victim showed up at the emergency room with wounds to his leg and abdomen. Officers arrived and met with the adult male who was uncooperative. He refused photographs and after several attempts he finally told officers he was walking on James Donlon Blvd. near Somersville Rd. when he was shot. The victim’s injuries were not life threatening. He told officers he was able to knock out one of the shooters but would not talk anymore about the incident because he lives a “different lifestyle.” There were no leads or suspect descriptions. The scene could not be located.
• ·On 4/12/16 at 8:03 am, 36 year old Rashita Boykin drove to Carmen Dragon Elementary today to drop her child off at school. Boykin drove in the parking lot and ran over some cones that we re set out by the school staff to keep the flow of cars smooth during morning drop off. The principal approached Boykin at her car door as she was parked in a stall. It appears they had a verbal disagreement about Boykin’s driving. Boykin attempted to leave the lot and her open driver’s door bumped the principal, knocking him to the ground. Both sides had conflicting views of the incident. A traffic collision report was taken. Boykin had a suspended driver’s license and no insurance. She was cited and her vehicle was impounded.
• ·On 4/11/16 at 11:50 pm, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by 58 year old Charles Coan at E 18^th St. and Hillcrest Ave. Coan is on parole and a search was conducted. Three large bags of methamphetamine were located weighing a total of approximately 1 ounce each. Coan was arrested and booked at county jail.
• ·On 4/11/16 at 9:40 pm, 28 year old Rosha Booker entered Safeway on Deer Valley Rd. and concealed three Tide clothing detergents in her bag. A loss prevention agent observed Booker fail to pay for the items and confronted her about the theft. Booker became irate and told the loss prevention agent she was going to stab him with her knife. In fear of being stabbed, he allowed Booker to leave. The loss prevention agent provided a description of Booker and observed her go behind the Walgreens. Officers arrived and located Booker hiding behind a dumpster to the rear of Walgreens. She was detained and positively identified by the loss prevention agent. She was in possession of the stolen property and found to have numerous theft related warrants for her arrest. Booker was arrested and sent to county jail.
• ·On 4/11/16 at 7:46 pm, four victims were walking at Wildflower Dr. and Sunflower Dr. when they noticed a Honda Civic pass by them three times. On the third time, the Civic stopped in the middle of the street and two males with guns got out. The victims were all robbed of various items including cell phones, shoes, jewelry, and wallets. The responsibles got back into their vehicle and fled. One of the victims recognized one of the responsibles as someone who he used to attend high school with. Two minutes prior to this robbery, the same responsibles are believed to have robbed two people at Country Manor Park nearby. Both cases are still under investigation.
• ·On 4/11/16 at 7:22 pm, an officer was driving on Mokelumne Dr. and ran the license plate of a Honda that passed him in the opposite direction. The Honda was listed as stolen from Concord. The officer turned around and quickly located the vehicle on Tehachapi Wy. Both occupants had exited the vehicle but were detained. The driver, 26 year old Corey Whittington, had a baggie of methamphetamine in his possession and was on felony probation. He was also using a “shaved” key to operate the vehicle. He was booked at county jail. The passenger was released pending further investigation.
• ·On 4/10/16 at 9:17 pm, officers responded to Mandarin Way on a report of loud noises coming from the side of a house. Officers arrived and contacted 29 year old Antonio Camacho. A computer check revealed Camacho had a warrant for his arrest. Camacho was arrested without incident and booked into county jail.
• ·On 4/10/16 at 3:28 pm, an officer responded to Hawk Ct. on a report of a suspicious vehicle. The reporting party provided the license plate which had been spray painted. This vehicle was involved in a pursuit last night and was determined to be a stolen vehicle, driven by 32 year old Faafouina Tinoifili. Last night’s pursuit was terminated and probable cause to arrest was put out for Tinoifili. As the officer was approaching the area, the vehicle fled out of the court and he recognized the driver as Tinoifili. The officer followed the vehicle and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit was approximately 7 miles long and was ultimately terminated on westbound Highway 4. A few hours later, CHP advised they located Tinoifili in Bay Point with another stolen vehicle from San Francisco. Our officer responded to Bay Point and was able to obtain a confession from Tinoifili regarding the stolen vehicle and the earlier pursuit. Tinoifili was booked into county jail by CHP with additional charges from APD.
• ·On 4/10/16 at 2:51 pm, loss prevention from Macy’s observed 28 year old Eric Agundez stealing a jacket and attempted to stop him for the theft. They struggled with Agundez for a moment, but were able to detain him. An officer responded and contacted Agundez and the Macy’s employees. Agundez is a known gang member and on parole for a shooting. He was arrested for the petty theft and parole was contacted. Parole issued a hold on Agundez. He was booked in county jail.
• ·On 4/10/16/at 10:24 a.m., officers were dispatched to a suspicious subject call at the apartment complex located at 600 Wilbur Ave. An officer located 28 year old Brandon Hill who matched the description given by the reporting party. During contact, Hill lied about his name but said he was on probation. He was found to have a small amount of methamphetamine, a BB gun and brass knuckles with a knife attached. He was arrested and his true identity was discovered. Hill was sent to county jail.
• ·On 4/9/16 at 8:54 pm, A St Starbucks Employees called and reported a subject was hiding in the store stating he was being chased by subjects with guns. The responsibles were said to be in front of Quickstop on Sycamore Drive and a physical description was given. Officers responded to both locations and were unable to locate the original victim. He fled the store prior to officers’ arrival. Officers at Quickstop located 29 year old Robert Freeze, who matched the given description in front of the store. He was contacted and found to have a narcotics warrant out of San Francisco. He was arrested without incident and booked into county jail. No weapons were found. Freeze stated he was transient and was just waiting for friends. No weapons were recovered.
• ·On 4/8/16 at 8:30 pm, APD received several calls of a truck driving reckless in the area of Delta Fair Blvd and Somersville Rd. The truck was said to be heading westbound on Delta Fair Blvd and running red lights. A very short time later, officers were dispatched to a roll over collision at the intersection of Delta Fair Blvd and Fairview Dr involving the truck from the previous call. An unknown passenger crawled out and fled on foot. The driver, 31 year old Manuel Mata-Valles, managed to get out just prior to officers arriving and attempted to walk away, but he was detained without incident. Mata-Valles was found to be extremely intoxicated. He gave a complaint of head and neck pain due to the collision. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. A blood draw was obtained and the hospital wanted to hold Mata-Valles until he was deemed “medically” sober. He was released pending further investigation at the hospital. A small city tree was knocked over due to the collision. Officers on scene were able to clear the tree to the side and Corpyard was alerted.
• ·On 4/8/16 at 12:46 pm, employees of McDonald’s on Mahogany Way called APD regarding 22 year old Chris Fraulino because he was panhandling at the drive-thru with a knife in his hands. Officers contacted Fraulino who was quick to conceal the knife (a large steak knife) in his waistband. Fraulino was not cooperative but he was detained and arrested for the weapons violation. He was also in possession of heroin. He was transported to county jail.
• ·On 4/8/16 at 8:40 am, while responding to a possible burglary in progress with two male suspects, an officer saw a suspicious vehicle in the area of Bluerock Dr and Lone Tree Way. The vehicle immediately fled from the area and the officer. The vehicle was an older Honda plated with a newer Toyota rental plate. The driver also looked similar to known car thief that lives in the area. A short, low speed pursuit ensued and was quickly terminated when the suspect briefly drove on the wrong side of the road. Afterwards, a canvass of the area was completed, but the vehicle was not located.
• ·On 4/7/16 at 5:18 pm, officers were dispatched to a report of subjects selling narcotics near a tan vehicle at 2308 Spanos Street. Upon arrival, they contacted 23 year old Malia Hoopai. Hoopai was holding a large purse. The officers explained to Hoopai why they were there and she agreed to let them look through her purse for narcotics. The officers located approximately 20 individually wrapped baggies of Heroin weighing approximately 4.8 grams in total. Additionally they located two baggies of methamphetamine with a total weight of 3.7 grams. Hoopai stated she was holding the items for a friend. Hoopai was sent to county jail for possession of narcotics for sale.
• ·On 4/7/16 at 8:22 am, 24 year old Sara Stromberg lost control of her vehicle and crashed into the backside of the Chrysler Dealership’s fence on Verne Roberts Cir. As a result she was injured and disoriented and transported to a local to be evaluated. She was later determined to be under the influence of drugs and a blood drawn was performed. She was admitted into the ER and released pending further investigation.

New Antioch Police Officer Jose Hernandez and Chief Allan Cantando following the oath of office ceremony, Monday, April 18, 2016

By Allen Payton

At a ceremony, Monday afternoon April 18, Antioch Mayor Wade Harper administered the oath of office to new Police Officer Jose Hernandez, as his family, friends and fellow officers and police department staff looked on.

“It is a pleasure to swear in a new police officer to the Antioch Police Department,” said Chief Allan Cantando. “He’s a lateral hire from the Kern County Sheriff’s Department. Other officers are very happy he’s coming on, with the work load alone.”

As his parents and sister watch Hernandez takes his oath of office, administered by Antioch Mayor Wade Harper.

Cantando then read Hernandez’ brief bio.

Hernandez grew up in Santa Maria, California when at age 19 he moved to Bakersfield where he became a Deputy Sheriff for Kern County. There he worked for four years in the jail, courts and on patrol.

He likes to travel, watch sports, mainly the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Clippers (which solicited playful boos from those in attendance at the ceremony). A fun fact Cantando read, was that Hernandez broke his left arm playing leap frog at age 15, but then says he became more mature and made wiser decisions.

“I just want to thank everyone who came out today, my family and friends, and for their support,” Hernandez said.

He then mentioned officers Jason Erickson and Kevin Tjahjadi, who had also worked for the Kern County Sheriff’s Department and were instrumental in recruiting him to the APD.

“I look forward to working here and helping out in any way I can,” he added.

Cantando then spoke to Hernandez’ parents.

“The men and women who are going to train your son are second to none,” he stated. “It’s going to be a lot of work, a lot of hours and time away from friends and family. Thank you for supporting him as he transitions into the Antioch Police Department.”

This brings the force back to 94 sworn officers, following the departure of an officer from the department, last month.

By Sergeant Wisecarver, Antioch Police Special Operations Unit

On Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 9:35 am, Antioch Police Dispatch received reports of suspicious activity at a house in the 5400 block of Cherokee Way. Antioch Police Officers responded to the house to investigate the suspicious activity and found that this house had been converted into an indoor marijuana cultivation. The marijuana grow operation was determined to be illegal in nature.

The Antioch Police Department Special Operations Detectives were called out to the location. The detectives served a search warrant on the house. The detectives found a sophisticated marijuana cultivation operation to include over 200 mature marijuana plants. Evidence was collected from the location; however, there were no arrests made at this time.

This incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to contact Detective Brogdonat (925) 779-6895.

The remains of a Honda Ridgeline SUV whose driver caused an accident at A Street and Rossi Street, which ended at the westbound Highway 4 on ramp, late Tuesday night, April 12. photos by Allen Payton

By Allen Payton

On Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at approximately 10:01 pm, Antioch Police officers responded to the intersection of A St. and the Highway 4 on ramp on a report of a vehicle collision with a person trapped. Upon arrival, officers located a SUV that had collided into the rear of an occupied parked highway road crew cone truck. The collision caused major damage to both vehicles.

The driver of the SUV, a 35-year-old male from Antioch, and sole occupant of the vehicle had to be extricated from the vehicle by Contra Costa County Fire. The driver was transported to a local hospital with major injuries. The two occupants of the work truck were also transported to a local hospital with injuries that were considered to be minor.

Traffic control company truck (left) was struck by the SUV and ended up at the intersection of A Street and the Highway 4 on ramp.

The investigation revealed the driver of the SUV had collided into another vehicle at the intersection of A Street and Rossi Avenue just moments prior to the collision at A Street and Highway 4. There were no reported injuries in that collision.

That other car, driven by Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock was the first car hit by the driver of the SUV, as she was on her way home from the City Council meeting. But she was only sideswiped, taking off the passenger side mirror,  the damage was minor and she was not injured.

“I’m OK and it was my car he hit first” she said Wednesday morning. “I am blessed as it would have been really bad for me if he would have rear ended me at the high rate of speed he was going.”

“I thought he was going to hit and run, but then he went to the far right like he was going to get on the freeway,” Ogorchock continued. “But, then he swerved back to the left and that’s when he hit the back of the truck. He never hit the brakes.”

Asked if she remained at the scene, she replied, “I’m the one who called 9-11. I was on the phone and there were some people who were in the area running up to the car. One lady screamed. I was told by one man ‘he’s dead don’t go up there.’ I said ‘no he’s not dead, his head is moving’ and kept walking toward the car. That’s when Wade drove up. He asked me if I was OK, then also walked over to the car.”

“He was flying. It’s sad,” Ogorchock stated. “My thoughts and prayers are with the young man in the black vehicle and the CalTrans workers.”

“I appreciate how fast the police showed up,” she said. “The EMT’s and the firefighters. I’ve never been in that situation before. They were very calming, very soothing through the whole thing. You could really see the concern by the emergency response people for everyone involved.”

“There was an angel in my car, last night,” Ogorchock continued. “He hit the back of that truck and bent it under the frame,” she continued. “If he had hit me, he’d probably been in my back seat.”

“I left the the City Hall parking lot before Wade and (Councilwoman) Monica (Wilson),” she explained. “Monica drove by the scene but didn’t stop because she saw Wade and me, there, but didn’t know I was involved. She later told me ‘that car passed me.’”

“The driver’s name is Mike, that’s all I know. He told Wade that, last night,” Ogorchock added.

Antioch Mayor Wade Harper, also on his way home following the Council meeting, was one of the first on the scene, according to a TV cameraman.

In a Channel 7 TV news report, which referred to Harper as a guardian angel, he said “I just started to talk to him (the driver), make sure he’s coherent, talking to him telling him he would be OK.”

Police were still on scene at midnight, investigating the accident. The preliminary investigation indicates speed is a factor in the collision. It is unknown at this time if alcohol and/or drugs were involved.

No further information will be released at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Antioch Police at (925) 778-2441 or Traffic Officer Eric Johnsen at (925) 779-6900 ext. 84265. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

Antioch Police Sgt. Rick Martin #3343 contributed to this report.

Antioch Police Department Canine Unit. photo courtesy of APD

By Chief Allan Cantando

Please allow me to introduce your current, fully staffed Antioch Police Department canine unit. From left to right: Officer Ramirez and his partner Enzo, Officer McDonald and his partner Leroy, Officer Bledsoe and his partner Danto, Officer Harger and his partner Donna, Officer White and his partner Copper, and Officer Fachner and his partner Kane.

These phenomenal teams augment our Community Policing Bureau, with one team assigned to each patrol shift. They are trained in searching, article detection, apprehension, and narcotics. We are proud of our canine unit and hope that you are too!

By Sgt. Rick Martin #3343, Antioch Police Department

On Thursday April 7, 2016, at approx. 2:54 a.m., Antioch Police Officers responded to the intersection of Hillcrest Avenue and Sterling Hill Drive on a report of a solo vehicle collision. Upon arrival, Officers located a vehicle that had collided into a tree in the center median. The 26-year-old male driver from Richmond and sole occupant of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminary investigation indicates speed to be a factor in the collision. It is unknown at this time if alcohol and/or drugs were involved.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Antioch Police at (925) 778-2441 or Traffic Officer Eric Johnsen at 925-779-6900 ext. 84265. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

By Corporal Powell Meads, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On March 27th, 2016 at approximately 9:42 pm, officers in the Sycamore Drive area of Antioch heard numerous gunshots. APD dispatch then began receiving numerous 911 calls about a shooting on Spanos Street where a pregnant female had possibly been shot in the back. Officers arrived in the 2200 Block of Spanos Street and encountered a large gathering. The large group was not cooperative with the investigation and hostile towards the police officers. Additional police officers, including officers from Brentwood PD and Pittsburg PD, were called to the scene to assist. Once the scene was secure, the pregnant female was not located and officers did not locate any other injured persons.

The female victim, an 18-year-old Antioch resident, showed up at a local hospital a short time later with a gunshot wound to her back. It was determined that she was struck by a bullet fragment from a ricochet and her injuries were minor. Officers on scene determined that an unknown male opened fire on the gathering and fled on foot.

This case is still under investigation and officers are following up on suspect information. Anyone who has any information or may have witnessed this incident is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at (925) 778-2441. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.