Detectives seek public’s help; homeless advocates and friends share about 48-year-old Raheem Coe

“Raheem didn’t mess with nobody.” – longtime friend, Katherine Wade

By Allen D. Payton

On May 15, 2024, at approximately 7:19 AM, Antioch police officers responded to the 2200 block of Country Hills Drive to assist Contra Costa Fire on a reported male down on the sidewalk possibly in need of medical attention.

When officers arrived, they located a deceased male. He was later identified by Deputy Contra Costa County Coroner Sanchez as Raheem Coe, a 48-year-old man from Antioch. (See related article)

According to a press release issued Friday night, May 17, 2024 by Lt. Desmond Bittner of the Investigations Bureau, “Antioch Police Department detectives have continued to work diligently on this investigation over the past several days. After an autopsy and further investigation, the death has been determined to be a homicide. The victim frequented the area where he was discovered. Detectives are still asking the public for assistance as they continue to investigate.”

Independent reports from two sources claim Coe’s death was believed to be caused by blunt force trauma, including to his head and chest.

According to local homeless advocate Andrew Becker who knew Coe and had several interactions with him, “Raheem Coe was on the street for the last couple of years, in the Lone Tree-Deer Valley area. He’s had several interactions with City staff including being swept multiple times by Public Works and Code Enforcement.”

“We had several conversations about shelter and services, and he was seeking shelter,” Becker continued. “The last contact I had with him was a week-and-a-half ago. He did have contact with his family who are also local.”

“Due to the limited resources available, appropriate services were never offered to him,” Becker added. “This is the perfect example of a local family that needed strong, supportive services and resources but without a true, hands-on approach, he remained stuck in the cycle that the majority of unhoused residents are in, right now.”

incident, the organization’s leader, Nichole Gardner wrote, “This was one of our unhoused friends named Raheem that has been on the streets for years. Prayers for his friends and family.”

In a comment below the post Salim Coe wrote, “Raheem was my brother. Me and my family are very devastated.”

In a May 17th post on that same page Gardner wrote, “My heart has been heavy all day. I pray I will never have to know what it feels like to lose one of my sons. The heartfelt cries of Raheem’s mother have been with me all day. She is an older woman and just cried and cried to me on the phone. I can only hope I said the right thing and was supportive. I reached out to some amazing women who connected with her to give her support and called and visited with her. I am so heartbroken for his mom and brother who have no other family out here. Their family is in Ohio. She continuously said she just wanted to talk to someone. The pain in her heart was unbearable. Please God, help this mother and her family during this time. Please keep them in your prayers.”

Later Gardner posted, “Rest in Paradise Raheem. You will be missed” with a photo provided by Antioch resident Katherine Wade of a small memorial to Coe, placed at the gas station at the corner of Lone Tree Way and Mokelumne Drive, which includes a cross, two photos of him and a cup of coffee.

When reached for comment she said, “I didn’t know Raheem, but I know he was well-loved in the community. There are so many people who knew him.”

When reached for comment Wade shared, “Raheem was a good person, I’ve been knowing him for 12 years. He used to be with my son. Raheem didn’t mess with nobody. He wasn’t comfortable with people approaching him. He’s been to my house with my sons doing music in the garage. I used to feed him on the holidays. It hurts for someone to do him, like that.”

Gardner later shared, “His mother said her door was always open. She would bring him supplies and food and tell him he could come home anytime when he was ready to do so. She was crying with a broken heart, realizing the day she prayed for would never happen. She loved him dearly.”

Any information concerning the investigation can be directed to Antioch Police Detective John Cox at (925) 481-8147 or by email: jcox@antiochca.gov. Anonymous tips or information about this – or any other incident – can be sent via text to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword ANTIOCH.

Residents told to shelter in place; Antioch Police, US Marshals assist; Stockton PD won’t say why Carlos Lara-Palacios was in Antioch; has history of arrests

By Stockton Police Department

On March 18, 2024, at approximately 8:40 p.m., Officers responded to the area of E. Market Street and South E Street on a report of a person shot. Officers arrived on scene and located a 40-year-old male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers attempted life-saving measures until AMR transported him to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Homicide Detectives were called out to assume the investigation.

On March 21, Stockton Police posted the following on the department’s Facebook page providing details about the suspect:

“Parolee At Large – CDCR #BT4446 WHO: Carlos Palacios  AGE: 28 GENDER: Male HEIGHT: 5’7″  WEIGHT: 152 HAIR: Brown  EYES: Brown

Palacios absconded parole supervision on 11/09/2023. He has an active parolee-at-large warrant and an outstanding warrant for PC 245(a)(2) Assault with a deadly weapon.

The CA Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and Stockton Crime Stoppers Inc. encourage anyone with information regarding this person to come forward and provide information.

You can submit anonymous tips to Stockton Crime Stoppers by:

TYPE – Submit a Tip online using the Stockton Crime Stoppers website at StocktonCrimeStoppers.org

TALK – Call Stockton Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600

DOWNLOAD the P3 Tips Mobile App and submit tips anonymously

Stockton Crime Stoppers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for ANY information that leads to an arrest!”

Our Detectives have continued to work diligently on this case since the homicide occurred. An arrest warrant was issued for Palacios in connection to this homicide.  On May 6, 2024, with the assistance of our US Marshal Task Force partners, Palacios was taken into custody in Antioch, CA.

Antioch Police informed the public during the search in the area of Gentrytown Drive, Jefferson Way, Monroe Court and Madison Court. Residents in those areas were advised to shelter in place and lock all doors and windows.

Palacios was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail for homicide charges.

This remains an ongoing investigation.

Asked why he was in Antioch at the time of his arrest and why his name doesn’t appear as an inmate in the San Joaquin County Jail, Stockton Police Officer David Scott of the Office of the Chief of Police – Public Information Office responded, “Due to the integrity of the investigation, we cannot confirm that information at this time. That will be a part of the investigation process.”

UPDATE: Scott later added, “He is booked under a hyphenated last name, Carlos Lara-Palacios. Booking #24-06780.”

According to the SJ County Sheriff’s Office, his full name is Carlos Alberto Lara Palacios, and he is being held on no bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, May 9 at 1:30 p.m. in Stockton Court Dept. 2, then again, on May 24 at 8:30 a.m.

According to localcrimenews.com, Lara Palacios has a history of arrests dating back to 2017 all by the SJ Co. Sheriff’s Department including for multiple weapons and drugs charges, as well as for robbery, Inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, vehicle theft, caretaker theft from elder adult over $400, other vehicle charges, reckless driving and evading police.

reckless driving and evading police.

5/13/24 UPDATE: Stockton Police Department further shared on Monday, May 13, 2024, “Details and specifics revolving around Carlos Palacios’ arrest remain under investigation.  We cannot confirm at this time why he was in Antioch, but it is being investigated by detectives. Thank you.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

U.S. Marshals locate one suspect in Pioneer, CA; both have history of arrests including second arrest for murder of other suspect

By Lt. Rick Martin, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On January 23, 2024, at approximately 10:53 pm the Antioch Police Dispatch center began receiving multiple calls of shots fired with a subject injured in the unit block of Bryan Avenue. Officers arrived and located two victims, 41-year-old Roberto Gonzalez Lamas and a 59-year-old male, both from Antioch, each with multiple gunshot wounds. Gonzalez Lamas succumbed to his injuries at the hospital and was pronounced deceased. (See related article)

The Antioch Police Investigations Bureau has been tirelessly working on this homicide investigation. Through the investigation, detectives learned that 53-year-old Lonnie Ray Decker and 61-year-old Steven Robert Kelly, both of Antioch, were responsible for the senseless killing of Gonzalez Lamas, and attempted murder of the 59-year-old male.

On Feb. 7, 2024, the U.S. Marshals Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Tast Force located and apprehended Decker in Pioneer, CA. On Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, Kelly was located and apprehended by Antioch Police patrol officers in Pittsburg. Both Kelly and Decker were booked into the Martinez Detection Facility on charges of murder and attempted murder along with additional parole violations. According to the Amador County Sheriff’s Department, Decker was in the Amador County Jail as of Feb. 12 on a bench warrant for failure to appear.

The Antioch Police Department would like to thank U.S. Marshals, Amador County Sheriff’s Office, and the community at large for providing the Antioch Police Department with helpful information that quickly and safely led to the arrests of Decker and Kelly.

This case has been presented to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s office and has charged both Decker and Kelly with homicide.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the 5-foot, 7-inch, 145-lb. Kelly is Hispanic and is in jail on a no-bail hold. According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to 2016 by Antioch, Martinez and Pleasant Hill PD and Contra Costa CHP including for murder in 2020, as well as for drug crimes and vehicle theft. (Note: No photo of Kelly could be located from an online search).

According to localcrimnews.com, Decker also has a history of arrests dating back to 2016 by Vacaville and Redding PDs, Modesto CHP, and Solano, Stanislaus, Sacramento and Amador County Sheriff’s Departments for multiple drug, gun and weapon crimes, vehicle theft, driving on a suspended license, check fraud and failure to appear. According to recentlybooked.com, he is 6-foot, 1-inch and 285 lbs. According to Decker’s Facebook page, he is friends with Daniel Mackin who was shot and arrested by Antioch Police on October 1, 2023, and charged with “Ramey Warrant – 187 PC homicide / 211 PC robbery” and other crimes.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Marcus Ervin arrested 12 times since March 2021

By San Francisco Police Department

On December 21, 2023, at approximately 11:00 p.m., SFPD officers from Tenderloin Station responded to a business located on the 200 block of Ellis Street regarding an armed robbery that just occurred. Officers responded to the robbery and observed a suspect who matched the description running from the scene. Officers attempted to detain the suspect to no avail at which time a foot pursuit ensued. Officers were able to apprehend the male after a brief struggle. Upon searching the suspect officers seized a loaded firearm from his person. 

During the arrest a hostile crowd formed around the officers and suspect. Officers were able to transport the suspect to a secure location for their safety and the safety of the suspect. Officers on scene also detained a female who had interfered with the investigation. She identified herself involved with the suspect. The female resisted arrest and spat on the officers during the incident.

The investigation revealed the suspect wore a balaclava, jumped over the counter, and brandished a firearm while he made his demands before fleeing on foot with U.S. currency that he stole. Through the course of the investigation officers developed probable cause to arrest both the male and female. 

The male suspect, 34 year-old Marcus Khalant Ervin of Antioch, CA was charged with robbery (211 1st PC), possession of concealed firearm (25400(A)(2) PC), possession of a loaded firearm to commit a felony (25800(A) PC), possession of concealed firearm in public (25850(A) PC), prohibited person to possess a firearm (29825(B) PC), convicted person in possession of firearm (29900(A) PC), convicted person in possession of ammunition (30305(A) PC), exhibiting a deadly weapon (417 PC), resisting arrest (148(a)(1) PC). 

The female suspect, 46-year-old Hailia Hayes of San Francisco was charged with battery on a police officer (243(b) PC) and resisting arrest (148 (a)(1) PC). 

UPDATE: According to a report by SFGate.com, police said, during the arrest, a hostile, antagonistic crowd formed around the officers who chased down the armed robbery suspect. “Officers were able to transport the man to a secure location for their own safety and the safety of the suspect.”

While arrests have been made, these incidents remain open and active investigations. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at 1-415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous. SFPD Case# 230892344 

According to localcrimenews.com, which lists his middle  name as Khlani, Ervin has been arrested 12 times since March 2021 by multiple agencies including Oakland PD, San Francisco PD, Alameda County Sheriff’s Department and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department for a variety of gun and drug crimes, assault with a deadly weapon – no firearm, likely to cause great bodily injury of a peace officer or fireman, hit-and-run resulting in an injury, and evading police with wanton disregard for safety.

According to the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department, he is being held without bail and has a court appearance on Jan. 10, 2024.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Will hold Maximum Enforcement Period Friday, Dec. 29 – Monday night, Jan. 1, 2024

909 DUI arrests during Christmas weekend MEP, a 42% increase over last year

As we prepare to usher in a new year, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is ramping up efforts to help ensure the safety of all road users, while reducing the number of deadly crashes on the state’s roadways.

Beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, the CHP will implement a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), which will continue through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. 

The CHP conducted a similar enforcement effort during the recent Christmas holiday.  Tragically, 20 people were killed in crashes within CHP jurisdiction between 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 25.  Additionally, CHP officers made more than 900 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) – an average of one every five minutes.

“Our personnel work through the holidays to help ensure people arrive safely at their destinations,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.  “The goal is to maintain a safe environment on California’s roads, which is achievable when all motorists make responsible decisions behind the wheel.”

In addition to assisting drivers and looking for traffic violations, such as failure to wear a seat belt, speeding, and distracted driving, CHP officers will be paying close attention to people suspected of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.  During the last New Year’s Day MEP, CHP officers made 570 DUI arrests statewide.

As we close out 2023, avoid becoming a statistic.  Have a plan and designate a sober driver or use ride-share services, avoid distractions while driving, and always wear your seat belt.  If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately.  Be prepared to provide the dispatcher a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location, and direction of travel. Your phone call may save someone’s life.

Christmas Weekend MEP Results

Over the past Christmas weekend, the CHP took decisive action to keep our roads safe! Here are the results from the maximum enforcement period:

CHP arrested 909 individuals for driving under the influence, a 42% increase from the year prior. Sadly, there were 19 fatal crashes resulting in 20 fatalities. Although this is a 23% decrease from last year, there is more work to be done to continue to reduce the mileage death rate.

Safety Reminder: Slow down, always designate a sober driver, and wear your seatbelt. These simple actions can save lives and prevent injuries.

Thank you to all who prioritize road safety. Stay safe!

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

By Lt. Rick Martin, Investigations Bureau, Antioch Police Department

On December 26, 2023, at approximately 2:45 a.m. Antioch Police Officers responded to Wilbur Avenue near the intersection of Apollo Court on a report of a vehicle on fire after having collided into a tree. Officers along with the Contra Costa County Fire Department arrived and were able to extinguish the fire, unfortunately the driver, a 28-year-old male from Oakley and his dog succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.

We are withholding the name of the decedent until proper family notifications have been made. It appears speed and alcohol were factors in this incident. No further information will be provided at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lieutenant Rick Martin at (925) 779-6972 or the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441.

The annual effort benefited 125 families with 400 children this year

By Allen D. Payton

On Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, owners of Antioch’s “Disney House”, Kristen and Gary Vistalli were joined by Councilman Mike Barbanica and his wife, Kristine, to deliver some of the gifts donated during the Help for the Holidays Event co-hosted by the Antioch Police Department on Dec. 9th.

The donations were received at the Vistallis’ home, which is decorated each year with over 35,000 lights and Disney characters. Their son Tyler and daughter Amanda helped with receiving the donated items, which also included blankets, gloves, socks, hats and scarves, as well as cash and Venmo donations. Kristen refers to the annual event as the “spirit and support drive, and gift giveaway”. (See related article)

The gifts were delivered by the four Santa’s Helpers to two girls, 8-year-old Isabella and 15-year-old Veronica, at their aunt’s home where they now live because their mother recently passed away and the girls had nowhere else to go.

“They are having a rough time, and their aunt said the gifts would help,” Barbanica shared.
“We just wanted to come by and drop off these gifts to you,” he said after the gifts were placed under the family’s Christmas tree. “Hopefully this helps out for Christmas.”

“Thank you for everything,” their aunt Iris responded.

About being off school for the holiday break Isabella said, “It’s said. I like school. Because I like my friends and I like PE.”

Regarding the toy drive, Disney house owner Kristen said, “This is the fourth year we did this with the Antioch Police Department. We switched to the drive-by during COVID which has worked out. It’s grown, every year.”

“To help over 125 families with 400 children, it’s just amazing and extremely rewarding,” she added.

This is the Vistallis’ first time delivering gifts to a family, meeting and speaking with them.

“We are extremely grateful to the community for their support and making this happen,” Kristen stated.

A few police officers were expected to participate in the gift delivery, but several were involved in a stolen vehicle pursuit at the time.

You can still drive by and see the decorated Disney House in all it’s lighted glory this week at 3732 Colonial Court in Antioch. 

Had to meet one of three criteria for multiple stolen vehicle cases

By Allen D. Payton

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, the Antioch Police Department offered, “Congratulations to Sergeant Green, Officer Marques, Officer Tanguma, and Officer Chandler for receiving the CHP 10851 award. The CHP developed the 10851 Awards Program to recognize the efforts made by CHP and allied law enforcement personnel who have met specified criteria toward the reduction of stolen vehicle crimes by making significant contributions to the recovery of stolen vehicles and the arrest of suspected car thieves.”

“We are proud of our officers who received this special recognition,” the department added.

Acting Chief Joe Vigil presented the awards.

According to AAA which participates with the CHP in granting the awards, the 10851 award gets its name from the California Vehicle Code section that prohibits vehicle theft. To qualify for the award, an officer must meet any of the following criteria within a one-year period:

• Make six separate “rolling stolen” (suspect occupied) in-custody arrests
• Recover 12 stolen vehicles, at least three of which are suspect occupied
• Develop information which results in identification of a theft ring, the arrests of at least two suspects and recovery of at least 10 vehicles.

The 10851 award consists of a pin which has been approved for law enforcement officials to wear on their uniforms. An officer or sergeant may be recognized up to 25 times, at which point they receive a gold lifetime achievement pin.