Three to sergeant, one to corporal; sergeant, CSO honored with CHP 10851 award

Brings force to 76 sworn officers

By Allen D. Payton

During a ceremony on Monday, July 8, 2024, Antioch Interim Police Chief Brian Addington swore in one new officer and promoted four others within the department. He offered background on each and also administered the Oath of Honor to the five.

In addition, Sgt. Rob Green and CSO Rudy Nieves received the CHP 10851 award for their recovery of a number of stolen vehicles

Sgt. Bill Whitaker 

Bill Whitaker has been a police officer for over 22 years. He started his career at the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety, working as a police officer and a firefighter. Since he joined APD Sgt. Whitaker has held specialty positions as a CSI, FTO, K9 handler, and detective. 

He has also held collateral assignments as a gang investigator, drone operator, recruiting team, and background investigator. 

Sgt. Whitaker enjoys teaching and mentoring the next generation of police officers. He is an EVOC Instructor, use-of-force instructor, and K9 evaluator.  

Off duty, he enjoys relaxing with family and friends, watching his son play football, and watching documentaries. 

Sgt. Whitaker is honored to move from Corporal to Sergeant and is excited about the new challenge of further serving the community. 

Fun Fact: If Bill could live on a farm and raise hurds of dogs for a job he would retire. 

Sgt. Kris Palma

Kris was raised in Martinez. He graduated from Alhambra High School and pursued his dream of becoming a police officer.  Sgt. Palma started as a civilian with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office before attending the Law Enforcement Training Center in Pittsburg.  His passion for policing came from his father, who served 39 years with the San Francisco Police Department. Sgt. Palma also has a brother who serves as a police Lieutenant in the neighboring community of Pittsburg.

He started his career with the Richmond Police Department, where he spent 15 years as a police officer. While with Richmond PD, Sgt. Palma excelled in several assignments, including Field Training Officer, SWAT team member, Firearms and Tactics Instructor, K-9 handler, and Robbery Unit detective. He engaged with the community by teaching several blocks of instruction for the department’s Citizens’ Academy, speaking to at-risk youth, and participating in numerous K-9 demonstrations.  

In 2016, Sgt. Palma was voted Officer of the Year by his peers for outstanding leadership and community service. During the same year, he received a Life Saving Metal for rendering lifesaving aid to a kindergarten teacher who was the unintended victim of a nearby shooting.  

Sgt. Palma joined the Antioch Police Department in 2021. Due to his experience, he was selected as a FTO, Firearms instructor, SWAT team member, and Detective in the Special Investigations Unit.  Sgt. Palma was chosen to be deputized as a United States Marshal and served with the USMS Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force. Most recently, he took on the role of the acting sergeant of the Investigations Bureau, where he was afforded the opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest detectives. 

Sgt. Palma is married to his amazing wife Lurdes, who when not at home with their three boys, spends her time in the emergency room helping those in need as a registered nurse.

Fun Fact: Kris loves spending time with his family, camping trips, and coaching his boys in baseball and football.

Sgt Randall Gragg

Sgt. Gragg grew up in Antioch. He graduated from Contra Costa County’s 175th Law Enforcement Academy and was sworn in with Antioch PD in November 2014. His experience includes over five years of patrol. While assigned to patrol, he was a member of the Vehicle Theft Suppression and Enforcement Team (VSET), APD’s Honor Guard, and currently is a SWAT team member and SWAT Sniper. 

Sgt. Gragg has been assigned to Investigations for just over four years. He has worked a variety of assignments within Investigations, but most recently, he has been assigned as a homicide and violent crimes detective. He has recently participated in the APD Mentorship Program and become a WRAP instructor.

Before Law Enforcement, Sgt. Gragg served in the USMC reserves for six years as an infantry Marine from 2009-2015.

He has three AAs from Los Medanos College in Social Science, Art and Humanities, Math, and Behavioral Science.

Sgt Gragg is married with three kids, and a fourth is almost due. In his free time, he enjoys working out and spending time with his family.

Fun Fact:  Randall is currently learning to play the guitar.

Corporal Dan Fachner

Dan grew up in the Bay Area and enlisted in the Air Force in 1990 after graduating high school. He served on active duty for 11 years as a jet engine mechanic on KC-135 air refuelers. In 2001, Corporal Fachner was honorably discharged from active duty in the Air Force and hired by the San Jose Police Department as a Police Officer. He attended and graduated from the San Jose Police Academy at Evergreen Community College.

9/11 occurred during his Police academy, and Corporal Fachner decided to serve his country again and joined the Air Force Reserves. After graduating from the Police Academy, he was activated and returned to active-duty service. Corporal Fachner proudly served during Operation Enduring Freedom, where he worked on KC10 aircraft refuelers, responsible for worldwide support.

While at the San Jose Police Department, Corporal Fachner worked in patrol field services for 12 years. He was a Rifle Team member and an instructor for the field training program. Dan had a collateral assignment as a gang suppression officer, where he helped reduce gang crimes in the City of San Jose.

In 2013 Corporal Fachner retired from the Air Force after serving for 23 years. He joined the Antioch Police Department in 2013 as a Police Officer and was assigned to patrol field services. While in patrol field services, Dan was a K9 handler, Rifle Team member, Field Training Officer, and Drone Operator. He had a collateral assignment and was assigned to the Contra Costa County Vehicle Suppression Enforcement Team, which focused on reducing vehicle thefts.

Corporal Fachner enjoys traveling with his wife, Crissy, when he is not at work. He is also an avid golfer and bass fisherman.

Fun Fact: Dan recently qualified for a bass fishing Tournament of Champions series, where he could win a new bass boat.

New Officer Pedro Diaz

Pedro was raised in Linden, CA, and then moved to Stockton, CA, where he currently lives. Officer Diaz graduated from the San Joaquin Delta Post Academy last October. He is dedicated and hopes to make an impact in the City of Antioch.

Fun Fact: Officer Diaz likes to play soccer.

With the addition of Diaz, that brings the total to 76 sworn officers on the Antioch Police force out of 115 authorized in the budget.

In the 3rd photo, it’s the promotions and the order is Palma, Fachner, Gragg, and Whitaker. 

Bay Bridge road-rage shooting suspect from San Pablo, former Antioch resident, identified, arrested by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies

6’7″ felon charged with attempted murder, multiple gun crimes

By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications, CHP Office of Media Relations

A freeway shooting suspect is in custody and a firearm has been recovered after a road rage incident on the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge (SFOBB) early Monday morning, July 1, 2024. The suspect was identified through one of the newly installed high-tech “Flock” cameras, which provide law enforcement with real-time information and alerts to identify and locate vehicles associated with criminal activity. California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the purchase of the cameras as part of the state’s ongoing public safety investments and work in the East Bay to combat criminal activity and freeway violence.

“Through new state-of-the-art technology and the deployment of officers, California is doubling down in our efforts to keep our communities safe. I thank the California Highway Patrol and allied agencies for their persistent work to secure accountability in this case and help ensure that Californians are safe and secure,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

“The CHP is excited to have this new technology located on freeways in the Bay Area,” said Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Our investigators will utilize this technology to identify and apprehend those who engage in criminal activity and put California’s motorists at risk.”

On Monday, July 1, 2024, at approximately 6:40 a.m., officers assigned to the CHP’s San Francisco Area office were dispatched to a call of a freeway shooting on westbound Interstate-80, just west of the Treasure Island on-ramp. Officers were advised, the victim in the incident was not struck by the bullet; however, he received lacerations from flying glass inside the vehicle. The victim was able to safely exit the freeway, into the city of San Francisco, where she was met by officers and paramedics.

Detectives from the CHP’s Golden Gate Division Special Investigations Unit (SIU) responded to the scene and spoke with the victim, who mentioned the shooting took place following a merging conflict on the Treasure Island on ramp. A description of the suspect vehicle was obtained, allowing detectives to begin a review of Flock camera data. Detectives quickly identified the suspect vehicle and obtained a license plate number, which allowed them to issue a “Be on the lookout” (BOLO) broadcast to Bay Area law enforcement agencies. 

At approximately 10:20 a.m., Contra Costa County Sheriff’s deputies located the vehicle traveling on 7th Street near Pennsylvania Avenue in Richmond and conducted an enforcement stop. The driver, 42-year-old Adrian Martinez Emerson of San Pablo, Calif., was detained and turned over to SIU detectives for questioning. A search of Emerson’s 2016 Honda Accord resulted in the recovery of a pistol believed to have been used in the shooting.

Emerson was subsequently booked into San Francisco County Jail on felony charges of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, and discharging a firearm from a vehicle.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-foot, seven-inch, 170-pound Emerson is Black and was previously arrested by Richmond Police in 2014 on felony parole violation while he was an Antioch resident. No additional information could be located from an online search about Emerson’s previous conviction.

According to the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office, he is being held on no bail and is also include discharge of a firearm at an inhabited enclosure or vehicle, possession of firearm with prior conviction and by a felon, assault with a semi-automatic firearm, carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner, possession of ammunition, having a concealed firearm in a vehicle and carrying a loaded firearm. His court date has not yet been set.

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Sergeant Kristian Palma #6286, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On July 3, 2024, at approximately 11:26 PM, Antioch Police Officers responded to the 1600 block of Vineyard Drive for a report of a 58-year-old man shot near the vineyards.

When officers arrived, they located a male adult suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Antioch

Police Officers rendered medical aid until the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District took over care. Unfortunately, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. A second victim, 44-year-old female adult, later arrived at Sutter Delta Medical Hospital. The second victim suffered at least one gunshot wound and was transported to John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek in critical condition.

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released. The identities of the victims are being withheld pending notification to the next of kin. This appears to be an isolated incident and there is no immediate threat to the community.

Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective John Cox at (925) 481-8147 or by emailing Jcox@antiochca.gov.

30-year-old man from Oakland wanted in Napa, has history of arrests

Manteca Police search Antioch home, but make no arrests, yet

By Allen D. Payton

A post on the Antioch Police Department’s Facebook page on Thursday, June 27, 2024, announced the arrest of two suspects wanted for the armed robbery of a business in Manteca.

It reads, “Collaboration and dedication to keeping our communities safe. Antioch PD officers assisted Manteca Police Department with the arrest of two people wanted for an armed robbery of a business.

The suspects led our officers on a brief chase this afternoon, but they didn’t get far. Our officers safely detained the two suspects. Thanks to our strong partnerships with our allied agencies, we are getting violent criminals off our streets.”

However, according to Manteca Police Sergeant Steven Beermann, “There was no arrest for the robbery.  There was a drug offense arrest that our officers handled.”

A press release from Manteca PD on Monday, July 1st, announced, “Two masked suspects, armed with firearms, robbed the Manteca Verizon Store – at 190 Commerce Avenue – about 10:41 AM on June 26, 2024. The gun was pointed at the employees and customers as they were forced into a back room. Multiple cellular phones were taken from a safe. Witnesses provided immediate tips to officers which led to follow-up investigation in Antioch, CA on June 27, 2024.

The suspects were described as both being Black male adults, 20-25 years-old, and wearing masks.

Witness information led to a residence in Antioch and the suspect car. A search warrant was executed at the residence and people associated with the car were interviewed and released.

Manteca Police Department Detectives are currently continuing the investigation and more information will be available if an arrest is made.

The case number is 24-002886. The Lead Detective is Garret Morrison. Call the Manteca Police Department if you have witness information or can supply a tip to help solve this case: 209.456.8101.”

Later, Antioch Police Sgt. Kristian Palma clarified what had occurred.

“As far as the arrests we made they weren’t in relation to Manteca’s robbery investigation,” he stated. “The vehicle was related to it. Our arrests were based on the driver for an outstanding warrant from another county and the passenger was arrested and cite released at the scene for narcotics violations.”

The warrant for the driver, Terrance Deandre Fontenette, age 30 (born 6/6/94), of Oakland, was from Napa County.

“The vehicle itself was connected to the robbery, but the people inside, we don’t know if they were connected to the robbery,” Palma continued. “Manteca did come out and do their own search warrant at the home in the 4500 block of Wagon Trail Way. We were not there.”

“They identified the car involved in the Manteca robbery. It was found in Antioch and a stop was made on it. That information was provided to Manteca,” the Antioch Police sergeant added. “We don’t know, yet if they were the same suspects from the armed robbery in Manteca.”

According to the Napa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 165-pound, Fontenette is African American, was transferred from jail in Contra Costa County on Friday, June 28 and is being held in the Napa County Jail on $25,000 bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by Oakland PD, Oakland CHP and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department for crimes including four times for vehicle theft, plus, grand theft, burglary, receiving or concealing stolen property, gun violations, hit-and-run resulting in property damage and conspiracy to commit a crime.

12 more in or heading to the academy

By Allen D. Payton

During a brief ceremony at the Antioch Police Facility Community Room on Monday, June 24, 2024, Interim Chief Brian Addington swore in two new officers, Hunter Whitson and Ryan Tryner and introduced the department’s newest dispatcher, Sara Martin.  In attendance were family members, APD leaders and officers, District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock and Hans Ho of Neighborhood Watch.

Addington offered some inspirational words to the three additions and encouraging words to their families.

“Our communities depend on us more than ever to serve and protect,” the chief said. “Your job is to uphold justice and…individual rights. You meet the highest levels of professionalism and compassion.”

To the families he said, “Your continued love, support and encouragement are needed now more than ever.”

Addington then administered the oath of office to the new officers, followed by each one being pinned with their badge. He also shared a few details about each of the three and gave them the opportunity to share a few words.

Officer Hunter Whitson

Hunter was born and raised in the East Bay and graduated from Benicia High School. While in high school, he played and excelled in football all four years and won the section championship in both his junior and senior years. He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2017 and spent his time as an 0311infantry rifleman. He was stationed on MCBH Hawaii to include deployments throughout the North Pacific. On his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and going out on the boat.

Fun fact: Hunter Was a part of RIMPAC, where 23 different countries come into the Pacific to get trained by the USMC and conduct joint operations.

Whitson was pinned by his finance while holding their baby who squealed to the delight of those in attendance

“This has been a huge accomplishment for me,” he shared. “I’m excited to join the Antioch Police Department.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you,” Whitson said while looking at his fiancé.

Officer Ryan Tryner

Ryan was born and raised in Antioch and currently still lives here. Prior to becoming a CSO, Ryan worked as a part time Parking Enforcement Officer. He also worked at Los Medanos College as a Police Aide. Ryan enjoys martial arts and was an instructor for a gym in Brentwood. 

Fun fact: Ryan enjoys baseball and coaches a team in Brentwood.

He had his father pin the officer’s badge on him which was followed by a hug.

“Thank you everyone. I look forward to continuing my service in the Antioch Police Department,” Tryner said.

Dispatcher Sara Martin

Sara worked for Kaiser for 23 years as a surgical tech in the operating room. She also worked for the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office for two years as a dispatcher and one-year records and warrants clerk.

Outside of work, Sara loves to hike with my dog Savy (more of a stroll now since she is 16).  She also enjoys reading and watching her Nieces and Nephews play sports.

Fun Fact:  Sara loves to follow the Niners and Giants to away games.

“I’m also excited and proud to be here,” Martin stated.

They were then administered the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor by Addington.

He said Sarah had already started in her new position and the two new officers will go through additional training then enter the FTO program.

Later, Addington shared that this brings the department to 75 sworn after recently losing three officers. That’s out of 115 in the budget approved by the city council.

He also said there are four cadets currently attending the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Academy eight more entering the academy at the beginning of July. Six will attend the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Academy and two will be at the Butte College Academy.

By Acting Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On June 14, 2024, at approximately 8:52 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the 900 block of West 8th Street on a report of a male who had been shot while inside a residence and in need of medical attention.

When officers arrived, they located a male suffering from a graze wound. Officers immediately rendered first aid until they were relieved by paramedics. The victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Based on the investigation, officers believe the residence was targeted, and we are actively working on this case. This investigation is in its preliminary stages and evidence and witness statements are being collected at this time. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released.

6 occurred in parking lots, 4 while followed home

By Antioch Police Department

A word of warning to our community. Antioch PD has been investigating a series of robberies connected to bank visits. In the last 90 days, there have been nearly a dozen instances of community members being robbed after leaving local banks.

In four cases, the robberies happened at a different location after the victims left the banks. In six other instances, the actual robberies happened in the bank parking lots.

The thieves have stolen cell phones, wallets and money. Our detectives are working to make arrests in these incidents.

Yesterday, Thursday, June 13, 2024, Detectives Schaffer and Cox detained two robbery suspects after a foot pursuit and one of the suspects was armed with a firearm.

Below is an updated list of locations and additional information on the robberies we are currently investigating.

Victims Followed Home From Banks:

· April 1 – victim was followed home from Walnut Creek bank. Robbed at home, take was a purse. 2400 block of Montecito Court – no arrest

· May 22 – victim arrived home from the Chase Bank on Somersville Road. Purse was taken by force with the victim was knocked to the ground. 1500 block of Daisy Way – no arrest

· June 8 – robbery occurred at 2300 block of Buchanan Road. Victim stopped at Chase Bank, then  parked across the street and robbed of jewelry. – no arrest

· June 11 – victim left Chase Bank on Delta Fair Blvd. as they left, in an intersection and somebody ran up to their car, trying to break the window. Victim drove off, no loss.

Robberies in Bank Parking Lots:

· March 25 – Bank of America on Somersville Road, victim went to drive up ATM, after was approached by someone on bicycle. Robbed of cash and phone.

· April 3 – Bank of America on Somersville Road, victim went to drive up ATM, as they pulled away, approached by someone who robbed them of cash and cell phone.

· April 4 – Chase Bank on Delta Fair Blvd., victim using ATM when suspect ran up and robbed them of phone and wallet.

· April 10 – Chase Bank on Lone Tree Way, attempted. Victim entered vehicle after leaving bank and suspect demanded property, victim left before theft could occur.

· May 20 – BMO on Somersville Road, victims making a deposit for the County Fair. (See related article)

· June 11 – Chase Bank on Lone Tree Way, victim walking to the car after cashing check, victim robbed by the suspect.

We are asking our community to be vigilant and take precautions. If you see something, say something.

8 more active officers since April 12; at least 4 have been terminated; Chief shares names of all 75 sworn in report to Oversight Commission

By Allen D.  Payton

In response to requests for information on police staffing and the number of officers in the racist text scandal who were back to work Interim Antioch Police Chief Brian Addington shared today the report provided to the Antioch Police Oversight Commission for their meeting yesterday, Monday, June 3, 2024. In his report Addington wrote, “The Antioch Police Department is currently authorized 115 sworn police officer positions. The department currently has 75 sworn police officers and 40 vacant sworn police officer positions. Of the 75 sworn police officers, 58 are actively working, and 17 are inactive.” In response to the commission’s request he also provided the complete list of names for all 75 officers including the 17 currently inactive.

That’s a decrease in staffing of two sworn officers but an increase of eight active officers since April 12 in spite of four additional officers joining the department, last month.

Addington was asked by the Herald for whatever information he could share about the Antioch Police Officers who were caught up in the text scandal and are now back to work, specifically  for the total number of officers from the text scandal who have returned to work, as well as total on the force currently active, plus any demotions in rank and title, as well as any who have been terminated.

He responded, “Based on your request…this is the available information that I can provide” which was the report to the commission.

On May 20, 2024, Mike Rains, attorney for the Antioch Police Officers Association whose firm represented 17 officers who were placed on paid leave during the investigation of the text scandal shared additional information.

“I think all the cases where we have represented Antioch officers have been resolved. Some are back to work, some they terminated,” he said.

“They screwed up the entire case,” Rains stated. “The 745 motion made by the lawyers representing Pugh, Windom and McGee” referring to three of the four suspects convicted of murder, last month. (See related article)

“At the most that was 12 officers. They released the entire report without a protective order,” he complained, speaking of the redacted report that listed all the officers and inadvertently revealed all their names and cell phone numbers. “Someday I’m going to sue the DA in the county for doing that.” (See related article)

“Four officers have been terminated. We’re going to go to arbitration on those,” Rains said. My office represents maybe one or two more. Julia Fox (his associate) represents them.”

Rains added, “The names of the officers who went back to work” could be shared. “But not the disposition of their individual cases.”

See the Chief’s APD Staffing Report to the Commission.