Archive for the ‘Police & Crime’ Category

Graduates of Antioch PD’s first Citizens Academy tell of experiences, appreciate police more

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2015
Antioch Police Department's first Citizens Academy graduates with Chief Allan Cantando, left. (From left to right)

Antioch Police Department’s first Citizens Academy graduates with Chief Allan Cantando (left) and other department leaders. (From left to right) Mindy Amerine, Captain Tamany Brooks, Tina Biles, Hans Ho, Barbara Ackerman-Brown, Michael Morris, Sandy Hartrick, Francisco Muñiz, Harry Thurston, and Lts. Diane Aguinaga and Tony Morefield. (Not pictured – graduate Lorenzo Macon)

By Allen Payton

The Antioch Police Department honored the graduates of their first Citizens Academy during a ceremony at the police facility, Wednesday evening, September 2. A total of nine Antioch residents completed the two month course.

The academy provided an opportunity for community members to meet the police officers who protect and serve our city. The intent was to educate the community on the duties, training, investigation techniques and situations police officers and other members of the police department may encounter.

Those who attended the academy were given the opportunity to participate in some of the activities police officers perform as part of their every day duties. Hands on experiences included fingerprinting, defensive tactics, interacting with a K-9 and handler, and riding along with an officer.

I want to congratulate all of you for going through our first Citizens Academy,” said Chief Allan Cantando. “This is something that’s not only good for the citizens but good for the police department.”

Thank you to Lt. Aguinaga for putting it, together,” he added.

He then asked the graduates what they liked and disliked about the eight-week course.

Hans Ho, is a past chairman of Antioch’s Police Crime Prevention Commission and head of the city’s Neighborhood Watch program said, “What I liked about it I got a lot of good information. I’ve been here 12 years and I found out how much I didn’t know.”

APD Challenge Coin given to each of the academy graduates.

APD Challenge Coin given to each of the academy graduates.

I feel the same way,” said Barbara Brown-Ackerman, who is also a member of the Volunteers In Police Service. “The information. There are so many people out there who don’t know what all the officers do. They have no idea. I’m able to tell them something. I really liked all the classes.”

Graduate Sandy Hartrick, whose husband and daughter were in attendance with a “Congrats” balloon, shared what she liked about the program.

I think it’s the knowledge you gain,” she said. “Everyone is doing so many tasks. It’s not like you’re just a police officer, writing tickets. There are a million facets of the job. It was very eye opening…how much of themselves the officers have to give to the job. Keeping in tune to keep themselves safe…thinking about themselves, thinking about the citizens.

Francisco Muñiz offered a different view.

I didn’t like the class. I loved it,” he said to laughter of all in attendance.

Good,” Cantando joked. “I thought I was going to have to use some pepper spray.”

Muñiz then shared what he didn’t like.

Maybe a little more time with the weapons,” he stated. “It would be useful for the average citizen to know to handle the weapons.”

Graduate Mindy Amerine enjoyed other aspects of the course.

The CSI. The drug unit was especially eye opening to me,” she shared. “The gang unit, knowing the tags. The firing range. Maybe shooting another clip would be good. Getting to use the dust and fingerprints. It was a great overall experience with every single class.”

I used to have a tunnel vision of the police department,” said Tina Biles. “Now I have this 360 degree view. We have a great police force and I’m thankful for it.”

Those scenarios were so stressful,” she continued. “I failed every time,” to which everyone laughed.

They were awesome and terrifying at the same time,” Biles added. “I would have signed up for a longer course.”

Graduate Michael Morris said it was the depth of the class.

It was really fascinating. I was most interested in the drugs and gangs. Because my kids are teenagers.”

“I’d like two ride-alongs instead of one,” he offered as his critique. He wanted one at the end after all the classes, which lasted three hours per night. Other students suggested the course last longer or last four hours per night to cover everything.

It was great,” Harry Thurston said as he got choked up. “You let us behind the blue door. I can’t believe it. All the things you guys go through is just amazing. I would like more. Stretch me further.”

What I learned is the people who taught us were like family,” he continued. “Because you have earned more respect out of me than I thought I could ever give.”

I could not retain everything that was being thrown at us,” Thurston added.

Cantando responded to all the positive comments.

What you said is exactly what we wanted it to be,” he said. “We are a family here at the police department. We couldn’t do our job without our family. We couldn’t do our job without you. Just the fact that you went through this program…you are family with us, now. You are our ambassadors, now. You know more than most of the public knows that officers go through.”

He then presented each graduate with an official Antioch Police Department mug, a diploma and a Challenge Coin.

It’s something we give out in the department,” Cantando said about the coin. “The reason why I give it to them, it’s to tell them the values we want them to represent – Pride, Integrity and Courage.”

The class then took group photos and enjoyed some cake.

Chief Cantando presents Citizens Academy graduate Lorenzo Macon with his diploma and gifts.

Chief Cantando presents Citizens Academy graduate Lorenzo Macon with his diploma and gifts.

Then, their final classmate, Lorenzo Macon, was able to show up.

Cantando presented him with his gifts, as well.

You can’t buy these,” he said referring to the Challenge Coins. “If you have one you’ve been given it by someone in the department.”

Macon shared his thoughts on the course.

I liked the blood curdling and adrenaline rush from the scenarios,” he said to more laughter. “This is the first one. We pioneered this thing. I look forward to some future endeavors.”

Those include a possible position with APD.

There’s some level-one reserve or CSO positions that might come up that I’m interested in,” said Macon, who is currently an armed officer with Strategic Threat Management in Antioch. “This gave me one foot in the door.”

Another suggestion by the graduates was better marketing of the academy, so more people can participate in it, in the future.

I want to thank all of you for giving me your time and input,” Cantando stated. “We don’t have another scheduled as of yet. But we will definitely market it.”

Antioch PAL to hold 8th Annual Golf Tournament fundraiser

Thursday, August 27th, 2015

PAL-logoCalling all golfers and Antioch PAL supporters. It’s that time of the year again! We are proud to announce the 8th Annual Antioch Police Activities League Charity Golf Tournament is open for player and sponsorship registration. Don’t miss your change to be part of this year’s fun and excitement! The tournament will be taking place on Friday, September 11, 2015, at the beautiful Lone Tree Golf Course and Event Center here in Antioch.

Attached you will find a form with additional information about how to register players, sponsor the event, or both! As in prior years, we are limiting our field to 128 players. Don’t wait too long to register, as you may miss out on participating in the premier tournament in East County!

Please remember, all proceeds raised from this tournament go toward helping the youth in our community stay active and socially involved through positive relationships with mentors and members of the Antioch Police Department. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and your donation/sponsorship can be considered tax deductible.

Contact Dineen Burdic, Antioch PALProgram Coordinator at (925) 864-0808 or dineenb@comcast.net or vsit http://antiochpalgolf.com

Suspicious device causes evacuation of Antioch High, Wednesday morning, determined to be of no concern

Wednesday, August 26th, 2015

By Lieutenant Diane Aguinaga, Antioch Police Field Services

This morning at 09:53 am the Antioch High School Principal called APD to report a suspicious device found in one of the classrooms. Because of the appearance of the device, all efforts were made to ensure the student’s safety and the students were evacuated to a nearby location. With the assistance of the Walnut Creek PD Bomb Squad and BART PD bomb dogs, the device was determined to be nothing of concern or danger.

The students were returned to their classrooms less than an hour after the device was found.

There is no further information at this time.

Shootout in Antioch leads to arrest of man for manufacturing hash oil, counterfeiting and identity theft

Tuesday, August 25th, 2015

By Corporal Rick Smith, Antioch Police Community Policing Bureau

On Wednesday, August 19, 2015, at 12:30 PM, Antioch Police Officers responded to the area of Rodeo Court and Woodbridge Way for the report of two subjects shooting at each other.

Russell Fernando

Russell Fernando

Upon arrival, officers located a 30-year-old male identified as Russell Fernando walking away from a residence. He stated that he had arrived at his residence and confronted subjects inside of his garage and an argument ensued. Fernando exchanged gunfire with one or more of the subjects. The details of what occurred prior to the gunfire are still under investigation. It is believed these subjects are known to Fernando.

This incident lead to a search of the residence and several items related to the manufacturing of hash oil, counterfeiting, and identity theft were located. A loaded firearm suspected to have been used by Fernando during this incident was also located. No one is believed to have been injured at this time. Fernando was arrested on the the following charges: H&S11379.6 – manufacturing drugs or narcotics; PC246 – shooting at an inhabited dwelling; PC25850(a) – carrying a loaded firearm on the person or in a vehicle while in any public place or on any public street in an incorporated city; PC476 – Forgery and Counterfeiting; and Warrant (PC459) burglary, also known as “breaking and entering.”

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Antioch Police at (925) 778-2441. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

Pittsburg man shot in drive by, home struck by bullet in Antioch, Tuesday night

Tuesday, August 18th, 2015

By Sergeant Dimitri Barakos #2176, Antioch Police Community Policing Bureau

On Tuesday, August 17, 2015 at approximately 9:37 PM the Antioch Police Department received several calls that a person had been shot in the 1900 block of Deodar Avenue. Officers responded and found the victim lying near the west sidewalk of Deodar Avenue. The victim was suffering from a gunshot wound to his hip. The officers rendered aid and summoned medical personnel to the scene.

The victim told officers that he was walking to his friend’s car parked nearby when a male in a vehicle shot him and then fled. Medical personnel arrived and transported the victim to a local hospital where he underwent medical treatment for the non-life threatening gunshot wound. A nearby residence was also struck by a bullet during the shooting, but no one was injured. The responsible in this incident was not located.

Any further information will be provided by the Investigations Bureau at 925.779.6926. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Pittsburg man shot during shootout in Antioch Tuesday afternoon

Tuesday, August 11th, 2015

By Acting Sergeant John Fortner #3264, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 4:17 PM, Antioch Police Officers responded to the 1800 block of D Street on the report of a shooting. Several callers reported hearing approximately four to five gunshots. A black SUV being followed by a white pick-up truck were seen leaving the immediate area at a high rate of speed.

Shortly thereafter, a 25-year-old male Pittsburg resident arrived at a local area hospital with two non-life threatening gunshot wounds. The victim was listed in stable condition and is expected to survive. No other victims were located at the scene or admitted into any other hospitals.

This incident is currently under investigation.

This preliminary information is made available by the Field Services Bureau.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Antioch man shot in leg Monday night, police seek shooter

Tuesday, August 11th, 2015

By Sergeant Dimitri Barakos #2176, Antioch Police Community Policing Bureau

On Monday, August 10, 2015 at approximately 9:17 PM the Antioch Police Department received a call that a person had been shot and the victim was at the corner of Sycamore Drive and Spanos Street. Officers responded and found the victim lying near the south sidewalk of Sycamore Drive near Spanos Street. The victim, a 26-year-old Antioch man, was suffering from a gunshot wound to his right leg. The officers rendered aid and summoned medical personnel to the scene.

The victim told officers that he was walking on Dogwood Way near Linden Way when a male shot him and then fled in a car. The victim walked to the area of Sycamore Drive and Spanos Street where he was located by police. Medical personnel arrived, provided medical aid, and transported the victim to a local hospital where he underwent medical treatment for the non-life threatening gunshot wound. A nearby residence was also struck by a bullet during the shooting, but no one was injured. The responsible in this incident was not located.

If anyone has information please call the Investigations Bureau at 925.779.6926. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Antioch Police Department calls for service July 29 through August 5, 2015

Sunday, August 9th, 2015

Following are the Antioch Police Department calls for service from the Antioch City Manager’s Weekly Report dated August 7, 2015:

On 8/5/15 at 9:08pm a 30 year old male was at a friend’s apartment at 3421 Hudson Court playing video games. His 27 year old wife, who is 7 mo. pregnant with their second child, located him and asked him to watch their other child back at their own apartment but he told her “No”. She took the car so she could take their child with her to the store. He saw her drive off in the car and chased her into Hudson Ct to get the car back. She locked the doors so he punched out the driver side window. He jumped on the hood and kicked out the front windshield. She had some broken glass hit her arm that caused a small cut. She and the baby were not otherwise injured. An ambulance responded to examine her. The male fled prior to PD arrival and was not located.

On 8/5/15 at 5:14 pm an officer was driving behind Big Lots on Somersville Road and came across 38 year old Matthew Benner. When Benner saw the officer, he immediately threw two plastic baggies onto the ground. Benner was contacted and the baggies were recovered. Both were found to contain meth. Benner was arrested and later cite-released from APD

On 8/5/15 at 11:21 am officers were called to 5332 Navajo Way because the owners of this residence and came to do an inspection after speaking to their tenant they leased the property. The leaser admitted to them that he had sublet the property to a female he knows only as “Thuy” when confronted about a $5000.00 PGE bill. During their inspection, they found a marijuana grow in several of the rooms consisting of about 300-350 plants. It was learned the grow had been abandoned a few weeks ago. The PGE meter was also found to be have been tampered with. APD Investigations responded and later obtained a search warrant. The investigation is ongoing.

On 8/5/15 at 8:18 am, dispatch began receiving calls of a fire inside the apartment complex at 2301 Sycamore Drive. . Officers arrived on scene and located two upper apartments fully engulfed and began clearing the surrounding apartments. The fire jumped to the adjacent building and those two were cleared. ConFire went to 4 alarms and took several hours to get the fire out. One building housing 8 apartments was a total loss. The building the fire started in has heavy damage to the south end 4 apartments and heavy smoke damage to all other adjacent units within the building. Red Cross responded and assisted with the victims of the fire. There were no reported injuries as a result of the fire.

On 8/5/2015 at 1:38 am, an officer contacted 25 year old Teri Kyle at 2401 Beasley Ave. Kyle was served with an outstanding arrest warrant for auto theft and failing to yield to a police vehicle. Kyle was arrested without incident and booked at the county jail.

On 8/4/2015 at 4:16 pm, officers responded to the report of an assault possibly involving a firearm in the 2400 block of Pearlite Way. When they arrived, contact was made with a woman who reported there had been a fight between her sons. She locked the front door and refused to allow officers to enter. Officers entered the rear yard of the home and encountered 33 year old Juan Hernandez. He admitted having been in a fight with his brother who he stated had left the premises. A check of the interior of the home revealed no occupants or obvious firearms. A records check revealed Hernandez had an outstanding arrest warrant for driving on a suspended license. He was issued a citation with a new court date and released from the scene.

On 8/4/2015 at 3:47 pm, officers observed 29 year old Sherullah Rahimi in the parking lot of Romi’s Liquors at 418 E.18th St. Officers were concerned for his welfare and made contact with him due to the fact he was dancing and appeared to be talking to himself. A records check revealed he had two outstanding arrest warrants charging assault and being under the influence of a controlled substance. He was taken into custody without incident and booked at the county jail.

On 8/3/2015 at 10:45 pm, an officer conducted a traffic stop on Contra Loma Blvd. at Fitzuren Rd. The officer contacted the driver, 40 year old Jeanna Gomez. A computer check revealed Gomez had an outstanding warrant for her arrest charging possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Gomez was arrested without incident and booked at the county jail.

On 8/3/2015 at 8:54 pm, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at “A” St. and Bryan Ave. The officer contacted the driver, 26 year old Kellie Marshall, who consented to a search of her person. During the search, the officer located a pill bottle which contained heroin. Marshall was issued a citation and released from the scene.

On 8/3/2015 officers conducted a pro-active enforcement detail to address the on-going and repeat panhandling and loitering offenders. A total of 14 arrests were made. Of the 14 arrests, 7 people were sent to County Jail.

On 8/2/2015 at 11:00 pm, an officer contacted 51 year old Sherry Webb at her home on Buckskin Dr. She was served with an outstanding arrest warrant for petty theft. Webb was taken into custody without incident and booked at the county jail.

On 8/2/2015 at 9:21 pm, an officer responded to the area of Hillcrest Ave and Wildflower Dr. on a report of suspicious people in the area. The officer arrived and contacted 26 year old Stephen Imada. A records check revealed Imada an outstanding No Bail arrest warrant for vehicle theft, failing to yield to a police vehicle, grand theft and possession of stolen property. Imada was arrested without incident and booked at the county jail.

On 8/2/2015 at 7:11 pm, an officer was driving along Sycamore Dr. when he heard the sound of tires screeching in the area. He found a 1974 Chevy Nova spinning doughnuts in the Quik Stop store parking lot at 1108 Sycamore Dr. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the Nova and identified the driver as 33 year old Jabbaar Mahmood. He was issued a citation and his car was towed on a 30 day hold.

On 8/2/2015 at 4:45 pm, officers responded to Macy’s at 2500 Somersville Rd. regarding loss prevention agents witnessing a 17 year old girl stealing merchandise. When they attempted to arrest her, she fought with the 2 agents and was still fighting when officers arrived. The juvenile was arrested and she provided a false name to police. The officer was eventually able to positively identify her and she was booked into juvenile hall on the charge of robbery. Her mother was contacted and notified of the arrest.

On 8/2/2015 at 1:15 pm, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the Kentucky Fried Chicken parking lot at 2410 Mahogany Way. During the contact, a search was conducted of the vehicle and its occupants. A 15 year old male was found to have a loaded 9mm handgun in his waistband. Lakeya Hunter, 26 years old, was found to have about an ounce of marijuana concealed on her person. Inside the car a scale, cash and empty baggies were located. The juvenile, Hunter and another occupant, 20 year old Joshua Taylor, were all arrested. During subsequent interviews, Taylor and Hunter admitted to selling marijuana in the Quik Stop store parking lot. The 15 year old male admitted the gun was his and that he had carried it for protection. Hunter and Taylor were booked at the county jail. The 15 year old male was booked at juvenile hall.

On 8/2/2015 at 8:38 am, 32 year old Brandon Myers was contacted during a traffic stop at Fitzuren Rd and Holly Ct. and found to have a NO BAIL warrant for his arrest for failing to appear for the Work Alternative Program. His participation in the program was due to convictions for possessing a controlled substance and stolen property. He was taken into custody without incident and booked at the county jail.

On 8/1/2015 at 4:11 pm, an officer attempted to make a traffic stop after seeing an occupant of a vehicle throw something out of the window. The vehicle stopped near Acacia Ave. and 19 year old Francisco Lopez fled from the vehicle. Although officers gave chase, he was able to evade capture. While fleeing he dropped a stolen handgun. The driver, 19 year old Luis Lopez and another passenger, 18 year old Alejandro Durand, were detained in the vehicle. Luis Lopez was found to have a loaded handgun in his waistband. Durand and Lopez were arrested and later booked at the county jail. Francisco Lopez is still wanted for possession of a stolen firearm. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should call the Antioch PD Dispatch Center at (925)778-2441.

On 8/1/2015 at 10:16 am, an officer saw 54 year old Lary Levi walking at 10th and “K” streets and was aware that he had an outstanding arrest warrant for violating the terms of his PRCS release. Levi was contacted and arrested without incident. He was booked at the county jail.

On 7/31/2015 at 5:27 pm, officers responded to 2245 Renwick Ln. regarding a disturbance in the complex parking lot. When officers arrived, they located 36 year old Mason Chilpen. A records check revealed he had an outstanding arrest warrant for no completing a work alternative program on a DUI conviction. He was arrested and booked at the county jail.

On 7/31/2015 at 5:16 pm, an officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop at 507 E 18th St. on a vehicle with no license plates. A records check revealed the driver, 23 year old Kartiae Ely, had an outstanding arrest warrant issued in Solano County for driving on a suspended license. She was arrested and booked at the county jail.

On 7/31/2015 at 1:15 pm, officers responded to 1818 “A” St (Grocery Outlet) on the report of a repeat trespasser 61 year old Pennie Woods. Woods is not allowed at

the above location and has been given numerous trespass admonishments in the past. She walked onto the property today and a security guard asked her to leave. Woods refused to leave so Gordon contacted the police department. When officers arrived they contacted Woods and found her to be so intoxicated that she could barely stand. Woods was arrested for being drunk in public and trespassing. She was booked at the county jail.

On 7/30/2015 at 11:01 pm, an officer was parked at Drive-In Way and E.18th St. when he heard the sound of a “sideshow” taking place in the K Mart parking lot. After the driver of the Mustang completed his “show”, he pulled out onto Drive-In Way in front of the parked police patrol vehicle. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver was identified as 32 year old Roberto Gonzalez. He was unlicensed and the vehicle had expired registration and there was no proof of insurance. Gonzalez issued a citation for the violations and released at the scene.

On 7/30/2015 at 9:59 pm, officers were conducting extra patrol of the CVS and 99 Cent Store area in the 2500 block of Somersville Rd. They encountered a group, which included 46 year old Anthony Smith, loitering at the Somerville Car Wash. Smith exhibited symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and later booked at the county jail. A few minutes later officers encountered 35 year old Melody Brown in the same area. She admitted to officers she was in possession of marijuana without a medical marijuana card. She was issued a citation and released from the scene on her promise to appear for the charge of possessing under one ounce of marijuana.

On 7/30/2015 at 4:03 pm, a 15 year old male flagged down an officer at “A” St and Wilbur Ave. He advised the officer that he had an arrest warrant for cutting off his ankle monitor. No warrant was found in the system. The juvenile’s probation officer was contacted. The probation officer advised he had in fact just issued a warrant for the 15 year old, but it had yet to be entered in the system. The warrant was faxed to Antioch PD and the male was transported to Juvenile Hall and booked on the warrant.

On 7/30/2015 at 10:22 am, an officer observed 26 year old Curtis Brown walking near W.9th and “J” streets. The officer was aware Brown had an outstanding arrest warrant for possession of a controlled substance. Brown was contacted and arrested without incident. He was later booked at the county jail.

On 7/30/2015 at 7:12 am, officers responded to 2037 Johnson Dr. regarding a male sleeping on a neighbor’s porch. Officers arrived and found 30 year old Aaris Turks was on the porch. A records check revealed he was on probation with a search clause. A search was conducted and Turks was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a syringe. He was arrested and booked at the police department. He was later released from with a citation.

On 7/30/2015 at 1:34 am, officers responded to 722 W.11th St. regarding the report of a female running and banging on doors yelling for someone. Officers arrived and located 18 year old Sadae Thomas. She exhibited the symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Several tests were administered and she was arrested and later booked at the county jail.

On 7/29/2015 at 8:28 pm, officers were dispatched to 2600 Sunset Lane on the report of a subject harassing her children at the park. An officer located 38 year old Matthew Benner and 44 year old Ernest Curry walking near the area. Benner matched the description of the subject who was bothering the children. When officers attempted to contact Benner, he became extremely agitated and refused to comply with orders to stop and attempted to walk away. When the officer attempted to grab him, he pulled away and was taken to the ground. He continued to fight and a struggle ensued. Benner was taken into custody without further incident. Officers searched his backpack and discovered a large amount of packaged raw meat from one of the Save Mart stores. The stores were contacted and neither were able to determine if a theft had actually occurred. However, another officer recognized Benner and Curry from an earlier theft at the Smart and Final store where meat was stolen and the suspects fled. A security officer from that store responded and identified Benner and Curry as thieves. Both were arrested and booked at the county jail.

Service Calls and Arrest Data: Time Period: 07/30/15 – 08/05/15
Number of Calls for Service: 1,582
Number of Case Reports: 233
Number of Arrests: 83
Felony: 20
Misdemeanor: 63
Arrests with DUI charge: 1
The data is based upon unaudited CAD/RMS data at time of report generation.