Screenshots of surveillance video of armed robbery suspect and vehicle (inset) at the Smart & Final store on Feb. 23, 2023. Source: APD

By Antioch Police Department

Help us identify an armed robbery suspect:

On February 23rd, 2023, Antioch Police officers responded to Smart and Final located at 2638 Somserville Road for the report of an armed robbery. The pictured female was described as a Caucasian female, approximately 5 feet-5 feet 3 inches tall, 25-30 years old, 190-200 pounds, with brown hair. She was wearing light jeans, a “Looney Tunes” shirt and had a black fanny pack and black purse. The pictured vehicle was also associated with her and is possibly a white Chevrolet Suburban with a black roof rack.

If you know this person or have any information regarding the robbery, please contact Detective Cox at jcox@antiochca.gov or (925)481-8147. You can also text an anonymous tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword Antioch.

(L-R) New Antioch Police Officer Cory Neal, Dispatcher Taylor Hubbard, and Community Service Officer Tekari Kelley. Photo: APD

Increases force to 99 sworn personnel

By Antioch Police Department

Please help us in welcoming our newest family members, Police Officer Cory Neal, Dispatcher Taylor Hubbard and Community Service Officer Tekari Kelley. Officer Cory Neal graduated the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office 175th Academy last week. Enjoy the short biographies and fun facts about our newest staff members.

Officer Cory Neal

Cory was raised in Concord and graduated from Concord High School. Prior to joining Law Enforcement, Cory was a personal trainer at a UFC Gym for 5 years. He then joined the Marine Corps where he served in infantry for four years. He was on combat deployment to Afghanistan and a Security Deployment to Iraq. Fun Fact: Cory has worked out with UFC Hall of Famer BJ Penn.

Following his graduation from the academy new APD Officer Cory Neal celebrates with Captain Trevor Schnitzius, Chief Steve Ford, Lt. Joe Vigil and Lt. Michael Mellone. Photo: APD

Dispatcher Taylor Hubbard

Taylor has lived in Antioch for about 10 years and recently bought her first house here. Prior to joining APD, she worked as a dispatcher for six years in the Golden Gate Division of the California Highway Patrol. Taylor hopes to spend the rest of her career here at APD.

Fun fact: Taylor enjoys all animals and currently has 4 cats and a dog.

Community Service Officer Tekari Kelley

Tekari was born and raised in Pittsburg. She graduated from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and Concentration in Psychology. Tekari was formerly employed as a commissioned Probation and Parole Manager with the Tennessee Department of Correction. Fun Fact: Tekari enjoys dancing.

According to APD PIO Ashley Crandell, with the addition of Neal, that brings the total sworn officers on the Antioch Police force to 99 out of a total 115 budgeted, with 43 currently on patrol, including sergeants, corporals and lieutenants.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Kesean Edwards and Jeral Wimberly. Photos by Sac Co Sheriff’s Dept.

Both have histories of arrest and may be responsible for other robberies

By Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office

February 24, 2023 – During the evening hours of January 3, 2023, Sacramento Sheriff’s Office (SSO) deputies responded to the report of a robbery that occurred at a residence in the Vintage Park area of South Sacramento County. Deputies contacted the 71-year-old victim, who stated a male suspect entered her attached garage, punched her in the face while she was sitting in her vehicle, and then stole her purse.

Detectives from the Robbery Bureau and Central Division Problem-Oriented-Policing (POP) deputies determined the victim was followed from a local casino. Residential surveillance cameras revealed two suspects entered the victim’s garage, while a third suspect waited in a getaway vehicle.

Arrest warrants were obtained for 26-year-old Kesean Edwards of Oakland and 23-year-old Jeral Wimberly of Antioch. Edwards and Wimberly were arrested pursuant to the warrants in Oakland and Los Angeles, CA respectively.

Detectives believe Edwards and Wimberly may be responsible for other robberies and are seeking the public’s help in locating any additional victims. Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (916) 874-5115 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP. Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).

Also according to localcrimenews.com Wimberly has a history of arrests dating to 2017 including for burglary, auto theft, possession of a concealed weapon in a vehicle, altering ID marks on a firearm, receiving stolen property, first degree residential robbery and more in Contra Costa, Alameda and Solano counties, and West Hollywood. Most recently he was arrested Feb. 20, 2023 by the Los Angeles Police for robbery.

Also according to localcrimenews.com Edwards has a history of arrests dating to 2015 for burglary, robbery, grand theft, possession of stolen property, use of stolen identity, in Contra Costa, Alameda and Sacramento counties.

Sacramento County residents are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and watch for suspicious people/vehicles, especially when leaving places such as casinos, banks, jewelry stores, and retail stores. Do not go home if you believe you’re being followed. If you ever feel you may be in danger, call 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Gun seized by Antioch Police during search of home matching the caliber used in the Sept. 2022 shooting. Photo by APD

U.S. Marshals Service assists

By Public Information Officer Ashley Crandell, Antioch Police Department Community Engagement Unit

On February 28, 2023, at approximately 5:45 am, the Antioch Police Department Violent Crimes

Unit, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, and the United States Marshals Service served a search warrant at a residence in the 2400 block of Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood.

Anthony McCoy (20-year-old, Brentwood resident) was arrested for the murder of Anthony Westbrook (17-year-old male, Antioch resident) that occurred on September 4, 2022, in the 1100

block of Macauley Street in Antioch. As previously reported, evidence at the scene indicated the incident occurred outdoors in a drive-by style shooting. A Glock .40 caliber handgun was located in the residence during the search warrant, which matched the caliber that was located at the scene of the homicide.

McCoy was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for murder and this case will be presented to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. The members of the Antioch Police Department extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Anthony Westbrook.

We want to thank the United States Marshals Service for their assistance while taking McCoy into custody. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Detective Gerber at 925-779-6943 or email him at rgerber@antiochca.gov. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Antioch Police Officers handcuff one suspect. The other was transported to an area hospital on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023. Photos by Allen D. Payton

Victim, suspects are male juveniles; officer sustains minor injury

By Ashley Crandell, Public Information Officer, Antioch Police Department

On Monday, February 27, 2023, at approximately 3:26 pm, the Antioch Police Department’s Communications Center received a call from a frantic caller advising a family member of theirs had just been shot in the 1800 block of Crown Peak Way. Officers immediately responded to the scene and located a male juvenile suffering from a gunshot wound to his right shoulder. Officers rendered medical aid until he was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in stable condition. Through preliminary investigation, officers learned several armed subjects attempted to rob the victim of his property and shot him in the commission of the robbery.

Antioch Police Officers search for evidence on Trailridge Court.

Our Communications Center began receiving calls from residents in the area regarding suspicious subjects hiding in their trash cans and backyards. The subjects matched the description of the suspects responsible for the shooting. Officers utilized their Unmanned Ariel Vehicle (Drone) and police canine to locate the suspects. Ultimately officers chased both subjects until they apprehended them in the area of Dallas Ranch Road, Prewett Ranch Drive and Trailridge Court. The firearm that was believed to be used in this incident, has been recovered and there is no reason to believe there is an ongoing threat to public safety.

Both suspects were juveniles and were arrested for charges related to robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. While chasing the suspects, an officer sustained a minor injury and is being treated at a local hospital. One suspect was transported to an area hospital after sustaining a dog bite. As of publication time it is not known if that was caused by a police K-9 or a neighborhood dog.

We want to thank our community and residents for calling in suspicious subjects near their residence. With your assistance we were able to locate and take the suspects into custody. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact our Investigations Bureau at (925)779-6926. You may also text an anonymous tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword ANTIOCH.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Screenshot of the police department’s Antioch Winter Survey promotion on Facebook.

Partnership with Zencity will use ongoing surveys to better understand local concerns, priorities, and trust in public safety officers

By Allen D. Payton

After learning of and taking what’s labeled on Facebook as the “Antioch Winter Survey” on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, this reporter asked Antioch Police Lt. Michael Mellone if it was from the police department or the city manager’s office.

In response, Mellone issued the following press release:

“The Antioch Police Department is launching a new public survey tool to better understand local concerns, attitudes, and trust in their police officers. The tool will enable the Department to more holistically understand local neighborhood safety issues and enhance their responsiveness to community priorities. This is the latest effort by the Antioch Police Department to convey a strong commitment to transparency and community outreach initiatives.

“In this first of its kind survey, we are showing a dedication to work in partnership with our community by gauging their feelings about safety and our delivery of police service. This partnership with Zencity will be a great step toward understanding the needs and concerns of those we are privileged to serve. The Antioch Police Department is committed to fair, ethical, best practice policing, which includes building trust and legitimacy with our community, and leveraging technology to assist in those efforts” said Police Chief Steve Ford.

“I applaud forward-thinking leaders who understand that effective public safety in 2023 requires building trust with the community they serve as part of an overall effort to reduce crime,” said Eyal Feder-Levy, CEO of Zencity.

Zencity is proud to support the critical work the Antioch Police Department is doing to understand and prioritize the needs of community members.

The launch of the new public safety survey is in partnership with Zencity, the community input platform used by local governments to hear from more residents and get meaningful and actionable insights. Zencity works with hundreds of municipalities across the U.S., including Chicago, Phoenix, Seattle and San Diego, on issues ranging from public safety to American Rescue Plan Act implementation.

Beginning February 24, 2023, the survey will gather responses from community members in English and Spanish. The survey will appear through the use of digital ads in various locations such as social media platforms. Based on responses, the survey will measure satisfaction on feelings of safety and trust in police while also identifying key concerns community members want the Police Department to address.

In under five minutes, Antioch residents can help the Police Department know how they feel. Questions asked include:

• When it comes to the threat of crime, how safe do you feel in your neighborhood?
• To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? In general, the police in my area…
• Treat everyone fairly regardless of who they are.
• Provide the same quality of service to all individuals.
• Would treat you with respect if you had contact with them for any reason.
• Treat local residents with respect.
• Are approachable.
• Listen to and take into account the concerns of local residents.
• How much access to information does the Antioch Police Department make available to the public about crime and arrest patterns in the community?
• What is the number one issue or problem on your block or in your neighborhood that you would like the police to deal with?
• Please provide specific details about this issue or problem. Location information can be acted on (ex. street / park / shopping center / school).

In keeping with the Department’s commitment to transparency and accountability, the survey results will be shared with the public as they become available.

Survey Methodology

Zencity’s community surveys incorporate voices from every corner of the community. To do so, Zencity sets response targets based on U.S. Census data about the municipality. Zencity ensures the security and privacy of its data and survey respondents. Survey responses are anonymous unless a respondent chooses to share their email address for follow-up purposes. Regardless, survey responses are kept confidential. Zencity does not collect a respondent’s name, address, or any other personal identifying information. Zencity’s weighting accounts for the responses of every single person who answered a question. The responses give a proportional voice to all demographics (e.g., by age, sex, race, education level, and income level) based on the makeup of the municipality.”

Suspect’s vehicle during stop and illegal gun seized on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. Photos: APD

Lied to officer about his identity; had outstanding warrant

By Antioch Police Department

Excellent Proactive Arrest by Officer Milner:

Tuesday night (February 21st), around 7:00 pm, Officer Milner conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle on L Street near Highway 4 for a vehicle code violation.

Both occupants of the vehicle were less than forthcoming about their identity and the passenger identified himself as one of his family members. Officer Milner was able to confirm he was lying about his identity and discovered his real name was Elias Dempsey. Dempsey is a 23-year-old male with a residence in Concord.

Once his identity was confirmed, Officer Milner found out he was on probation and had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. A search of the vehicle revealed the pictured firearm under the passenger seat, where he was sitting. Dempsey was arrested for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, his outstanding warrant and a probation violation.

Our officers are dedicated to the citizens of Antioch, and this is just one example of that.

Malik Jefferson. Source: APD

Presented to Contra Costa DA for multiple felony charges including firearms-related and probation violations

By Antioch Police Department

On December 12, 2022, Antioch Police officers were dispatched to a shooting on Peppertree Way. Responding officers learned the responsible shot at a group of individuals, but thankfully, no one was hurt.

In days following the initial incident, members of the Antioch Police Department’s Gang Unit took over the investigation and were able to identify the responsible as 23-year-old, Malik Jefferson.

On Feb. 16, 2023, gang investigators and members from the Special Investigations Unit were able to locate Jefferson driving on Vasco Road just south of the Brentwood city limits. An enforcement stop was conducted, and Jefferson was placed under arrest and transported to county jail. A search warrant was also conducted at Jefferson’s residence in the City of Livermore.

This case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office for consideration of multiple felony charges including firearms-related and probation violations.