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

On February 9, 2023, at approximately 12:45 am, the Antioch Police Department Communications Center received a call indicating there was an individual down in the roadway at the intersection of Deer Valley Road and Rocky Point Drive. Officers immediately responded and located a male in the roadway with severe injuries. He was transported by air ambulance to a local trauma center where he is in very critical condition.

Officers believe the victim was struck by an unknown vehicle which fled the scene immediately afterward. Members of our Traffic Unit are currently investigating the incident and are asking anyone who resides in the immediate vicinity of Deer Valley Road and Rocky Point Drive to check their surveillance cameras between 12:30 am and 12:50 am on February 9, 2023.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information pertaining to the incident is asked to contact Officer Hamilton at (925) 778-2441 or via email at jhamilton@antiochca.gov.

Individuals with information can also text an anonymous tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH. All text tips are confidential and cannot be traced back to the sender unless the individual chooses to provide their information.

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

On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at 2:56 pm, the Antioch Police Department Communications Center received a call reporting shots fired at a residence in the 2300 block of “L” Street. Shortly after, a second call was received from an individual reporting they had been on the phone with a male at the residence when a gunshot was heard in the background. The caller believed the male had committed suicide.

Officers arrived and contacted bail bonds agents who indicated they had gone to the residence to take a 30-year-old male into custody for multiple outstanding felony warrants. As they approached the front door, they heard one gunshot from inside the residence. Officers received no response at the residence and forced entry to find a deceased male with a gunshot wound to the head. The male was found still holding a handgun. No other occupants were found inside the residence.

Officers continue to investigate the incident and ask any potential witnesses to contact our Dispatch Center at (925) 778-2441. We are not naming the victim at this time pending further notification of family members.

Began and ended in Antioch

Earlier today, Saturday, February 4, 2023, the Pleasanton Police Department reported, “On Monday, we received a report of a robbery in a Pleasanton neighborhood. Two individuals wearing ski masks got out of a black sedan and approached the victim while pointing a gun and demanding money. The victim complied and surrendered more than $1,000, laptops, and other valuables.

Teaming up, our patrol officers and detectives quickly gathered evidence, such as surveillance video showing the suspects following the victim into Pleasanton after making a cash withdrawal from a bank in Antioch. An alert was sent to local agencies to keep an eye out for the car, and within hours, we were notified it was found back in Antioch. Thanks to Antioch Police Department, the suspects were detained on the spot.

After they were positively ID’d by the victim, the suspects were arrested and taken to Santa Rita Jail.”

In a Facebook post this afternoon, the Antioch Police Department responded by writing, “Always happy to help! Thanks Pleasanton Police Department for recognizing our officers.”

Following police pursuit after suspects struck police car, crashed their own car on Hwy 4 and attempted carjackings on offramp

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

On February 1, 2023, at 3:08 pm, the Antioch Police Department’s Dispatch Center received a call from a resident on Durness Court reporting a burglary in-progress of an occupied residence. Information received reported the occupant was possibly an elderly female.

Officers immediately responded to the scene and were assisted by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Air Unit, which was overhead within minutes. The Air Unit advised the back door was shattered and there was a vehicle backed into the driveway. When officers arrived on scene, the suspects, 31-year-old Donley Thompson of Sacramento and 42-year-old Delancey Huff of El Cerrito, fled in the vehicle that was in the driveway, striking a police vehicle. No officers were injured because of the police vehicle being struck.

Officers pursued the vehicle with the assistance of the Air Unit. Ultimately, the suspect vehicle got onto Highway 4 and collided with a guardrail near the Hillcrest Drive off-ramp. Huff and Thompson ran across westbound traffic on Highway 4, over the BART tracks in the middle of Highway 4, and through the eastbound lanes of traffic. Huff and Thompson were attempting to carjack people that were stopped on the eastbound Highway 4 off-ramp at Hillcrest Drive. Officers chased Huff and Thompson on foot and ultimately took them into custody on the offramp.

Officers located the victim’s stolen property in the vehicle that was abandoned by the suspects and her property was later returned to her. She was not in the residence at the time of the burglary.

Huff and Thompson were arrested for felony burglary, conspiracy, and reckless evading of a police officer. Huff was on parole for residential burglary and was released from custody on December 22, 2022.

We would like to thank the alert resident who saw something suspicious and contacted our Dispatch Center about it. We would also like to thank the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Air Unit for assisting our officers in the capture of these suspects.

“Mayor Thorpe was indicating he had placed the yoke of oppression on Antioch’s police officers and implemented what seemed an era of tyranny towards Antioch officers…Mayor Thorpe’s outlandish statements are politically motivated, and I believe he would use an Oakley officer as a pawn to advance his political agenda.” – Councilman George Fuller

Antioch Police Officers respond to Fuller’s remarks, take swipe at Thorpe

“The mayor’s constant attacks against our officers have always been unhelpful” – APD Sgt. & APOA President Rick Hoffman

NAACP President says “nothing inappropriate” about Thorpe’s comments; Antioch resident “embarrassed” by them

By Allen D. Payton

At the end of the Oakley City Council meeting Tuesday night, Jan. 24, 2023, Councilman George Fuller took a swipe at Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe not wanting to have Oakley Police Officers provide support to Antioch Police because of something Thorpe said at the recent MLK Day Breakfast hosted by the NAACP East County Branch. (See 1:50 mark of video)

Fuller spoke about the Antioch City Council and said, “Now, we stay on our side and I’m very happy. But there’s one thing that I’m very, very concerned about, and that is we have a mutual aid agreement with Antioch for our officers to go to the city to assist officers in that location to make arrests, put their lives on the line, and perhaps become involved in a…and I want to discuss what we can do to protect our officers. Because the way it was going was that if something happens over there, Mayor Thorpe is going to be very happy to say ‘well, our officers misbehaved’…and I don’t want to see their careers go up.”

“Our officers are trained. Whatever he says, our officers are trained,” Fuller continued. “I do not want my officers going over there and suddenly finding themselves in trouble.”

Fuller Explains His Concerns About Thorpe’s Remarks

Asked what Thorpe had said at the breakfast that caused his concern, Fuller responded in an email writing, “Before going any further, I need to say that I find the East Contra Costa NAACP a viable organization that has worked extensively, and still does, to create homogeneous communities in East Contra Costa County that are diverse and inclusive. I am completing my membership request to become a member of the association.

I did attend the Martin Luther King, Jr’s prayer breakfast, sponsored by the East Contra Costa NAACP. I received an invite from Odessa LeFrancois, installed as president of the group during the meal. I am grateful that Ms. LeFrancois extended the invitation.

I represented the proclamation that the City Council of Oakley extended honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I did so at the behest of Ms. LeFrancois. The proclamation was the first to honor Dr. King by the City of Oakley City Council. The reception of the proclamation of those attending the breakfast was commendatory.

Mayor Thorpe followed my presentation. Mayor Thorpe’s first words were, ‘Some cities just give proclamations; in Antioch, we do something about it.’ The statement intended to insult Oakley’s proclamation. It was evident in Mayor Thorpe’s mind that the Oakley City Council gives a token acknowledgment of Dr. King’s legacy but fails to address systemic racism in Oakley. Yes, Mayor Thorpe’s rhetoric and hostile discourse are not valid.

Mayor Thorpe said he has solved racism in Antioch by ‘reining in the police’. Mayor Thorpe stated, ‘we have banned certain control holds that the police can use. We deny the police the use of military-grade equipment. We have created a police oversight commission.’ Mayor Thorpe was indicating he had placed the yoke of oppression on Antioch’s police officers and implemented what seemed an era of tyranny towards Antioch officers. Mayor Thorpe said that his efforts have resulted in a fifty percent decrease in murders in Antioch. Antioch residents did not suffer injustices from the police because of his actions.

Mayor Thorpe continued that there were three Black council members on the Antioch City Council. Consequently, Mayor Thorpe could implement his agenda, which favored Black lives in Antioch. Also, those who attempted to recall him from the council would experience consequences for trying to do so. In short, Mayor Thorpe marginalized Antioch Police Officers as a violent, out-of-control, racist organization, and he was protecting Antioch from the police.

Initially, Mayor Thorpe experienced polite applause for his statements. At the end of his lengthy monologue, he received no applause.

My immediate concern was the well-being of Oakley Police Officers. Oakley officers respond to mutual aid requests from the Antioch Police Officers when the Antioch officers confront an emergency that strains their safety resources. Mayor Thorpe’s statements indicate that he would have no qualms demonizing an Oakley officer for responding to a situation where lives were at risk. The threat to the officer, and the officer’s family, would be catastrophic. Mayor Thorpe’s outlandish statements are politically motivated, and I believe he would use an Oakley officer as a pawn to advance his political agenda.

I believe it is incumbent on the Oakley City Council to determine the threat to Oakley officers and take precautionary measures to protect them as they respond to mutual aid requests in Antioch. I am grateful that the Oakley City Council agreed (except perhaps one member who has publicly commented on my statements) to discuss the issue and reconcile any dangers to Oakley officers.

The Oakley Police Department offers extensive training on professional responses to critical safety issues and contains them with the least amount of force necessary to control the situation. The City of Oakley takes a course of providing adequate funding for the police department to be able to deliver professional police services properly. Oakley officers are aware of systemic racism, even in Oakley, and how to respond to such demagoguery ensures the well-being of all members of the Oakley inclusive community.

An example of Oakley’s professionalism occurred the night of January 15, 2023, the night before the NAACP breakfast; officers responded to a man with a gun in Oakley. Upon arrival, the suspect pointed a gun at the officer. The officer retreated, and the Oakley officers contained the area and called for a mental health team to respond to the location. The mental health team responded by convincing the suspect to surrender their weapon. The officers afforded the health services the suspect so urgently required. That is an example of the ‘true grit professional police services’ Oakley officers deliver. I will not allow those services to be ‘trashed’ by Mayor Thorpe.

I do not want to see an Oakley officer end their career by saving the life of an Antioch officer or Antioch resident and suffer a catastrophic tyrannical political outburst from the Mayor of Antioch, Lamar Thorpe.

I previously mentioned that Mayor Thorpe delivered similar statements at the Contra Costa Mayors Association in Hercules on January 5, 2023.

Hopefully, the above answers your request.

With best regards,

George Fuller, MPA, MA”

——————-

Antioch Police Officers Respond to Fuller, Take Swipes at Thorpe

In a message to the media on Thursday afternoon, also posted later on the Antioch Police Officers Association Facebook page, President and APD Sergeant Rick Hoffman wrote, “Earlier today, the APOA was solicited for comment regarding an Oakley City Council member requesting that the Oakley Police Department stop sending officers into Antioch after hearing remarks from Mayor Thorpe at an NAACP breakfast. As we said earlier, the idea of neighboring police agencies not assisting each other is deeply troubling. We recognize that crime has no borders and the best way to combat crime and keep the citizens of our cities safe is by everyone, police officer and citizen alike, to work together. APD has always and will continue to work with our neighboring agencies in times of need. We will always answer the call when they ask, and we hope they will do the same.

What we, as a POA, want to further highlight is the unnecessary and disparaging remarks that Mayor Thorpe makes on a routine basis towards the officers of APD. Mayor Thorpe claims that he has outlawed certain control holds and has mandated that our officers act in a certain manner. Not only is the claim that he has outlawed control holds inaccurate at best, but the further claim that his alleged efforts have led to a reduction in Antioch’s murder rate is a slap in the face to the hard work of the men and women of APD. Facing an unprecedented staffing shortage, our officers work diligently to solve these crimes amidst one of the most tumultuous times ever faced by our department. The mayor’s constant attacks against our officers have always been unhelpful but we wish to highlight that his comments are now also dangerous and putting officer’s lives at risk. For his comments to cause other cities to entertain the idea of no longer assisting our department is alarming and we call on the mayor to exercise caution and restraint when speaking about our officers.

We would also like to recognize that we have always had, and plan on continuing, a great working relationship with our neighboring agencies. Specifically, we appreciate the ongoing support we receive from the Oakley, Pittsburg, and Brentwood Police Departments.”

——————-

NAACP President Responds

“I don’t know what they’re talking about,” Odessa LeFrancois, Antioch resident and recently elected President of the NAACP East County Branch said when reached for comment regarding Thorpe’s remarks. “As far as what I know, Lamar didn’t say anything inappropriate at the breakfast.”

Antioch Resident and Breakfast Attendee “Embarrassed” by Thorpe’s Remarks

Antioch resident Velma Wilson, who also attended the breakfast, disagreed with LeFrancois and confirmed Fuller’s views on Thorpe’s remarks.

“The Oakley Councilmember presented a proclamation of being more active with organizations like the NAACP and spreading the message of Dr. King. The councilman had a service animal with him,” she said. “Thorpe wasn’t on the program. It was toward the end of the meeting. But then he went on this rant about Black people and that although we are in Pittsburg our city is the most of diverse.”

Wilson continued saying Thorpe said, “‘We aren’t just typing up a resolution to sound pretty we’re actually putting into action our work. I’m proud of the work of the three Black council members and we’re not going to stop.’”

“He also said, ‘I know we have a recall proponent in here,’” she said referring to her.

“‘In East County we are the city holding our police officers accountable and we are the council, and I reiterate, a majority Black council that made sure we had body cameras on each of our officers.’” Wilson recalled of Thorpe’s remarks.

“MLK, yes, he fought for civil rights, but for all,” Wilson stated.

“A lot of people were checking out and getting up. He went more on a racial thing,” she continued about Thorpe’s remarks.

“Even (Pittsburg Mayor) Shanelle (Scales-Preston) was ‘how do you say, you’re in Pittsburg, you’re at MLK Junior High on MLK Day, and you say Antioch is the best’?” Wilson stated. “I was embarrassed as an Antioch resident.”
“Lamar thought he had an audience that would cheer and clap for that crazy speech. He may have had three people clap for him,” she added.

Thorpe Does Not Respond

The mayor of Antioch was asked via email Wednesday if he had any comment on his remarks at the breakfast, responses to Fuller’s comments and the APOA’s statement and about the mutual aid between the two police departments. But Thorpe did not respond.

By Ted Asregadoo, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

On January 19th, 2023, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office prevailed in convicting 40-year-old Julian Chenychen on multiple counts related to the sexual abuse of a girl, who is a minor.

On June 1st, 2020, Jane Doe was admitted to a local hospital in Concord and gave birth to a full-term stillborn baby. Doe noted to the medical staff at the time that she didn’t know what was happening to her body, nor did she understand she was pregnant. It was only after hours of suffering through severe stomach pains that Chenychen took her to the hospital.

Staff at the hospital notified law enforcement about the stillbirth and their belief that Julian Chenychen impregnated her. Law enforcement officers detained Chenychen and referred the investigation to Antioch Police. After several forensic interviews with Jane Doe, and investigations by Antioch Police Detectives Kelly Inabnett and Brittney Crites, it was determined that the molestation incidents had been occurring for years.

The DA’s Office filed a complaint against Chenychen in 2021. The charges included six counts of aggravated assault of a child [PC269)], 11 counts of lewd or lascivious acts involving children [PC288(b)], and an enhancement of bodily harm inflicted during the commission of a felony [PC12022.7] – which is related to Jane Doe’s pregnancy.

Chenychen was convicted by a jury for his actions on all charges. He faces a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Deputy District Attorney Chris Sansoe noted that while the crimes committed against Jane Doe in this case were truly horrific, she is currently in a supportive living situation that’s helping her heal from the abuse she suffered in the past.

According to Antioch Police Department Public Information Officer Ashley Crandell, ‘On July 15, 2020, the Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau was made aware of sexual assaults that occurred in multiple cities, including Antioch, during the years 2019 and 2020. Our Sexual Assault Detectives Brittney Crites and Kelly Inabnett immediately began investigating the allegations.

Due to their diligent work, they learned the suspect, Julian Chenychen, had sexual relations with the minor victim for several years, eventually impregnating her. Detectives Crites and Inabnett worked tirelessly to gather evidence and coordinate with other entities to complete this investigation.

Chenychen was arrested in 2020. On January 19, 2023, he was convicted of 17 different felony counts of crimes related to aggravated sexual assault of a child. His maximum sentence is life without the possibility of parole.

This is a devastating case, and we want to recognize the tireless and dedicated work of Detectives Crites and Inabnett. It is also important to recognize, this was a collaborative effort with Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney Chris Sansoe, the District Attorney’s Office Advocate Group, and Contra Costa County Investigator/K9 handler Janet Era and her canine companion, Bear. Bear is a support dog that was able to help comfort this child throughout the entire process. The outcome of this case is due to the collaborative effort of all involved and the dedication of our detectives.

Due to the sensitive nature of this investigation, information as to the location and name or any identifying information pertaining to the victim are being withheld. This was an isolated incident, and we have no reason to believe there are additional victims.

A January 24th post on the Antioch Police Department’s Facebook page reads, “Our Violent Crimes Detectives Crites and Inabnett worked tirelessly to ensure this case was investigated thoroughly. Thank you to @ContraCostaDA for your partnership on this!”

Case #04-199931-7 | The People of the State of California vs. Julian Chenychen

In response to the January 7, 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols by five Memphis, TN police officers – who have since been fired and charged with second degree murder and other crimes – and the release of videos of the incident, yesterday, Antioch, CA Police Chief Steven Ford issued the following statement:

“January 28, 2023

An Open Letter to the Antioch Community,

Just as we have made so much progress to mend relations with our community after the senseless killing of George Floyd, we are now impacted yet again by the actions of now former police officers thousands of miles away. I share in shock and disgust with our community over the inhumane killing of Tyre Nichols in Memphis Tennessee. What I saw in the video released yesterday is not only contrary to the mission of law enforcement officers to preserve life but goes against basic human values.

The Antioch Police Department has comprehensive best practice policies and training on use of force, duty to intervene, bias-based policing, and de-escalation. Our use of force policy requires all members to recognize and respect the value of human life and dignity without prejudice to anyone. Our officers are required to intervene when witnessing any level of force that is clearly beyond what is necessary. Our policies are available for public viewing on the following website: https://www.antiochca.gov/police/sb-978-policy-manual-training-materials

As we have seen in Memphis, even the best policies cannot prevent senseless inhumane actions committed by those who wear the badge. It is for this reason we employ strict hiring standards, thorough background checks, and psychological examinations of individuals who apply to be within our ranks. Since I became Chief, we have been working to improve our policies, procedures, and training to ensure our officers are at the forefront of humane, ethical, best practice policing. In an effort to be held accountable to these goals, we are developing a monitoring system to track officer behaviors and will soon roll out a use of force transparency dashboard to provide statistics on officer-community interactions. Our work will not rest there, as we are constantly looking for innovative ways to better serve our community with the utmost respect for the rights of others.

We will always strive to use these senseless tragedies as teachable moments to make us better and improve the way we serve our community. On behalf of the men and women of the Antioch Police Department, we strongly condemn the actions of the former Memphis Police Officers which led to the death of Tyre Nichols. We share in grief with his family, pray for justice, and humbly ask for peace.

Dr. Steven A. Ford

Chief of Police”

Publisher’s Note: California is referred to in order to avoid any confusion with Antioch, Tennessee which is a neighborhood of Nashville with a population of about 100,000.

By Allen D. Payton

1/20/23 UPDATE from APD: The victim has been identified and is a 16-year-old male. At this time, his name will remain confidential. He is still at a local hospital in critical condition.

According to Antioch Police PIO Ashley Crandell, On January 19, 2023, at approximately 5:37 p.m. the Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center received multiple calls from McDonalds located at 4440 Lone Tree Way. The callers stated a male entered the establishment and had been shot. Officers immediately responded to the scene and located an unknown age male suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers began lifesaving measures until the male was transported to a local hospital. He is in critical condition and has not yet been identified.

Through a preliminary investigation, officers learned a shooting occurred in the parking lot and the male victim ran into McDonalds where he collapsed. The suspect fled in an unknown direction and was described as an African American male wearing a black jacket. The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau responded and took over the investigation.

Preliminary reports were that the victim was 16 years old and a 5-year-old was also possibly shot. However, Crandell said, “No children were shot. We don’t even have confirmed who the victim is. So, we don’t know how old he is.”

Video and photos of the scene can be viewed at the Emergency Spotlight – Antioch Facebook page. According to videographer Ronn Carter, the victim “was Air Lifted to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek”.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is asked to contact Detective Gerber at rgerber@antiochca.gov. You may also text an anonymous tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.