Illegal gun, marijuana and cash seized from the suspect. Photo by APD

By Antioch Police Department

Another illegal unregistered firearm seized by Officer Milner. Last night, March 6th, at around 6:50 pm Officer Milner stopped a vehicle near Days Inn on Auto Center Drive for several vehicle code violations. The driver was a 19-year-old male who lived in Richmond.

Officer Milner saw the pictured marijuana in plain view and knew the driver was under the age of 21, which is a violation of Health and Safety code 11357. Officer Milner searched the vehicle and the driver. The pictured firearm was in his possession, and he was arrested for various firearm related offenses.

Great work by Officer Milner.

APD PIO Ashley Crandell said they are not releasing the suspect’s identity.

We are hiring Police Trainees, Academy Students, Academy Graduates, and Laterals – if you want to help him make a difference in our community and cover him on traffic stops. We encourage you to visit our website, www.joinantiochpd.com to learn more.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

To evaluate reforms, in coordination with state Department of Justice

The BART Police Department and the California Department of Justice (Cal DOJ) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) to work with BART PD to independently evaluate the reforms put in place by BART PD and the BART Board of Directors, with the goal of improving BART PD policies where applicable and providing documented reports of BART PD’s progress to the community.

BART riders and community stakeholders are invited to register for and participate in a Zoom session this Thursday, March 9 at 6:30 pm where members of the evaluation team will hear the perspectives of community members on their relationships with BART PD. The listening session will include a virtual community meeting with breakout sessions.

Visit here to register for the event.

Sesión de escucha de la comunidad: convocada por el Departamento de Justicia de California y el Departamento de Policía de Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)

By Antioch Police Department

Join us for the 117th installment of the Neighborhood Cleanup Program on March 11, 2023, from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Volunteers should meet at the parking lot of Chichibu Park which is on the corner of Acorn Road and G Street.

Investing time into cleaning up our neighborhoods instills a sense of community pride. Partner with us and help make a difference in Antioch.  Signup, via Facebook or just show up.

By Lt. Holley Connors, Walnut Creek Police Department

An Antioch woman who is suspected of making threats to a private school in Walnut Creek is in custody. Walnut Creek Police Detectives and the Central County SWAT Team served a search and arrest warrant at 33-year-old Danielle Nye’s residence in Antioch last night. Detectives ultimately arrested Ms. Nye for PC 422 – Criminal Threats.

On February 28th, Contra Costa Christian Schools (CCCS) reported to Walnut Creek Police Department (WCPD) that they received numerous emails and voicemails from an unknown person who spoke of vague threats of violence toward the school. Officers worked to identify and locate the sender and to determine if there were any credible threats.

On March 1st, CCCS notified WCPD that they received more emails, and the threatening language had escalated. One email contained a photo of an apparent rifle.

Based on the continuing threats, behavior of the caller, and the photo of the weapon, CCCS sent students in after-school classes home early on March 1st. Walnut Creek Police searched the campus and found no evidence of weapons or threats to staff or students. Out of an abundance of caution, CCCS cancelled all classes for March 2nd.

At this time, there is no known threat to CCCS’ staff or students. It appears this was an isolated incident, and WCPD will continue follow up investigation to confirm no one else was involved. It is unknown what, if any, connection Ms. Nye has to CCCS.

She was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility and remains in custody on $25,000 bail. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-943-5844 or call the Anonymous Tip Line at 925-943-5865.

Case #: 23-7237

By Allen D. Payton

In response to the news that Antioch’s public information officer, Rolando Bonilla was fired, recently Antioch Police Officers Association President Rick Hoffman posted the following statement on the organization’s Facebook page Thursday evening:

“The APOA has learned that the contract for the City of Antioch PIO, Rolando Bonilla, was terminated sometime in the past week. The APOA is pleased to see that steps were taken to rectify the wrongs done by Mr. Bonilla to our department and we hope to foster a culture of transparency throughout the city’s departments.”

Rick Hoffman

APOA President

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.