Nor approve a police recruitment incentive program during special Friday afternoon meeting

 “What keeps good policing is leadership.” “…we’re not in a good position in the City of Antioch” – Interim Police Chief Ford, also says force down to 38 on patrol

By Allen D. Payton

Following outcry from two council members and all four other challengers in this year’s elections, the vote by the Antioch City Council to appoint interim city manager Con Johnson to the permanent position as called for by Mayor Lamar Thorpe on Monday, did not occur on Friday afternoon. (See related article)

Before they entered closed session during their 4:30 p.m. closed session on August 26, 2022, the council members heard two public comments about the matter, one vehemently against the idea and the other in support.

Resident Mark Jordan was the first to speak scathingly saying, “I cannot believe what is going on. The city council is a clown car on fire.”

“You’re going to hire a man who is absolutely unqualified and to have an unopen, non-transparent process,” he continued. “You should be appointing that person, right there,” pointing to Assistant City Manager Rosanna Bayon Moore, seated where Johnson, who was not in attendance, usually sits.

“But maybe she isn’t Black enough for you. Like Tammany Brooks wasn’t Black enough for you,” Jordan stated. “It’s unconscionable what is happening. I had dinner with Tammany Brooks and his wife in March and I asked him about what’s happening in Antioch. He said, ‘Sometimes a person will burn down an entire kingdom in order to rule over the ashes.’ That is what is happening with the mayor. He is a narcissistic, sociopath.”

“As for Con Johnson, I ran the background report,” Jordan shared. ‘You looked over the bankruptcies, the foreclosures, the judgments. That’s just what’s public record. What’s not public record is the employee complaints against him.”

“You should all be ashamed if you vote to do this. Open the process up or hire that person,” he concluded.

Ralph Hernandez spoke next, saying, “I do support him for the appointment to become the permanent city manager.”

“The city manager has been very professional, courteous. Give the guy a chance. If he doesn’t work, fire him,” he stated. “My wife and I support his permanent appointment.”

The council then entered closed session at 4:38 p.m. Less than 30 minutes later, they emerged, and City Attorney Thomas Smith said, “no reportable action” took place during the closed session.

Special Council Meeting

The council then moved on to the special meeting agenda.

Item E was pulled from the Consent Calendar and the rest of it was passed, including the Council Warrants. Those include expenditures from various city departments, including the $20,550 paid from the police department’s budget to Oakland-based Makin Moves Motorcycle Club to cover the costs for the Community Day proposed by District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker and approved by Interim Police Chief Steve Ford, according to city Finance Director Dawn Merchant. That same organization was hired to organize the city’s Juneteenth Celebration after the city withdrew the permit for the event organized for the past few years from Claryssa Wilson. In addition, it’s leader, Ronald Muhammad, an Antioch resident, contributed $500 to Thorpe’s anti-recall committee.

During the Friday afternoon meeting, the council heard a presentation by Ford about the proposed hiring incentives for police. They include $50,000 per lateral officer hired from other departments and $40-60,000 per entry level officer. The up to $60,000 may be in the form of a loan that may be applied towards the purchase of a home in the city and partially forgiven over time based on the years of service as a police officer within the city.

He spoke about current staffing saying, “technically, we have 101 sworn on staff with 115 budgeted. But we have 21 injured and three in training. We have only 38 on patrol. That give us six or seven officers per shift. We have 13 vacancies. We also have an investigation…that could further deplete our staffing.”

He spoke of the need for both public safety and officer safety.

“Brentwood and Oakley don’t have a hiring incentive for their officers,” Ford pointed out.

Only two residents spoke, and another’s letter was read during public comments.

“Too much is being offered,” said Ralph Hernandez opposing the incentive proposal. He then read comments by his wife, Norma which were submitted in time for Tuesday’s meeting, with her concerns about the incentive package, including what’s being offered to existing officers.

“I like that there’s going to be a bonus…you have to do something to get people in,” said a resident named Lynette. “My concern is you may incentivize…officers to leave. You have to be careful with the number” out of concern for how it will affect current officers in the department.”

“You don’t have any women of color but you can actually recruit them to this department,” she continued.

Regarding the home loan incentive she said, “good luck with collecting it. The reason Brentwood discontinued their home incentive program because they couldn’t get anyone to work on it.”

Council Reaches Consensus on $25,000 Incentive But Takes No Action

“This is strictly about bringing folks, here,” Mayor Lamar Thorpe stated.

“I think we need to incentivize those officers who stayed during the pandemic,” District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock stated, referring to retention. She then reiterated the fact that Brentwood discontinued their home loan incentive program, “because officers weren’t paying it back.”

“They’re going to walk away so, I’m not in favor of that,” Ogorchock added.

“The intention is to provide down payment assistance,” Thorpe responded.

Ogorchock then read from the staff report for the council item about the home incentive.

“I don’t know why that’s in there,” Thorpe stated.

“It does say ‘may’,” City Attorney Smith pointed out.

“There are other programs out there that are more palatable,” District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker said. “I was concerned how it will be paid back.”

“I don’t agree with the $40,000,” she added.

“This is a temporary proposal,” Thorpe stated, in his continued efforts to sell his and Ford’s proposal to his council colleagues.

“I, too, think the $40K is a little steep. I would be OK with $25,” District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson stated.

“I will continue to emphasize that the initial amount has to be significant,” Thorpe responded.

“It’s not an expense. It’s an investment,” Ford then stated. “It’s going to be very impactful no matter how this plays out. It’s a very dismal situation playing out. The investigation…is going to have a ripple effect in the organization.

“What keeps good policing is leadership,” he stated. “So, good leadership is what I’m trying to instill in this organization.”

“I understand the fiscal concerns but investing in a safe environment…” Ford continued. “As this conversation continues. If we’re really serious about public safety…we have to look at whatever money is spent is an investment not an expense.”

Barbanica asked about staffing.

“We are at 101,” Ford responded.

“Remember eight are locked up,” Thorpe stated.

“The $10,000 incentive is not going to attract young people into this profession,” Ford said.

“It’s right now, money. If we hire 10 new people, we’ll be writing a check for $600,000,” Barbanica said. “I would prefer…it has to be a higher number. Just the salary savings we have, right now. The escrow thing very much scares me. I do believe we need to do something because $10,000 isn’t working. So, I’d support something in the $25,000 range. No way we can hire that many in a year. It has to be a two-to-three-year program.”

“The police department is not the only department…” Torres-Walker pointed out. “This council approved hiring seven more code enforcement officers. We have five of 14 approved.”

“I appreciate Councilman Barbanica saying he wants us to hire the right police officers,” she continued. “We have a lot of the wrong people under investigation, paying out lawsuits, ranging from murder, civil rights violations…in this police department and under the leadership of past police chiefs. And we wouldn’t be here if there was transparency” in the department.

“If you have 115,000 people in your city and six officers…there aren’t enough officers to keep the city of Antioch safe, right now or keep the officers safe,” Ford stated.

“We have a very robust recruitment effort underway,” he shared. “It’s a very complicated process. There’s no quick fix. I understand the underlying concerns. I agree with everything I’m hearing. But I would be remiss if I didn’t say we’re not in a good position in the City of Antioch.”

“Staffing is a larger issue across the country,” Thorpe then said, referring also to teachers.

“The amount will not be the same as this,” he continued. “I heard $25,000.’

“Over what time?” Torres-Walker asked.

“Five years,” Thorpe responded.

“I’m fine with the $15 up front,” Barbanica said.

“We need to have something up front,” Ford said. “If it’s over five years, then so be it.”

“With a $25 and a $30 I’d be open…to both of those,” Torres-Walker stated.

“The one thing I’d like to see rather than writing a check for $50,000…” Barbanica then said wanting it to be over time.

“What I hear in agreement, today is a five-year incentive program,” Thorpe said in response to a question from Ogorchock about differences between the laterals versus new hires. “The $50,000 would be only for academy graduates.”

After polling the other council members, there was no consensus for a housing bonus, “so, we won’t come back with that,” Thorpe stated.

Also, arrested last year in SF for assault, battery with serious bodily injury and cruelty to a child

By Darryl Saffold, PIO, Antioch Police Department

Last Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at 10:06 AM, Antioch Police Officer Milner was conducting a routine patrol when he made a traffic stop at W. 2nd and I Streets. After speaking to the driver, Carlos España-Quintanilla, age 20 of Antioch, the officer saw a pair of brass knuckles on the center console. For those who don’t know, brass knuckles are illegal to own or possess in California.

Moreover, a loaded, unserialized P-80 firearm, known as a ghost gun, was discovered during a search of the car.

In California, it is illegal to be in possession or conceal a loaded firearm (on your person or vehicle) without a concealed carry permit. Additionally, possessing a loaded gun and not being the registered owner is also unlawful.

After discussing the finer points of law, the driver was arrested, charged with PC 25850(c)(6) carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle or public, PC 25400(a)(1) carrying a Concealed firearm, PC 25850(a) carrying a loaded firearm in public or in a vehicle, and PC 21810 it is illegally making, importing, selling, giving, or possessing metal knuckles, or brass knuckles, and taken to the county jail.

According to localcrimenews.com, España-Quintanilla was also arrested last November by San Francisco Sheriff’s Deputies for 243(D) – battery with serious bodily injury, 245(A)(1) – assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily harm, and 273A(B) – cruelty to a child by inflicting injury.

Asked if España-Quintanilla has already been released from jail, Saffold responded, “probably.”

Keep up the excellent work, Officer Milner; your exploits are becoming the stuff of legend.

If you have acquired an unregistered or unserialized firearm, you can complete and submit a Firearm Ownership Report (FOR) Application, which goes to the CA Department of Justice for review. For more info, please visit: https://www.oag.ca.gov/firearms/online-reporting#nr

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Suspect has history of arrests dating back to 2014 for assault, robbery, vehicle theft and more

By Darryl Saffold, Public Information Officer, Antioch Police Department

On August 18, 2022, at approximately 12:46 PM, Antioch Police Dispatch began receiving numerous 911 calls regarding a man with a gun in the area of Country Hills Drive and Deerfield Drive. As officers were en route to the scene, additional callers indicated that the suspect was shooting at vehicles in the area.

With the help of several eyewitnesses, Antioch Police Officers detained 29-year-old suspect Felix Martinez Johnson. As the calls came in and the investigation continued, Jack London Elementary was requested to shelter in place.

According to Superintendent Stephanie Anello the following message was then sent to all staff and parents at Jack London.

“Currently Jack London has been ordered to lock down and shelter students in place by the Antioch Police Department due to police activity near campus.  Students will not be released, until the Antioch Police Departments determines it is safe to lift the lockdown.

Christine Ibarra, Associate Superintendent, Educational Services, Antioch Unified School District”

The shelter in place continued during the remainder of the investigation and for safety purposes. Once it was determined there was no danger to the public, the shelter in place was lifted. A police presence remained at the schools as an added measure of safety and security for the staff and students.

There were no reported injuries as a result of the shooting. Johnson was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility and booked for numerous firearms-related offenses.

According to localcrimenews.com, Johnson has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by the Hayward, Daly City and San Leandro Police Departments, and Sheriff’s Departments of San Mateo, San Francisco and Solano counties, for assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily harm, vehicle theft, lying to police, petty theft, burglary, robbery, grand theft less than $950 (considered petty theft and punished as a misdemeanor), using a stolen identity, accessory after the fact, failure to appear, and for revocation of probation.

This is an ongoing and active investigation; no further information will be released at this time.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Also has history of arrests including for domestic violence in 2015, as well as murder and other, similar weapons charges last year

By Antioch Police Department

Way to go, rookie!!

On Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at 9:30 a.m., Antioch Police Officer King conducted a suspicious vehicle stop on W. 7th Street of a car parked alongside a curb with two people appearing to be asleep inside. Concerned for their safety, Officer King approached the vehicle to speak to the gentleman to ensure they were OK. When he made it up to the driver’s window, Officer King saw drug paraphernalia on the driver’s lap.

After waking the occupants up, Officer King searched the car and located a loaded AR-style pistol in a black bag near the feet of the driver, 32-year-old James Cornell Chatman of Antioch. Seeing as he was a felon and was not allowed to own a firearm, Chatman was promptly arrested and transported to jail at the Martinez Detention Facility. He is being charged with for PC 29800(A)(1) – felon in possession of a firearm; PC 25850(A) – loaded firearm in a vehicle or in public; and PC 25400(A)(1) – carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle under the person’s control.

According to homefacts.com Chatman is a registered sex offender and according to the Megan’s Law website it was for lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age.

According to localcrimenews.com he has a history of arrests dating back to 2015. Chatman was arrested that year by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse/cohabitant and assault with a deadly weapon likely to produce great bodily injury. In March 2021 he was arrested by Antioch Police for participating in an illegal speed contest and evading a police officer. Then on Sept. 11, last year, Chatman was arrested, again by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies for murder, assault with a firearm on a person, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner.

Your police department remains dedicated to removing illegally owned/possessed firearms off the street. Keep up the hard work Officer King!

APD PIO Darryl Saffold and Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Antioch Police Department

Please join us in celebrating the distinguished career of Lieutenant Tarra Mendes as she rides off into the sunset to enjoy her retirement. Returning to the beginning, Lieutenant Mendes started her law enforcement career with the Antioch Police Department as a Reserve Police Officer in 1993. Then, through hard work and an impeccable work ethic, Lieutenant Mendes was hired as a Community Services Officer in January of 1995.

After being hired as a full-time sworn officer in May of 1997, Lieutenant Mendes’ list of accomplishments was genuinely outstanding. During her tenure, she served in the following assignments: patrol officer, Problem Oriented Policing Officer (POP), bike officer, property and person crimes investigator, weaponless defense/baton instructor, jail operations instructor, hostage negotiator, training manager, background investigator, internal affairs investigator, recruiter, social media manager, and PD events. Not to mention her ascension through the ranks up to Lieutenant!

Even with that impressive resume, one of Lieutenant Mendes’ most outstanding achievements is that she was a part of the hiring of well over 100 past and present employees of the Antioch Police Department over the last 16-plus years.

Last but certainly not least, Lieutenant Mendes, alongside Ana Cortez and Samantha Peterson, created and ran the police department’s Holiday Giveaway, Halloween Event, and Easter Egg Hunt. A lot of hard work goes into these events, and the joy had by the community will always be one of the highlights of Lieutenant Mendes’ career.

THANK YOU, LIEUTENANT MENDES; you will be missed. Thank you for your service to the city and citizens of Antioch! On behalf of your family at the PD, please enjoy your retirement.

Handoff from another man inside fast food restaurant

In first ever release of Antioch Police Officer body camera video APD shows footage of arrest

By Allen D. Payton

According to Antioch Police Department PIO Darryl Saffold, on Monday, August 1, 2022, Officer Marcotte was conducting extra patrol in Sycamore Square when he observed a male subject enter JJ’s Fish and Chicken in the Sycamore Square shopping center at 1100 Sycamore Drive with a satchel. A short time later another male, 26-year-old Rodney Toriano Green, walked in the same store without a satchel on but exited with the same satchel Marcotte had seen earlier.

Officer Marcotte contacted Green and during a search found a loaded pistol in the satchel. The pistol was determined to have been stolen out of Las Vegas. Green was arrested for 25850 PC, having a loaded firearm in a public place and 25400 PC, carrying a concealed firearm. He was later booked and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.

The first subject fled the area on foot and his ID is unknown at this time.

UPDATE: In the first ever release of an Antioch Police Officer body cam video the department posted footage of the arrest on their Facebook page on Tuesday, Aug. 2.

On Friday night, August 19, 2022, the Antioch Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint between the hours of 6 PM and 12 AM in the area of E. 18th and A Streets.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Sergeant Rob Green said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”

The Antioch Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

So, whether you’ve had just one drink with dinner at 1:00 a.m. or multiple any time you’re out, call an Uber, Lyft or a friend to drive you home. Don’t put your own life or others’ lives at risk and avoid fines, losing your license, possible jail time, public embarrassment and having to lie to your family, friends and constituents about it or where you were while being detained for several hours.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Gun discovered during traffic stop

By Allen D. Payton

According to Antioch Police PIO Darryl Saffold, on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at 4:07 p.m., Antioch Police Officer Milner made a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Niani Wilkinsgoudy on Garner Court. Wiliknsgoudy, age 20, responded by speeding off. She parked her vehicle and a search of it revealed a loaded and unregistered Glock 19x.

Wilkinsgoudy also had her two-year-old daughter in the car. Wilkinsgoudy was sent to the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges PC 25850(c)(6) – carrying a loaded firearm by a non-registered person punishable as a misdemeanor or felony; PC 25850(a) possession of a loaded firearm in public; PC 25400(a)(1) possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle and PC 273(a) – child endangerment. That offense is described as “any person, who willfully causes or permits any child to suffer unjustifiable physical pain, injury, or mental suffering, or willfully causes or permits that child to be placed in a situation where the child is likely to suffer great bodily injury or death, or the health of the child is endangered, is guilty of the crime of willfully endangering the health of a child.”

Her daughter was given over to a family member.