Joint effort with U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, FBI and Homeland Security, part of National Public Safety Partnership

Mayor, interim police chief hold press conference to make announcement

By Darryl Saffold, Public Information Officer, Antioch Police Department

Beginning Monday, July 11, 2022, the Antioch Police Department hosted the U.S. Marshals Service-Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force for a week-long warrant sweep to help reduce the rise in violence in the City of Antioch and surrounding areas.

Through additional partnerships with Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Contra Costa County Probation, the task force was able to make twenty-three felony arrests, seize four firearms, and confiscate illegal narcotics from Monday through Thursday, July 11-14, 2022, in Antioch, Concord, Oakland, San Francisco, Tracy and Stockton.

This “Violent Crime Reduction Operation” was an effort that identified wanted persons who had active felony warrants for violent crimes, such as homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault, robbery, and sexual assault.

The Antioch Police Department was selected in October 2021 to participate in the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP), which is an initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that increases collaboration with local law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, and community partners to enhance public safety.  (See related article)

The DOJ-law enforcement community, U.S. Marshals Service, ATF, DEA, DHS, and FBI assisted by taking on the challenge alongside the Antioch Police Department to stem the rise in violent crime.

Mayor Lamar Thorpe called a press conference for Monday morning, July 18 to announce the arrests with Interim Police Chief Steve Ford.

Following are notable arrests from the operation:

Antioch, California – Other Male Adult (OMA) Suspect – On Monday, July 11, 2022, a OMA was arrested on his outstanding felony warrant for Robbery and Assault with a Firearm. The OMA was wanted for an armed robbery of a convenience store where he fired one round.

Stockton, California – Black Male Adult (BMA) Suspect- On Monday, July 11, 2022, a BMA was arrested on his outstanding felony warrant for Assault with a Firearm. The BMA shot multiple rounds at his girlfriend striking an occupied dwelling.

Antioch, California – Jeremiah COWART – On Monday, July 11, 2022, COWART was arrested on his outstanding felony warrant for a home invasion while armed with a firearm. COWART committed this crime with three other suspects. All suspects are now in-custody. During the home invasion the suspects held an elderly couple at gunpoint as they ransacked the home.

Antioch, California – Black Female Adult (BFA) Suspect – On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, a BFA was arrested on an outstanding probation violation warrant out of Las Vegas. A Marshal’s team got information she was evading police contact hiding at a residence in Antioch. The BFA has a long criminal history for Attempted Homicide, Robbery, Burglary, and Assault.

Antioch, California – Daniel O’Neal – On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, O’Neal was arrested on his outstanding felony warrant for Parole Violation w/ underlying charges of Assault with a Firearm.

Antioch, California – Black Male Adult (BMA) Suspect – On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, a BMA was arrested on his outstanding felony warrant for Attempted Homicide and Kidnapping. Also, White Male Adult accomplice was identified as taking part in the assault and also taken into custody.

Tracy, California –Black Male Juvenile (BMJ) Suspect – On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, a BMJ was arrested on his outstanding felony warrants for a shooting Homicide and Robbery.

Concord, California- White Female Adult (WFA) Suspect – On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, a WFA was arrested on multiple felony warrants for various crimes throughout the East Bay Area.

Antioch, California –Black Male Adult (BMA) Suspect – On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, a BMA was arrested on his outstanding felony warrant for Aggravated Assault with Firearm. A Firearm was recovered at location.

Antioch, California – Black Female Adult (BFA) Suspect– On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, a BFA was arrested on her outstanding felony warrant for Aggravated Assault with Firearm. The BMA and BFA are siblings who were both sought by Antioch PD for a shooting that occurred outside a Hospital Emergency Room.

Antioch, California – Black Male Adult (BMA) Suspect– On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, a BMA was arrested for an on-view firearms violation involving the investigation above.

Stockton, California – Black Male Juvenile (BMJ) Suspect – On Wednesday July 13, 2022, a BMJ was arrested on his outstanding felony warrant for multiple shootings including a shooting Homicide.

Oakland, California – Black Male Adult (BMA) Suspect – On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, a BMA was approached by TF members at a warrant location. As the BMA was contacted by law enforcement, he was observed retrieving a concealed handgun from his waistband and discarding it. Law enforcement officers detained him and safely retrieved the firearm.

San Francisco, CA – Black Female Adult (BFA) Suspect -On Thursday, July 14, 2022, a BFA was arrested at San Francisco Airport (SFO) while attempting to travel International. The BFA was wanted for a Homicide out of Oakland PD. The BFA has ties to Antioch.

Oakland, CA – Black Male Adult (BMA) Suspect – On Thursday, July 14, 2022, a BMA was arrested in Oakland for a warrant for Assault with a deadly weapon and a Parole Violation. Two firearms were located with the suspect (a sawed-off shotgun and a rifle).

Special thanks to all of the supporting agencies as well as our community members.

Anonymous tips or information about this – or any other incident – can be sent via text to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword ANTIOCH.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Won’t be prosecuted because the cases are “compromised to the point they can’t be salvaged” – Ted Asregadoo, CCDA PIO

By Allen D. Payton

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has dismissed 40 cases from prosecution as part of the investigation into crimes of moral turpitude by Antioch and Pittsburg Police Officers announced in March. As previously reported, several officers were placed on paid administrative leave due to the accusations against them. (See related articles here, here and here)

Asked for details about the 40 cases, CCDA Public Information Officer Ted Asregadoo said he could not provide it as “it’s still an active investigation of the Pittsburg and Antioch officers.”

“Out of a group of the cases, there are 40 cases that can go forward in the investigative process. Approximately 40 of those cases were dismissed,” he continued.

Asked how cases were from which agency Asregadoo responded, “I can’t talk about that.”

“The DA’s office is involved in ongoing evaluations of the cases to determine if the cases are compromised due to the criminal wrongdoing and misconduct,” he stated. “Those 40 have been compromised to the point they can’t be salvaged so they were dismissed.”

“The Antioch and Pittsburg Police Departments are cooperating with us and are assisting,” Asregadoo shared. “It’s a complex endeavor and is wide ranging. The scope of it is not a single incident.”

Chief Assistant District Attorney Simon O’Connell offered the following statement about the matter:

“There are multiple officers who are subjects of an ongoing criminal investigation involving a range of offenses which constitute crimes of moral turpitude. The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is actively engaged in evaluating these cases to determine whether the charged case is compromised or whether the case can proceed. Community safety remains paramount, and the District Attorney’s Office remains steadfast in preserving as many cases as possible.”

An estimated three or five Antioch Police Officers are under investigation for the allegations against them.

Antioch Police still won’t say how many Antioch officers are under investigation, APD Public Information Officer Darryl Safford said. But he did confirm they are still on paid administrative leave. Asked if the DA’s office shared how many of the 40 cases were from Antioch Saffold said, “they have not informed us.”

In addition, an effort to reach new Pittsburg Police Chief Steve Albanese for details from his department was unsuccessful prior to publication time. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Male in his early 20’s; Coroner’s Office has not yet reached next of kin, so no ID has been released, possibly later Friday

Council recently increased speed limit to 45 MPH on roadway

By Antioch Police Department

On Thursday July 14th, 2022, at 10:23 AM, Antioch Police responded to a report of a car fire near James Donlon Blvd. and Contra Loma Blvd. As officers arrived, it was determined that a vehicle had collided into a tree, then into another vehicle traveling in the same direction. The collision caused one of the cars to catch fire. One of the drivers died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. The other driver and a passenger were treated for minor injuries.

The Antioch Police Department Traffic Unit responded and took over the investigation. It was determined though witness statements that both vehicles were traveling at a high rate of speed on James Donlon Blvd., prior to the crash. Following a traffic engineer’s study, the Antioch City Council recently voted to increase the speed limit on the roadway to 45 MPH.

The case is still in preliminary stages and pending further investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is asked to call (925) 779-6864.

We extend our deepest condolences to the victims of this incident.

7/15/22 UPDATE: According to APD Public Information Officer Darryl Saffold, the driver was a male in his early 20’s. As of Friday morning, a spokesman for the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office said they had not yet reached the next of kin and would not release the deceased’s identity but expects to have that information later today.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

For stabbing near Antioch BART Station last Friday and shooting in Concord; has history of arrests

By Darryl Saffold, PIO, Antioch Police Department

On Sunday, July 10, 2022, Antioch Police Officers spent several hours looking for Mychal Allen Plew (3/25/91) who was wanted on a total of five felony warrants. Two of the warrants were for attempted murder (664/187PC) related to a shooting he committed in Concord and a stabbing he committed in Antioch on July 8 near the BART Station.

Officer Mulholland followed up on a lead and spotted Plew in the passenger seat of a vehicle leaving a house on the Antioch/Oakley border. He followed the vehicle until sufficient units arrived. At 8:39 pm a high-risk stop was conducted on Main Street in Oakley and Plew was taken into custody without incident. Plew was ultimately booked at the Martinez Detention Facility.

According to localcrimenews.com, Plew has a history of arrests by Antioch PD, Concord PD and CHP dating back to 2013 including drug possession, trespassing, receiving stolen property – vehicle, possession of burglar’s tools, false registration and auto theft.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Antioch Police Department

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community relationships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring place to live. It provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
On “National Night Out,” Tuesday, August 2, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., a representative from the Antioch Police Department, Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission, Citizen Volunteer, and/or a member of the City Council may visit each participating neighborhood.

If your neighborhood would like to host a gathering and would like members of the Antioch Police Department to stop by, please contact Lt Vigil via email at jvigil@antiochca.gov or call 925-779-6993.

By Darryl Saffold, PIO, Antioch Police Department

While everyone was hopefully enjoying the holiday weekend, your officers have been extremely busy. In addition to addressing the various quality of life issues and helping those in need, your officers have been arresting people that have violated numerous laws and pose a threat to the welfare of our community.

Knowing this post doesn’t acknowledge the extensive work our officers have been doing, we want to paint a picture of the last seven days. Over the last week, eight arrests were made with four illegal firearms recovered, four stolen vehicles recovered that were returned to their rightful owners, as well as several warrant arrests were made.

We are extremely proud of how hard our officers work, considering the number of resources at our disposal. Despite some staffing challenges, at the Antioch Police Department we are committed to ensuring public safety. Thank you for your ongoing support, we couldn’t do what we do without it. #safestreets #noguns

Note: Placement of photos do not necessarily relate to the person(s) arrested or crime(s) committed next to them.

Details

DATE:  6/30/22                      TIME:  1631              CHARGE(S):  29800(a)(1) PC, 417(a)(2) PC – for Drive By Shooting, Felon in Possession of Firearm

LOCATION: Sycamore Drive

ARRESTEE(S): Therel Shurki Scott (5/31/79)

SYNOPSIS: Officers responded to the area of Sycamore Drive for a report of a drive by shooting. The VIC stated her apartment and vehicle were hit by gunfire and the unknown responsible fled the scene. While officers were investigating the incident, security at Sycamore Square reported being the victim of a brandishing from a firearm. The suspect description matched the suspect from the shooting and a vehicle license plate was obtained. The suspect vehicle was located on a nearby street and the driver, 43-year-old Therel Scott, was detained without incident.

A loaded 9mm pistol was located tucked between the driver’s seat and the center console. Officers were able to develop enough evidence to charge Scott for the shooting as well as the brandishing. Scott was found to be a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing the firearm located in his vehicle. Scott was later booked at Martinz Detention Facility (MDF) aka county jail.

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DATE:7/1/2022            TIME: 1442                    CHARGE(S): CVC 2800.2 & PC 496(d) – for Stolen Vehicle

LOCATION: Lemontree Way/Sycamore Drive

ARRESTEE(S): Tayshaun I’maike Scott-Hunter (8/23/2003)

SYNOPSIS: Officer Mulholland located a gold Honda sedan that been reported a stolen. The vehicle was taken after a robbery in Oakland. Officer Mulholland attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled. The driver immediately got onto SR-4 westbound and the pursuit ended when the Honda grazed a commercial vehicle. This sent the Honda into a spin and it collided with a K-rail. The Honda came to rest after impact and the driver, 18-year-old Tayshaun Scott-Hunter, was taken into custody without further incident.

Officer Morris called the victim and found out he was robbed of his keys, wallet and cell phone when the vehicle was taken. During a search incident to arrest, Scott-Hunter was found to be in possession of the victim’s keys. He was ultimately booked into MDF for the above listed charges after medical clearance.

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DATE:  7/1/22                        TIME:  1630          CHARGE(S):  10851(a) CVC – for Stolen Vehicle, Weapons Charges

LOCATION: 7-11 Century Blvd

ARRESTEE(S): Josue Torres (12/17/75)

SYNOPSIS:  Officers were circulating the Sycamore Drive searching for a reported stolen Mercedes SUV. The vehicle was located parked at the 7-11 on Century Blvd and the driver, 46-year-old Josue Torres, was arrested without incident. Torres was found to be on AB109 for weapons charges and was later booked at MDF.

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DATE:  7/1/22                        TIME:  1823        CHARGE(S): WRNO – for Shooting in Santa Cruz

LOCATION: San Jose Drive and Buchanan Rd

ARRESTEE(S): Terry Robinson (6/13/96)

SYNOPSIS: Officer Nutt conducted a traffic enforcement stop and the passenger, 26-year-old Terry Robinson, was found to have a warrant for his arrest in relation to a shooting in Santa Cruz. Robinson was detained without incident. Robinson was booked at MDF on his outstanding warrant.

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DATE:  7/1/22                        TIME:  1842                               Armed Robbery in Danville

LOCATION: San Jose Drive

SYNOPSIS: Danville PD sent a BOLO for an armed robbery vehicle in which a Rolex was stolen from a subject at gunpoint in their city. The suspects were reportedly armed with an AR-15 rifle and a pistol. A short time later, they requested Code 3 cover for their plain clothes detectives who were following the suspect vehicle into the apartment complex at 2005 San Jose Drive. Several APD officers were clearing a call on San Jose Drive and arrived within seconds and located the vehicle inside the complex. Two passengers foot-bailed but the driver was arrested without incident. The AR-15 and pistol were located on the back seat of the suspect vehicle. The front passenger was taken into custody by APD officers after a short foot pursuit inside the complex. Star 3 was overhead and maintained visual on the third suspect as he ran south through the lot and onto Buchanan Rd. He was challenged by APD officers and a Contra Costa County K9 and was arrested after a brief struggle. (See related article)

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DATE: 7/3/2022                     TIME: 2231                CHARGE(S): CVC 10851 – for Stolen Vehicle

LOCATION: 19th Hole, E. Tregallas

ARRESTEE: Justin Griffin, 35

OTHER INVOLVED: N/A

SYNOPSIS: Officer Angelini watched an occupied stolen vehicle pull into the parking lot of the 19th Hole. He conducted a stop and took the driver, Justin Griffin, into custody without incident.

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DATE: 7/4/2022                     TIME: 1740           Post Release Community Supervision violation warrant

LOCATION: J Street

ARRESTEE: Terry Domino Ferguson 4/16/1985

OTHER INVOLVED: N/A

SYNOPSIS: Several SWAT officers were on foot patrol in the downtown area and noticed 37-year-old Terry Ferguson working on a vehicle in front on J Street. They were familiar with Ferguson from a prior SWAT operation in which Ferguson was arrested for weapons manufacturing. A record check showed Ferguson to have an outstanding Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) violation warrant. Ferguson was contacted and attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended and taken into custody without incident. A PRCS search was conducted on Ferguson’s apartment and a loaded Sig Sauer 9mm pistol was located in a backpack that belonged to Ferguson. Ferguson was later booked at MDF.

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DATE: 7/4/2022                      TIME: 1650                CHARGE(S): CVC 10851(a) – for Stolen Vehicle

LOCATION: 2540 Verne Roberts Circle

ARRESTEE: Richard Charles Lewis, 8/22/1991                                VICTIM: Antioch Resident

OTHER INVOLVED: N/A

SYNOPSIS: Officers responded to the report of a vehicle theft that occurred about 4:50 pm at 2540 Verne Roberts Circle. The victim caught the suspect (later identified as, Richard Lewis) in the act of stealing his vehicle. Lewis was unsuccessful in his attempt to steal the car and fled the scene on foot. Officers quickly arrived and set up a perimeter. Eventually, Officer Pedreira located Lewis hiding behind a large bush and was taken into custody. Lewis, age 30 was positively identified as the responsible during an in-field show up. He was booked into MDF.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Antioch Police Department

The 113th Neighborhood Cleanup event will occur on Saturday, July 9, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. We will be cleaning the neighborhood around Fremont Elementary School Area including F and G Streets and all the streets off of them from 11th Street down to 20th Street, including part of D Street. Volunteers should meet at the Fremont Elementary School parking lot, 1413 F Street.

The Antioch Police Department is excited to announce the 113th installment of the Neighborhood Cleanup Program. This is a collaborative community effort which involves active participation from The Antioch Police Department Crime Prevention Commission, Neighborhood Watch Program, Volunteers in Police Service, community volunteers and the Public Works Department.

Collectively, “We”, everyone who works and lives in the City Antioch, can make a difference and improve the quality of life. It’s our community and it’s our chance to make a difference.

The City of Antioch Neighborhood Cleanup program is not just for residential neighborhoods. It is a program that will change venues on a monthly basis, and it will include business and commercial areas as well. Neighborhoods that are free of trash and refuse are inviting, and a clean community instills a sense of community pride.

Volunteers will receive instructions and the equipment necessary to accomplish the goal. The targeted area is within walking distance. Excluding inclement weather, future Neighborhood Cleanup events are scheduled for the first Saturday of every month and the locations will be announced in advance.

Remember, cleaning up your neighborhood can make life better for your family, your neighbors and your community!

 

18-year-old from San Jose and two juveniles; Antioch Police, Sheriff’s Office STARR helicopter assist in search

By Danville Police Department

On Friday, July 1, 2022, at about 4:36 PM, Danville police officers were dispatched to a report of an armed robbery that occurred at the Trader Joe’s grocery store parking lot located on Railroad Avenue in Danville.

The victim reported he was held up at gunpoint by two suspects as he exited his car. The suspects fled in a waiting vehicle with the victim’s personal property.

Danville police and Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs along with Sheriff’s Office STARR helicopter began an extensive search for the suspects. Other law enforcement agencies were also notified.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division located the suspect vehicle in Antioch. With the assistance of the Antioch police department and STARR helicopter, all three suspects were arrested.

One suspect is identified as 18-year-old Leon Cathay Fountain of San Jose. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges that include armed robbery, conspiracy, participating in a criminal street gang, and several weapons violations. He is being held in lieu of $380,000 bail.

The two other suspects are juveniles and are not being identified.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Armed Robbery at Trader Joe’s in Danville this afternoon. Vehicle fled the scene. No injuries.