By Sergeant Kristian Palma #6286, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
On July 3, 2024, at approximately 11:26 PM, Antioch Police Officers responded to the 1600 block of Vineyard Drive for a report of a 58-year-old man shot near the vineyards.
When officers arrived, they located a male adult suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Antioch
Police Officers rendered medical aid until the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District took over care. Unfortunately, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. A second victim, 44-year-old female adult, later arrived at Sutter Delta Medical Hospital. The second victim suffered at least one gunshot wound and was transported to John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek in critical condition.
The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released. The identities of the victims are being withheld pending notification to the next of kin. This appears to be an isolated incident and there is no immediate threat to the community.
Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective John Cox at (925) 481-8147 or by emailing Jcox@antiochca.gov.
Following chase, a vehicle identified in a Manteca armed robbery was stopped, driver and passenger arrested for an outstanding warrant, drugs on June 27, 2024. Photo: APD
30-year-old man from Oakland wanted in Napa, has history of arrests
Manteca Police search Antioch home, but make no arrests, yet
By Allen D. Payton
A post on the Antioch Police Department’s Facebook page on Thursday, June 27, 2024, announced the arrest of two suspects wanted for the armed robbery of a business in Manteca.
It reads, “Collaboration and dedication to keeping our communities safe. Antioch PD officers assisted Manteca Police Department with the arrest of two people wanted for an armed robbery of a business.
The suspects led our officers on a brief chase this afternoon, but they didn’t get far. Our officers safely detained the two suspects. Thanks to our strong partnerships with our allied agencies, we are getting violent criminals off our streets.”
However, according to Manteca Police Sergeant Steven Beermann, “There was no arrest for the robbery. There was a drug offense arrest that our officers handled.”
A press release from Manteca PD on Monday, July 1st, announced, “Two masked suspects, armed with firearms, robbed the Manteca Verizon Store – at 190 Commerce Avenue – about 10:41 AM on June 26, 2024. The gun was pointed at the employees and customers as they were forced into a back room. Multiple cellular phones were taken from a safe. Witnesses provided immediate tips to officers which led to follow-up investigation in Antioch, CA on June 27, 2024.
The suspects were described as both being Black male adults, 20-25 years-old, and wearing masks.
Witness information led to a residence in Antioch and the suspect car. A search warrant was executed at the residence and people associated with the car were interviewed and released.
Manteca Police Department Detectives are currently continuing the investigation and more information will be available if an arrest is made.
The case number is 24-002886. The Lead Detective is Garret Morrison. Call the Manteca Police Department if you have witness information or can supply a tip to help solve this case: 209.456.8101.”
Later, Antioch Police Sgt. Kristian Palma clarified what had occurred.
“As far as the arrests we made they weren’t in relation to Manteca’s robbery investigation,” he stated. “The vehicle was related to it. Our arrests were based on the driver for an outstanding warrant from another county and the passenger was arrested and cite released at the scene for narcotics violations.”
The warrant for the driver, Terrance Deandre Fontenette, age 30 (born 6/6/94), of Oakland, was from Napa County.
“The vehicle itself was connected to the robbery, but the people inside, we don’t know if they were connected to the robbery,” Palma continued. “Manteca did come out and do their own search warrant at the home in the 4500 block of Wagon Trail Way. We were not there.”
“They identified the car involved in the Manteca robbery. It was found in Antioch and a stop was made on it. That information was provided to Manteca,” the Antioch Police sergeant added. “We don’t know, yet if they were the same suspects from the armed robbery in Manteca.”
According to the Napa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 165-pound, Fontenette is African American, was transferred from jail in Contra Costa County on Friday, June 28 and is being held in the Napa County Jail on $25,000 bail.
According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by Oakland PD, Oakland CHP and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department for crimes including four times for vehicle theft, plus, grand theft, burglary, receiving or concealing stolen property, gun violations, hit-and-run resulting in property damage and conspiracy to commit a crime.
New Antioch Police Officers Ryan Tryner (left) and Hunter Whitson were sworn in then new Dispatcher Sara Martin joined them later as they were given the Oath of Honor by Interim Chief Brian Addington on Monday, June 24, 2024. Photos by Allen D. Payton
12 more in or heading to the academy
By Allen D. Payton
During a brief ceremony at the Antioch Police Facility Community Room on Monday, June 24, 2024, Interim Chief Brian Addington swore in two new officers, Hunter Whitson and Ryan Tryner and introduced the department’s newest dispatcher, Sara Martin. In attendance were family members, APD leaders and officers, District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock and Hans Ho of Neighborhood Watch.
Addington offered some inspirational words to the three additions and encouraging words to their families.
“Our communities depend on us more than ever to serve and protect,” the chief said. “Your job is to uphold justice and…individual rights. You meet the highest levels of professionalism and compassion.”
To the families he said, “Your continued love, support and encouragement are needed now more than ever.”
Addington then administered the oath of office to the new officers, followed by each one being pinned with their badge. He also shared a few details about each of the three and gave them the opportunity to share a few words.
Officer Whitson was congratulated by Chief Addington and pinned by fiancé and daughter.
Officer Hunter Whitson
Hunter was born and raised in the East Bay and graduated from Benicia High School. While in high school, he played and excelled in football all four years and won the section championship in both his junior and senior years. He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2017 and spent his time as an 0311infantry rifleman. He was stationed on MCBH Hawaii to include deployments throughout the North Pacific. On his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and going out on the boat.
Fun fact: Hunter Was a part of RIMPAC, where 23 different countries come into the Pacific to get trained by the USMC and conduct joint operations.
Whitson was pinned by his finance while holding their baby who squealed to the delight of those in attendance
“This has been a huge accomplishment for me,” he shared. “I’m excited to join the Antioch Police Department.”
“I couldn’t have done it without you,” Whitson said while looking at his fiancé.
Officer Tryner was congratulated by Chief Addington and pinned by his father.
Officer Ryan Tryner
Ryan was born and raised in Antioch and currently still lives here. Prior to becoming a CSO, Ryan worked as a part time Parking Enforcement Officer. He also worked at Los Medanos College as a Police Aide. Ryan enjoys martial arts and was an instructor for a gym in Brentwood.
Fun fact: Ryan enjoys baseball and coaches a team in Brentwood.
He had his father pin the officer’s badge on him which was followed by a hug.
“Thank you everyone. I look forward to continuing my service in the Antioch Police Department,” Tryner said.
Dispatcher Sara Martin
Sara worked for Kaiser for 23 years as a surgical tech in the operating room. She also worked for the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office for two years as a dispatcher and one-year records and warrants clerk.
Outside of work, Sara loves to hike with my dog Savy (more of a stroll now since she is 16). She also enjoys reading and watching her Nieces and Nephews play sports.
Fun Fact: Sara loves to follow the Niners and Giants to away games.
“I’m also excited and proud to be here,” Martin stated.
He said Sarah had already started in her new position and the two new officers will go through additional training then enter the FTO program.
Later, Addington shared that this brings the department to 75 sworn after recently losing three officers. That’s out of 115 in the budget approved by the city council.
He also said there are four cadets currently attending the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Academy eight more entering the academy at the beginning of July. Six will attend the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Academy and two will be at the Butte College Academy.
By Acting Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On June 14, 2024, at approximately 8:52 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the 900 block of West 8th Street on a report of a male who had been shot while inside a residence and in need of medical attention.
When officers arrived, they located a male suffering from a graze wound. Officers immediately rendered first aid until they were relieved by paramedics. The victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Based on the investigation, officers believe the residence was targeted, and we are actively working on this case. This investigation is in its preliminary stages and evidence and witness statements are being collected at this time. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released.
A word of warning to our community. Antioch PD has been investigating a series of robberies connected to bank visits. In the last 90 days, there have been nearly a dozen instances of community members being robbed after leaving local banks.
In four cases, the robberies happened at a different location after the victims left the banks. In six other instances, the actual robberies happened in the bank parking lots.
The thieves have stolen cell phones, wallets and money. Our detectives are working to make arrests in these incidents.
Yesterday, Thursday, June 13, 2024, Detectives Schaffer and Cox detained two robbery suspects after a foot pursuit and one of the suspects was armed with a firearm.
Below is an updated list of locations and additional information on the robberies we are currently investigating.
Victims Followed Home From Banks:
· April 1 – victim was followed home from Walnut Creek bank. Robbed at home, take was a purse. 2400 block of Montecito Court – no arrest
· June 8 – robbery occurred at 2300 block of Buchanan Road. Victim stopped at Chase Bank, then parked across the street and robbed of jewelry. – no arrest
· June 11 – victim left Chase Bank on Delta Fair Blvd. as they left, in an intersection and somebody ran up to their car, trying to break the window. Victim drove off, no loss.
Robberies in Bank Parking Lots:
· March 25 – Bank of America on Somersville Road, victim went to drive up ATM, after was approached by someone on bicycle. Robbed of cash and phone.
· April 3 – Bank of America on Somersville Road, victim went to drive up ATM, as they pulled away, approached by someone who robbed them of cash and cell phone.
· April 4 – Chase Bank on Delta Fair Blvd., victim using ATM when suspect ran up and robbed them of phone and wallet.
· April 10 – Chase Bank on Lone Tree Way, attempted. Victim entered vehicle after leaving bank and suspect demanded property, victim left before theft could occur.
8 more active officers since April 12; at least 4 have been terminated; Chief shares names of all 75 sworn in report to Oversight Commission
By Allen D. Payton
In response to requests for information on police staffing and the number of officers in the racist text scandal who were back to work Interim Antioch Police Chief Brian Addington shared today the report provided to the Antioch Police Oversight Commission for their meeting yesterday, Monday, June 3, 2024. In his report Addington wrote, “The Antioch Police Department is currently authorized 115 sworn police officer positions. The department currently has 75 sworn police officers and 40 vacant sworn police officer positions. Of the 75 sworn police officers, 58 are actively working, and 17 are inactive.” In response to the commission’s request he also provided the complete list of names for all 75 officers including the 17 currently inactive.
Addington was asked by the Herald for whatever information he could share about the Antioch Police Officers who were caught up in the text scandal and are now back to work, specifically for the total number of officers from the text scandal who have returned to work, as well as total on the force currently active, plus any demotions in rank and title, as well as any who have been terminated.
He responded, “Based on your request…this is the available information that I can provide” which was the report to the commission.
On May 20, 2024, Mike Rains, attorney for the Antioch Police Officers Association whose firm represented 17 officers who were placed on paid leave during the investigation of the text scandal shared additional information.
“I think all the cases where we have represented Antioch officers have been resolved. Some are back to work, some they terminated,” he said.
“They screwed up the entire case,” Rains stated. “The 745 motion made by the lawyers representing Pugh, Windom and McGee” referring to three of the four suspects convicted of murder, last month. (See related article)
“At the most that was 12 officers. They released the entire report without a protective order,” he complained, speaking of the redacted report that listed all the officers and inadvertently revealed all their names and cell phone numbers. “Someday I’m going to sue the DA in the county for doing that.” (See related article)
“Four officers have been terminated. We’re going to go to arbitration on those,” Rains said. My office represents maybe one or two more. Julia Fox (his associate) represents them.”
Rains added, “The names of the officers who went back to work” could be shared. “But not the disposition of their individual cases.”
“Not any business, including any business I worked for would take a deposit at night” – Craig Cannon, Contra Costa County Fair Board President
Shares more details, says policies and procedures will be discussed at next Board meeting June 12
Positive Fair news: Mexican rodeo group working to bring Hispanic-themed events to former arena
By Allen D. Payton
Following the armed robbery of proceeds from the Contra Costa County Fair during an attempted bank deposit early Monday morning, May 20, 2024, after the end of this year’s fair Sunday night, on Thursday, Fair Board President Craig Cannon shared additional details about the incident. (See related article)
Asked to confirm the amount of $90,000 that was stolen he said, “I got it as a little under $100,000. I got that from the police. (Fair CEO) Joe Brengle’s not even talking to me.”
However, according to another board member, John Pence, Brengle sent out an email Wednesday night to him and the other board members about the matter. Cannon said he hadn’t seen it.
“Not any business, including any business I worked for would take a deposit at night,” Cannon continued. “It’s unusual. It’s one of the things I want to get the board together to talk about. Why would you make such a poor decision? The only one who has a deposit key is the fair manager.”
“A lot of information is not being shared when it’s supposed to be,” he stated. “It all boils down to the fair manager. He handles the overall money receipts, personnel, hiring and firing. But Joe works for the board. We hire and fire him.”
Asked if insurance will cover any of the loss, Cannon said, “I don’t believe so because it wasn’t during Fair hours or on property and it wasn’t in the bank. There’s a really thin line, there.”
Asked why the people depositing the funds weren’t joined by armed escorts by either the contracted security firm or county sheriff’s deputies, he responded, “That’s the question I’m trying to find out. But he’s (Brengle’s) not being forthright. That’s what we will discuss at the next board meeting. I’ve talked to the State of California, and they said I can’t have an emergency meeting. In my eyes, almost a hundred grand is a major crime against us.”
About the security firm, Praetorian and this year’s Fair, Cannon said, “They were great. This year’s fair was a good one and safe.”
He then reiterated what was shared with other media, that the loss of that amount of money could impact the fair’s music headliners and animal attractions for next year.
“This whole thing stinks,” he stated.
Two Temporary Staffers Handled Deposit
Asked who handled the deposit Cannon said, “Two temporary staffers hired by the Fair, this year in charge of parking and ticket sales. That’s another red flag. Something’s really wrong. Joe seems like a sensible guy. I don’t know why he would make that decision.”
Asked why the money wasn’t left in a safe on the fairgrounds and deposited during daylight, he said, “That’s a decision for the fair manager” and shared that the Fair, technically state’s 23rd District Agricultural Association, currently only has two full-time employees, Brengle and an administrative assistant who works in the office with him.
Since it’s the public’s money Cannon said, “That’s my concern. I also suggested the state bring in the CHP which oversees county fairs in the state. They delegate the authority to the county sheriff’s office.”
“I don’t work for the state,” he explained. “I’m appointed by the governor. Not this governor, the past one. The appointments are renewed. We can barely have a meeting quorum. If someone is sick, we can’t hold a meeting. The governor’s busy with the budget.”
Asked why the funds weren’t taken to the bank by the fair manager and a board member for a check and balance and if there is a procedure in place Cannon stated, “There will be. The Fair Board is all about policies and procedures. The manual is about 50 pages. But we don’t handle the day-to-day. Taking funds to the bank during daylight hours should be the policy.”
“He (Brengle) hasn’t been forthcoming to anyone on the board about this,” the fair board president reiterated. “This is crazy. It makes no sense at all.”
One positive thing Cannon shared is that a Mexican rodeo group is working to bring Hispanic-themed events to the former arena that was used as the paintball park.
The next board meeting, which is open to the public, will be held Wednesday, June 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fair Board Directors’ Room at the Contra Costa Event Center (fairgrounds) located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch.
ByActing Sergeant Kristian Palma #6286 Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau
On Monday, May 20, 2024, at approximately 2:18 AM, Antioch police officers responded to the 2500 block of Somersville Road for the report of an armed robbery.
When officers arrived, they contacted two victims. Officers learned the victims were employees of the Contra Costa County Event Park (Fairgrounds). The Contra Costa County Fair had ended, and two employees were tasked with conducting the night deposit. While conducting the night deposit at the BMO Bank they were approached by an unknown suspect. The suspect robbed the victims of the money and personal belongings at gunpoint.
Other news reports have pegged the amount stolen at $90,000. When asked, a county fair representative offered no comment but didn’t know how that amount was known by other media. Questions were emailed late Wednesday night to Fair CEO Joe Brengle asking if that’s correct, why the deposit was made at that time instead of leaving it in a safe on the fairgrounds and waiting until Monday morning to make the deposit, what is the usual procedure and for any additional information he could share.
We are asking for anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau. Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Sgt. Palma at (925) 779-6876 or by emailing kpalma@antiochca.gov.
Additional questions were emailed to Brengle Thursday afternoon including:
“Shouldn’t the deposit of such an amount be made with an armed escort, such as staff from the security company, Praetorian hired by the Fair this year or county sheriff’s deputies? Does the Fair have policies and procedures in place for handling deposits? Were they followed? What are they? What amount does the $90,000 (or more) represent of the Fair’s proceeds? Will the Fair’s insurance cover any or all of the loss? What impacts will it have for the Fair’s future?”
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
