By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Juan Valentin Manriquez, 21, of Antioch, was sentenced today to three years and eight months in prison for unlawful dealing in firearms, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, co-defendant Andrew Jace Larrabure-Tuma used Snapchat to advertise narcotics and guns for sale. Law enforcement used undercover officers and a confidential informant to buy guns from Tuma. Tuma of Sacramento was 19 years old and could not legally purchase a gun in the state of California. Tuma ultimately introduced the informant working for law enforcement to his gun supplier, Manriquez. During the course of the following month, Manriquez sold the informant nine guns in exchange for cash.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sacramento Police Department, and the Western El Dorado Narcotics Enforcement Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lee prosecuted the case.

Tuma pleaded guilty to unlawful dealing and manufacturing firearms and was sentenced to three years and four months in prison.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Speeding driver of car determined at fault

By Allen D. Payton

A 63-year-old Bay Point man riding a motorcycle on Deer Valley Road was rear-ended by a black sedan near the Prewett Ranch Road intersection in Antioch, at 2:08 p.m. Thursday afternoon. As an AMR ambulance was on its way to Kaiser medical center with a patient inside the driver witnessed the collision. But the ambulance was not involved in the collision. Antioch Police officers in the area and AMR personnel immediately performed CPR.

The motorcyclist was transported to the hospital with major head trauma where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Two pickup trucks were also struck in the accident, with the sedan striking one and the motorcycle hitting the other after the first impact. The driver of the sedan remained at the scene and cooperated with Antioch Police Officers. An officer on the scene said she was emotionally distraught and had a difficult time communicating what happened. It was determined she was at fault as numerous witnesses claimed she was speeding.

The driver has not yet been arrested as the police must do an inspection of her car before they can file a case with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office.

Some of the roads leading to the intersection were closed for several hours causing those driving to Kaiser to make a detour through nearby neighborhoods. The roads were cleared and reopened about 7:20 p.m.

Antioch Police arrested two of three juveniles suspected of stealing at least two cars following multiple reports of erratic driving and the cars crashing into each other on purpose Wednesday, Oct. 4 about 8:15 am.
Both stolen vehicles are wrecked. The subjects were detained on St. Frances Drive and Contra Loma Blvd.

Charged with 1 felony, 2 misdemeanors for being drunk, on probation for DUI, carrying concealed, loaded stolen weapon

By Brentwood Police Department

Last week, Brentwood Officers responded to the 1600 block of Ceylon Drive for a party complaint. Our Dispatch received additional calls reporting there was a fight and someone had a gun.

When officers arrived, they saw several partygoers in the street, including an adult female who matched the description of the suspect with a gun.

The female, identified as 24-year-old Zyann Chablis Martin of Antioch, was found to be in possession of a loaded stolen gun. Martin who was heavily intoxicated at the time officers contacted her, was also on probation for DUI. According to unicourt.com her DUI occurred early last year.

Martin was placed under arrest and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility. According to recentlybooked.com, Martin was charged with one felony and two misdemeanors: 25400(C)(2) PC – carrying a concealed stolen weapon (F), 496(A) PC – receiving/etc. known stolen property (M) and 647(F) PC – disorderly conduct alcohol (M). According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, as of Monday, October 2, 2023, she bonded out of custody.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Lt. Rick Martin, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

At approximately 7:41 a.m. on October 1, 2023, Antioch Police Officers were investigating a suspicious vehicle in the 200 block of W. 3rd Street. Inside the vehicle officers located a male subject who was in possession of a firearm. Officers gave commands to the subject who refused to comply with orders given. The subject attempted to flee in the vehicle but was unsuccessful. The subject abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot with the firearm in hand. Officers engaged with the subject and shots were fired. The subject was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive.

The subject currently has a warrant for his arrest for homicide which occurred earlier this year in the City of Antioch. Antioch Police Detectives along with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office and the Contra Costa County crime lab are conducting the investigation. All names will not be released at this time as this is an active investigation and pending notifications. All officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave. No further information will be provided at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Duffy at (925) 779-6884 or the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch Police stopped a stolen Kia involved in at least four vehicle burglaries at E. 19th Street and Evergreen Avenue Saturday morning, Sept. 30, 2023.

The vehicle fled and caused an accident. Officers chased three male subjects on foot and they were arrested in the Wells Fargo bank branch parking lot at 18th and A Streets.

By Lt. Rick Martin, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

10/2/23 UPDATE: Contra Costa County Deputy Coroner Wong identified the deceased as Jonathan Craig, a 43-year-old African American man out of Antioch who was listed as a transient.

At approximately 9:30 a.m. on September 29, 2023, Antioch Police dispatch was notified of a possible physical fight on the Delta de Anza Trail near the 4100 block of Null Drive. One of the subjects involved was reported to be unconscious. Antioch Police Officers along with Contra Costa County Fire Department arrived on scene and found a black male adult unresponsive. After life saving measures were performed, the male was pronounced deceased on scene. The unidentified Black male adult is believed to be in his mid-30’s to 40’s.

Antioch Police Detectives were called to the scene and the incident is being investigated as a homicide. No further information will be provided at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Becerra at (925) 779-6937 or the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Oath of office ceremony held Tuesday; brings staffing to 101 sworn; incentive program wasn’t a factor in recruitment

“I guarantee the people of Antioch that these six officers are what they expect law enforcement officers to be. Caring, compassionate, humble and professional.” – Academy Trainer Robert McManus

By Allen D. Payton

During an oath of office ceremony at the Antioch Police Facility on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, six new officers were sworn in. Four of the officers had their badges pinned by their wives, while one was pinned by his sister, and another had his pinned by an APD lieutenant. The ceremony was held in the department’s Community Room as family, friends, fellow APD officers and staff, and District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock looked on.

The additions bring the current force to 101 sworn officers out of 115 in the budget. However, there are 31 officers on leave mostly due to the two investigations. The new officers will soon be fully ready to help protect the city once they complete their field training.

“This is the largest group of officers we’ve ever sworn in at the same time,” said Acting Chief Joe Vigil who read their bios as each one was introduced. He later said, “Very proud of these guys. A majority of these guys started with us three or four months before the academy, building the foundation, learning report writing, legal statutes, plus, physical training to face the rigors of the academy. Some of these guys have been with us in a training capacity for nine months. We’ve been stressing how this department will look and how this group is different in training, influencing and giving them the tools during a very trying time of policing. This group has been all about us from the beginning and they are dedicated to us and the city. That’s what will make them tremendous officers.”

Officer Kyle Armstrong was pinned with his badge by his wife Britney.

“Kyle was born in Fremont and graduated from Freedom high school. At Freedom high school, he played and excelled in golf lettering all four years and played in the state qualifier in 2004 to 2006,” Vigil shared. “He enlisted in the army in 2010 and spent 10 years as a Sergeant for communications units. His postings include Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Camp Parks, California to include two deployments, one in Iraq, and one in Somalia. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Britney, and his four kids, Kayden 11, Peyton 9, Everly 2 and Tucker 2 months. He also enjoys golfing and camping with his friends and family. 

Fun fact: Kyle directly supported a Two-Star General while attached to Joint Operations in Africa.”

Officer Najee Bailey was pinned by his wife Deborah.

Vigil shared, “Najee was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and graduated from Wheeler high school. At WHS, Najee excelled in basketball and was a part of the state championship team in 2010. He then began his education at Oakton community college on a partial scholarship for his academics. In his free time, Najee enjoys the sport of bodybuilding. He competed in his first competition in September 2021 and took second place. Najee was employed by the Department of State for the last five years as a diplomatic officer. Now she is looking forward to being a part of the Antioch PD family. 

Fun fact: Najee plans to earn his bodybuilding pro card while serving as a public servant.”

Bailey later shared that he worked for the State Department in San Francisco.

Officer Bryan Cruz Guzman was pinned by his sister Ariana Cruz.

“Bryan was born in Berkeley and was raised in Richmond. He later moved to Antioch, and currently still lives here. He graduated from freedom high school in Oakley, California,” Vigil said. “While in high school, he played soccer as a goalkeeper. While being a goalkeeper, he was able to play against very high-level teams and compete with colleges all around the bay area. During his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and working out.

Fun fact: Bryan enjoys singing Hispanic music with his father Juan.”

Officer Joshua Pachan was pinned by his wife Kimberly.

Vigil shared, “Josh was born and raised in Pittsburg and graduated from Riverside High School. After high school, he enrolled in WyoTech and worked for Mike’s auto body for the last nine years. Josh has been married to his wonderful wife Kimberly for 15 years. Josh is a proud Antioch resident and looks forward to serving the community he lives in. In his free time, Josh enjoys hiking, shooting, and watching sports.

Fun fact: Josh’s great grandfather was a Constable for the city of Pittsburg.”

Officer Justin Posey was pinned by his wife Kasie.

“Justin was born and raised in Martinez and graduated from Briones Valley independent study,” Vigil said. “He grew up racing motorcycles and raced professionally for numerous years. For the past 16 years, Justin has worked for Drill Tech as a project manager. Justin is married to his wonderful wife, Kasie, and they have two children, Olivia, 5 and Jett 3. In his free time, he enjoys working out, shooting and working on motorcycles.

Fun fact: Justin’s nickname is J-PO.”

Officer Vincent Starzyk was pinned by Sgt. Lauren Bledsoe who said about the new recruit, “He got the overall top performance award for his academy.”

According to Vigil, “Vincent was born and raised in Antioch and graduated from Deer Valley High School. At DVHS, Vincent excelled in wrestling and was offered the chance to wrestle internationally and in the United States world team. He declined the offer to pursue his dream of becoming a police officer. In his free time, he likes to play video games, shoot guns, work out, and ride his motorcycles. Vincent‘s mom, Shannon is the Director of the Family Justice Center in Antioch, and was a deputy sheriff for 12 years. Vincent’s dad Paul was a police officer for the city of Pleasant Hill. He eventually lateraled to the city of Martinez and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Sergeant Starzyk tragically lost his life in the line of duty on September 6, 2008. Vincent wants to pursue a career as a Police Officer to continue the legacy of his parents. 

Fun fact: Vincent was a rescue diver from middle school to high school.”

Acting City Manager Kwame Reed, who attended the ceremony, offered his thoughts on the new hires.

“This is very exciting to see six new officers join our Antioch Police Department,” he said. “Seeing the enthusiasm on their faces made me feel really good. I’m looking forward to when they hit the streets and add to our numbers. I look forward to seeing more recruits in the near future.”

“Great group of officers,” Bledsoe, Vice President of the Antioch Police Officers’ Association simply said following the ceremony.

Five of the six new officers were asked if the hiring incentive program was part of their decision to join APD.

Armstrong said, “No. I wouldn’t say so. I grew up in the area and wanted to work somewhere close. I had people tell me I should consider other agencies. But I met a lot of people here. I didn’t get the impression that something bad was going on. The people that are in-house are good. The opportunity for that to be seen will be good.”

Pachan replied, “I didn’t even know of it when I first applied. I’d been thinking of applying specifically with Antioch.”

“We’re part of the community so we want to make the community better,” his wife Kimberly added.

“No. I didn’t even know it was in effect,” said Posey. “One of my best friends works here. That was my deciding factor.”

To the same question Cruz Guzman said, “No sir. I was raised here in Antioch. So it’s my own city. The city means more to me than most people. That’s the reason I came here.”

Starzyk also said, “No. You know I’ve always had a deep love for Antioch. It was pretty much the only department I was considering. I applied to the Sheriff’s Department, but Antioch was screaming to me. I have this love for Antioch and its people.”

Asked how many were in the academy, he said, “We started out with 63 and finished with 49 in his class.”

Robert McManus, a retired San Leandro Police lieutenant and currently an instructor with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Academy, who also attended the ceremony at the request of Starzyk, spoke highly of the recruits.

“I had the pleasure of being involved throughout the 28-week academy in training the next generation of Antioch’s law enforcement officers,” McManus stated. “I guarantee the people of Antioch that these six officers are what they expect law enforcement officers to be. Caring, compassionate, humble and professional. They will exceed Antioch’s expectations.”

Regarding the incentive program, Mayor Lamar Thorpe, who did not attend the ceremony, said later, “It has increased the pool of candidates. It wasn’t created to recruit officers. We weren’t attracting candidates. But interest went up. It doesn’t mean every candidate will qualify or want to participate in our department. People don’t become officers because of an incentive program.”

“We’re trying to provide the department with as many tools as possible,” he continued. “I think the changes and reforms we’ve made have attracted candidates. We get new officers. We don’t get many laterals. I believe we’re attracting new officers who are embracing the changes.”

“I’m just excited that our recruiting efforts are working, and I look forward to officially welcoming these officers at a council meeting in the near future,” Thorpe added.