By Allen D. Payton

According to Antioch Police Strategic Communications Officer Darryl Saffold, on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, at 7:33 AM officers were dispatched to the area of the Somersville Car Wash located at 3103 Delta Fair Boulevard in Antioch for a report of a shooting. The 55-year-old victim was shot in the right arm while he was in the front passenger side of his vehicle by an unknown assailant.

He was later transported to the hospital and reportedly had non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation is ongoing.

The Herald first learned of the shooting about 8:00 am that morning and upon arrival at 8:30 a.m. the scene had already been cleared.

Publisher’s Note: This information was just received, today, Thursday, Feb. 17, but was first requested the morning of the incident, during the week when APD was ordered by the interim city manager to direct local media to obtain information about police matters in Antioch from the City’s public information officer. He, in turn, was directing us back to APD for information, leaving us in an intentional, unproductive circle – and worse, leaving the public uninformed. That issue was resolved on Tuesday, Feb. 15.

Alexis Gabe – Missing fliers have been posted throughout East County. Source: Oakley PD

24-year-old Alexis Gabe’s car was found in Oakley the next day

One of the digital billboards on Highway 4 and I-680 provided by Mesa Outdoor. Source: Del Rey Advertising.

By Allen D. Payton

Today, Wednesday, February 16, 2022, Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard issued the following brief update on the search for the woman missing since January 26 and last seen by her ex-boyfriend in Antioch that night. (See related article)

“The investigation into the disappearance of Alexis Gabe has remained at the forefront of the Oakley Police Departments daily operations. We have also remained in frequent contact with the Gabe family throughout our investigation and we support them in their efforts as they try to locate Alexis as well.

We understand there is a great deal of public interest in this case. We remain committed to the tenets of completing a thorough investigation and making sure the integrity of our investigation outweighs public curiosity. The Oakley Police Department remains committed to locating Alexis and we are continuing on our path towards a complete investigation.”

Fliers about Gabe have been distributed and posted throughout East County, as well as posts on social media and ads have been placed on digital billboards along Highway 4 and I-680 to help in locating her.

If you have any information, please contact Oakley PD at (925) 625-8060.

By Allen D. Payton

According to Antioch Police Strategic Communications Officer Darryl Saffold, a female was shot in the hand in the 500 block of F Street in Antioch Tuesday, Feb. 15 about 5:30 PM

It is unknown if multiple subjects fired but multiple shots were fired from a vehicle.

The victim was transported to the hospital for her injuries.

No other information is available at this time.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

The three stolen vehicles recovered by Antioch Police on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022. Photos by APD

Given different kind of bracelets, stainless steel, not gold or silver!

By Allen D. Payton

According to Antioch Police Strategic Communications Officer Darryl Saffold, on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2022, three people were arrested in the city for stolen vehicles. What’s even more impressive is the fact two of the stolen vehicles were recovered 15 minutes apart from one another.

At 4:12 PM officers responded to the area of E. 18th Street and Cavallo Road where a stolen vehicle was seen. The vehicle was located and the driver Samantha Melendez (21) out of Antioch, was taken into custody for being in possession of a stolen vehicle.

At 4:33 PM, while officers were dealing with the above incident, a second stolen vehicle was seen in the same area. Officers then located and detained John Jones (45) out of Antioch. There doesn’t appear to be any connection between the two incidents.

Then at 8:35 PM officers received reports of another stolen vehicle near W. 10th and B Streets. Officers located the vehicle and took Emiliano Juardo (19), unknown what city, was taken into custody.
All three subjects were transported to county jail at the Martinez Detention Facility.

Also, according to Saffold, so far this month, our officers have recovered 32 stolen vehicles (The 32nd was recovered as this post was being written). Some of these vehicles were originally stolen out of Antioch, but many are often stolen from various cities all over the state.

When it comes to stolen vehicles, California ranks amongst the states with the highest rates in the country. According to the California Highway Patrol, in 2020 there were approximately 180,939 vehicles stolen at an estimated total value of $1.6 billion. With that said, of the 180,939 vehicles stolen statewide in 2020, 89.2 percent were successfully recovered, representing 161,464 recovered vehicles.

In Antioch, we strive to reacquaint owners with their vehicles every opportunity we get and have been able to recover 62 stolen vehicles so far in 2022.

Here are some tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)to help prevent motor vehicle thefts: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/vehicle-theft-prevention. #stolenvehiclerecover #trafficsafety

Another Antioch man is wanted; victims were Pittsburg and San Leandro residents

By Pittsburg Police Department

Early Sunday morning, September 19, 2021, shortly before 6:30 A.M., Pittsburg Police Officers responded to the 7-11 store at 4600 Century Boulevard regarding a shooting. As officers arrived, they located a car parked in front of the business with two women inside. Both women were suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper torso. Unfortunately, 23-year-old San Leandro resident Courtnee Allen and 21-year-old Pittsburg resident Angelique Abercrombie died due to their injuries.

Initially, there was limited information for detectives to work with or identify the responsible in this case. Over the past few months, members of the Investigations Division, including the Pittsburg Police Department VICE Team, worked diligently to identify several subjects involved. After completing numerous interviews and working through a vast amount of evidence, detectives identified 28-year-old Lonnie Stewart of Antioch, 22-year-old Destiny Boyd of Sacramento, and 20-year-old Jordan Pierre Crear of Antioch as being involved in the incident. Crear was identified as the subject who shot and killed Courtney and Angelique. Detectives are continuing to determine the motive for the shooting.

Last week detectives presented the case to the Contra Costa County District Attorney for review. The DA charged all three subjects for Murder with enhancements. Boyd was arrested late last week in Elk Grove and is currently in custody on $3,000,000 bail. Wednesday, Crear was located and arrested at his home in Antioch and remains in custody with a $7,000,000 bail. A $3,000,000 warrant is issued for Stewart, and detectives are working to locate him.

The Pittsburg Police Department would like to thank our citizens and business community for their support during this investigation.

Six yellow markers indicating the location of bullet casings are seen in the intersection of Canada Valley Drive and and Pinnacle View Way/Vista Grande Drive Tuesday night, Feb. 8, 2022. Photo by Allen D. Payton

City’s fourth homicide of the year, suspect unknown

By Strategic Communications Officer Darryl Saffold Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022, at approximately 7:02 PM, Antioch Police Department dispatch received a call from a motorist, a 29-year-old male, who requested medical attention on Canada Valley Road near Pinnacle View Way, due to his 76-year-old female passenger having difficulties breathing.

American Medical Response (AMR), Contra Costa County Fire Department and Antioch Police patrol officers responded to the scene. Antioch officers arrived on the scene alongside AMR and began life-saving measures on the female victim, who appeared to be having a medical emergency.

During rescue efforts, it was discovered the victim sustained at least one gunshot wound to her back. Due to the extent of her injuries, the victim was transported to an area hospital where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Antioch Police Officers search the victims’ vehicle on Pinnacle View Way. Photo by Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Unit responded to the scene. Investigators determined the victims were shot at by someone in an unknown vehicle traveling in the immediate area of Canada Valley Road. At least six yellow plastic markers were located where bullet casings were found in the intersection of Canada Valley Road and Pinnacle View Way/Vista Grande Drive.

It is the fourth homicide in the city, this year. This is an ongoing and active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.

Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Whitaker at (925) 779-6890 or by emailing wwhitaker@antiochca.gov. 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.

An Antioch Police Officer looks in the hit-and-run suspect’s car. Two officers detain suspect at nearby condo complex on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. Photos by Allen D. Payton

2/15/22 UPDATE: Antioch Police identify driver

Hit-and-run arrest suspect’s car parked on Kodiak Drive Saturday night.

By Allen D. Payton

Following a call to dispatch shortly after 10:00 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, Antioch Police investigated a silver Chrysler 300 parked on Kodiak Street with its lights still on, believed to be involved in a hit-and-run. A witness standing near the parked car said the driver of that car hit their car on Golden Bear Drive before heading down Kodiak which dead ends at Morro Drive. It appeared the driver left the vehicle after it became disabled due to a damaged right front tire and wheel.

Another witness saw the car make a three-point turn at the end of Kodiak, almost striking another car, and sparks emanating from beneath the car as the driver headed south on Kodiak. That same witness saw what appeared to be the driver, described as an overweight Hispanic man in his late 20’s or 30’s, abandon the vehicle, and stumble and sway side-to-side as he walked down Kodiak and then head west on Morro Drive.

Another witness said the driver may have also hit another car on Fawn Hill Way, as well.

Damage to front passenger side tire and wheel of suspect’s car.

Soon after, Antioch Police Officers detained a man outside a multi-family housing complex on Morro Drive, who fit the description of the man seen walking down Kodiak. A witness was driven to that location and positively identified the man as the one walking away from the area of the vehicle.

The suspect could be heard talking with the officers and the word insulin was mentioned. Asked if the man was diabetic an officer said that’s part of the pre-booking questions they have to ask. But that “he was hammered.”

Another officer said he was having the suspect’s car towed and another officer said he was going to the hospital with the suspect. Another witness whose car was struck on Golden Bear Drive said the driver also hit another car on that street.

Antioch Police Strategic Communications Officer Darryl Saffold was asked for any additional details about noon on Monday.

APD vehicles in the condo complex parking lot on Morro Drive where the hit-and-run suspect was located and detained.

2/15/22 UPDATE: According to Saffold, “On 2/04/2022 at approximately 10:14 PM, officers were dispatched to the area of Kodiak Street and Golden Bear Drive for a report of a silver Chrysler that struck several parked vehicles. While on scene, officers were provided with a suspect description which later allowed them to locate the responsible, Francisco Delatorre (35), at his residence.

During their contact, officers observed several objective symptoms of alcohol intoxication. Additionally, Delatorre was being uncooperative with the investigating officers as they were ascertaining the pertinent details of this incident. After it was determined that Delatorre was operating his vehicle under the influence of alcohol, he resisted arrest but was subsequently taken into custody without any injuries to himself or the officers.

Due to being involved in a collision, Delatorre was transported to the hospital for medical clearance before being transported to the Martinez Detention Facility. Delatorre was booked for misdemeanor hit and run, driving under the influence, and resisting arrest.”

On Tuesday, Feb. 15, Saffold was asked how many cars Delatorre had hit and if one was on Fawn Hill Way. Please check back later for any additional details and updates to this report.

The armed robbery suspect’s toy guns and hoody found with him by Antioch Police during his arrest on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. Photo: APD

Also had outstanding warrant from Tuolomne County

By Darryl Saffold, Strategic Communications Officer, Antioch Police Department

39-year-old Michael Scott of Antioch arrested Feb. 5 for armed robbery on Feb. 4, 2022. Photo: APD

An armed robbery occurred in the 2700 block of Contra Loma Blvd. around 6:00 pm. on Friday, Feb. 4 and the suspect, 39-year-old Michael Scott of Antioch, was arrested on the Saturday the 5th. During his arrest, two replica firearms were located and confiscated from the suspect. It’s not known if they were used in the robbery.

Scott, described as a 6-foot-tall, 230 lb. Black male, also had a hoody with him with the words “Straight Outta Antioch” on the front in his possession at the time of his arrest (pictured above). He spent the stolen money, approximately $500.

In Antioch, our officers take tremendous pride in the cases they take on a patrol level. Officers often try to work them to the best of their ability and if they can resolve them as swiftly as possible. Some steps that are regularly taken on a patrol level are reviewing surveillance footage and may include writing warrants.

Suspect Michael Scott car during the stop by Antioch Police. Photo: APD

Keeping that in mind, over the weekend, our officers were dispatched to a report of a robbery where the victim was robbed at gunpoint. With little to go off, certain investigative steps were taken, and Officer Chandler was able to discover the identity of the suspect and wrote a warrant for his arrest.

The next day, Officers Amiri and Milner were conducting an extra patrol in an area known for suspicious activity and located the suspect responsible for the robbery the day prior. In addition to our warrant, it was also discovered the suspect had an additional warrant out of Tuolumne County. It’s unknown at this time what that warrant was for.

This is an example of the level of care our officers take when investigating crimes that occur in our city.

We do not rest or take days off when it comes to protecting or solving crimes for the citizens of Antioch. -6136

Allen Payton contributed to this report.