Undercover investigators seize hundreds of pounds of dangerous fireworks in sales busts

By Steve Hill, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

CONCORD, CALIF., July 4, 2021 – Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) today announced its fire investigators, working undercover, have made multiple fireworks-related arrests in the days leading up to the Independence Day holiday. The law enforcement actions resulted in hundreds of pounds of dangerous fireworks being removed from community streets.

In their continued efforts to take dangerous fireworks off our streets, Con Fire investigators have conducted the following fireworks enforcement actions in recent days:

July 2, 2021 – Hercules Ave. at San Pablo Blvd., Hercules

Con Fire investigators researched and located a social media post advertising illegal fireworks for sale in Contra Costa County. Working undercover, they made contact with the seller and arranged a purchase in the City of Hercules. Surveillance was established at the seller’s residence during which the seller was seen transferring substantial amounts of fireworks from his garage to his vehicle.

En route to the intended meet, investigators initiated a stop, and identified the seller as a Hercules resident who led investigators to fireworks caches at his residence and the residence of another suspect also in possession of a significant amount of illegal fireworks.

In total, 157 pounds of fireworks were confiscated from the two locations

Both individuals were cited on scene. The names of the involved individuals are not being released at this time due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.

July 3, 2021 – 8000 block of Brentwood Boulevard, Brentwood

Con Fire investigators researched and located a social media post advertising illegal fireworks for sale in Contra Costa County. Working undercover, investigators contacted the seller who was identified to be in the City of Brentwood.

After coordination with East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, a purchase was arranged. Investigators established surveillance at the location arranged. Meeting with the seller, investigators confirmed illegal fireworks were being sold and detained the seller. The illegal fireworks were confiscated, and the seller was issued a citation on scene.

July 3, 2021 – 1600 block Century Oaks, Brentwood

Following an investigative lead, working in cooperation with Brentwood Police, undercover Con Fire investigators made contact with a resident of Antioch. This individual confirmed the tip Con Fire had obtained, offering illegal fireworks for sale. The seller insisted on meeting at a location within the City of Brentwood, where investigators established surveillance ahead of the meet. Meeting with the seller, investigators confirmed illegal fireworks were being sold and detained the seller.

During the investigation, it was learned additional fireworks were stored at the suspect’s home in Antioch. A search of that home recovered additional fireworks. In total, 101 pounds of illegal fireworks were confiscated and the seller was issued a citation.

Arrested for fireworks sales was Gabriel Ramirez, 25, a resident of Antioch.

Con Fire investigators continue to work to remove dangerous fireworks from our communities’ streets, along with putting those who traffic them, out of business. Residents can help them in this important public safety mission by reporting illegal fireworks sales to the Arson Tip Line at 1-866-50-ARSON.

Use of fireworks of any type is illegal in Contra Costa County and exceedingly dangerous during these drought conditions. Con Fire urges anyone observing fireworks being used to report this to their local law enforcement at 1-833-885-2021 and to report all fires immediately to 911.

Con Fire’s Fire Investigation Unit asks residents to help them fight fireworks crime across the county by reporting all fireworks sales to the Arson Tip Line at 1-866-50-ARSON. They caution residents not to hesitate on information that seems too little or unimportant to matter, adding some of the most valuable tips come from residents who were not aware what they saw was very important to the investigation of an incident.

At 1-866-50-ARSON, residents can leave a recorded message about fire-related criminal activity in English or Spanish. Tips can be anonymous, but all tips are treated confidentially. Fire investigators sometimes need additional information, so inclusion of name and phone number is encouraged.

Jumps fence, enters home of sister of former Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission Chairman during family July 4th celebration; loses freedom on Independence Day

By Sergeant Rick Martin #3343, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On July 4, 2021, at approximately 3:15 P.M an Antioch Police Officer located a vehicle driving on Hillcrest Avenue near Highway 4 that was wanted by San Jose Police Department for multiple armed robberies in the City of San Jose. The driver of the vehicle (Cameron Conley) entered Highway 4 in the westbound direction. As additional officers arrived in the area, Conley fled and led officers on a pursuit. The pursuit continued westbound Highway 4 at speeds in excess of 100 mph. Conley exited Bailey Road and then turned back onto eastbound Highway 4 towards Antioch at speeds in excess of 100 mph.

Conley exited Hillcrest Avenue, continued south, and turned into the Hidden Glenn neighborhood. Officers followed Conley as he drove into a court. Conley then rammed three patrol cars, to include a K-9 car, in an attempt to escape. Conley’s vehicle became disabled, and he fled on foot into the neighborhood. Officers followed Conley as he entered an occupied residential home.

UPDATE: According to former Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission Chairman, and 2020 council candidate, Sandra White who posted on her Facebook page – “I want to thank APD for doing a fantastic job apprehending the thug that crashed my family’s July 4th celebration. My family and I were enjoying the day when the suspect scaled the fence and ran into the home and barricaded himself in a bathroom my cousin and her four-year-old daughter were occupying.”

It happened at the home of White’s sister.

“The police ended up knocking down the fence while pursuing the suspect. He had a hoody on and was covered up. He was basically trying to hide himself. He said to my cousin, ‘help me, the cops are after me,’” White shared with the Herald. “He went into the linen closet to hide under the comforters. I think he got bit by the K9 because there was blood on the wall.”

“The Gang Unit, SWAT, and K9 searched the house until they located the suspect and arrested him without significant incident,” White added on her Facebook page post. “APD was professional during the entire incident, and they went out of their way to make sure my family and I were okay. Thank you APD for all you do, and be safe!”

Officers and the K-9 apprehended Conley after a brief struggle. Conley was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries, and later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

No further information will be released at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call 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.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Victim shot multiple times, including once in the head, in grave condition

By Sergeant James Stenger, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Tuesday June 29, 2021, at approximately 4:04 PM, Antioch Patrol Officers responded to the 2300 block of Arthur Way for a male who was shot in the street. When officers arrived, they located a 23-year-old male (resident of Pittsburg) who had been shot several times, including once in the head. The victim was transported to a local trauma center and is currently listed in grave condition.

It was determined through the investigation of this case that 49-year-old Crescencio Zavala-Garcia shot the victim during a verbal argument about a work-related issue. Zavala-Garcia fled the scene in a vehicle after the shooting.

The Antioch Police Department Special Operations Unit and Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Team located the vehicle Zavala-Garcia fled in on a property in unincorporated Brentwood, where he was known to stay. The Antioch Police Department SWAT Team was utilized to search the property, but Zavala-Garcia was not located during the search.

A judge issued a probable cause warrant for Zavala-Garcia and the Antioch Police Department is actively looking to arrest him. Zavala-Garcia also has an arrest warrant for kidnapping, domestic violence and felony evading and has a very violent past.

The Antioch Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Zavala-Garcia. Zavala-Garcia should be considered armed and extremely dangerous and should not be approached. If Zavala-Garcia is seen or you know his location, please call 9-1-1 or the Antioch Police Dispatch center at (925) 778-2441.

Zavala-Garcia is described as a Hispanic Male, 5’ 7” tall, 145 pounds, with brown eyes and gray hair.

Zavala-Garcia has used the following names in the past: CRESCENCIO GARCIA-ZAVALA, CRESCENCIO GARCIA, CRESCENCIO ZAVALA, CRESENCIO ZAVALA GARCIA, CRESENCIO GARCIA, CRECENCIO GARCIA, CRECENCIO ZAVALA GARCIA, CRECENCIO ZAVALA GARCIA, CRESENCIO GARCIA ZAVALA

Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Gerber at (925) 779-6943 or by emailing RGerber@antiochca.gov. Anonymous tips or information about this – or any other incident – can be sent via text to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword ANTIOCH.

By Antioch Police Department

Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Firearm

Arrested: Gideon Alemayehu, 18 Years Old

On Saturday, June 26, 2021, at approximately 10:55 pm, the Antioch Police Department responded to a residence in the 5000 block of Sunview Way for the report of a shooting. It was reported that 18-year-old Gideon Alemayehu brandished a handgun at family members and then fired several gunshots as the family members were fleeing the residence.

APD Officers arrived on scene and contacted the victims at a neighboring home. Through the victims’ statements and physical evidence located at the scene, officers confirmed that Alemayehu had in fact possessed a handgun and fired it numerous times. None of the victims were physically injured. Alemayehu may have fled the residence prior to police arrival and was not arrested.

On Sunday, June 27, 2021, at approximately 11:30 am, the Antioch Police Department received information that Alemayehu had returned to his residence. APD Patrol Officers responded back to the 5000 block of Sunview Way, accompanied by the APD SWAT and Crisis Negotiation Teams. Shortly after the APD SWAT Team arrived on scene, Alemayehu exited his residence and surrendered peacefully. The firearm believed to be used in this incident was recovered inside the residence.

Alemayehu will be booked at Contra Costa County Jail for a variety of charges to include Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Criminal Threats.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text an anonymous tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword ANTIOCH.

 

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

The Forensic Services Division of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff was awarded $376,101 in grant funding from the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program.

The grant will allow for the hiring of a forensic analyst and the purchase of new instrumentation and equipment. This will increase the capacity to process more DNA samples, thereby helping to reduce the number of forensic DNA and DNA database samples awaiting analysis and to prevent a backlog of forensic and database DNA samples, like those collected at crime scenes.

“This grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance will increase our capacity and help us better serve law enforcement agencies and crime victims,” said Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston. “This will increase our efficiency of testing and enable us to provide quicker results to law enforcement and prosecutors on DNA cases in Contra Costa County.”

The Forensic Services Division hopes to hire a new forensic analyst by the end of the year.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance, a  division of the U.S. Department of Justice, helps to make American communities safer by strengthening the nation’s criminal justice system: Its grants, training and technical assistance, and policy development services provide state, local, and tribal governments with the cutting edge tools and best practices they need to reduce violent and drug-related crime, support law enforcement, and combat victimization.

Successful Crisis Intervention

By Antioch Police Department

APD Day Shift officers are clearing the scene of a crisis call where the individual made threats to “shoot it out with police.” Officers were familiar with him from a prior call last week after he brandished a replica handgun in an attempt to force officers to shoot him. Today, Thursday, June 24, 2021, officers used the benefit of time, distance, planning and resources to safely detain the individual and bring this incident to a safe resolution.

We also brought-in crisis counselors from Contra Costa Health Services to work on a more long-term solution. We appreciate the assistance and patience of the public in the area of Deer Valley Road, Prewett Ranch Drive, and Feather Way while we worked this incident.

If you or someone you know needs crisis assistance, please call 2-1-1 from any phone in Contra Costa County or 1-888-678-7277 (24 hours). You can also visit this link for more information on local services: https://cchealth.org/mentalhealth/

General Fund revenue increases by $5.6 and $8.7 million per year

Creates new Community Resources Department

Adds 7 more Code Enforcement Officers

L Street to finally be widened to four lanes from W. 10th to W. 18th Streets

Will vote on appointing youth members to city commissions and boards

By Allen Payton

During the Antioch City Council’s regular meeting, tonight, June 22, 2021, votes will be taken on the two-year budget of $222.8 million for fiscal year 2021-22 and $179.2 million for FY 2022-23. The General Fund budget, which pays for the police department and other services, projects an increase of $5.6 million next year and $8.7 million the following year. It creates a new Community Resources Department and adds 17 more positions including seven Code Enforcement Officers, but does not include any additional funding for more sworn police officers.

In addition, the council will consider approving the city’s fifth cannabis business and appointing youth, ages 14-17, to city commissions and boards. (See complete agenda)

According to the staff report on the General Fund, “Measure W…comprises over 20% of annual revenues and will generate a projected $38,000,000 over the next two years.” That’s a $1 million annual increase next year and a $2 million increase the following year over the current year’s General Fund revenue.

The council will also vote on the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program budget which includes $15 million for the widening of L Street to four lanes between W. 10th and W. 18th Street. In addition, the CIP will fund needed repairs at the Antioch Water Park, among its many projects throughout the city totaling $216.2 million. The largest expenditure is for the new Brackish Water Desalination Plant.

New Department, 17 New Positions

The budget includes formation of a new Community Resources Department to oversee existing services, including Animal Services (currently under the Police Department), Unhoused Resident Coordinator (currently under the City Manager), Youth Network Services (currently under Recreation), Code Enforcement, CDBG services and Environmental Services (all currently under Community Development).

The budget also includes “the addition of seventeen (17) new positions throughout the City to enhance City services including:

o One (1) Community Resources Director for the new department dedicated to Community Resources and Public Safety.

o One (1) Assistant City Attorney that will significantly enhance the department’s capacity.

o Seven (7) additional Code Enforcement Officers for a total of fourteen (14).

o One (1) Community Development Technician position to support the seven additional Code Enforcement Officers approved.

o One (1) additional General Laborer (for a total of 5) that will primarily address downtown needs.

o One (1) Recreation Coordinator to assist Youth Services Network Division.

o One (1) Administrative Analyst to assist the Environmental Services group.

o One (1) full-time Unhoused Resident Coordinator.

o One (1) Administrative Analyst to support CDBG and Housing activities.

o One (1) Fleet Service Technician to assist with vehicle fleet maintenance.

o One (1) Water Treatment Plant Instrument Technician to assist with the upcoming Brackish Water Desalination Plant.”

No Funding for Additional Police

However, there is no funding for additional police officers included in the budget. Although the city’s goal has been 1.2 officers per thousand population since the mid-1990’s, the proposed budget keeps the level at 1.0 officers per thousand, with 115 sworn officers and a population of 112,848 according to the city staff report.

According to the budget report, “The City Council continues to authorize one hundred fifteen (115) sworn Police Officers in FY 2022-23, as well as six ‘over-hire’ positions to address timing delays associated with attrition.”

According to Police Chief T Brooks the two new officers added to the department on Monday brings the current force to 116 sworn officers. (See related article).

The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. and can be viewed at https://www.antiochca.gov/live_stream, on Comcast Channel 24, or AT&T U-Verse Channel 99.

Public Comments

If you wish to provide a written public comment, you may do so any of the following ways by 3:00 p.m. the day of the Council Meeting: (1) Fill out an online speaker card, located at https://www.antiochca.gov/speaker_card, or (2) Email the City Clerk’s Department at cityclerk@ci.antioch.ca.us.

To provide oral public comments during the meeting, click the following link to register in advance to access the meeting via Zoom Webinar: https://www.antiochca.gov/speakers. You may also provide an oral public comment by dialing (925) 776-3057. Please see inside cover for detailed Speaker Rules.

The City cannot guarantee that its network and/or the site will be uninterrupted. To ensure that the City Council receives your comments, you must submit your comments in writing by 3:00 p.m. the day of the City Council Meeting.

Members of the public wishing to provide public comment may do so one of the following ways (#2 pertains to the Zoom Webinar):

1. Fill out an online speaker card by 3:00 p.m. the day of the Council Meeting located at: https://www.antiochca.gov/speaker_card.
2. Provide oral public comments during the meeting by clicking the following link to register in advance

to access the meeting via Zoom Webinar: https://www.antiochca.gov/speakers

– You will be asked to enter an email address and a name. Your email address will not be disclosed to the public. After registering, you will receive an email with instructions on how to connect to the meeting.

– When the Mayor announces public comments, click the “raise hand” feature in Zoom. For instructions on using the “raise hand” feature in Zoom, visit: https://www.antiochca.gov/raise_hand. When calling into the meeting using the Zoom Webinar telephone number, press *9 on your telephone keypad to “raise your hand”. Please ensure your Zoom client is updated so staff can enable your microphone when it is your turn to speak.

3. Email comments to cityclerk@ci.antioch.ca.us by 3:00 p.m. the day of the Council Meeting. The comment will be read into the record at the meeting (350 words maximum, up to 3 minutes, at the discretion of the Mayor). IMPORTANT: Identify the agenda item in the subject line of your email if the comment is for Announcement of Community Events, Public Comment, or a specific Agenda Item number. No one may speak more than once on an agenda item or during “Public Comments”.

All emails received by 3:00 p.m. the day of the Council Meeting will be entered into the record for the meeting.

Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.

– When called to speak, please limit your comments to the time allotted (350 words, up to 3 minutes, at the discretion of the Mayor).

 

But no dirt bike rideout, as planned

By Antioch Police Department

On Sunday, June 20, 2021, just after noon, officers made a traffic stop near Auto Center Drive and Mahogany Way. As they contacted the occupants of the vehicle, they immediately saw a large amount of marijuana in plain view which led them to investigate further.

As the investigation continued, evidence of marijuana sales was discovered, as well as two semi automatic pistols. Two 20-year-old males were arrested after the guns, over 4 ounces of marijuana, and several thousand dollars in cash were seized!

Both of the arrested subjects were booked at the county jail on various weapons and drug sales charges and more importantly, no one was hurt, and we got two more firearms off of the street!

No rideout of off-road vehicles occurred, on the Father’s Day holiday, as planned, according to Chief T Brooks.  (See related article)

“We were ready if they showed up, though,” he shared. “I’m saddened I took some dads away from their families to work. But I’m glad they had a quiet night, here.”

Allen Payton contributed to this report