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.

APOA attorney says City claims there aren’t any; council will address lawsuit during tonight’s closed session Tuesday

Thorpe claims he doesn’t use personal cell phone for city business; issues statement calling lawsuit “intimidation tactics”

Attorney says during five months of the text scandal investigation only 5 or 6 cops on leave of the 15 or 16 his office represents have been interviewed

“So, they’re just sitting there earning money because of the disfunction of the City leaders” – Mike Rains, APOA attorney

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting tonight, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, the Antioch City Council will address in closed session a lawsuit by the Antioch Police Officers’ Association (APOA). Asked about reasons for the lawsuit the APOA’s attorney, Mike Rains, said it’s to obtain Mayor Lamar Thorpe’s phone records because the City won’t provide them, claiming they couldn’t find any. The Public Records Act request covers the nine days prior to Thorpe’s Wednesday, March 30th press conference when he spoke about the investigation into the racist text scandal among Antioch officers. (See related article)

In that press conference, Thorpe read from prepared text saying, “Monday I received some information that has arisen from an ongoing investigation of the Antioch Police Department. Several additional officers have been placed on administrative leave. Let me be very clear I’m not here to confirm the number of officers that are involved nor am I here to confirm any rumors or speculations about the nature of what was discovered.”

Since that time, about 35 officers have been on leave, all paid until last month when three of the officers who have been charged with crimes by the Contra Costa DA’s Office, were placed on unpaid leave.

The lawsuit (Case number N23-1629 in Contra Costa Superior Court) is seeking “records reflecting telephone calls, emails, and text messages sent or received by City of Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe concerning the initiation of a non-criminal administrative investigation into allegations of misconduct by City of Antioch police officers concerning text or email messages allegedly containing graphic references to issues regarding race, ethnicity or national original, or sexual preference and/or sexual identification, which have become the subject of media scrutiny.”

“This started months ago,” Rains explained. “We sent a Public Records Act request to the City to get the records from the mayor’s phone, texts, emails and phone calls to others, from about March 21-30, the nine days before his March 30th news conference announcing that this investigation of the text messaging was going on. He couldn’t provide details. The chief had not given him any information at all. He claimed the city manager had briefed him. But the city manager didn’t know anything. So, where was he getting his information?”

“Larry Wallace from the DA’s office had put together his two reports on the texting and I believe Thorpe was getting his information from Wallace directly,” Rains stated. “I don’t know. But we have a right to know where he’s getting his information about public business. It’s a public record.”

“We asked for that information but the former assistant city attorney who quit during a meeting and just walked out, wrote us a letter asking for a extension, saying ‘we need to look at it,’” Rains shared. “Then we give her the extension then she sent us a letter claiming they didn’t have anything.”

“So, we asked how she had searched the mayor’s phone. We got crickets,” he continued. “Then we sent another letter asking for the same thing and threatened but they didn’t respond. So, we did. That’s what tomorrow is about.”

“They have to do a search according to state Supreme Court based on a case out of the City of San Jose, that had to do with records requests for council members private phones,” Rains said. “I have a feeling they never did the search. I’m sure the mayor has since tried to delete everything. That would probably cause us to get the phone and do a forensic analysis to get all the deleted messages.”

Text Scandal Investigation

Regarding the investigation of the officers on leave for the racist text scandal, Rains said, “The city’s lawyers who they’ve retained and another group that they’ve retained to do something else, they’re going through all kinds of law firms, including the few interviews of the cops on leave for the texts. They’ve only done about five or six interviews. They still have about seven or eight guys they need to interview, guys who shouldn’t be on leave at the request of the mayor and the city attorney, not with the support of Chief Ford.”

“We had all these interviews set up for 15 of the cops but at first, they said they were only going to do one interview,” he continued. “I think we’ve had three different investigators, now, that have done the five or six interviews. The first one from Los Angeles didn’t even show up. Then they hired the Hispanic lady. She was nice and did one or two interviews. Then they hired some guy who did a couple interviews.”

As previously reported, City Attorney Thomas L. Smith hired Cerritos, CA-based Angela Powell, a partner in the law firm of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo, to conduct the investigation of the text messages. She has 26 years’ experience as an attorney. Her services ended by Monday, May 15, the day the interviews of the officers were to begin. In her place, the City hired San Jose-based attorney Allison Hernandez, a Senior Associate with the law firm of Burke, Williams & Sorensen who earned her law degree in 2016.

Asked about Powell, Rains said, “She said she was going to be fair. She wasn’t going to let anyone tell her what to do. The next thing I know is we had another lady showing up to do the interviews. I think she didn’t find anything they could do.”

Asked about the other officers on leave Rains said, “I don’t know what they did with Rombough. We don’t represent him. I don’t know how many they think they still need to interview. We don’t represent all these guys. We represent somewhere around 15 or 16 cops on leave, who were mostly recipients of group texts. Of those they’ve only interviewed half in about five months.”

“So, they’re just sitting there earning money because of the disfunction of the City leaders,” he added.

Asked if there is any communication between his office and the investigators Rains stated, “No. The city attorney and the mayor have cut the investigators out of any communication with the department. Even Chief Ford couldn’t speak with them. Usually in the scheme of things, when outside investigators are hired, the chief coordinates it, working with staff setting up interviews. Ford wasn’t even in the picture.”

“All the attorneys have been brought in by the city attorney,” Rains continued. “So, the chief isn’t involved in any of it, and I think that includes the current, acting chief. He’s just sitting on the sidelines, too.”

Asked if he knows when the interviews and the investigation will conclude, Rains replied, “No idea.”

Questions for Thorpe, City Attorney

Questions were sent to both Thorpe and City Attorney Smith Monday night giving them until noon Tuesday to respond.

They were asked if Rains’ claims are true that the City won’t provide the records from the mayor’s personal phone from March 21-30 because they claim there aren’t any.

Thorpe was asked, if that is true, if he had deleted any phone calls, text or email messages on his phone from that period.

They were also asked if it’s not true, and there are records of phone calls, text and email messages from the mayor’s phone, why haven’t they been provided if they are a public record.

Thorpe was then asked if he has a city-issued phone that he uses for city business and if not, how does he communicate with members of the public and others regarding city-related business.

Finally, the mayor was asked if he received his information about the text scandal from anyone in the Contra Costa DA’s Office, including Larry Wallace.

Smith was then asked if only five or six of the 15 or 16 officers represented by Rains’ law firm have been interviewed by the outside investigators. He was also asked, “If so, why haven’t they all been interviewed yet in the five months since they’ve been placed on leave and when will they be interviewed?” If that’s not correct, how many of the 35 or so officers on leave have been interviewed during the investigation? Have the outside investigators been given a deadline for completing the interview and investigation and providing you and the city council with a final report?”

Thorpe Says He Doesn’t Use Personal Cell Phone, Uses Home Landline for City Business

Thorpe said he doesn’t use his personal cell phone for city business, but uses his home landline, instead.

“I use this phone, right here,” he stated during a phone call Tuesday morning. “I have another cell phone but I don’t give out that number as too many people have my other number and I get texts and phone calls on that.”

Labels APOA’s Lawsuit “Intimidation Tactics”

Later, on Tuesday afternoon, Thorpe posted on his official social media accounts the following:

Statement Regarding Antioch Police Union’s Intimidation Tactics

“I’m deeply troubled and disappointed that the Antioch Police Officers Association -a.k.a. the Police Union- still doesn’t get it.

Current and former members of the Antioch Police Department are being indicted by the US Department of Justice. Several more are being charged with state crimes by the Contra Costa District Attorney.

Two state agencies are investigating the department including California’s attorney general. The city is currently investigating members for racist text messages discovered by the FBI.

And, lastly, the city council approved my request for audits of the internal affairs process, hiring and promotions practices, and to examine patterns and practices.

Right now, the police union should be working with my colleagues and me to build a department that is reflective of our city’s values. Instead, the police union is busy trying to intimidate me and City Hall with the same old, tired tactics of yesteryear by aiming to turn me into the 800-pound gorilla in the room.”

Because it didn’t answer the questions posed to him or explain how there are no record of texts, emails or phone calls as requested by the APOA’s attorney, Thorpe was again asked if he uses a city-issued cell phone. He was also asked when he stopped using his personal cell phone for city-related business. He did not respond prior to Tuesday’s closed session meeting which began at 6:00 p.m. or by publication time.

Smith also did not respond prior to publication time.

UPDATE #1: Rains Responds to Thorpe’s Statement

In response to Thorpe’s statement Rains wrote, “It’s nonsense.  We have been trying to get a straight answer from the City for five months concerning calls/texts/emails sent and/or received by Thorpe with other City or DA employees in the week or so preceding his March 30 press conference announcing the texting investigation, even though no text messages had been released to the City or the media before March 30.  The City refused our request to describe any search conducted of his cell phone for the information, and we told them if they continued to refuse our request for transparency, we would seek relief in Superior Court.  They did nothing and we were forced to file the writ.”

UPDATE #2: Following Tuesday night’s closed session, Attorney Smith reported out about the lawsuit stating, “no reportable action.”

UPDATE #3 (9/27/23): When reached later for comment asking again when he stopped using his personal cell phone for city business Thorpe said, “I’m not going to answer any questions related to the investigation.” But the mayor did say he doesn’t have a city-issued cell phone.

Result of effort by countywide task force; held on $700,000 bail

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney

A 28-year-old resident of Antioch was charged today in a seven-count felony complaint by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office for the production and distribution of child pornography.

Michelle Nicole Hidalgo was arrested on Friday, September 22, 2023, by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Officers served Hidalgo with a search warrant at her home and seized equipment used in the production and distribution of pornographic images of minors. The search of Hidalgo’s home and her arrest came after task force members were notified by a social media company on September 21st that child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) of a small child were being shared on their platform.

At the time of her arrest in Antioch, Hidalgo was working part-time as a nanny for the victim’s family.

Hidalgo remains in the custody of the Contra Costa County Sheriff and her bail has been set at $700,000. She will make her first court appearance on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, in Martinez.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Hidalgo is 5’3”, 250 lbs. and Hispanic and born on December 23, 1994, and is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $800,000 bail. Her Facebook profile shows she lives in Antioch and is from Pacifica, CA where she studied at Terra Nova High School.

The case is being prosecuted by the Sexual Assault Unit of the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. It was investigated by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, in which detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Brentwood, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Danville, Oakley, and Moraga Police Departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, United States Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office participate on the task force.

Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Senior Inspector Darryl Holcombe, dholcombe@contracostada.org.

Case information: | The People of the State of California v. Hidalgo, Michelle Nicole

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.