The victims’ car involved in the hit-and-run near the corner of W. 6th and G Streets in Antioch Friday night, Dec. 22, 2023. Photo courtesy of Art Ray, Bay News Video.
By Lt. Rick Martin, Investigations Bureau, Antioch Police Department
On Friday, December 22, 2023, at approximately 11:30 p.m. Antioch Police Officers responded to the intersection of W. 6th Street and G Street on a report of a traffic collision with injuries. Officers arrived and located two vehicles involved. One of the vehicles involved had two juvenile males inside (12 and 13 years old, both from Antioch). Both juveniles were transported by AMR ambulance to local hospitals. Both succumbed to their injuries and were later pronounced deceased.
The other driver involved fled on foot leaving the vehicle behind.
Con Fire personnel works to shut off broken fire hydrant at scene of fatal hit-and-run on Dec. 22, 2023. Photo courtesy of Art Ray, Bay News Video.
We are withholding the names of the decedents until proper family notifications have been made. It appears speed and reckless driving were factors in this incident. (See video of accident scene posted on X by Henry K. Lee of KTVU)
UPDATE: Asked who was driving the victim’s car, Sgt. Rob Green responded, “We are still working on that. The vehicle does not have current registration, but we are working with video.”
No further information will be provided at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call Lieutenant Rick Martin at (925) 779-6972 or the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441.
By Lt. Rick Martin, Investigations Bureau, Antioch Police Department
On Friday, December 22, 2023, at approximately 6:30 p.m. Antioch Police Dispatch began receiving calls of a shooting in the 800 block of Sunset Drive. Antioch Police officers arrived and located a 26-year-old male from Oakland suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers and paramedics arrived on the scene and immediately began rendering first aid. A short time later, paramedics pronounced the male deceased.
Patrol officers located a 57-year-old male suspect from Antioch nearby and detained him without incident. Antioch Police Detectives are on the scene and have taken over this active investigation. We are withholding the name of the decedent until proper family notification has been made. This appears to be an isolated incident. No further information will be provided at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Gragg at (925) 779-6889 or the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441.
Meeting of the Vehicle Theft Suppression Enforcement Team at the Antioch Police Facility Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. Photo: APD
By Allen D. Payton
In a post on the department’s Facebook page Thursday evening, Dec. 21, 2023, the Antioch Police announced the addition of 50 officers for a special enforcement effort to suppress vehicle theft in the city. The post reads:
“Tonight, you may see an extra 50 officers in Antioch. We are hosting VSET (Vehicle Theft Suppression Enforcement Team) These officers will be focusing on sideshow enforcement, preventing auto theft as well as arresting people in stolen vehicles. So far, we have already recovered 4 stolen vehicles and made 3 arrests.”
Unfortunately, one stolen vehicle and its driver got away. At about 3:50 p.m. Thursday, stolen white pickup truck with stolen plates was chased by multiple police vehicles southbound on L Street and Contra Loma Blvd. At least one other vehicle while under the overpass was sideswiped by the pickup which had stolen plates, before the truck turned and headed westbound up the eastbound offramp of Highway 4. The police vehicles could not follow the pickup and headed in multiple directions including westbound on Hwy 4, eastbound on Fitzuren Road and westbound on Buchanan Road.
In spite of the assistance in the search by a Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office helicopter, it was later reported that the truck was lost and possibly dumped near Somersville Road.
Advises the public to make this a season to remember: Celebrate responsibly with a “Go Safely” game plan
By Antioch Police Department
ANTIOCH – Dec. 19, 2023 – The holiday season can be a dangerous time for people on the roads. In December 2021 alone, 1,013 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Antioch Police Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.
From Dec. 13 through New Year’s Day, APD will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others on the road at risk.
“Impaired driving isn’t just dangerous, it’s illegal,” Sergeant Rob Green said. “Let’s make this a joyful and safe holiday season for everyone on the road. This enforcement period allows us to get the message out that it is essential to act responsibly and plan a sober ride home.”
Antioch Police Department encourages everyone to stay in for the night or have a “Go Safely” game plan by scheduling a ride or designating a sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol.
Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Marijuana, prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may also impair. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Location of the shooting in front of the victim’s tent next to the railroad tracks in downtown Antioch Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. Redacted photo by Allen D. Payton.
Antioch Police search home in Brentwood for suspect who was taken into custody; Brentwood PD assistswith new armored vehicle
At least 11 murders in city, this year
By Allen D. Payton
Antioch Police are investigating a fatal shooting of transient man by an unknown suspect next to the railroad tracks between Waldie Plaza and the fishing pier, in downtown Antioch Saturday evening.
Witnesses said the victim, named Eric, age 29, was shot point blank in the chest in front of his tent next to the BNSF Rail line after a Hispanic man walked up to him, asked his name then shot him. One woman said a group of people tried to resuscitate the victim, but he succumbed to his injuries.
Nearby Waldie Plaza, where the City’s Christmas tree is located, was taped off by Antioch Police during the investigation. Photo by Allen D. Payton
According to an interview of Antioch Police Lt. Rick Martin by Art Ray of Bay News Video, Antioch Police served a search warrant at a home in Brentwood looking for the shooting suspect.
“Based on our investigation we had leads that led us to the 1200 block of Dainty Avenue in the City of Brentwood” where the suspect, described as is a Hispanic male in his 30’s, was believed to have gone, Martin shared.
The 40-year-old suspect from Concord was taken into custody.
The shooting incident “started as a dispute between two males,” Martin added.
A Brentwood Police Officer in the department’s new Emergency Rescue Vehicle which was deployed while assisting Antioch Police in serving a search warrant in Brentwood Saturday night Dec. 16, 2023. Photo courtesy of Art Ray, Bay News Video
Ray said Brentwood Police assisted APD by using their new armored Emergency Rescue Vehicle during the search at the home.
12/17/235:55 PM UPDATE from APD – The following press release was issued by Lt. Martin of the Antioch Police Investigations Bureau early Sunday morning but issues with APD’s server prevented it from being sent out to the media until Sunday evening:
On December 16, 2023, at approximately 4:30 p.m. Antioch Police Dispatch began receiving calls of a shooting near the railroad tracks in the 700 block of W. 1st Street. Antioch Police officers arrived and located a 29-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers arrived on scene and immediately began rendering first aid. Paramedics arrived a short time later and pronounced the male deceased.
Witnesses on scene provided information to officers of the suspect and the suspect vehicle. A short time later, Brentwood Police located the suspect vehicle in the 1200 block of Dainty Avenue. With the assistance of the Brentwood police patrol officers and Brentwood police SWAT team, a 40-year-old male suspect was taken into custody without incident.
Antioch Police Detectives are still conducting this active investigation. We are withholding the name of the decedent until proper family notification has been made. The suspect’s name will be released at a later date.
APD would like to thank the Brentwood Police Department and Antioch citizens for their assistance in this investigation. 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.
Her third DUI arrest this year; cited and released
By Brentwood Police Department
Alcohol and stolen gun confiscated during traffic stop on Dec. 10, 2023. Photo: Brentwood PD
Last weekend, on December 10, 2023, a Brentwood officer was patrolling the area of Heidorn Ranch and Kohl’s Drive when he pulled a car over for not having a front license plate and suspended registration. When he contacted the driver, identified as 20-year-old Arrieanna Renel Snell, Jr. of Antioch, he determined she was driving under the influence of alcohol. The officer also noticed an open bottle of tequila behind the passenger’s seat.
Upon contacting the passenger, identified as 23-year-old Jai Royale Williams of Oakland, the officer located a stolen gun in the car.
Snell was placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol and Williams was placed under arrest for being in possession of the stolen gun. Both were transported to the County Jail for booking.
According to vinelink.com, Snell was cited and released and Williams is out of custody with no charges filed. According to localcrimenews.com, she was also arrested for driving with a license suspended for drunk driving. Earlier this year, Snell was arrested twice for assault upon a peace officer, DUI alcohol/drugs and for DUI alcohol with blood alcohol content above .08 percent.
Also accepting blankets, gloves, socks, hats and scarves and cash or Venmo donations.
By Antioch Police Department
This Saturday, December 9th, from 5:30- 10:00 pm, take a drive by the “Disney House” at 3732 Colonial Court in Antioch. This spectacular house has over 35,000 lights. The Vistalli Family and friends will be on-hand collecting new unwrapped toys as well as new blankets, gloves, socks, hats and scarves and cash or Venmo donations, that will be donated to our Help for the Holidays Event which will provide extra help for those struggling this holiday season.
Thank you to the Vistalli Family for their continued help to bring some joy to the families in our community. We couldn’t do it without you.
Reaching across 22 prisons in four states, Pastor Chris Mullen, a Discovery Bay resident, has touched the lives of tens of thousands of prisoners. The unique journey that led him to this position is nothing less than remarkable.
Pastor Chris has walked a tumultuous path with a familiarity that extends to the prison gates. His journey into the dark realms of drugs and dealing began at the age of twelve, escalating to his first incarceration at fifteen when he set fire to a teacher’s classroom, fueled by a sense of perceived injustice. As the years unfolded, he found himself in a relentless cycle of criminality, convinced that his mission was merely to excel as a drug dealer, viewing the revolving prison doors as an unfortunate norm. Serving a total of six years behind bars, Chris’s redemption journey began with a spiritual awakening—a “tug on his heart” echoing through the confines of his San Quentin cell as volunteers sang Christmas carols, sparking the rekindling of his faith.
Amidst a history marked by recurring encounters with the legal system, one of Chris’ parole violations unfolded in a harrowing incident—a collision with a police car during a traffic stop while under the influence.
Years later, he was arrested again. Faced with the consequences of his actions, he recognized the urgent need for a transformative change. Upon his release, Chris sought assistance for his struggles with substance abuse and, in a pivotal moment, rededicated his life to a path guided by faith in God.
In 1999, facing denial to serve in San Quentin State Prison, Pastor Chris secured access to the California Division of Juvenile Justice. For years, he dedicated one day a month to this mission without financial compensation until he felt a compelling calling to take a leap of faith. After fervent prayer, he courageously resigned from his high-paying job, navigating the challenges of the Great Recession in 2009 with no backup plan, solely driven by his commitment to serving the inmate community. Throughout this transformative period, he relied on donations of free food from food banks and churches to make ends meet.
Inspired by his pastor’s definition of mercy as ‘not getting what we deserve’ and grace as ‘getting what we don’t deserve,’ Chris named his prison ministry “Mercy and Grace”. Based in Livermore, the ministry is a beacon of hope within correctional facilities, offering inmates the transformative power of compassion and unmerited favor. It is a 501c3 non-profit corporation registered in the State of California.
Mercy and Grace Ministries has since expanded its reach to outside California, to Utah, Idaho and Florida, with preparations underway to launch their Idaho Region. Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Chris’ sermons found a unique platform on the Division of Rehabilitative Programs Television, broadcast on Inmate TV across every state prison in California. Additionally, the ministry actively engages with inmates through a robust letter-writing program, connecting with men and women in California and Idaho, as well as women in Utah. The organization thrives with 60 passionate volunteers, fueling impactful change behind bars.
To extend his service to a broader audience, Pastor Chris enlisted the help of a translator to connect with Spanish-speaking prisoners. Leveraging available resources, he had his sermons translated and shared in Spanish over 100 times. In the past six months, the Spanish arm of Mercy and Grace Ministries was launched, with dedicated individuals now delivering the Good News in a second language.
In a society that often turns its back on the demographic of prisoners, Pastor Chris stands as a beacon of unwavering commitment to the overlooked. In a candid conversation, when remarking on the gravity of crimes committed by some in his congregation, he responded with a touch of humor, saying, “All of the guys I work with are in there for jaywalking.”
His experiences are far from lighthearted, though, as he has braved the chaos of violent gang clashes, enduring the ominous rain of powder rounds from guard turrets, and even donned the weight of body armor. Despite these challenges, Pastor Chris remains undeterred in his mission, extending a compassionate hand to those that society often chooses to forget.
