Officer involved critical incident protocol initiated

By Lieutenant John Fortner, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Friday, April 16, 2021, at approximately 12:50 AM, Antioch police officers were dispatched to an apartment in the 200 block of W. 3rd Street for a 9-1-1 call. The caller reported that a family member was having a mental health crisis, and he was feeling suicidal.

Two officers responded to the call. When the officers arrived, they made their way to the second-story unit. As the officers entered the unit, a male subject emerged from the kitchen holding a knife stating that he wanted to die. As the male subject approached the officers, they started talking to the subject asking him to drop the knife. At the same time, the officers backed away from subject and out of the unit onto the second-story landing. The subject followed the officers outside brandishing the knife, while the officers gave him commands to drop it. The subject turned around, went back into the apartment and closed the front door.

The officers created time and distance by moving away from the apartment in accordance with their training. The male suddenly exited the apartment and charged at them with the knife still in his hand. The subject did not comply with the officers’ commands to drop the knife or stop, and he continued to charge at them. One officer used his Taser, but it was not effective, and the subject continued to charge at the officers. The second officer fired his department issued pistol two times striking the subject twice.

The subject fell on the landing and dropped the knife. Afterwards, the officers called for emergency medical personnel to respond as they administered first aid to the subject. The subject was transported to a local area hospital and is currently in stable condition.

Due to the circumstances surrounding this incident, the countywide Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident (LEIFI) protocol was initiated. Antioch Police Department’s Crime Scene Investigators and Detectives with the Investigations Bureau, along with a team of Deputy District Attorneys and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Sheriff’s Crime Scene Investigators responded to the scene and took over the investigation.

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.

Arrests made in 18 communities including as far away as Los Angeles and Las Vegas, with the help of 27 agencies.

“I owe this city an apology that the gang violence that started in Oakland has made its way to Antioch.” – Oakland Police Chief Armstrong

By Allen Payton

During a press conference, Thursday morning, April 15, 2021, Antioch Police Chief T Brooks announced the arrests of 48 gang members and associates duringing a complex, six-month investigation involving 24 agencies for murder, attempted murder and illegal guns. The effort removed 40 firearms, including 15 “ghost guns” off the streets and over $100,000 in cash. He was joined by Oakland Police Chief Leronne Armstrong and Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton who shared their appreciation for the joint effort. 2021-OPERATION WINDSTAR Presentation (See press conference video)

Known as Operation Windstar, Brooks presented the timeline beginning with the January 12, 20202 shooting in Oakland, which was linked to a firearm collected months later in Antioch, during a vehicle search of a known Case gang member. Operation Windstar Timeline

The chief explained how the investigation began with the August 29, 2020 murder of Case gang member Daunzhay Young in Antioch. He was shot with a short-barrelled AR pistol, and thirty-two rifle casings were collected. Young had previously been shot in Antioch on July 13, 2020. (See related articles, here, here and here)

Following are Brooks’ prepared remarks:

“What started as a joint investigation between the Antioch and Oakland Police Departments, quickly evolved into a multi-jurisdictional and collaborative operation involving many law enforcement agencies throughout the State of California.  The investigation, portions of which are still ongoing, has already resulted in the arrest of numerous gang members for murder, attempted murder, assaults with firearms, conspiracy, firearm violations and enhancements, and gang participation enhancements, in accordance with California’s Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act.

First, I would like to recognize and thank Oakland Police Chief LaRonne Armstrong, as well as Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton, for their partnership, support and attendance this morning.  Both will also be speaking here today, spotlighting some of these issues that are trending in our neighborhoods and jurisdictions, and offering insight from their perspectives and experience.

On August 29, 2020, twenty-year-old Daunzhay Young was murdered in broad daylight, in a quiet residential neighborhood, on Tioga Pass Way in Antioch.  He was chased on-foot while being gunned down by a male subject who used a rifle caliber AR pistol.  After Young fell, the suspect stood over him, using an execution-style tactic, and fired additional shots murdering him.  Detectives learned that Young was an active Case criminal street gang member, and he was targeted by a rival criminal street gang known as ENT, due to the ongoing and violent feud between the two Oakland-based gangs.  This initial homicide led to a long-term investigation into the violence surrounding this gang feud.

Detectives quickly realized Young’s murder introduced a larger narrative between the ENT and Case criminal street gang rivalry, and this was just the ‘tip of the iceberg.’  The investigation led into a deep-dive of the historical background of the ENT and Case criminal street gangs in Oakland and Antioch, to include their violent criminal behavior and lifestyle, and resulted in linking several other gang-related homicides, attempted homicides, and shootings committed in the months before and after Young’s murder.

Antioch Detectives reached out to Oakland Police Department’s Intelligence, Crime Reduction, and Gang/Ceasefire Units to leverage their valuable knowledge and extensive experience with these two gangs.  The partnership, collaboration, and open communication between our two agencies was critical to the success of this investigation, as was the flexibility and adaptiveness of the staff involved while the joint-investigation and overall effort began to take shape.

As the investigation took-off, Antioch and Oakland detectives identified the following timeline, linking seventeen shooting events and uncovering associates relevant to the ENT/Case gang rivalry.  Over the past year, Antioch had one homicide, five shooting victims, and four shootings where no known victims were identified.  In Oakland, they had one homicide, six shooting victims, and three shootings where no known victims were identified.

In about the middle of this timeline, Daunzhay Young was murdered.  During Young’s murder investigation, the Antioch Investigations Bureau also investigated two additional attempted homicides, not directly associated to the Young murder, but linked through the gang rivalry.  This effectively widened the scope of the current investigation, and increased the overall amount of resources needed to bring these cases to a successful resolution.

During the ongoing investigation, on February 27, 2021, a twenty-one year-old victim was ambushed and shot multiple times, in broad daylight, after he parked at a gas station on Lone Tree Way in Antioch.  As he exited the vehicle, he was shot approximately ten times by a male subject who used a 10mm semi-automatic firearm.  After the victim fell, the suspect stood over him, and struck him in the head with the firearm before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.  Associates with the victim returned gunfire prior to driving the victim to a local hospital.  Detectives learned the victim was an active Case gang member, and he was likely targeted by an ENT gang member.  Currently, the victim is alive and recovering from his injuries. (See related article)

Later that evening, there was a reprisal shooting in Oakland.  Several of the victim’s associates drove to Capp Street and Brookdale Avenue and fired several gunshots.  Oakland officers, aware of the earlier shooting, quickly responded to the area.  After several foot-chases, Oakland officers detained seven Case gang members and seized seven firearms.

Ten days later, on March 9, 2021, Antioch officers responded to a drive-by shooting, in a residential neighborhood, on Aspen Way.  The twenty-one and twenty-two year-old male victims just entered their vehicle to drive away when a suspect vehicle, that was waiting for several hours, drove towards them.  Multiple suspects opened fire critically injuring the driver and wounding the passenger.  Currently, the driver is alive and fighting for his life. (See related article)

Near the end of March 2021, and in collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office, it was determined the Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau had enough evidence to arrest, and prosecute, those responsible for murdering Daunzhay Young, and attempting to murder the victims from the Lone Tree Way gas station, and Aspen Way shootings.

On March 30, 2021, Charles Bolden Jr. was arrested in Oakland by Oakland PD for the murder of Daunzhay Young.  Afterwards, a firearm and a large amount of cash were seized from the vehicle he was driving.

Later that day, Charles Bolden Sr. was also located and arrested in Oakland for the Young murder.  He was contacted near 41st Street in Oakland, and fled on-foot to a backyard shed where he barricaded himself.  After a short stand-off, Bolden Sr. was arrested peacefully by Oakland PD.  Afterwards, a pistol was seized from the vehicle he arrived in, along with two more firearms on the premises.

On March 31, 2021, five search warrants were simultaneously served and supported by SWAT Operations or Tactical Teams in different jurisdictions.  Two locations in Antioch were conducted by the Antioch PD SWAT Team on Fitzuren Road, and the Brentwood PD SWAT Team on Toyon Way.  The third location was in the City of Merced on Willowbrook Drive and conducted by the Merced PD SWAT Team.  The fourth location was in the City of Modesto and conducted by their tactical team, and the last was in the City of Los Angeles, which was conducted by their Gang Field Unit.

Eric Windom was arrested in Merced, and Keyshawn McGee was arrested in Los Angeles, for the attempted murder and drive-by shooting perpetrated on Aspen Way.

Later that morning, in Antioch, a fugitive apprehension team consisting of the Antioch Problem Oriented Policing Team and undercover detectives, attempted to contact Trent Allen as a passenger in a vehicle.  Allen fled on-foot through a business parking lot and was chased through a residential neighborhood.  The fugitive apprehension team caught Allen and took him into custody for his role in the attempted murder and drive-by shooting on Aspen Way.

Later the same day, the Antioch fugitive apprehension team located Terryonn and Armonie Pugh, both parolees-at-large, hiding out in an apartment complex in American Canyon.  With the assistance of American Canyon PD, and the Napa County Sheriff’s Office, Terryonn Pugh was taken into custody as he tried to flee to a waiting vehicle.  Armonie Pugh was taken into custody, without incident, pursuant to a search warrant for the location.  During the search, a firearm and a large amount of cash were seized.  Terryonn Pugh was additionally arrested for the attempted murder at the Lone Tree Way gas station, and for his part in the attempted murder and drive-by shooting on Aspen Way.

On April 1, 2021, two search warrants were simultaneously served and supported by SWAT Operations in the cities of Vallejo and San Leandro.  The Antioch PD SWAT Team arrested D’Marco Lindsey in Vallejo for the murder of Young.  Evidence and firearms were located at the scene and collected.  The San Leandro PD SWAT Team, served a search warrant in their city, at a location associated with Lindsey and additional firearms were collected.

During the course of this investigation, Antioch Police Department’s Special Operations Unit, and newly formed Gang Team, dedicated eight undercover detectives who provided more than 1,825 staff hours performing duties related to undercover operations, surveillance, interdiction, and arrests for these cases.

Antioch Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit, Problem Oriented Policing Team, Crime Analysts, and Crime Scene Investigators dedicated another 23 detectives and staff members, who provided more than 4,750 staff hours, preforming duties related to investigations, interviews, data analysis, historical research, community engagement and collaboration, search warrants, video surveillance collection, crime scene reconstruction, and rapid evidence processing.

The Antioch Investigations Bureau authored and served over 100 search warrants.  Forty firearms, to include assault weapons, were seized and sent to the Contra Costa County Crime Lab for processing, and fifteen of those were ‘Ghost Guns’.  A ghost gun is a homemade or improvised firearm that lacks commercial serial numbers.  Thirty-six adult members of the ENT and Case criminal street gangs were identified, along with fifteen juveniles.  Many of them were arrested for crimes related to shooting assaults, robbery, burglary, firearm violations, and illegal drug sales.

I cannot emphasize enough how incredibly proud I am of the men and women of the Antioch Police Department.  Their hard work, tenacity, professionalism, and commitment to public safety inspires me daily, and I am honored to be their chief.

In addition to the human-factor, it cannot be overstated that the technological advancements leveraged by today’s law enforcement agencies also played a large role in the success of the investigations.  Technologies like ShotSpotter, LPR systems, community cameras, and partnerships with ATF and their administration of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, provide evidence-based data supporting their capability and effectiveness for having an impact on gun violence investigations, helping cities change the trajectory of violent crime in their communities.

As a law enforcement agency, identifying the people responsible for violent crimes in our community is only one part of the equation.  Being able to prove who did it, beyond a reasonable doubt, is another.  It is important for the victims of violent crimes and their families to have justice, and for those responsible to be held accountable.  As the Chief of Police, I am committed to leveraging partnerships and technology in order to reduce or eliminate gun violence in our community.  I truly value our partnership and the close collaboration with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, so we may continue to provide them with professional and complete investigations they can file in court.

It is now my pleasure to invite Chief Armstrong from the Oakland Police Department up to speak more on his agency’s involvement in this case, as well as their dedication to reducing gun violence.  But before I do, Chief Armstrong, please allow me to extend my sincerest appreciation and respect to you, and the members of the Oakland Police Department, for all the hard work and assistance you provided to us throughout this operation.

As I mentioned earlier, this was a taxing and very complex operation.  The Antioch Police Department would like to thank the following 27 agencies for operational support, surveillance, and take-down/arrests.”

Oakland Chief Armstrong

“I owe this city an apology that the gang violence that started in Oakland has made its way to Antioch,” Armstrong said. “I see weapons that should be used in war. But they are used in our communities. Everybody deserves to live in a safe community. I want to thank all the investigators from the Antioch Police Department who put in the hours. I’m hoping we can see a more safe community in Oakland and Antioch and the Bay Area.”

CCDA Becton

DA Becton shared her thoughts on the coordinated effort.

“Their cooperation and collaboration with our office has allowed us to stand here, today,” she said. “With this successful operation we are holding these ENT gang members responsible for the violence they have caused in our communities. Our department is prioritizing the arrests of these gang members. With the recent arrests, these violent gang members are no longer on the streets of Oakland and Antioch.”

Following are her prepared remarks:

“I want to thank Chief Brooks and Chief Armstrong for being here today. I also want to congratulate the prosecutors and inspectors in my office for their important work in filing this case. With the successful investigation and arrests here, we are holding these ENT gang members for the violence they caused.

East County is no stranger to gang violence. Unfortunately, over the years we have seen a growing trend of gang members moving here and operating in this area. This is one of the reasons we are so determined to get not only violent gang members off the streets but also illegal guns. The scourge of gun violence is impacting every single faucet of our neighborhoods. These agencies and my office are committed to prioritizing the arrest and prosecution of these violent and dangerous individuals.

This successful operation will further deter gang violence in East County and my office is committed to do everything we can to deter this type of violence. The FBI Safe Streets Task Force, managed by my office, and these agencies did a tremendous job in bringing some closure to the victims’ families surrounding these heinous acts of violence. With the recent arrests, these violent gang members are no longer on the streets of Antioch and Oakland and our communities are safer.

This investigation remains very active and ongoing. We are continuing to work with our law enforcement partners and encourage anyone with information about these crimes to come forward.”

Timeline Details

• January 12, 2020: A shooting in Oakland on 13th Street was linked to a firearm collected months later, in Antioch, during a vehicle search of a known Case gang member.  No known victims were identified for this shooting.
• June 25, 2020: A known ENT gang member was shot in Oakland and walked into a local hospital where he was contact by OPD.
• June 27, 2020: A known Case gang member walked into an Antioch hospital reporting stab wounds that were consistent with gunshot wounds.
• June 27, 2020: An occupied residence in Antioch was shot multiple times.  The location was associated with Case gang members.  Five casings were collected and linked to the shooting below and a July 13 shooting.
• Jun 27, 2020: Oakland officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation (twenty-two rounds fired) and a traffic collision on MacArthur Boulevard.  A Case gang member was shot, driving a stolen vehicle, and in possession of a firearm with an extended magazine.  ENT suspects committed the drive-by shooting and more than fifty-one casings were collected and linked to other shootings.
• July 13, 2020: Antioch officers responded to shots being fired between two vehicles on Hillcrest Avenue.  Case gang member Daunzhay Young was struck by gunfire and transported to a hospital.  Seventeen casings were collected and linked to previous shootings.
• August 14, 2020: Oakland officers responded to Beverly Avenue for a shooting of a Case gang member, who was shot while seated in a vehicle.  The victim ultimately died the next day.  Multiple rifle casings were collected.
• August 27, 2020: Oakland officers responded to a shooting on High Street and contacted a Case gang member who sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Three handguns were located and collected.
• August 29, 2020: Case gang member Daunzhay Young was murdered in Antioch.  Young was shot with a short-barreled AR pistol, and thirty-two rifle casings were collected.
• September 4, 2020: Oakland officers responded to a shooting on Foothill Boulevard and contacted two ENT gang members, one of which had been shot.  Fifty-six rifle casings were collected.
• September 6, 2020: Antioch officers responded to multiple shots fired at a residence on Catanzaro Way.  This was found to be a memorial gathering for Young.  Thirteen suspect rifle casings were collected, and eight return-fire pistol casings were collected.
• September 30, 2020: Oakland officers responded to two ShotSpotter activations on Hillside Street (fifteen shots and six shots).  Several casings were collected and linked to the above memorial shooting in Antioch.
• October 9, 2020: Oakland officers responded to shots fired near Crest Avenue and Fontaine Street.  No known victims were identified.  Several pistol casings were collected and linked to prior shootings in Oakland and Antioch.
• October 11, 2020: Antioch officers responded to an exchange of gunshots on Deerspring Way at a park.  No known victims were identified for this shooting, and ENT gang members are suspected to be involved.
• October 19, 2020: Oakland officers heard gunshots on Hillside Street and located a vehicle collision and several casings.  The scene was abandoned, but an ENT gang member walked into a local hospital suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed into surgery.
• December 8, 2020: Antioch officers responded to several gunshots on Catanzaro Way.  No victims were identified for this shooting and several pistol casings were collected.
• January 1, 2021: Oakland officers responded to gunshots on Campbell Street.  An abandoned crime scene was located, and pistol casings were collected.  Shortly afterwards, an ENT gang member walked into a local hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg.

Assisting Agencies

1. Alameda County Sheriff’s Office
2. American Canyon PD
3. Berkeley PD
4. Brentwood PD
5. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
6. CHP – Golden Gate Division
7. CCC Office of the Sheriff – Forensic Services Division
8. CCC Safe Streets Task Force
9. Concord PD
10. Federal Bureau of Investigation
11. Fremont PD
12. Hayward PD
13. Las Vegas Metro PD
14. Los Angeles PD
15. Merced County Safe Streets Task Force
16. Merced PD
17. Modesto PD
18. Napa County Sheriff’s Office
19. Oakland Housing Authority PD
20. Oakland PD
21. Oakley PD
22. Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office
23. San Francisco PD
24. San Francisco Sheriff’s Office
25. San Leandro PD
26. Vacaville PD
27. Vallejo PD

Thrown to the ground, purses stolen

By Lieutenant John Fortner, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On April 13, 2021, at approximately 10:03 AM, Antioch officers responded to a strong-arm robbery near an Asian specialty market located in the 2700 block of Hillcrest Avenue. Two females, ages 50 and 70, were loading groceries into their vehicle after leaving the market. A four-door sedan with paper plates, occupied by three males, entered the lot and parked nearby. Two of the males got out and rushed the victims at the back of their car. It was reported that the male suspects attacked the victims, throwing them both to the pavement, and stealing both of their purses before fleeing in their vehicle. The victims were treated at an area hospital for bumps and bruises and have been discharged.

During a press conference, earlier Wednesday morning, on apologizing for and recognizing the burning down of Antioch’s Chinatown in 1876 and mistreatment of Chinese residents during that period of the city’s history, Mayor Lamar Thorpe mentioned the attack was “against two Asian women outside the County Market, the city’s largest Asian grocery store.”

UPDATE: Following an effort by the Herald to reach store manager, Richard Yen for any additional details, he responded Thursday morning April 15, “the customers are good, not a hate crime. They stole her purse.”

It was confirmed that witnesses could not see the one suspect who remained in the car, but described the other two as young, Black men.

The case has been assigned to Antioch’s Investigations Bureau – Violent Crimes Unit. Currently, detectives are following-up on the incident and are interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence, including security camera video. At this time, there is no indication this incident was a hate crime, but all aspects of the crime are being critically examined.

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.

Postpones formalizing police notification of council and public of major incidents

By Allen Payton

During the Antioch Council meeting Tuesday night, April 13, the members approved on a 3-2 vote to form a committee of the whole council to handle police complaints. It’s intended to be a temporary measure until a citizens committee is formed to handle the task. In addition, the council formalized the protocol process for the Antioch Police Department to notify the city council

“We have this authority, now,” District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica said. “What would be the difference? We’re sort of reporting back to ourselves. Why a secondary committee?”

“We’re just carving it out…so we’re transparent to the public,” Thorpe said.

“Our oversight powers are going to be very limited,” District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock said, directing her comments to the city attorney.

“You will be limited to an advisory capacity,” City Attorney Thomas Smith responded.

“If that’s the need, then you just call a special meeting,” Ogorchock said to Thorpe.

“We’re going to be more deliberate and transparent about what we’re doing,” Thorpe said.

“Can’t you just put that on the agenda?” Ogorchock asked.

“This is a new body of work we’re doing, here,” Thorpe responded. “We discussed this during the police reform agenda and this is the direction the council wanted to go in.”

“Chief Brooks gives us use of force stats,” Ogorchock pointed out.

“Point of clarification, excuse me if I’m misinterpreting this, setting this up of the five of us is just temporary for passing this off to a citizens committee,” Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson said.

“It was always meant to be temporary,” Thorpe said.

“An independent review body,” Wilson pointed out.

“That is probably the most important part of this,” Thorpe responded.

Wilson then made the motion to create a Standing Committee on Police Reform of the Whole City Council. Tamisha Torres-Walker seconded the motion.

The council voted 3-2 to approve the motion with Barbanica and Ogorchock voting no.

Police Notification of Council, Public Protocol Postponed

The council then took up the formalization of the protocol for the police department to notify the council members of major incidents that occur in the city.

Members of the public spoke, including some members of Angelo Quinto’s family, asking that the council also include timely notification of the public, and within 24 hours following an incident “through a variety of media,” as well as family members and others impacted, of all communications including press conferences.

“I want to say that I’m in support of an official protocol process…but I also want to acknowledge that in the last 60 days that I’ve received more texts and emails from the police chief and staff and want to thank the police chief for that,” District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker said. “I also support the notification of the public…and victims…who are looking for communication from our police department. So, I agree there should be victim notification, as well.”

“This is something police chiefs, even former Police Chief  Allan Cantando, do,” District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock said. “So, I’m not sure why we’re doing this because they are doing it.”

“We’re doing it because they did it wrong,” Thorpe said. “There’s no excuses for not getting information. There’s also frustration from council members that information doesn’t get to us in a timely matter. Some bloggers get information before we do who post on social media. That’s unacceptable. We shouldn’t get information from third parties in our community…when people gather information and use it to attack elected officials, when we do not know.”

“There’s also the concern of informing the public,” he continued. “But I want this to be tight. I will be offering amendments to this.”

Thorpe then offered additional language he wanted included in the resolution.

“One thing we may want to consider, once we have everyone’s feedback, is to bring this back as a consent calendar item,” City Attorney Thomas Smith suggested.

“That’s fine. We can do that,” Thorpe responded. We can add the component of public transparency.”

Smith suggested that the council consider two separate resolutions, and to get the feedback now and bring both back for adoption, later. The mayor concurred and no vote was taken.

By Antioch Police Department

Please join us in welcoming Officer James Desiderio!

James was born in Alameda and grew up in Martinez. James attended College Park High School in Pleasant Hill. After graduating high school, James attended Diablo Valley College and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Administration of Justice. After college, James attended the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office academy and graduated last Friday. During his free time, James enjoys the outdoors, fishing, cooking, and traveling. James also enjoys spending time with family and friends.

A fun fact about James is that he is determined to compete in and win a food eating competition.

According to Chief T Brooks, that brings the total sworn officers on the force back up to 118.

Welcome to the Antioch Police Department, Officer Desiderio!

Brentwood man died from crash of stolen car during Antioch police chase, Walnut Creek man was killed in the West County jail

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

In accordance with the Contra Costa County Chiefs’ of Police Association Officer Involved Fatal Incident Protocol, Sheriff-Coroner David O. Livingston will hold an inquest into the death of 21-year-old Omar Jalal Harb of Brentwood. He died after crashing a stolen car he was driving during a police pursuit. This incident occurred on July 18, 2019 in Contra Costa County. (See related article)

That same day there will also be an inquest into the death of 72-year-old Enrique Camberos Pina of Walnut Creek. Arrested for child molestation, Pina was killed while in the West County Detention Facility in Richmond. This incident occurred on October 16, 2019 in Contra Costa County. (See related article)

Both proceedings will convene on April 16, 2021 at 8:30 AM at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse, 725 Court Street, Department 23, Room 200, Martinez, CA. The inquest for Harb will take place in the morning, while the one for Pina will happen in the afternoon.

The purpose of the inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving peace officers, is to present the facts of the incident to a jury for their deliberation and finding on the manner of death.

The inquest is open to the public and members of the media are invited to attend. However, no photographs or video may be taken during the proceedings.

The inquest will be held in-person. Face coverings are mandatory at the proceedings and state mandated social distancing guidelines will be followed.

 

Brentwood resident formerly lived in Antioch

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

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed murder and attempted murder charges against 23-year-old Pierre Patrick Jackson of Antioch/Brentwood in connection with a homicide that occurred on March 31, 2021 in El Sobrante. (See related article)

On March 31, 2021, at about 8:41 PM, Bay Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon in the 4500 block of Appian Way. Deputies arrived on the scene, located two victims with gunshot wounds, and provided lifesaving measures until the fire department and ambulance arrived. One of the victims, identified as 25-year-old Dejante “Dj” Kennedy of Pittsburg, was pronounced deceased. The second victim was transported to a local hospital.

During the investigation, detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit identified Jackson as the suspect in the shooting. A warrant was obtained for his arrest. Homicide detectives arrested Jackson on April 5, 2021. He is currently being held at the Martinez Detention Facility in lieu of $3.5 million bail.

According to mylife.com, Jackson’s current residence is in Brentwood and previously lived in Antioch.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

By Lieutenant John Fortner, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On April 1, 2021, at approximately 7:52 PM, Antioch police officers were dispatched to a residence on Valley Way for a 9-1-1 call regarding a family disturbance. The caller reported a male resident was armed with a firearm and suffering from some type of mental health crisis.

The male resident left the house with the firearm and drove away. Several officers responded to the area and located the victim driving in the neighborhood. The officers turned around and fell in behind the victim’s vehicle. Afterwards, the 61-year-old victim pulled to the side of the road, exited his vehicle, and shot himself.

The incident occurred at Green Hill Way and Goldcrest Way. The officers at the scene immediately called for emergency medical personnel. Unfortunately, the male victim passed away at the scene.

Due to the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, the countywide Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident (LEIFI) protocol was initiated. Antioch Police Department’s Crime Scene Investigators and Detectives with the Investigations Bureau, along with Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Sheriff’s Crime Scene Investigators responded to the scene and took over the investigation.

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.