The lady larcenist loot bags full of items stolen from the Walgreens store on Deer Valley Road on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. Photos by APD.

Two run, one had multiple outstanding warrants

By Antioch Police Department

What happens when retail theft suspects raid one of our local stores and start loading garbage bags full of merchandise? Read-on, and I’ll tell you….

On Sunday at about 4:42 pm, APD Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call reporting three (3) lady larcenists clearing entire shelves and filling bags with store merchandise at the Walgreens on Deer Valley Road. Our caller remained calm and gave a description of their getaway vehicle while APD swing shift officers raced to the scene. Officers caught them near the south side of the parking lot as they were inspecting their loot.

Two ran from the car (leaving behind the third accomplice) and officers gave chase. Both were detained without incident and brought back to the scene, where one decided to try her hand at a game of “Guess my Identity?” Our officers are experts at this game and quickly learned her true name, revealing her motive for fibbing. You see, it turns out she had several outstanding warrants from San Francisco County for (you guessed it!) burglary, theft, and child endangerment.

Antioch Police officers collect the lady larcenist loot bags full of items stolen from Walgreens on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. Photos by APD.

All three San Francisco residents were arrested on new charges of burglary, grand theft, and criminal conspiracy. Two adults were fitted with chrome bracelets and given a ride in our luxurious shuttle to the County Jail in Martinez, so they could tell others that Antioch isn’t the place for malfeasance. The third, who was 17 years old, received a future court date and was released to a relative (according to youth offender protocols). Several thousand dollars in merchandise was returned to satisfied employees at the store.

Retail theft continues to be a HUGE problem in California. What can you do if you witness a crime in-progress? NEVER place yourself in danger and get on the phone with 9-1-1 when it is safe to do so. Our exceptional dispatchers will first ask for your location, and then ask for suspect and vehicle descriptions. Oh, and if you’re thinking about coming to Antioch to victimize our businesses, we are powered by #AntiochStrong residents and business owners who won’t tolerate that nonsense here. #antiochpdca

By Sergeant Ted Chang #4362, Antioch Police Traffic Unit

On Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020 at approximately 10:10 PM, police dispatch received a call of a vehicle versus pedestrian collision on E. Tregallas Road near Garrow Drive. Police and medical personnel responded immediately and located a 68-year-old Antioch resident nonresponsive and suffering major injuries. He was immediately transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the involved vehicle remained on scene and was cooperating with the investigation. Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor in this collision. The Antioch Police Department Traffic Unit responded 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.

By Sergeant James Stenger #3604, Violent Crimes Unit (Investigations Bureau) Antioch Police Department

Kelandre Dunn. Photo by APD.

On Saturday, October 3, 2020, at approximately 03:54 AM, 39-year-old Dmar Tucker of Vallejo was shot and killed in the 700 block of Hap Arnold Street. Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit were able to identify 32-year-old Kelandre Dunn of Concord, as a suspect in this case. It was determined through the investigation that Dunn and Tucker were both in a relationship with an unnamed female. (See related article)

Dunn waited for Tucker to park his vehicle on Hap Arnold Street and when Tucker stepped out of his vehicle, Dunn fired numerous shots at Tucker. Tucker was struck one time and died at the scene from his injuries. Dunn fled to Stanislaus County where Detectives with the Antioch Police Department Violent Crimes Unit, Special Operations Unit and Officers from the Problem Oriented Policing Team were able to take Dunn into custody without incident in the City of Modesto.

On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, this case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and Dunn was charged with murder while lying in wait and for personally using a firearm during the commission of a murder. Dunn is currently being held at the Contra Costa County Jail without bail.

The Antioch Police Department would like to thank the US Marshal Service, along with Modesto and Vallejo Police Departments for their assistance during the investigation of this case.

Chief T Brooks and new Antioch Police Officer Steven Miller. Photo by APD.

He’s an identical twin whose brother is a police officer in Mountain View; brings force to 118 sworn

By Antioch Police Department

Officers Danny and Steven Miller. Photo courtesy of APD.

Please join us in welcoming Officer Steven Miller!

Steven was born in Palo Alto and grew up in San Jose. He attended Santa Teresa High School, where he played baseball and was one of the captains of the varsity team for his junior and senior year. After graduating high school, Steven attended Mission College where he played baseball at the college level. Steven graduated from Mission College with his Associate degree in Social Sciences. Steven then transferred to San Francisco State University to continue his baseball career. After a short time at San Francisco State he transferred to Chico State University to focus on his education. Steven graduated from Chico State University with his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

After graduating college, Steven was a baseball coach before he was hired by the Palo Alto Police Department. Steven attended the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Academy and worked for the Palo Alto Police Department for three years. During his free time, Steven enjoys working out, working on cars, playing slow pitch softball, and spending time with friends and family.

A fun fact about Steven is that he has an identical twin brother, Danny, who is a police officer with the Mountain View Police Department

Welcome to the Antioch Police Department, Officer Miller!

“That brings the department to 118 sworn officers,” said Chief T Brooks.

Program promotes racial equity in prosecution and reducing the use of jails; only one of seven DA’s offices in the nation; will host six weekly podcast-styled video discussions beginning Wednesday

By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Office of the District Attorney, Contra Costa County

Martinez, Calif. – Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announced, Monday the next phase of work with the Vera Institute of Justice. The DA’s Office first partnered with Vera in 2018 to take a critical look at the inner workings of the office through a data driven focus. Vera’s Reshaping Prosecution program offers reform minded prosecutors to opportunity to analyze their own data, policies, and practices with a lens toward reducing racial disparities and mass incarceration, delivering justice, and pursuing public safety.

According to the organization’s website, “Vera is partnering with prosecutors to put their campaign promises into action as concrete, data-informed policies and practices.”

The website continues with, “Across the country empowered communities have demanded a new approach to criminal justice by electing prosecutors committed to change. Standing on forward-looking platforms including promises of bail reform, diversion, and ending mass incarceration, a new generation of prosecutors in Chicago, Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Orlando, Contra Costa, Denver, St. Louis and elsewhere are part of a small but growing cadre who understand what many Americans have also learned: that ‘tough on crime’ does not equal public safety.”

According to the organization’s Facebook page, it was founded in 1961 and “works to secure equal justice, end mass incarceration, and strengthen families and communities across America.”

The DA’s Office has shared data from the Office’s case management system from the time period of January 1, 2014 to July 30, 2019. Once the data and policy analysis are complete, Vera will present their findings and recommendations to DA Becton. After the findings have been analyzed internally and shared officewide, they will be publicly released.

“Our community is calling for a more transparent and equitable criminal justice system. I am excited to partner with Vera to work on those long-standing issues, especially around the analysis of our data. Data from any law enforcement agency tells a story,” Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton stated. “We need this data analysis to improve our communication with the public and our law enforcement partners. As a former judge and now district attorney, I understand the systemic issues in our county with racial disparities. We must think critically about how best to improve our operations and work with our law enforcement partners to ensure our prosecutions are just. With this partnership with Vera, we can shine a light on our practices and make informed decisions to better protect the public.”

Contra Costa is one of only seven prosecution offices nationwide participating in the Reshaping Prosecution program. Each office will have a designated internal working group that will reflect on a range of topics including: a deeper dive into the historical role of the prosecutor, working with your community and exploring what justice looks like, and discussions around building group cohesiveness to lay the foundation for successful implementation of reforms.

“Vera applauds District Attorney Becton’s commitment to racial-equity and transparency,” said Jamila Hodge, Director of the Reshaping Prosecution Program at the Vera Institute of Justice. “Our partnership will address the disparities that have impacted Black, brown, and Indigenous communities in Contra Costa County by providing analysis and policy solutions, critical steps to reduce harm, rebuild trust, and deliver the safety and justice our communities deserve.”

Training and exposure to different ways of thinking is also an important component of the partnership. For six weeks, beginning October 7th, Vera will host a weekly podcast-styled video discussion series focused on why racial equity is integral to the prosecutorial role, and how prosecutors can center racial equity in decision making. The series will feature criminal justice experts from across the country who will cover a range of topics including: Origins of the Criminal Justice System; Centering Human Dignity; Accountability vs. Punishment; Restorative Justice; Community Well-Being; and Action Steps for Prosecutors.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Retired Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando. Courtesy of Antwon Webster for City Council campaign.

Dear Editor:

Over the past few decades, Antioch has become one of the most wonderfully diverse Cities in Contra Costa County.  As we continue to grow, so must our ideas and solutions to complex issues.  Remaining stagnant will not benefit Antioch. The City Council in particular must focus on actions that benefit all residents in the City rather than continue the cycle of political grandstanding.

This election year, we need new energy, and new thought processes on the City Council.  Rejuvenating the city through fresh ideas, and fresh perspectives will allow us to break the cycle of failure.  Our River Town has huge potential, yet the City Council does nothing to improve the conditions of Rivertown and other areas of Antioch.  We need strong, accountable leadership that will take the steps necessary to improve the conditions of Antioch.

The new energy and fresh perspective Antioch needs is Antwon Webster.  I have done the research on him and taken the time to communicate with him on several occasions.  He and his family moved to Antioch in order to create lasting memories and to make a home for their kids.  In doing so, he wants Antioch to be a place that is safe and full of opportunities for his family and for all the residents of Antioch. His top priorities are:

• Safety:  Working with Law Enforcement to create and enhance our Community Policing program.
• Reducing Crime:  Supporting our Law Enforcement through funding for additional resources and training.  Increasing the number of law enforcement to an adequate level.
• Future City Development:  Reviving local business and creating youth outreach and development programs.  Improving city revenue through smart economic growth.
• Blight:  Cleaning up Antioch and beautify the city so that we all can enjoy and admire the city we live in.  Beautifying and remodeling our historic, downtown Rivertown into something more modern day, where families can come and enjoy a walk on the waterfront.

Antwon Webster is a visionary and as a military veteran, he understands how to strategically move Antioch forward.  He is committed public servant and record of proven leadership.  He has shown and proven that he is a man of his word and a committed to the City of Antioch.  I am honored to endorse Antwon Webster for Antioch City Council, District 3.

Best Regards,

Chief Allan Cantando (Ret.)

Dear Editor:

Since this appears to be an issue, I’d like to make something clear.

District Attorney Diana Becton is brilliant, someone I admire and respect and am blessed to be able to consider her a friend.  I 100% believe she is making resource decisions that are difficult and should not be challenged until or unless you understand resource limitations.  This is not about her protecting criminals. It is about making sure we have the resources to prosecute violent and high-level crimes. I agree with that and support the decisions she has had to make.

With that said, since I am an adult and have the right to make my own decisions, I am supporting Sean for Mayor.

I also supporting Fernando Sandoval against Greg Enholm, and Clyde Lewis for school board.

I also support Tammany Brooks our Police Chief, and anybody that calls him racist should research his background.  His father is Black and he grew up in the hood and knows more about crime and real life more than many people I know. He grew up the way I did, and I have nothing but respect for him.

If this offends anybody, that’s your right.

I have one more thing to say everybody.

I can’t not share other things I know about people running for office during election season.

Although I was and still am hurt by Ken Turnage’s opinion about older people because of my own age, I would be wrong to not share that Ken helped save the lives of one of my students and one of my family members by blessing them with jobs and emotional support when they both needed it.

Iris Archuleta

Antioch

Photo courtesy of Sean Wright for Mayor campaign.

Say “Hello” to more drugs on our streets

Mayor Sean Wright.

Antioch Residents,

I emailed you recently about Contra Costa County District Attorney’s surprise announcement requiring prosecutors to consider “need” before deciding whether to charge an individual with LOOTING. Last week, the DA made another disturbing announcement.

Individuals caught possessing smaller quantities of heroin, cocaine or methamphetamines WILL NOT BE CHARGED with a crime. UNBELIEVABLE. It gets worse. Actually, an individual can be caught three times in the span of a year and STILL NOT GET CHARGED for drug possession. (See related Herald article)

In effect, what the DA has done is legalize drugs in our county. I worry about how this might increase drug use among youth and increase crime in our City. I would be interested in your thoughts – please CLICK HERE to send me an email.

My opponent, Lamar Thorpe, is a huge supporter of the District Attorney’s policies and supported her re-election (click here for documentation). If elected, I worry that he will embrace policies that favor criminals, which would do more damage than not to our community.

Thank you for reading this message.

Dr. Sean Wright – Antioch Mayor