School Board Members Sawyer-White, Householder express their opposition

By Allen Payton

Following a presentation by Antioch Police Chief T Brooks and listening to over 100 comments mostly from students and recent graduates of high schools in Antioch opposing the placement of police officers on campuses, known as School Resource Officers (SRO’s), the Antioch City Council voted 3-2 to approve accepting a $750,000 federal grant to fund six SRO’s. Councilmembers Monica Wilson and Lamar Thorpe voted against the motion that included the condition the Antioch School Board agree to fund half of the cost.

But the decision will be left up to only three of the board members, as Trustees Crystal Sawyer-White and Ellie Householder, who is running for mayor, opposed placing the six SRO’s on Antioch school campuses. However, Sawyer-White supported having them at sporting events.

Mayor Sean Wright spoke first saying, “I would like to thank Chief Tammany Brooks for bringing this to council. This is something people in the community have been asking for, for a long time. But due to a downturn in the economy…part of the plan was as we increased the number of police on the force, with community policing there is an opportunity to put officers on campus. Not just for safety, but to build relationships.”

“Several students said they never saw cops, they didn’t have relationship with officers,” Wright continued. “Our youth need to understand our officers, and our officers need to understand our youth. That interaction…on campus. I have two children that attend Deer Valley High School. I think this is something that needs to be for us to approve, contingent upon the school board approving them, and that they want to help pay for them.”

In response to Wright’s comments Thorpe then said, “Like you I’m the only other one on here that currently has students in Antioch schools. When my daughter leaves Holy Rosary, I’m not going all the way to Carondolet. I want her going to high school in Antioch.”

“That’s not what I’m hearing from community members,” he said in regards to Wright’s comments. “What I have heard is that they want youth programs…that they’re wanting our youth directed into the right paths…gang intervention in our schools. I don’t want my daughter to go to school where there are police officers. With the work Chief Brooks is doing with community policing, stopping and playing basketball, that’s the kind of engagement.”

He said he was “particularly impressed” with the comments from all the youth.

“In the face of the $1.8 million cuts the school district recently made…counselors, bilingual aids for students that have language barriers. I’m all for funding positions at the school district,” Thorpe stated. “If we want to give police officers overtime to go to basketball games, I’m all for that. But I’m not for this as an African American parent, a Latino parent…with what’s going on in this country, today. I find it very very problematic that we’re going in this direction. I think we should postpone this until we find out from the district if they’re willing to fund this. And with the pandemic we don’t know when kids will be going back to school. This one gives me a lot of heartburn because this is against what a lot of people are demanding in our country, in our community, which are services.”

“I too have been listening to the youth,” said Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock asking of Antioch Police Chief Tammany Brooks, “Can you please tell us why you applied for this grant, Chief?”

“Since I’ve been chief, I’ve had residents asking me when I think I can put school resource officers back into the schools,” he responded.

“You have been working with AUSD on this grant, correct?” Ogorchock said.

“That is correct. We worked with the school district on applying for this grant,” Brooks replied.

“All my kids and the kids they grew up with didn’t have a fear of police, because they had relationships. I’ve heard loud and clear they want police at the schools and at the events,” Ogorchock stated. “I’m appreciative of the students commenting. But I also have to listen to the parents.”

“Chief can you use this grant for mental counseling or anything else?” she asked.

“No. This is a DOJ grant specifically for school resource officers,” Brooks explained. He then said the decision has to be made by August 9 and that AUSD Superintendent Stephanie Anello planned to have a special meeting, next week to discuss the issue.

“I support this,” Ogorchock concluded.

“You said something to the amount of training,” Wilson said to Chief Brooks.

“In the first six months there’s a mandatory 48-hour training course for school resource officers,” Brooks said. “That training is new training. This training is current…to benefit the relationship between the schools, the students and law enforcement.”

The training includes de-escalation and cultural awareness, he mentioned. “The grant pays for this specific training and advanced training.”

“I’m not one to use our police officers as mental health experts,” Wilson stated. “I heard from the 700 people who commented (at the council’s meetings in June) ‘our police officers are not social workers.’”

“How do we address the trauma our students are going through at home?” she asked. “Our council of teens are saying we need to address mental health. I just think if we’re going to invest…we need to invest more in mental health…tutors.”

“I think this needs a longer conversation and I’m surprised this didn’t go to the school district, first,” Wilson continued. “I’d like to learn what their plan is, first. It just doesn’t sit well with me to have officers in a role instead of mental health experts.”

“I just can’t vote for these six officers when these students are asking for the counselors,” she concluded.

Mayor Pro Tem Joy Motts then said, “First, I just want to make the comment that I wish we had more time to consider this. I think the chief received this June 25th, so we haven’t had the time to discuss this.”

She said she wished it could have been sent to the city council-school board subcommittee for discussion, first. Motts then suggested a rigorous interview process for the officers with parents and school staff.

“We have options, here,” she continued and asked for “Full support from the school board and there financial commitment of at least $250,000 and going forward the collaboration of all three agencies.”

“That’s really the only way to go forward with that,” Motts added.

Thorpe then said, “I think we need to ask the school district if they’re going to fund this entire thing. I also don’t accept this notion we can’t meet. Both the mayor and Diane Gibson-Gray, the president of the school board have the power to call meetings. So, there’s no excuse. The school-council ad hoc committee should have met on this issue.”

“Joy you did it as the president of the school board when they were trying to steal Dozier-Libbey Medical School,” he added.

Thorpe then made a motion that the school board pay for the entire amount. Wilson seconded the motion.

“Are you asking for them to fund the entire $754,000?” Motts asked.

“Yes,” Thorpe replied. “If they want this, they’ll pay for it.”

So, the amount he wanted the school district to pay for was the total amount except for the grant.

Ogorchock then offered a substitute motion to accept the grant and fund the six school resource officers.

“Part of the acceptance of this grant, we would then enter into an MOU with the school district,” Chief Brooks explained responding to a comment by Motts.

Motts then seconded Ogorchock’s motion.

“A substitute motion?” Thorpe asked. “That would require a four-fifths vote.”

“A substitute motion requires a majority vote,” City Attorney Thomas Smith responded.

“The motion is $750,000 contingent upon the balance from the Antioch School District,” Wright said.

“All six officers, the grant funds are there, and the school district picks up half,” Ogorchock repeated her motion.

“So, whatever we send to the schools, they could kick back to us with ‘no, we want to pay a lesser amount,’” Wilson said.

“To make it clear, all the current students, tonight they don’t have the resources to support our students,” Motts said. “To ask them to do something with the money they can’t do.

Brooks explained that Brentwood has three SRO’s and the district splits the cost fifty percent with the city. He also mentioned Pittsburg still has five SRO’s and the school district pays $550,000 toward their costs. However, Brooks shared that both Concord and Richmond which each had four SRO’s have stopped their programs.

The substitute motion passed 3-2 with Wilson and Thorpe voting no.

By Lieutenant John Fortner, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Monday, July 27, 2020, at approximately 12:36 AM, Antioch Police officers were called to a 7-Eleven convenience store, located at 2301 Buchanan Road, on the report of a victim suffering from gunshot wounds.

Numerous officers responded to the scene and located one 27-year-old male victim down in the store, and a 24-year-old female victim seated in a parked vehicle. Both victims were found to be suffering from several gunshot wounds.

The female victim was suffering from at least one serious gunshot wound, and the male victim sustained at least two gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began providing first-aid and CPR to the victims until emergency paramedics arrived at the scene. The female victim succumbed to her injuries and passed at the scene. The male victim was transported by paramedics to a local area hospital, where he was admitted and listed in stable condition.

While at the scene, officers learned that there were several subjects present in the parking lot when gunshots were fired by one male suspect. The suspect fired several gunshots into a parked vehicle and then fled the lot on-foot.

Antioch Police Department’s Crime Scene Investigators and Detectives with the Violent Crimes and Special Operations Units responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Currently, detectives are working to identify any suspects or persons-of-interest. The investigation is still active, and evidence is being collected and evaluated.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441, or Detective Brogdon at (925) 779-6895. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

By Antioch Police Department

  Thursday afternoon, July 24, 2020, one of our officers was patrolling the Williamson Ranch Plaza lot near Walmart and Jack in the Box on Lone Tree Way. He saw a subject in the pictured Infiniti behind a closed business and attempted to make contact with him, however the subject tried to drive off. After getting back to his patrol car, our officer was able to get the driver stopped again in the same parking lot, and this was where we were happy to report things did not take a turn for the worse.

  Upon the driver finally stopping, he quickly jumped out of his car protesting the stop, then got back in and rolled up his windows and locked his doors. The windows of the vehicle were extremely tinted and made it quite difficult to see or communicate with the driver. Our officer was able to get the driver’s name and confirmed he was on parole for weapons offenses, however, he continued to refuse to get out of the vehicle or comply further with the orders he was given.

  Numerous other officers arrived on scene and were able to contain the subject in his vehicle to keep him from driving away and possibly endangering the public while we attempted to communicate with him. After more than 20 minutes of dialogue, we were finally able to convince the man to get out of his car and peacefully surrender.

   This is where the sigh of relief and satisfaction at a peaceful conclusion comes into play. Upon conducting a search of the vehicle pursuant to his parole status, a loaded pistol with a 30 round magazine was found on the front seat, as well as a 50 round drum magazine in the rear seat of the car and several rounds of ammunition.

  We are relieved to have the peaceful outcome we did in this situation, and that our officers were able to successfully de-escalate a potentially very dangerous incident. The driver, a 26-year-old Oakley resident was subsequently arrested on multiple weapons charges and a parole violation and sent to county jail.

APD Officers also rescue kitten stuck in storm drain

By Antioch Police Department

Another gun off the street? Check.

Kitten saved? Check.

#APDSwingShift in Action!!!

Swing Shift works from 2:30 pm to 12:30 am (that’s 14:30 to 00:30 in police time!) and they’re not done yet! Early in the shift, Officer Amiri (minus Canine Purcy – more on that below) saw an individual he recognized with outstanding warrants (for fraud and identity theft) driving around Woodbridge and Rodeo Circle. This individual is known to evade police and drive stolen cars, but your APD officers were able to creatively stop him before he could think about a high-speed chase. Look at those puuuuurty Crown Vics still puttin’ in work on the road!

After placing said fraudster under arrest, a search of the car revealed numerous master keys for mailboxes, stolen property, fraud paraphernalia, a loaded pistol and a radio signal jammer. You see that box with all the antennas? That’s a signal jammer used to block cellphone and police radio frequencies. This unlucky fella was sent to County Jail on his warrants along with a few extra charges (except ours are the non-fraudulent kind).

Kitten Rescued from Storm Drain

A little bit later, officers were called to a storm drain at East 18th Street and Viera Avenue where they found a kitten mewing for help from the darkness below. With a little help from our friends at Antioch Public Works, officers were able to rescue the helpless kitten and she was promptly named Nemo (because they had to find her). Nemo got the finest ride in town to the emergency vet for a checkup but should be adoptable from Antioch Animal Services once everything checks out.

Where Was K-9 Purcy?

Wondering about Officer Amiri’s sidekick Purcy? He was out of commission for a few days after eating something he shouldn’t have (he’s a dog – it happens!), but luckily all is well, and he’ll be back on patrol shortly!

Swing Shift had a couple more hours to go, but don’t forget Antioch, we are here for you (and all of our four-legged friends) 24/7.

A Walnut Creek Police Department Bomb Squad member heads toward the location of the device.

By Lieutenant Powell Meads #3917, Antioch Police Field Services

On Monday, July 20, 2020, at approximately 5:47 PM, Antioch PD officers were dispatched to a business in the 1000 block of Apollo Court, near the Antioch Youth Sports Complex. An employee inside the business was reporting that a former employee, who was recently fired, was on scene and in possession of a possible explosive device. Prior to Antioch PD Officers arriving, it was reported the responsible left the device in front of the business and left in a vehicle.

Arriving officers located the responsible vehicle as it was driving away from the scene. An enforcement stop was conducted, and the sole vehicle occupant was detained without incident. He was identified as Timothy Harrington (50 years old) of Pittsburg, CA.

The object Harrington left in front of the business was located by officers and did in fact appear to be a homemade explosive. The assistance of the Walnut Creek Bomb Squad was requested, and they responded to the scene. The Bomb Squad was eventually able to recover and render the device safe. The device was determined to be a live, homemade destructive/explosive device.

The WCPD Bomb Squad member suits up before heading toward the explosive device.

Harrington was arrested for possession of the explosive device and violation of the terms of his felony probation. A search of his vehicle yielded other materials related to the manufacturing of explosives. A follow-up search was conducted at his residence in Pittsburg, but no other evidence pertaining to this case was located.

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 Antioch Police Department

Have you heard us use the phrase “See something? Say something?” One of our alert citizens obviously did, and this is what it led to… a loaded pistol, approximately $2,700 cash, five ounces of marijuana for sale, and two arrests. Here are the facts…

Saturday, a little after 10 pm, APD received a call reporting suspicious activity in the parking lot of John Muir Elementary School. While we were responding, the observant citizen kept eyes on the situation and called us back when the individuals got into a car and parked on an adjacent street. Officer Cole arrived and contacted three people who were in possession of marijuana. All three were only 18, which isn’t old enough to legally possess marijuana in California (must be 21). A search of the vehicle yielded the gun, cash, and more marijuana. One was arrested for possessing the gun and the other for dealing marijuana. Both were sent to the County Jail and another illegally possessed gun was off our streets.

You are our best allies since you know when something isn’t right where you live. We will never know what sort of tragedy could’ve occurred with this gun in the wrong hands because you work with us to keep Antioch safe. APD is committed to making our neighborhoods safer by responding to your calls about suspicious activity and investigating them. If you see something unusual, our non-emergency number is (925) 778-2441, or 9-1-1 if you think it’s an emergency.  #AntiochPD  #AntiochStrong  #seesomethingsaysomething

By Antioch Police Department

Motor Officer Johnsen has been on a roll the last few days – literally!

On Thursday, July 16, 2020, he was doing traffic enforcement on James Donlon Blvd. in response to your concerns about speeding vehicles. He saw a Ford Fusion doing 60 MPH through the 40 MPH zone and attempted a traffic stop. The driver of the Ford decided he wasn’t going to stop, probably because the car he was driving was reported stolen out of our city! Officer Johnsen kept eyes on the vehicle and saw it crash into the center median on Contra Loma Blvd. The driver and passenger figured this was the time to start running (probably because the gyms are still closed) and ran into the adjacent neighborhood.

Several of APD’S finest setup a containment perimeter and called-in Officer Smith along with his loyal companion Canine Kona. We also had some help from Officer Kathain, who operated our unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and gave us an eye from the sky. During the search, officers found an unsecured home, and after several warnings about the use of the canine, the driver made the wise choice and gave up. Both the driver and passenger were arrested, nobody was injured, and another stolen car was recovered.

APD is committed to responding to your concerns about traffic safety, crime, and upholding our mission to keep you safe. In this instance, we were able to use the resources and equipment you provide us to aid in a safe conclusion. The UAV helps us assess situations from the sky, giving us the benefit of time and strategy, so we don’t rush into the unknown. Everyone knows Canine Kona and the rest of our furry companions have a nose that can’t be beat!

#AntiochPD   #AntiochPDK9   #CanineKona  #CVC10851

 

By Antioch Police Department

Did you know the fastest speed limit in the USA (85 MPH) is a single stretch of Texas State Highway 130 (also known as the “Pickle Parkway”)? No portion of the Pickle Parkway runs through Antioch, and it certainly doesn’t cover Somersville Road.

Yet, on Wednesday, July 15 at around 10:30 am, Officer Johnsen clocked a motorcyclist at the eyepopping speed of 85 MPH on Somersville Road. That speed might be legal between San Antonio and Austin, Texas but certainly not in Antioch, California. If convicted, the fine for driving at this speed is $490 and an additional $238 for driving without a motorcycle license. Included with the hefty fine is a point on your driving record, which your insurance won’t appreciate.

Our Traffic Unit is out-and-about trying to slow people down on our streets and through your neighborhoods. Please slow down and save the $728 in traffic fines for a vacation trip down the Pickle Parkway.  #AntiochPD  #APDTrafficUnit  #PickleParkway