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

Timothy Harrington. Photo posted on his Facebook page May 4, 2018.

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.

Antioch Police with drone and Walnut Creek Bomb Squad were on the scene. Photo by APD.

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.

The marijuana, loaded gun and cash confiscated from three 18-year-olds by Antioch Police Saturday night, July 18, 2020. Photo by APD.

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

K9 Kona and Officer Smith search for suspects while Officer Kathain (inset) operates the UAV drone to assist in the search on Thursday, July 16, 2020. Photos by APD.

By Antioch Police Department

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

APD Officer Johnson is assisted by another other next to the stolen car.

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

Photos by APD.

By Antioch Police Department

Photo from APD.

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

New Antioch Police Officer Matthew Mulholland with Chief T Brooks following his oath of office ceremony on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. Photo by APD.

By Antioch Police Department

On Tuesday, July 14, 2020, we welcomed Officer Matthew Mulholland!

Matt was born and raised in the Bay Area and graduated from California High School, where he played football. Matt graduated with a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Chico and joined the US Army Reserve. Matt is an Operation Enduring Freedom veteran and has served 12 years in the Army Reserve. Matt began his law enforcement career with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office in 2013. While a Deputy Sheriff, Matt was assigned to security and classification in Santa Rita Jail and has spent the last 5 years assigned to patrol at both the Eden Township and Tri-Valley substations.

Matt is an avid Niners and Warriors fan and routinely attends games with family and friends. Matt loves to cook, hike, golf, and spend time with his daughter, girlfriend, and dog “Dude”. Matt enjoys traveling and has been to 27 states and 16 countries.

We were not able to hold our normal swearing-in for Matt due to still practicing social distancing. If you happen to see Matt patrolling our streets, please say hello.

Welcome to Antioch, Matt!

By Allen Payton

The Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office has identified the man who died from multiple stab wounds after shooting another man in a fight in Antioch, last Wednesday, July 8, as “Richie Asidanya, a 35-year-old black male out of Pittsburg.”

The man who was shot by Asidany and stabbed him multiple times was not identified by Antioch Police.

“Right now, it’s a self-defense case from what we’re getting so far,” said Lt. John Fortner. “We’re confirming all the information and everything we have corroborates that. Richie Asidanya is known in the area and not in a good way. He was a drug dealer. But we don’t know the connection with the victim. The investigation is still ongoing.”

Original Antioch Police Press Release:

On July 8th, 2020 at 9:08 AM, Antioch Police Department patrol officers were dispatched to the area of Cavallo Road and E. 18th Street for a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a 35-year-old male (Asidanya) in front of the Romi’s Liquor & Food at 418 E 18th Street. That male was suffering from multiple stab wounds and despite lifesaving efforts by officers and the fire department, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Officers also located a 48-year-old male lying in the intersection of Cavallo Road and E 18th Street with multiple gunshot wounds.

It was determined through the preliminary investigation that the 35-year-old male and the 48-year-old male were involved in a verbal and physical altercation with each other in the 1800 block of Cavallo Road, during which the 35-year-old male shot the 48-year-old male and the 48-year-old male stabbed the 35-year-old male. The 35-year-old male died at the scene and the 48-year-old male was transported to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition. The investigation is ongoing.

No further information will be released regarding this case at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Cox at (925) 779-6866, 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 Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney

Garry Reynolds.

On July 10, the Honorable Patricia Scanlon sentenced the owner of NorCal K 9 Garry Reynolds (39-years-old) to two years in state prison. Earlier this year, a jury found Reynolds guilty of four felonies – all counts of animal cruelty for each dog under the care and supervision of NorCal K9, a dog training business. The jury found Reynolds was criminally negligent in the care of four animals under his company’s care in Antioch. (See related article)

Reynolds was remanded into custody immediately after he was sentenced. Judge Scanlon also denied a motion by Reynolds’ attorney to reduce the charges to misdemeanors and the motion for a new trial. Deputy District Attorney Arsh Singh prosecuted the case on behalf of the People. DDA Singh is assigned to the Felony Trial Team.

“I am satisfied the defendant will serve time in state prison due to his extreme negligence and disregard for the animals under his company’s care,” DDA Singh stated. “This case should serve as a wakeup call for any dog training company in our community. Animals deserve to be protected and treated well. Our Office will not tolerate the abuse of any animal.”

The City of Antioch started an investigation into the house where the dogs were located at 5200 Lone Tree Way. The investigation started as a code enforcement matter but progressed to a criminal investigation led by the Antioch Police Department due to a dog’s death. Two dogs were eventually euthanized due to the injuries the dogs suffered.

The investigation also led police to Devon Ashby, an employee of NorCal K9. Ashby was charged by the DA’s Office for his involvement in this case and he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of animal cruelty.

The following dogs were associated with the jury’s earlier guilty verdict:

• Gunner, Doberman
• Favor, Cane Corso
• Zeus, German Shepherd
• Rambo (Bo), Labro-Poodle

Case information: People v. Garry Reynolds, Docket Number 05-191200-5

Mayra Rios booking photo – EFZ313. Photo by Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.

The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday, July 7, 2020 the arrest of one of their deputies.

In April 2020, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office Detectives received information that a Correctional Deputy was involved in smuggling methamphetamine into the Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas on behalf of inmates.

An extensive two-month investigation revealed that Mayra Rios (35) of Antioch, California was the involved Deputy. Detectives sought authorization for a higher bail amount from a magistrate based on her aggravating circumstances, which include access to funds, her former position of authority and influence, and potential flight risk.

Rios was arrested in Pleasanton and is currently being held at the Santa Clara County Main Jail on $1,000,000 bail. The case number is 20-189-0183B.

According to SCCSD Public Information Officer, Deputy Jessica Gabaldon, “The only additional information I can provide at this time is Ms. Rios has been with the Sheriff’s Office for three years and was assigned to the Elmwood Correctional Facility.”

Allen Payton contributed to this report.