By Allen Payton

The Antioch City Council will hold what is expected to be the first of several community forums, labeled as Bridging the Gap – A Virtual Round Table Discussion, to “better understand and address racial injustice and police-community relations” on Tuesday night, June 30, 2020.

The forums are a result of two special meetings held last week by the council to discuss forming a two-council member ad hoc committee on police reform. On a split vote of 3-2 the council instead decided to hold community forums with all council members participating, along with the Police Crime Prevention Commission. (See related articles here and here)

The meeting will include the following elements:

1) Mayor and Council Members Opening Comments

2) Public Comments

3) Discuss and consider comments from the community.

4) Discuss and make recommendations on future agenda items and meetings

The community is invited to join the conversation to share their perspectives, ask questions, and to listen. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the roundtable discussion will be done remotely via Zoom. If you wish to make a public comment, you may do so any of the following ways: (1) by filling out an online speaker card, located at https://www.antiochca.gov/speaker_card, (2) by emailing the City Clerk prior to or during the meeting at cityclerk@ci.antioch.ca.us, or (3) to speak, please register for this discussion using link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/…/register/WN_s7jzT-PkSdei6BW4AUC0wA.

Antioch City Council meetings are available via Comcast channel 24, AT&T U-verse channel 99, or live stream on the City’s website at https://www.antiochca.gov/government/city-council-meetings/live/.

By Antioch Police Department & Allen Payton

Our city and the entire region are still getting hit pretty hard with catalytic converter thefts. These incidents usually during the night, but we had this one on June 11, 2020 at around 8:45 am on L Street near West 6th Street. Thieves seem to prefer hybrid vehicles (especially the Toyota Prius), but also target fleet and higher-profile cars/trucks (for ease of access).

Thieves want the converters due to the high levels of precious metals – platinum, palladium and rhodium – contained in them. When scrapped that can give the thief $375 to $850 or more per converter. The metals can also be made into jewelry and be used for protective coatings.

The unit on a Prius can cost $1,500 to $2,500 to replace depending on where you live. In California, due to California Air Resources Board regulations, you have one option only, the dealer. However, one option is to install a cover over the catalytic converter. Blue Chip Muffler in Antioch offers that solution and according to owner, Donnie Amerson, they just installed covers on two Toyota Prius’, today. They’re located a 802 W 10th Street. Call (925) 754-3636 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Visit their website at http://blue-chipmuffler.com.

If you spot any suspicious characters casing vehicles in your neighborhood (especially if they have tools and a hydraulic jack), please call Antioch Police dispatch at (925) 778-2441. If you have any information on this specific case, send them a direct message and they will forward to the investigator. Thanks for keeping a look out for your neighbors!

By Art Ray, Bay News Video.

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

On June 26th, 2020, an autopsy was performed on 34-year-old Michael Hamilton by the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office. He was suspected of stealing meat from the Antioch Lucky’s store on Contra Loma Blvd., Wednesday night, and a store employee tried to stop him, got into a physical confrontation with Hamilton who stopped breathing and died at the scene. (See related article)

The autopsy revealed there was no trauma to Mr. Hamilton’s neck, indicating there was no use of a chokehold, carotid or any other pressure applied to Mr. Hamilton’s neck. Mr. Hamilton died from underlying issues of drug use and the excitement of the struggle he was involved in during this incident.

A preliminary drug screening showed Mr. Hamilton had methamphetamine in his system, but the amount is unknown until a full toxicology report can be completed. The 56-year-old store employee was treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital on the night of this incident.

Legislation also introduced to ban carotid restraints by law enforcement statewide

By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney

Martinez, Calif. – Today, Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton issued a new policy for peace officers within the DA’s Office to ban the use of the carotid hold technique. The DA’s Office employs peace officers as senior inspectors within the Investigative Unit. The ban is effective as of June 23, 2020.

“The use of the carotid hold has proven to be an unnecessary and deadly police technique and will not be used by members of my Investigative Unit. The risks associated with this technique far outweigh any potential benefit. This important policy change reflects a positive move forward in police community relations and reinforces the continuous need to focus on de-escalation, training, and tactics,” stated Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton.

In addition to Becton’s ban for her staff, earlier this month, in response to the death of George Floyd, Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson) introduced AB 1196, making it illegal to use a carotid artery restraint tactic to forcibly detain a suspect.

The “bill would prohibit a law enforcement agency from authorizing the use of a carotid restraint or a choke hold, as defined,” according to the text of the legislation.

As used in the legislation, “carotid restraint” means a vascular neck restraint or any similar restraint, hold, or other defensive tactic in which pressure is applied to the sides of a person’s neck for the purpose of restricting blood flow to render the person unconscious or otherwise subdue or control the person.

AB 1196 passed the Assembly and is now awaiting hearing before the CA State Senate.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

By Allen Payton

A court hearing in the case of the People vs. Joseph James DeAngelo, known as the East Area Rapist and Golden State Killer, will be held in Sacramento on Monday, June 29, 2020. He is expected to plead guilty “to 13 murder and 13 kidnap for robbery counts, as well as admit responsibility for 62 other rapes and crimes that prosecutors say were committed in 11 California counties from 1974 through 1986,” according to the Sacramento Bee. Those include four felonies from his alleged attacks in Contra Costa County from 1978 to 1979. It is reported DeAngelo’s plea will spare him from the death penalty.

The 74-year-old former Auburn Police Officer was arrested at his Citrus Heights home in August 2018 and the Contra Costa DA’s Office announced that he had been charged with his crimes in this county, that same week. (See related article) For the crimes in Contra Costa County DeAngelo could have faced four life sentences plus ten years, if he was convicted.

The cases were prosecuted jointly by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office in Sacramento County. The joint prosecution also included cases from Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Tulare Counties. An amended complaint, charging crimes from all six counties was also filed in August 2018.

Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton will participate in a multi-agency press conference immediately following the hearing, at approximately 3:00 p.m., that day. She will be joined by Orange County D.A. Todd Spitzer, Sacramento County D.A. Anne Marie Schubert, Santa Barbara County D.A. Joyce Dudley, Tulare County D.A. Tim Ward and Ventura County D.A. Gregory Totten.

The court hearing is expected to begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be livestreamed on Sacramento Superior Court’s YouTube for Department 24 linked here. The press conference will be livestreamed on the Sacramento County District Attorney’s YouTube channel linked here. Both the court hearing and the press conference will be held in the Sacramento State Ballroom, large enough to accommodate the over 150 victims, their families and the media and due to the concerns of the coronavirus and need for social distancing.

Store employee taken to hospital for injuries

By Sergeant James Stenger #3604, Violent Crimes Unit, Investigations Bureau

On Wednesday, June 24th, 2020, at around 9:58 PM, Antioch Patrol Officers and ConFire were dispatched to the Lucky’s grocery store located at 3190 Contra Loma Boulevard, for a male who was not breathing after getting into a physical confrontation with a store employee. It was determined that a 56-year-old store employee caught a 34-year-old male attempting to steal meat from behind the butcher shop area of the store.

The store employee confronted the 34-year-old male and according to the employee the male attacked him. During the physical confrontation the 34-year-old male stopped breathing for an unknown reason. ConFire attempted life saving measures on the 34-year-old male but, were unsuccessful and the male was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 56-year-old male was transported to a local hospital to be treated for injuries sustained during the physical confrontation and is currently in stable condition.

According to news videographer Art Ray of Bay News Video, “shortly before 9:30 pm Antioch police responded to the Contra Loma lucky’s supermarket for a call of a non-breather after a choke hold. A store employee got into an altercation with a person that was allegedly attempting to steal meat. The employee was injured and transported to John Muir hospital. After trying to resuscitate. The suspect for almost an hour he was pronounced dead at the scene.” See video, here.

At this point of the investigation it is not clear whether the 34-year-old male died due to the physical confrontation or if he had a medical emergency that caused his death. The cause of death will hopefully be determined at the autopsy and through interviews. No further information will be released until a cause of death is established.

Anyone with information regarding this case can contact Detective Cox at 925-779-6866. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Police Officers Association President Aiello apologizes; Police Chief Brooks disappointed, investigating; Mayor condemns comment; Wednesday protest planned; first community forum on police reform next Tuesday

By Allen Payton

A series of comments on Facebook by leaders in the Antioch Police Department below a meme of a protester holding up her middle finger in the face of a line of police officers, of how they would respond to a protest has enraged some members of the public. The meme was posted by national radio talk show host, Larry Elder, on his Facebook page with the statement, “Maybe it’s the people, not the cops, that need ‘better training’” Antioch residents are calling for the resignation of the officer who wrote in response, “I firmly believe an open hand slap in the face is 100% justified in this incident.” He later added, “My comment, is when a police officer is standing there doing nothing and a person is antagonizing them, why is it OK?”

The comments were made by Corporal Steve Aiello, who is president of the Antioch Police Officers Association (APOA). In addition, more comments were made by Hans Ho, a former chairman of the Police Crime Prevention Commissions and current coordinator of the city’s Neighborhood Watch Program, and Lonnie Karste, a former consultant to the Antioch Police Department, on Ho’s Facebook page Monday night. The post has since been removed.

APOA President Aiello Apologizes

Aiello issued an apology for his comments in a Tuesday post on the APOA Facebook page writing, “To the Citizens of Antioch: As President of the Antioch Police Officers’ Association, let me clarify: There is NO instance where I would condone an Antioch police officer slapping a resident. The Facebook statement was taken out of context and I apologize to the community for having made it. Please be assured that your police officers are 100% committed to protecting the Antioch community and we are working 24/7 to serve you.”

Antioch Police Chief Brooks Disappointed, Investigating

I am extremely disappointed by the recent comments made on social media by Corporal Aiello. At face value they were insensitive and not in line with values of the Antioch Police Department. I have opened an investigation into this matter and, based on the findings, will hold him accountable for his actions.”

Karste Apologizes for Comment

In the same thread on Ho’s Facebook page, Ho responded to Aiello’s comment by writing, “we are supposed to be more understanding, remember?” Aiello responded, “Oh…yeah, I forgot.”

Karste then made a comment writing, “I think he was – I was thinking a closed fist punch!!”

Regarding Karste’s comment Chief Brooks responded, “Lonnie hasn’t been a consultant here for a couple years. I hadn’t seen it before now. Again, he’s not affiliated with the City any longer.”

When reached for comment, a contrite Karste said, “I apologize. I would never condone violence. Obviously, people have a right to their opinion. I support the police in a very difficult situation. But obviously my comment was very inappropriate.”

Residents React, Protest Planned

The comments have residents upset, including an Antioch school board member, who are now planning a protest for Wednesday afternoon.

A screenshot of Ho’s post was shared by Antioch resident Kevin Christopher McManimen with the comments “Head of Antioch Cops, in support of killer cop Mellone, advocating for police brutality. This is your Antiochs (sic) PRESIDENT OF POLICE ASSOCIATION!!!
#whereisthemayor #copsownmayor #wemarchonwednesday”.

Antioch School Board Trustee Ellie Householder, who has been organizing and promoting protests in Antioch recently, calling for defunding police, shared the screenshot of the comments on her personal Facebook page Monday night.

In comments below the screenshot she wrote, “And say whatever you want, but freedom of speech does not mean freedom from repercussions. Someone in his line of work should have to answer for comments like that” and “its (sic) kinda terrifying though tbh (to be honest) because this guy polices our streets.” Householder also wrote, “it still leads me to believe this man should NOT be in power anymore.”

In a comment on Tuesday night, she wrote in response to a KRON4 news report about Aiello’s comments, “’Will hold him accountable for his actions.’ What does that even mean though?

Steve Aiello is the same guy that got folx (sic) to flood public comments opposing the police reform ad hoc committee because there is ‘nothing wrong with the Antioch Police Department and it doesn’t need reforms because it can police itself’ SMH.” and “Join us tomorrow at 3PM for a demonstration demanding Aiello and the Killer Cop Mellone resign.”

That last part of Householder’s comments is a reference to Officer Michael Mellone who was a lateral transfer from the San Francisco Police Department last year, while under investigation for the shooting death, by him and another officer, of a homeless Hispanic man three-and-a-half years earlier. While he was cleared by the San Francisco District Attorney, who determined the shooting to be justifiable, had Mellone stayed with the SFPD he was facing a possible 10- or 45-day suspension, based on recommendations of Internal Affairs and a citizens oversight committee. In response to a call by Antioch Mayor Sean Wright for an investigation into the hiring of Mellone, Antioch Police Chief Brooks said on Wednesday, “the investigation is still in progress.”

Mayor Wright Condemns Aiello’s Comment

When reached for comment, Mayor Wright wrote, “I do not condone the comments made by Officer Aiello. It is never acceptable for a police officer to slap a citizen, not an Antioch police officer, not any police officer.”

In a post Wednesday afternoon, Councilman Lamar Thorpe wrote on his personal Facebook page, I’m blown away by these reckless comments made by the Antioch Police Union President. The Police Chief has launched an investigation into this matter.”

Police Reform Community Forums

This all is happening following two special meetings held by the Antioch City Council, last week, in which 864 public comments were submitted either for or against the formation of a proposed police reform ad hoc committee. The council chose instead to hold a series of public forums with the entire council and Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission members, with the first one to be held next Tuesday night, June 30.

Efforts to reach Aiello asking if he plans to resign as an officer and/or the APOA President, as well as Ho and Police Crime Prevention Commission Chair Sandra White were unsuccessful before publication time. Please check back for any updates to this report.