Antioch Police and Con Fire personnel responded to the scene of the fatal collision causing a back-up in the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 between Pittsburg and Antioch Monday morning, Dec. 22, 2025. Video screenshot courtesy of Spotlight CoCoCounty.
Following collision involving DA Senior Inspector killing Antioch assault suspect running on Hwy 4; CHP leads investigation
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California – A fatal traffic collision with a pedestrian is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol pursuant to the County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol.
On Monday, December 22, 2025, at approximately 10:35 a.m., in the area of Delta Fair Blvd. in Antioch, a suspect engaged in a disturbance at Delta Bowl. According to Antioch Police, the initial incident occurred at the Comfort Inn, located at 2436 Mahogany Way, where the 27-year-old male suspect had pulled a fire alarm and then struck a 47-year-old male security guard. As police responded, the suspect climbed over a fence and entered eastbound Highway 4 on foot.
The individual was struck in the roadway by an oncoming county vehicle driven by a District Attorney Senior Inspector whose duties were unrelated to the disturbance. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The California Highway Patrol is the venue agency conducting the traffic collision investigation. The California Department of Justice has been notified. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has yielded legal analysis to avoid a potential conflict of interest. The investigation is ongoing.
Antioch Police and Con Fire personnel responded to the scene of the fatal collision causing a back-up in the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 between Pittsburg and Antioch Monday morning, Dec. 22, 2025. Video screenshot (top) and aerial drone photo (bottom) courtesy of Spotlight CoCoCounty.
Struck by on-duty County DA Senior Inspector
Multi-agency investigation ensues
By Lt. William Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
On Monday, December 22, at 10:33 a.m., the Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center received a call from security personnel at the Comfort Inn, located at 2436 Mahogany Way, reporting that a suspect had pulled a fire alarm and then struck a security guard.
Responding officers arrived on scene and located the 47-year-old male security guard who was pursuing the suspect in the area behind Kaiser, near Delta Fair Boulevard.
An Antioch Police Department officer was in the area with emergency lights activated while responding to the call. The 27-year-old male suspect, who possibly saw the lights, then jumped over a fence and ran onto the freeway, where he was struck by an on-duty Contra Costa County District Attorney Senior Inspector who, by chance, was driving in the area and was not involved in the initial incident.
At no time were responding Antioch Police Department officers involved in a foot pursuit of the suspect.
The investigator and Antioch Police Department officers immediately rendered medical aid; however, the suspect died at the scene.
A witness, who chose not to be identified and was stuck in the eastbound traffic back-up on Highway 4 between Loveridge Road in Pittsburg and Somersville Road in Antioch, said he saw police pumping the suspect’s chest. According to Spotlight CoCoCounty, the suspect “was struck in the number one lane near the Center divide.”
The back-up lasted for about two-and-a-half hours until Antioch Police issued an update at 1:07 p.m. that “the roadway is now open.”
The suspect’s name is not being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
As is standard protocol, the Antioch Police Department, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the California Highway Patrol will conduct a joint investigation into the incident. Any additional information will be provided by the Investigations Bureau.
Additional inquiries, tips, or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Robert Ibanez at (925) 481-8398 or by email at ribanez@antiochca.gov.
By Lt. Franco Cesar #7264, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On December 18, 2025, at 8:46 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 2700 block of Entrada Circle. Upon arrival, officers located a 17-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound.
Officers immediately began providing medical aid until personnel from Con Fire arrived on scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
During the investigation, officers identified the suspect as a 14-year-old male, who was taken into custody at the scene for Negligent Discharge of a Firearm.
According to Bay New Video, “Thursday night Antioch police responded to…reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they found one juvenile that had been accidentally shot in the face by his cousin. Witnesses said the bullet entered the cheek and exited the back of the neck. The victim was transported to a local hospital. The cousin was taken into custody by Antioch police. There has been in the city of Antioch over the past year a reduction of violent crime…Tonight’s shooting was an unfortunate accident.”
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at tips@antiochca.gov.
The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a homicide that occurred on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 8:04 a.m. at a home on the 5100 block Laurel Drive in unincorporated Concord.
Valley Station deputy sheriffs responded to a welfare check and found a resident of the home deceased on the property. Detectives believe the incident began as a domestic issue when a family dispute escalated into an altercation. Three others who suffered from injuries were transported to a local hospital.
The victim is identified as 38-year-old Antonio Valdez of Antioch. A person in the home who suffered injuries remains in the hospital.
The Investigation Division Homicide Unit and Crime Lab responded to the scene. Detectives believe the incident began as a domestic issue when a family dispute escalated into an altercation. There are no outstanding suspects and no threat to the public.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Students participated in the 1-mile and 3-mile runs and race with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. All photos courtesy of Antioch Unified School District unless noted.
By Allen D. Payton
According to the Antioch Unified School District, “despite chilly conditions, hundreds turned out for the 49th annual Holiday Run & Walk for Health.
“Founded by Tom Torlakson, former State Superintendent of Schools, the event was held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Contra Loma with many of our students running the race, including several high school cross country runners.
“Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch and the Rotary Club of the Delta, proceeds benefit our schools and community.”
Race Director Mike Green shared the following results of two races:
Male 3-Mile Race Winners
Giancarlo Olmedo – 15 years old – 19:31.5
Jailen Johnson-Truitt – 18 – 20:09.3
Dennis Gavrilenko – 22 – 20:26.3
Female 3-Mile Race Winners
Valeria Espinoza – 20 – 19:43.0
Kylie Wisely – 17 – 21:27.8
Jaelyn Wilkins – 17 – 22:53.8
Santa (Joe Goralka) with runners from the Antioch Police Department. Photo by Tom McNell
Green offered “Special thanks to East Bay Regional Parks District / Contra Loma for helping us host this event. Thank you to the Race Directors from Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs of the Delta, and to our event sponsor, Dr. Ali Shirani.”
Agreement aligns with U.S. DOJ reforms; subject to court approval; this part of case only includes attorney’s fees
By Allen D. Payton
The City of Antioch announced Friday morning, Dec. 19, 2025, it has reached a settlement agreement “that strengthens accountability and transparency in the Antioch Police Department (APD) through updated policies, independent oversight and measurable reporting. The agreement is structured to align with the U.S. Department of Justice Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) governing APD reforms.”
Oakland civil rights attorney John Burris and associates filed the lawsuit in April 2023, naming five then-current and former officers, for their racist and other offensive texts and mistreatment of citizens, plus, three past police chiefs, the City of Antioch and Does 1-100. (See related articles here and here)
The suit described what occurred between the named Antioch Police officers and the plaintiffs as a “conspiracy and/or conspiracies” and claims they were “the failure and/or refusal (by the former chiefs)…to prevent or aid in preventing” them from occurring. The suit further claimed the four department leaders “maintained customs, policies, and/or practices which encouraged, authorized, condoned, ratified, failed to prevent, and/or failed to aid in the prevention of wrongs conspired to be done by” the named officers.
The suit sought multiple forms of damages including “past, present and/or future wage loss, income and support, medical expenses”; special damages, any and all permissible statutory damages, and attorneys’ fees.
UPDATE & CORRECTION: According to City Manager Bessie Scott, the settlement does not include any money. But she later shared the City will pay attorney’s fees. Then during the press conference on Friday, Dec. 19, Burris said, “There were two parts of the case, one involving the individuals, which we settled, 23,” earlier in the year. Those did involve payments which will be reported on later once City staff has provided a response to the Public Records Act request by the Herald.
Independent Consultant to Oversee Settlement Provisions
The settlement will be administered by the same independent consultant responsible for oversight under the U.S. DOJ MOA to ensure coordinated implementation and consistent monitoring.
The independent consultant will oversee APD’s implementation of the settlement’s provisions, including providing technical assistance, reviewing affected policies, and issuing regular reports on APD’s progress toward substantial compliance. The independent consultant will also ensure APD remains in substantial compliance for the required period of time. If APD is not making adequate progress, the monitor may seek further orders of the court to compel compliance.
The independent consultant is required to report to the City Council every six months. Reports to Council will be public. The City also anticipates public reporting related to community engagement/community policing efforts and statistics on traffic stops and police interactions related to use of force.
“This settlement agreement reinforces the reform work already underway, ensures sustainable transparency measures and updates core policies to modernize how APD continues to provide constitutional policing services to the residents of Antioch,” said Scott.
“This agreement will ensure we continue prioritizing the community and safety,” said Chief of Police Joe Vigil. “We will continue working towards greater transparency, accountability and community engagement as we work through this agreement.”
Chief Vigil Says “Agreement Emphasizes Clear and Fair Policy”
In his remarks prepared for and offered during the press conference, Vigil further said, “I want to begin by thanking Mr. Burris and his staff, The City of Antioch staff, Mr. Rosenbaum and his staff. Through a collaborative and productive process, we reached an agreement that will help ensure the Police Department continues to improve how we approach policy, how we conduct our work, and how we serve our community.
“This agreement emphasizes clear and fair policy, the use of data, metrics, and analysis to guide decision-making, with community trust and public safety as our top priorities. As we move into the new year, we remain committed to ongoing community engagement and to strengthening transparency and accountability. Thank you, and I appreciate everyone’s time and partnership.”
Key elements of the settlement include:
Expanded transparency and oversight
Data collection and analysis requirements
Audits and reviews
Reporting requirements to track progress and compliance
Policy and procedure updates to modernize APD operations
Non-discriminatory policing
Use of force, including canine deployment
Hiring and promotions
Complaint intake, review, and resolution
Supervisor responsibilities and accountability
Police officer communications
Body-worn camera use
Community engagement
Provisions to expand APD’s community engagement and support accountability through public-facing practices.
The City will provide additional information as implementation milestones are established.
Jaden Baird, City of Antioch PIO contributed to this report.
Tiffany Stewart performs during the 2025 Brentwood Christmas parade. Photo courtesy of Virtuous Voices
By Allen D. Payton
During the Brentwood Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 29, 2025, Tiffany Stewart, founder of Antioch-based Virtuous Voices Music Academy, was a featured singer, delighting audiences at one of the community’s most beloved holiday events.
“Coach Tea”, as she’s referred to, performed Jesus is the Reason.
Her performance highlighted the growth of Virtuous Voices, a music program serving diverse students locally and nationwide through online and in-person voice training, group classes and the academy’s signature, Sing Theory program.
“Sharing my voice at the parade is a celebration of what music brings to our communities,” said Stewart. “I hope young singers feel inspired to step into their own musical journey.”
For more information about Coach Tea and Virtuous Voices Music Academy visit www.virtuousvoices.com or see their ad on the right side of this page.
Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker laughs as Freitas shrugs after she pretended to object to his appointment as the City’s new mayor pro tem at the end of the council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. Video screenshot
Torres-Walker jokingly objects; former mayor’s first time serving in role
By Allen D. Payton
2026 Antioch Mayor Pro Tem & District 3 Councilman Donald Freitas. Official photo
During their meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, the Antioch City Council voted unanimously to elect District 3 Councilman Donald P. Freitas the new Mayor Pro Tem through 2026.
Antioch’s former mayor from 2000-2008, Freitas was first elected to the City Council in 1998. But this is the first time he has served as the City’s mayor pro tem.
According to the staff report for the item, #11 on the agenda, “the mayor shall preside at the meetings of the City Council. If the mayor is absent or unable to act, the mayor pro tempore shall serve until the mayor returns or is able to act…has all of the powers and duties of the mayor… and shall have all the duties and responsibilities specified in the California Government Code.”
Before council districts were created and the first elections were held in 2020, the council candidate with the most votes served as the mayor pro tem for the following two years. But on June 23, 2020, the City Council revised the selection process and term of office for mayor pro tem.
Selection Process
The staff report provided the selection process which under the ordinance reads as follows:
According to the City’s Code § 2-1.401 SELECTION (A), “At the first City Council meeting following each general municipal election, or at the first City Council meeting of December during every odd year commencing the City Council shall designate one of its members to be mayor pro tempore.”
The term is now for just one year.
(B) The City Council shall select the mayor pro tempore as follows:
The council member who has not previously served as mayor pro tempore shall be selected. If more than one council member has not previously served as mayor pro tempore, the City Council shall select the member who received the highest percentage of votes from his or her district in the most recent general municipal election at which the council member was elected. If the selected council member declines, the City Council shall select the next council member who has not previously served and has the next highest percentage of votes from his or her district.
(2) If all council members have previously served as mayor pro tempore, or if the council members eligible in accordance with subsection (B)(1) decline, the City Council shall select the council member who received the highest percentage of votes in his or her district in the most recent general municipal election at which the council member was elected. If the selected council member declines, or if the council member would serve two consecutive years if chosen, the City Council shall select the member with the next highest percentage of votes from his or her district in the most recent general municipal election at which the council member was elected.”
Freitas Accepts Role & Responsibilities
Since District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha just served as the City’s mayor pro tem, and both Councilwomen Tamisha Torres-Walker (District 1) and Monica Wilson (District 4) have previously served in the position, Freitas was the remaining council member who hasn’t served as mayor pro tem.
Interim City Attorney Derek Cole introduced the matter and said if Freitas declined, then the Council
would look to 2022 election results to determine the next eligible Councilmember, which was Wilson. But Freitas did not decline to serve in the role and accepted its responsibilities.
Before a vote took place, Torres-Walker, who was the only council member to speak on the item, started off saying, “Mayor, I object to Councilmember Freitas being sworn in as mayor pro…” before breaking off in laughter and leaning on Freitas.
“Go for it,” he said with a shrug.
“I’m kidding. I’m tired,” his council colleague responded.
Mayor Ron Bernal asked if there was a motion and Torres-Walker said, “So moved.” Rocha seconded the motion and it passed 5-0.
Bernal then said, “Congratulations, Mayor Pro Tem Freitas and thank you for your service, Mayor Pro Tem Rocha.”
While he didn’t offer any remarks during the meeting, since the vote was just after midnight, Freitas later said, “I’m honored to be unanimously chosen to be mayor pro tem. I’m looking forward to a very dynamic year filled with positive changes.”
