U.S. Marshals and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Deputies on the scene of the arrest on Almondwood Drive in Antioch on Wed., March 27, 2024. Photo by Allen D. Payton
Wanted by Pittsburg Police, has history of arrests
By Allen D. Payton
On Wednesday morning, March 27, 2024, the U.S. Marshals Service with the help of Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a wanted fugitive, Timothy Demetrius Jeffrey of Antioch, on Almondwood Drive in Antioch for escaping federal custody. According to a resident who lives in the neighborhood officers could be heard yelling through a loudspeaker, “You are surrounded. Come out with your hands up.”
According to Abigail Meyer of the United States Marshals Service Office of Public Affairs, “The Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force (PSWRFTF) arrested Timothy Jeffrey, 43, on both his federal Supervised Release Violation warrant and Pittsburg PD Failure to Appear (FTA) warrant, the original charges for both were distribution of dangerous drugs. In addition, his FTA included charges for felon in possession of a firearm, possession of large capacity magazine, and resisting arrest.
The PSWRFTF requested assistance from local law enforcement and a Contra Costa Sheriff’s K9 officer assisted with the rear perimeter.”
According to localcrimenews.com, Jeffrey was arrested by Pittsburg Police on April 25, 2023 for the aforementioned charges. He had previously been arrested on Feb. 29, 2016, by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department for federal (21 U.S. Code Section 846) attempt and conspiracy charges. Jeffrey was also arrested in Jan. 2010 by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for vehicle theft.
According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch, 200-pound suspect who is Black, (born 4/24/80) is being held in Santa Rita County Jail in Dublin on no bail.
Antioch Police on the scene of the fatal shooting who had the Dairy Queen taped off early Thursday, March 27, 2024. Source: Facebook posts by Denise Cantrell.
Victim was 36 years old; police seek unknown suspect(s)
By Acting Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at approximately 5:22 AM, Antioch police officers responded to the 600 block of E.18th Street, near the Dairy Queen, at the request of Con Fire for a male who was found deceased with an apparent gunshot wound. (See video of police at scene)
When officers arrived, they located a 36-year-old male deceased inside a parked vehicle suffering from at least one gunshot wound. The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification to the next of kin. This appears to be an isolated incident and there is no immediate threat to the community.
UPDATE: According to Detective Becerra the crime scene included the area on the street in front of Opportunity Village (homeless hotel) and the Golden Hills Community Outreach Center where multiple bullet casings were located. The victim walked to the Dairy Queen.
Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Becerra at (925) 779-6937 or by emailing abecerra@antiochca.gov. Anonymous tips or information about this – or any other incident – can be sent via text to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword ANTIOCH.
Over 3.6 million school-aged children across the state qualify for at least $500 in savings with the California Kids Investment and Development Savings program (CalKIDS), a state initiative to help children from low income families save money for college or career.
Just 8.3% of eligible students, or 300,000, have claimed their accounts as many families are unaware of CalKIDS or face challenges accessing the accounts once aware. The money is automatically deposited into the savings account under a student’s name, but families must claim the accounts by registering online.
Here is information you should know about the state-funded accounts:
What is CalKIDS?
The CalKIDS program was created to help students, especially those from underserved communities, gain access to higher education. It helps families save for post high school training by opening a savings account and depositing between $500 and $1,500 for eligible low-income students in the public school system. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who launched the program in August 2022, invested about $1.9 billion in the accounts.
Who qualifies?
Low-income students and all newborns qualify.
According to program details, low-income public school students are awarded $500 if they:
Were in grades 1-12 during the 2021-22 school year
Were enrolled in first grade during the 2022-23 school year, or
Will be in first grade in subsequent school years.
An additional $500 is deposited for students identified as foster youth and another $500 for students classified as homeless.
For newborns,
Children born in California after June 2023, regardless of their parents’ income, are granted $100.
Those born in the state between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, were awarded $25 before the seed deposit increased to $100.
Newborns get an additional $25 when they claim the account and an additional $50 if parents link the CalKIDS account to a new or existing ScholarShare 529 college savings account.
The California Department of Education determines eligibility based on students identified as low income under the state’s Local Control Funding Formula or English language learners. The California Department of Public Health provides information on newborns.
How can students use the money?
The money can be used at eligible higher education institutions across the country, including community colleges, universities, vocational or technical schools and professional schools, according to CalKIDS.
The funds can be used for: tuition and fees, books and supplies, on or off-campus room and board as well as computer or other required equipment, according to the CalKIDS program guide.
Click hereto search for schools that qualify as an eligible higher ed institution.
Does the CalKIDS account have restrictions similar to those for a 529 savings account?
CalKIDS accounts are a part of the ScholarShare 529 program — California’s official tax-advantaged college savings plan — and administered by the state’s ScholarShare Investment Board.
Transportation and travel costs are usually not considered qualified expenses for 529 savings accounts.
According to the guide for CalKIDS, if a student has no account balance with their higher education institution — which receives the CalKIDS distribution check — the institution can pay the funds directly to the student.
Does the money in the CalKIDS accounts earn interest?
The deposits grow over time because CalKIDS accounts are interest-bearing.
How aggressive that growth is depends on the age of the student, said Joe DeAnda, communications director with the California State Treasurer’s Office, which oversees the CalKIDS program.
“If it’s a newborn, (the seed deposits are) invested in a fairly aggressive portfolio that assumes 18 years of investing time,” DeAnda said. “If they are school-aged, they’re invested in a more conservative portfolio that assumes a shorter investing timeline and is a more secure portfolio.”
Even among students, the younger a child is, the more aggressive the savings portfolio will be. The investment provides “opportunity to grow savings while the child is younger and better safeguard savings against market fluctuations when the child nears college age,” according to the CalKIDS program guide.
Specifically, accounts for newborns, each new class of first graders and students in grades 1-5 during the 2021-22 school year are invested in a portfolio that corresponds to the year that they’re expected to enter a program after high school, or at age 18. The portfolio will become more conservative as the child gets older.
For students in grades 6-12 during the 2021-22 school year, the accounts are invested with a guaranteed, or fixed, rate of return on the investment.
Can I add to the account?
No, you cannot add money to the CalKIDS account. Parents or guardians can open a ScholarShare 529 account, which can be linked to the CalKIDS account so they can view the accounts in one place.
In fact, CalKIDS encourages families to open a ScholarShare 529 college savings account, which is a way for families to save even more money for their children, DeAnda said.
What if my student already graduated? What happens to unclaimed money?
The accounts remain active under a student’s name until the student turns 26 years old. Up until that age, students can claim the money.
If the account is not claimed by age 26, the account closes, and the money is reallocated to others in the CalKIDS program, DeAnda said.
What if I’m not sure if my child is considered low income?
CalKIDS has sent notification letters of program enrollment to over 3.3 million eligible students and nearly 270,000 students in last school year’s class of first graders.
Without the letters, to check student eligibility, families must enter students’ Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), a 10-digit number that appears on student transcripts or report cards, according to the CalKIDS website.
The California Department of Education provides CalKIDS with data on first graders in the late spring or early summer and asks parents to wait until then before checking for their child’s eligibility.
How do I access that SSID number to check eligibility or to register the account?
The SSID may be found on the parent’s or student’s school portal, transcript or report card.
The CalKIDS website instructs families to contact their child’s school or school district if they’re unsure of how or unable to locate the number.
How do I access or ‘claim’ the account?
The notification letter that CalKIDS sends families contains a unique CalKIDS Code that can be used to register the accounts. Even without the code, families can register the accounts.
Enter the county where the student was enrolled (for a student in grades 1-12 in the 2021-22 school year; for a first grader, where the student was enrolled in 2022-23 or subsequent years)
Enter student’s date of birth
Enter the SSID or CalKIDS Code from the notification letter
Click Register
Set up the account, either as the child or as the parent/guardian, with a username and password
To claim the newborn account, which should be available about 90 days after birth:
Visit the CalKIDS registration page to claim the account.
Enter the county where the child was born
Enter child’s date of birth
Enter the Local Registration Number on the child’s birth certificate or CalKIDS Code from the notification letter
Click Register
Set up the account, either as the child or as the parent/guardian, with a username and password
I still need help. How do I get additional support?
The CalKIDS team is also hosting an April 17 webinar to outline the program, eligibility, account registration, fund distribution and benefits. To sign up for the webinar, click here.
How does my high school graduate make a withdrawal to use the money?
According to the CalKIDS program guide, to request a distribution, log into the claimed CalKIDS account and request a distribution, which doesn’t have to be for the entire amount. The funds are tax-free for the qualified expenses of tuition, books, fees, computers and equipment.
The student must be at least 17 years old and enrolled at an eligible institution.
The CalKIDS money, which will be sent to the institution, is considered a scholarship from the state of California.
The former PG&E building at W 2nd and I Streets. Photo: City of Antioch
Instead of former Rivertown Resource Center after evicting 16 non-profit tenants two years ago
Will also discuss developing just-cause eviction ordinance to further protect renters, rally in support of ordinance to be held before the meeting
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting Tuesday, March 26, 2024, the Antioch City Council will consider spending $1.83 million to purchase the former PG&E building at 800 W. 2nd Street in downtown Rivertown, across from City Hall, for the new, Public Safety and Community Resources Department. In addition, the council will consider developing a just-cause eviction notice for renters.
Purchase of Former PG&E Building
According to the city staff report on agenda Item 5, if the council purchases the former PG&E building the City will use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to purchase the building. Staff is recommending the budgeted ARPA funds for the Public Safety and Community Resources Department building be used to complete purchase the property.
Questions were emailed to the mayor, council members, acting city manager and the city attorney asking why the city is purchasing the building instead of using the former Rivertown Resource Center, why take it off the tax rolls instead of allowing someone in the private sector to purchase it and use it for a business to attract more people to Rivertown, and will it only be used for the new department or will it also be used for city council members’ offices.
“I have no knowledge of it being used for city council offices. That would be news to me,” District 2 Councilmember Mike Barbanica stated. “If we obtain the building, no final decisions have been made about who is going in there.”
Asked why the city needs it he said, “Once we replace the 90-plus employees that we’re down, right now there isn’t office space for them inside City Hall. The room is definitely need it.”
No one else responded prior to publication time.
3/26/24 UPDATE: Acting City Manager Reed said the City has not sold the W. 10th Street building and Assistant Fire Chief Traci Dutter, Con Fire has expressed interest in purchasing it to expand Station 81 which is located next door. But they were waiting to hear back from the City.
Concept sketch of proposed new City department building at W. 10th and D Streets. Source: City of Antioch
Planned to Improve and Use Former Rivertown Resource Center Building
Last year, during their meeting on March 28th, the council gave direction to City staff to pursue a $9.7 million improvement plan for the building, including adding another floor. The 15,300 square-foot facility would have included a mini-plaza, event space, conference rooms and classrooms for residents to use.
Just-Cause Eviction Ordinance Discussion
Under Item 4, the council will receive a staff report on just cause eviction ordinances from other cities, provide feedback to staff and direct staff to either prepare a just cause eviction ordinance for the City of Antioch or take no further action.
Before the meeting a rally in support of an ordinance will be held at City Hall, organized by a variety of groups.
The regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 200 H Street in downtown Rivertown. The council will first hold a special meeting at 5:00 p.m. for a workshop on eminent domain entitled, “Property Acquisitions: The Condemnation Process” by an attorney from the law firm BBK. That will be followed by a Closed Session to discuss two lawsuits against the City and recruitment of a new city manager. See the complete meeting agenda.
By Acting Sgt. Kristian Palma #6286, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
On Sunday March 24, 2024, at approximately 11:15 AM, Antioch Police officers responded to the rear of the 5700 block of Slatten Ranch Road for a reported body floating in the creek. When officers arrived, they located a 38-year-old male deceased and submerged in the water. The cause of death is unknown.
The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. The cause of death is pending an autopsy from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Gragg at (925) 779-6975 or by emailing rgragg@antiochca.gov. Anonymous tips or information about this – or any other incident – can be sent via text to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword ANTIOCH.
Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe with seniors and participating in the Young at Heart Fall Prevention exercise class for the Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s #SaveLunch program at the Antioch Senior Center as part of the organization’s Community Champions Week 2024. Photos: MoW Diablo Region
Part of National #SaveLunch initiative to help fight senior hunger, isolation in Antioch across Contra Costa County, and country
By Skylar Schaefer, Communications Specialist, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region
Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe joined Meals on Wheels Diablo Region for Community Champions Week 2024 to bring attention to the important work the nonprofit does for older adults in the Antioch community. The mayor participated in a Young at Heart Fall Prevention exercise class and encouraged the participation of nearly 20 seniors!
The mayor had an opportunity to see the impact Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has on Antioch’s older residents when he participated in a ‘Young at Heart’ Fall Prevention exercise class as part of the #SaveLunch initiative. Led by Meals on Wheels America, this nationwide initiative is designed to rally communities around our senior neighbors and protect the essential services that enable so many to remain healthy and independent at home. Across the country this week, Meals on Wheels programs have enlisted elected officials, community influencers and other prominent figures to deliver meals, speak out for seniors and raise awareness for the power of Meals on Wheels. Mayor Thorpe joined a class of roughly 20 seniors at the Antioch Senior Center and learned exercise techniques to improve strength and balance at any age!
“Last year, MOW Diablo Region delivered over 700,000 meals! That is 100% increase since before the pandemic and we are on track to deliver even more this year,” said Sherry Nadworny, MOW Diablo Region Director of Development & Community Relations. “This is an important time for our elected officials to see the impact of our work as federal Covid-stimulus funding will end in September. MOW Diablo Region is committed to keeping our seniors nourished and more connected to our community through this challenging time and beyond.”
As a full-service organization, we at Meals on Wheels Diablo Region are dedicated to addressing all the needs of the seniors we serve. In addition to meal delivery, we provide exercise and fall prevention classes, home safety modifications, elder abuse prevention, and much more. MOW Diablo Region is the only Meals on Wheels that delivers both meals and services to seniors in Contra Costa County.
National #SaveLunch efforts in March will commemorate the historic day in March of 1972 when the Older Americans Act was amended to include a nutrition program for Americans 60 years and older. More than 50 years later, 12 million older Americans are still threatened by or experience hunger, and one in three seniors feels lonely. That is why Meals on Wheels programs from across the country are joining forces to raise awareness and support to ensure we can continue to address food insecurity and malnutrition, combat social isolation, enable independence and improve health for decades to come.
“We commend all of our 2024 Community Champions for stepping up to ensure that Meals on Wheels is there for all of our senior neighbors in need,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “In the face of soaring demand and costs that surpass our current resources, we need to come together as communities to bridge the gaps. We can’t do it alone – it takes all of us to save lunch for our seniors.”
For more information on how you can volunteer, contribute, or speak out for the seniors in Antioch and around Contra Costa County this March, visit mowdiabloregion.org.
About Meals on Wheels Diablo Region:
For more than 50 years, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has improved the lives of vulnerable seniors in Contra Costa County by delivering nutritious meals and supportive services that allow seniors to remain in their homes safely and with dignity. Programs include home-delivered meals, Breakfast Bags, Grocery Bags, Fall Prevention, Cafés, Care Management, Friendly Visitors, Health and Wellness, and more.
About Meals on Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a trusted volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety and much more. By providing funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time.
Ramello Darryl Randle and the guns recovered by police. Photos by APD
For shooting, killing 24-year-old mother of his childfollowing 2022 mistrial
During second trial suspect stabs his own attorney, threatened to murder jurors
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California – A jury in Martinez found a 28-year-old Oakland resident guilty of murder, conspiracy to commit a crime, possessing an assault weapon, and shooting at a motor vehicle in Antioch on June 27th, 2020.
Ramello Darryl Randle (born 7/13/95) was initially charged in 2020 by the District Attorney’s Office for these offenses. However, Judge Charles Burch declared a mistrial in 2022 due to Randle’s disruptive outbursts in court. The case was refiled by the District Attorney’s Office and heard by Judge John W. Kennedy.
Despite a melee on March 19th that Randle started in the courtroom – which resulted in injuring Randle’s attorney and assault towards the prosecutor – the trial concluded on March 21st. After deliberations, a jury reached guilty verdicts on all counts of fatally shooting 24-year-old Jonaye Lahkel Bridges and injuring her friend. According to prosecutors, Randle meticulously planned the attack by placing a tracking device on Bridges’ car, tracing her movements to a convenience store in Antioch. Subsequently, he approached the vehicle and unleashed a barrage of bullets from a pistol equipped with an extended magazine.
Deputy District Attorney Kevin Bell said, “Jonaye Bridges was the young mother of two children, including the two-month-old son that she shared with Mr. Randle – and he took her life in a senseless and heinous crime. He did so, in part, with the misguided belief in technology as a shield for his actions. But that technology only led to his downfall.”
As previously reported, Randle and Bridges were in a dating relationship. She and an intentionally unnamed 27-year-old male were in a vehicle together in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven, located at 2301 Buchanan Road in Antioch. Randle saw the two victims together in the vehicle. Randle approached the vehicle on foot and fired multiple rounds into the vehicle with a semi-automatic pistol. Bridges suffered several gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. The unnamed male suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and later released.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, nine-inch, 185-pound green-eyed, non-Hispanic Randle, who is listed as Black by Vinelink, is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility.
He will be sentenced on April 19th in Department 8 in Martinez at 8:30 am.
Case No: 04-200034-7 | The People of the State of California v. Randle, Ramello Darryl
Before, During & After Wilbur Avenue homeless encampment cleanup. Campers and vehicles on March 4, 2024. Source: Video screenshot courtesy of ContraCosta.news. RV towed and City of Antioch workers during clean up on March 19, 2024. Photos courtesy of Mike Burkholder. Photos following the cleanup. Source: City of Antioch.
“No other areas were suggested for them in Antioch or elsewhere.” – Acting City Manager Kwame Reed
Homeless advocates not happy they weren’t notified to be there to help the residents
“…they have just displaced these souls with absolutely no solution as to where they should go” – Nichole Gardner
By Allen D. Payton
On Tuesday morning, March 19, 2024, City of Antioch staff cleared out 70 vehicles and “approximately 100” people from the eastern end of Wilbur Avenue near Hwy 160, between the power plant and vineyards.
A post on the City’s Facebook page reads, “Teaming up to revitalize our community.
Today, numerous City departments partnered to clean up Wilbur Avenue. With a coordinated effort that included our Code Enforcement team, Police Department, Public Works, Public Safety & Community Resources Department, the Angelo Quinto Crisis Response Team (AQCRT), Parking Enforcement, and Antioch Animal Services the Wilbur Avenue area has been abated. In total, 70 vehicles were cleared, and support services were offered to people and pets at the location. Together, we can make a difference!
We would also like to thank our Contra Costa County partners for their support leading up to today.”
Questions were emailed Tuesday after work hours to Public Safety and Community Resources Department Tasha Johnson and Unhoused Resident Coordinator Jazmin Ridley. They were asked how many individuals were living there and how many of them were school-aged children.
They were also asked if another location in Antioch or elsewhere has been offered for the motorhomes and campers. Finally, they were asked what “support services were offered to people and pets at the location” as written in the post. But neither responded. On Wednesday, the questions were then sent again to them and Acting City Manager Kwame Reed.
On Friday, March 22, Reed responded there were “approximately 100” people moved from the Wilbur Avenue encampment. But he shared that information on the number of school-aged children “was not tracked.”
Reed also said, “No other areas were suggested for them in Antioch or elsewhere.” Yet, “over the past 2-3 weeks, staff in association with the Care Team and County’s CORE (Coordinated Outreach Referral, Engagement) Team, visited the location to provide assistance.”
The Antioch Care Team (ACT) was formed in 2021 “to reduce non‐warrant arrests that result during a 911 response; reduce the number of individuals transported to the emergency department for non-life threatening medical-related issues that could instead be addressed in a prehospital care setting; and reduce the number of behavioral health and lower acuity medical calls traditionally responded to by Police and Fire.”
It’s now referred to as the AQCRT.
Advocates Not Happy They Weren’t Informed
In addition, local volunteer homeless advocates, Andrew Becker and Nichole Gardner were asked if they were aware of the cleanup before it occurred and for their comments on the City’s efforts.
Gardner responded, “No. It was unfortunate too because our team would have gladly helped with making sure that the folks that were there knew that the city was clearing out the area (if they did not receive a proper notice) and would have been there to support by supplying bags and helping them pack up their belongings. We could have also provided food, drinks and supplies as it takes a physical toll on folks having to move everything they had on short notice.”
“We know that these sweeps that the city does causes emotional and physical trauma to people in encampments who are dealing with mental illness and hoarding disorders,” she continued. “We have seen individuals break down in tears because they are so emotionally attached to their items.”
“One of the lieutenants at APD used to call us to let us know when there would be a big sweep such as this, we were surprised that he did not reach out after knowing such a large sweep was going to take place,” Gardner shared. “I was told that APD was there which I was confused about because we have the Mental Health Crisis Response team (purple people) for a reason. There was no crime being committed so therefore I don’t know why we are wasting police resources on clearing out encampments, especially when we are lacking so many officers. “
“I am not naïve to think that this area did not need a good cleaning,” she stated. “Some people in encampments tend to suffer from hoarding disorders and hoard things that others consider garbage, but I am disappointed that when these clean ups take place, they not only don’t have a place for people to go for shelter but no safe parking lot for these RV’s. What is more upsetting is that they show up with tow trucks to tow away the only place that they call home and leave them to be in the elements without shelter.”
“It was sickening seeing the City Facebook page about how they cleared the area. The city bragged about cleaning up the area to appease the community members while forgetting that they have just displaced these souls with absolutely no solution as to where they should go,” the local homeless advocate said. “We need a safe parking lot for these RV’s with staff to be sure that they are maintained and people are not bringing in anything that does not fit in their RV.”
“If the city spent more time focusing on being proactive by putting money into mental health, affordable housing, shelters, and safe parking with porta potties and dumpsters and stop spending hundreds of thousands of dollars a year into cleaning up encampments all over the city we wouldn’t be in this situation,” Gardner added.
Becker responded, “I was not aware of the abatement that took place, no notice was given by the City to advocates, locally. We had multiple conversations with the City, previously regarding abatements. We had been told we would be notified as well as CORE.”
“When I arrived at the site at 12:30 pm, 90% of the individuals and their property had been removed,” he continued. “CORE was not on site, only APD and neighboring law enforcement agencies. Beyond the update the City posted online, I have no knowledge of what resources were made available. I also do not know whether individuals’ items were stored or disposed of. There were no alternative temporary encampment locations made available to the residents to my knowledge.”
Later, in response to the information provided by Reed, Becker asked, “Does that assistance mean placement? How many of those people were placed?”
“There were limited services. They said Animal Services was out there. But I had to wrangle two chickens, myself and took them to Animal Services,” he added.
