Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Hayward man arrested for mayhem, aggravated assault in blinding eye of Antioch fast food worker

Monday, December 5th, 2022

Isaac White-Carter. Booking photo by APD

U.S. Marshals assist; suspect arrested last year and earlier this year for battery and threats

By Public Information Officer Ashley Crandell, Support Services Division, Antioch Police Department

Isaac White-Carter caught on surveillance camera at Habit Burger Grill on Nov. 12, 2022.

On November 12, 2022, at approximately 5:25 pm, the Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center began receiving calls of an assault that occurred at The Habit Burger Grill located at 2430 Mahogany Way in Antioch. Officers learned an employee was punched in the face multiple times after protecting an individual with an intellectual disability from being bullied. The victim lost her right eye because of the incident.

Our Investigations Bureau worked tirelessly to identify and locate the suspect over the last several weeks. Through that ongoing investigation, Isaac White-Carter, a 20-year-old resident of Hayward, was identified as the assailant. Antioch Police Department Special Operations Unit detectives worked in collaboration with the United States Marshalls Service (USMS) to locate Mr. White-Carter. USMS Agents with the Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested White-Carter in Hayward, California, this morning and turned him over to Antioch Police detectives. He has been arrested for the felony charges of mayhem and aggravated assault causing great bodily injury.  Detectives will be presenting their case to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

We want to thank the Contra County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Marshalls Service, and members of the community who came forward to assist with this investigation.

During a press conference on Monday afternoon, Dec. 5, Detective John Cox shared that the victim will be helped by the Victims of Violent Crimes through the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. He also shared that White-Carter is known to Antioch Police and that he was arrested last year.

According to localcrimenews.com, White-Carter was arrested by Concord Police on August 31, 2021, for 243(A) – battery on a person and 422(A) – threats of violence. He was again arrested on March 14, this year for 243(E)(1) – battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse and
422 – threats of violence.

Surveillance video screenshot of incident at Habit Burger Gril on Nov. 12, 2022.

The members of the Antioch Police Department express their support and gratitude to the victim for helping a community member in need.

If anyone has further information pertaining to the case, please contact Detective John Cox at jcox@antiochca.gov. You can also text an anonymous tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword ANTIOCH.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Fatal traffic collision in Antioch claims life of 41-year-old man Sunday

Monday, December 5th, 2022

Photo by Daryl Miller.

By Sergeant Rob Green, Antioch Police Traffic Unit

On Sunday, December 4, 2022, at 10:03 AM, the Antioch Police Department responded to a report of a collision at the eastern intersection of James Donlon Blvd. and Silverado Drive. The collision involved two vehicles and one of the vehicles was overturned. One person, a 41-year-old male, was ejected from the overturned vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel. The driver and passenger of the other involved vehicle received medical attention at a local hospital for complaints of pain.

The Antioch Traffic Unit is in the preliminary stages of the investigation and have not yet determined the cause of the collision. This is an ongoing and active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact the Antioch Police Department Traffic Unit at (925) 779-6864, or email Officer Blumberg at fblumberg@antiochca.gov.

We offer our deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragic event.

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.

Following hand ballot count Torres-Walker beats Motts by 3 votes in Antioch Council race

Friday, December 2nd, 2022

Re-elected Antioch District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker and the final results of the election from the Contra Costa County Elections Division.

8 of the challenged ballots were not cured; results now certified; possible recount could be costly

“I don’t think I can do this without you…I want to partner with you” – Torres-Walker to Motts

Joy Motts and Tamisha Torres-Walker hug and speak following the hand ballot count on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. Photo by Allen D. Payton

By Allen D. Payton

After waiting weeks for the ballot counting to be completed, including a hand count, a change in the lead then a tie as of last Wednesday, Nov. 23, and 19 challenged ballots that required curing, the Antioch City Council race in District 1 has been decided. Incumbent Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker beat challenger and former Councilwoman Jot Motts by just three votes. The final results according to the Contra Costa County Elections Division Torres-Walker ends with 1,467 or 34.36% and Motts has 1,464 votes or 34.29 percent of the vote. Diane Gibson-Gray ended the race with 1,339 votes or 31.26% to round out the close contest.

Following the hand count of the ballots at the county elections office on Thursday, the two candidates who were waiting and watching the hand count at the county elections office, along with one supporter, each, made brief comments, hugged and spoke with each other.

“It’s been a long haul,” Torres-Walker said with a laugh.

Speaking with Motts she said, “I don’t think I can do this without you. You love Antioch and I want to partner with you. I don’t know what people downtown want. You do. I want you to tell me, advise me and I want to work with you.”

A disappointed Motts agreed to then said about the election results and the hand ballot count, “I really appreciate they did this, that they took the extra time.”

Elections Services Specialist Evan Ayers (right) collects counted ballots from Elections Division staff during a hand count on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. Photo by Allen D. Payton

Possible Recount Could Be Costly, 8 Challenged Ballots Not Cured

Regarding questions and discussions by some Antioch residents and others of a recount with the results so close, Assistant Registrar of Voters Helen Nolan said, “Anyone can ask for a recount, but they have to be willing to front the money to pay for it. The daily cost is anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000. It depends on the method the requester wants.”

“Yesterday, we used printed images of every ballot,” she explained. “A recount would not be dissimilar. We could use the images of the ballots which would take less time and cost less. The most expensive way and would take the longest time is if we have to pull the paper ballots from the stored ballots. That’s because we don’t store them by precinct anymore. They’re stored in batches as they came in. So, among the 1.3 million ballot pages from this election we’d have to find 4,500 ballots with the District 1 election votes on them.”

“If the election is overturned, they receive a refund,” she added.

Asked what difference another hand ballot count would make Nolan responded, “It wouldn’t. We’d be looking at the same ballots as we did, yesterday.”

However, during Thursday’s hand count the elections staff used copies of images of the ballots that had been scanned into the machines, not the actual ballots.

Elections Division Voting Systems Manager Travis Ebbert showed those watching yesterday’s count “three ballots that were adjudicated and required a human to make the decision,” Nolan explained. “We separate them by votes and anything you can’t tell they’re adjudicated and the vote determined. The two included votes for both candidates but the person had marked it out. That removed one vote each. The third one was either an overvote or it could have been a vote for either candidate and Tamisha still wins.”

“We went through all the ballots including the 11 out of the 19 challenged ballots were cured since Nov. 23,” she continued. “The other eight ballots remain challenged.”

“We didn’t get a letter back and we weren’t able to cure them,” Nolan stated. “Those were not counted, nor will those ballots be opened during a recount.”

“We’re required to keep everything for this election for 22 months,” she shared.

Asked about the latest vote totals on the Elections Division website Nolan said, “Those are the final numbers. We will be certifying them, today. But those numbers will not change.”

Results Certified

In a press release Friday afternoon, it was announced that Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar Debi Cooper certified the results of the November 8, 2022 General Election today.

“Our elections team has once again administered an accurate, transparent, safe and secure election for Contra Costa County.  This team of expert staff made a very complicated and technical process look easy – it isn’t,” Cooper said. “I am proud of this talented group, who make democracy happen for Contra Costa voters and provide incredible service.  This includes: permanent staff, temporary workers, poll workers, and volunteers. I want to thank each of them for their hard work and civic service.  It is my honor and privilege to certify my last election as the head of this department.”

The Elections Division conducted the canvass to complete the official count of all qualified ballots and to perform audits to verify the tabulation equipment performed as intended.

The purpose of the canvass accomplishes four primary tasks: ensuring that every eligible ballot is counted, that voters only voted once, that proper procedures were followed, and that the vote tabulation system counted ballots properly.

The final turnout for this Primary Election totaled 394,153 ballots cast, representing 56.15% of the 701,969 registered voters of Contra Costa County.

The final official report for this election is now posted on the Contra Costa County Elections website at www.contracostavote.gov.

D.A. Becton explains charging decision of suspect in Antioch robbery homicide of store clerk

Friday, December 2nd, 2022

Based “on a legal and factual determination — and not an elective, optional, or discretionary one.”

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton issued the following statement on the charging decision of Ronald Benjamin Jackson, III who was arrested for robbing an Antioch gas station convenience store and killing the clerk, James Williams while exchanging gunfire on Sunday morning, Nov. 26. (See related articles here and here)

“The family, friends, and loved ones of James Williams are understandably devastated by the shocking news of his death in a gun battle at the Chevron station in Antioch on November 26th — where he worked as a store clerk. Our sympathies and condolences go out to those closest to him.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office declined to file murder charges in this case solely on a legal and factual determination — and not an elective, optional, or discretionary one. It was based upon an established law that clearly states a person cannot pursue another to retrieve stolen property once the threat of bodily injury or harm to the victim has subsided.

The video evidence of the incident clearly shows Ronald Benjamin Jackson, III, and another suspect exiting the Chevron station convenience store after the robbery and running from the scene. Mr. Williams is also seen in the video footage leaving the Chevron station store with a firearm while running after the robbers. Mr. Williams then fired upon Mr. Jackson, hitting him in the leg while he was fleeing and causing him to fall to the ground. Mr. Williams continued to approach Mr. Jackson with his firearm pointing at him when Mr. Jackson fired shots at Williams hitting him twice. Once in the chest and in the leg.

In the eyes of the law, Mr. Williams’ actions ceased to be self-defense when Mr. Williams pursued Mr. Jackson and the other suspect with a firearm — and continued to pursue Mr. Jackson after he shot him.

The legal distinction is clear: when your property and life are being threatened, an individual is legally justified in using deadly force in self-defense. However, once the threat of harm has dissipated, the victim of a property crime cannot then use deadly force to reclaim stolen property.

However, the reality of Mr. Williams’ tragic death will be a substantial factor in the DA’s position in asking for greater penalties in the sentencing of the defendants.

Diana Becton, District Attorney of Contra Costa County”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Deer Valley, Diablo Vista Elementary locked down Friday due to report of weapon on high school’s campus

Friday, December 2nd, 2022

By Allen D. Payton

Both Deer Valley High School and nearby Diablo Vista Elementary were placed on lock down due to the report of a weapon on the high school’s campus Friday. But the report turned out to be false and normal schedules at both schools have resumed and police officers remain in the vicinity.

According to Antioch Unified School District Superintendent Stephanie Anello, the following messages were sent to parents and staff:

This is Mr. Lewis, Principal of Deer Valley High School. A short time ago, an individual claiming to be a Deer Valley student called the Antioch Police Department and reported that a non-student was on campus with what appeared to be a weapon. Officers were immediately dispatched, and the school initiated a lockdown. APD and administration conducted a thorough search of the campus using officers and a drone. No individual was located on campus matching the description given by the alleged student. We have also confirmed that there is no student at Deer Valley with the name the alleged student gave to APD. At this time, APD has lifted the lockdown and students are resuming their normal schedules. Out of an abundance of caution, APD will have officers in the vicinity of the school for the remainder of the school day. As always, please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions, etc. Thank you for your support.

“Good afternoon,

This is Ms. Bausola, Principal of Diablo Vista. A short time ago, an individual claiming to be a Deer Valley student called the Antioch Police Department and reported that a non-student was on campus with what appeared to be a weapon. Officers were immediately dispatched and the school initiated a lockdown. Out of an abundance of caution, Diablo Vista initiated a lockdown as well. Both APD and administration did a thorough search of the campuses.  No individual was located on either campus matching the description given by the alleged Deer Valley student who called APD. At this time, APD has lifted the lockdown and students are resuming their normal schedules. Out of an abundance of caution, APD will have officers in the vicinity of the school for the remainder of the school day. As always, please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions, etc. Thank you for your support.”

 

One of two suspects arrested in robbery, shooting death of Antioch gas station clerk

Thursday, December 1st, 2022

Multiple yellow markers show locations of bullet casings as Antioch police responded to the robbery and shooting at a Chevron station on Sunday morning, Nov. 26, 2022. Photo courtesy of Art Ray

Clerk identified, shot first; police seek second unidentified suspect

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Police Department announced on Wednesday the arrest of Ronald Jackson, Jr. for the robbery and shooting death of a Chevron gas station and convenience store clerk in Antioch on Sunday morning, Nov. 26.

The Investigations Bureau presented this case to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, and he has been charged with robbery, possession of stolen property, and a firearm enhancement.

The department’s new public information officer, Ashley Crandell identified the clerk as 36-year-old James Williams of Antioch. He was shot while exchanging gunfire with the two suspects.

According to Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office PIO Ted Asregadoo, “gunfire was exchanged, one suspect is in the hospital and an arrest warrant with charges for second degree robbery (PC211), receiving stolen property with a value over $950 (PC496A) and an enhancement (PC12022.53B) for personal use of a firearm in a robbery was filed with the court today (Wednesday).”

Crandell confirmed there were two suspects and the one in the hospital is suffering from gunshot wounds. The other suspect who police have not yet identified is still at large. She confirmed the clerk shot first as the suspects were leaving the convenience store.

During a press conference Wednesday night, Crandell said, “Williams chased after the suspects in the parking lot and shot after both of the suspects.” He hit Jackson in the leg and “Jackson then returned fired striking our victim, James Williams in the chest and the leg.” Williams “was pronounced deceased at the scene after going back into the gas station where he had collapsed.”

“Mr. Jackson showed up at a house in the 2800 block of Seville Circle where that resident had called the police – approximately 12 minutes after the incident – and advised that someone had been shot there. We also responded to that location and Mr. Jackson was transported to a local hospital where he is still being treated for his injuries. He is in stable condition at that hospital.”

“The second suspect has not yet been identified but he has been described as an unknown raced male wearing red clothing. We do not have a vehicle description at this time to provide,” she added.

She said the police will not release, at this time, how many shots were fired in the parking lot.

The suspect is known to the Antioch Police Department, but Crandell would not share any additional details.

“We do have surveillance video, but we are not releasing it at this time,” she stated.

The suspects “took some kind of U.S. currency,” but Crandell wouldn’t say how much. When asked if both suspects are Antioch residents she said, “that we are not going confirm that at this time.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441, or Detective Adam Duffy at (925) 779-6890 or aduffy@antiochca.gov. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

East County Today contributed to this report.

Antioch residents celebrated for turning 102, 103

Wednesday, November 30th, 2022

Amelia Smith turned 102 on Oct. 8 and Maurice Lynch turned 103 on Nov. 5, 2022. Photos courtesy of TreVista Antioch

Offer their keys to long life

By Elena Patchin, TreVista Senior Living Antioch

Amelia Smith

Our Amelia Smith turned 102 on October 8, 2022. She was born Amelia Lopes on October 8, 1920, in Vacaville. The family moved in 1936 to Brentwood where they bought an almond farm. She worked in the farm’s store and was the only sibling who graduated from Liberty High School in 1940.

Amelia married Buzz Smith who also worked in the farm during World War II. They had a daughter in 1948. Amelia is a grandmother and great-grandmother.

Asked her what the secret of long life, Amelia replied “work hard for the people you love and love them with all your heart.”

Then on November 5, Antioch resident Maurice Lynch turned 103 years old. He was born on November 5, 1919 and is a long-time Antioch resident.

Maurice Lynch

Before his birthday, we asked Maurice what he wanted for this special birthday? He said he wanted to see his daughter who lives out of state, moreover, that he wanted to celebrate his birthday with the whole family at Smith’s Landing in Antioch.

Well, this incredible organization called An Elderly Wish Foundation heard about Maurice’s wish and they made it happen! They brought his daughter and the rest of the family to him, treating everyone to an amazing dinner at Smith’s Landing to celebrate his 103rd birthday. He was over the moon.

He told us that his goal is to reach 105. When we asked him what the key to a long life is, he said, “love your family, work hard, and be kind to others.”

Way to go Maurice! A big thanks to An Elderly Wish Foundation for making this birthday a night to remember.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Cashier shot, killed during “botched robbery” of Antioch gas station early Saturday morning

Saturday, November 26th, 2022

Police seek suspect(s)

By Lieutenant John Fortner, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, at approximately 02:05 AM, the Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center received an emergency call from 2701 Contra Loma Boulevard. The call was from an employee at the Extra Mile convenience store in the Chevron gas station reporting a person had been shot.

Several Antioch police officers responded to the scene and found a male down on the floor, just inside the convenience store, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Officers began to administer first-aid and called for Fire Department and AMR paramedics to respond.

Despite the live-saving efforts of first responders, the victim, a 36-year-old cashier, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Officers at the scene were able to determine that the victim was an employee-clerk at the service station and was held-up at gunpoint during what appears to be a “botched robbery.” The suspect(s) fled on-foot from the scene and have not been located.

Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes and Special Operations Units, responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.

Currently, detectives are interviewing witnesses in the area and are working to identify all the parties involved to include suspects or persons-of-interest. The investigation is still active, and evidence is being collected.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441, or Detective Duffy at (925) 779-6890 / aduffy@antiochca.gov. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.