Burglary suspect Candace Danielle Ternes was arrested by Antioch Police on Monday, May 18, 2026. Photos: Left from 2025 courtesy of Candace Ternes. Right by Antioch PD
20th arrest since 2014, already out of custody
Suspect says she was doing laundry at vacant house with permission from a friend who was remodeling it
By Allen D. Payton
According to the Antioch Police Department, Officer Alejandro Loroño investigated a burglary case earlier this week involving a family with three children and identified the suspect using surveillance video. During proactive enforcement efforts in the Sycamore Corridor, Officer Marcos Molina located the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop at the corner of Banyan Way and Sycamore Drive. The driver, who was identified as the burglary suspect, confessed to the crime.
Officers also recovered bolt cutters believed to have been used during the burglary. The investigation and apprehension were the result of collaborative work between Officers Loroño and Molina.
Photos: Antioch PD
According to Antioch PD CitizenRIMS, the suspect’s name is Candace Danielle Ternes, age 41, White, five-feet, two inches tall and 135 pounds. Her hair is brown and eyes are hazel colored. She was arrested on Monday May 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM.
Ternes faces a charge of 459 Pc: Burglary: second degree – burglary/breaking and entering (Felony). Case Number: 26-4523.
Ternes Gives Her Side of the Story
UPDATE: Ternes contacted the Herald and offered her side of the story, denying she committed burglary.
“The home was vacant that my friend, who lives four doors down, was remodeling. He said I could do laundry there because I have a court date this week. They have surveillance video of me leaving and I didn’t have anything in my hands,” Ternes said when reached for comment. “I even talked to a neighbor when walking out. So, he’s a witness that all I had in my hands was my purse.”
“I parked right in front of the house,” she added. “I spoke to the neighbors and gave them my name. But I noticed one neighbor was calling the cops on me, so, I wasn’t able to do my laundry.”
“There was nothing to burglarize. The house was empty,” Ternes stated.
“About the bolt cutters, I have many tools in my toolbox that are just there,” she explained. “I use them if I have to replace a section of the chain link fence at a church where I’m the groundskeeper.”
According to localcrimenews.com, Ternes has a history of 20 arrests dating back to 2014 by multiple agencies for crimes including burglary, petty theft, shoplifting, receiving or concealing stolen property, taking a vehicle without owner’s consent, drug possession and driving with license suspended for drunk driving.
“I’ve been clean and sober for 10 years. The arrest in 2023 was for a warrant from 2014 that caught up to me because it was under my maiden name. But I fought that and won,” Ternes added.
A Facebook post by the Concord Police Department on March 7, 2017, reads, “Recently, a family had their home burglarized in the Northern District of Concord. The suspects stole several sentimental items including ashes from a deceased relative, a wedding ring, WWII memorabilia, and the family car. As you can imagine the victims were sick over it. Later that day, officers found the stolen vehicle and arrested Seyyed Mirlohi and Candace Ternes.
“Financial Crimes Detectives discovered the suspects had a storage shed in a neighboring city and did a probation search on the shed. Detectives located all of the stolen property and returned the items back to the victim.
“Mirlohi is facing charges for 10851-VC and 496(a)-PC and Ternes is facing charges for 459-PC, 10851-VC, 11364-HS, and 11377-HS. We are thankful that we were able to get these irreplaceable items returned to the family and we appreciate the wonderful partnership we have with this community.”
$1.97 million will benefit Antioch, Oakley to improve commute times, reduce delays and ease congestion
$1.1 million for CC District Attorney’s Office to fight organized retail theft, labor trafficking
By Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier
Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that he secured over $16 million for community projects across Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. These projects will support public health and safety, transportation accessibility and community development, and environmental protection and sustainability in California’s 10th Congressional District.
Each year, Congress provides Member-directed federal funding to a select number of community projects through the appropriations process. Under this process, each House member is allowed to submit 15 project requests on behalf of their Congressional District to the Appropriations Committee that meet the criteria set forth by the Committee.
“From lowering everyday costs for families to bolstering traffic safety to increasing access to public, recreational spaces, these projects will improve quality of life in our community, and I am proud to have fought for and secured the funding that will make them possible,” said DeSaulnier. “I am grateful for the partnership of our local governments and organizations in developing such thoughtful projects.”
Transportation Accessibility and Community Development Projects:
$1,970,010 for the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) to upgrade and develop a network of smart traffic signals between Antioch and Oakley to improve commute times, reduce delays and ease congestion.
$1,200,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to create a separate bike path to fill a gap in the County-wide bicycle network along Marsh Drive in unincorporated Pacheco, which will improve safety for all road users and access to local commercial centers, recreational centers, and additional connections to the local mass transit system.
$1,000,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to construct bicycle and pedestrian facilities on Treat Boulevard in the Contra Costa Centre Transit Village in Walnut Creek to close a critical gap along the Iron Horse Regional Trail, which would improve safety for non-motorized road users and improve connectivity for first and last mile connections to public transit and local commercial establishments.
$850,000 for the Town of Danville to install fiber optic cables and construct new conduit and junction boxes for 54 traffic signals in Danville to enable real-time traffic signal optimization to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety, and allow for future implementation of smart city technologies.
$850,000 for the City of Dublin to improve safety and accessibility of Village Parkway by narrowing vehicle lanes, adding lighting, and constructing buffered bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and protected intersections.
$850,000 for the East Bay Regional Park District to construct visitor facilities such as restrooms, drinking fountains, public parking areas, and a turnout lane on Bailey Road to allow for the Thurgood Marshall Regional Park to be opened up to the public.
Public Health and Safety Projects:
$1,915,000 for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) to replace and install equipment, including backup generators, shore power plugs, and automatic transfer switches, at radio towers across Contra Costa County that are used for communication between law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services to improve system reliability during emergencies and disasters that result in the loss of power.
$1,145,144 for the Diablo Water District to provide structural and foundational reinforcements to water infrastructure to mitigate risks associated with major seismic events, safeguard water supply, and contribute to the region’s overall disaster preparedness strategy.
$1,034,487 for the City of Concord to make improvements to the Emergency Operations Center in Concord to ensure its longevity, efficiency, and resilience as it serves as a critical hub for bolstering regional preparedness, response, and recovery efforts during emergencies and disasters.
$1,000,000 for the City of Walnut Creek to purchase 120 body worn cameras, charging docks, and equipment to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust in the police department.
$600,000 for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to create an Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Prevention and Prosecution Unit with the goal of addressing increased levels of retail theft crimes, helping local law enforcement better confront these types of crimes, and improving public safety.
$500,000 for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to enhance the identification and referral of survivors of labor trafficking and cases of labor trafficking occurring in the County, increase the capacity of the District Attorney’s Office to investigate cases of labor exploitation and trafficking, and improve the quality and scope of services provided to underserved and marginalized victims of human trafficking.
Environmental Protection and Sustainability Projects:
$2,000,000 to the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) to construct a battery system to allow the agency to charge its zero emission buses overnight, and provide a source of power to maintain operations during emergencies.
$1,092,000 to the Central Conta Costa Sanitary District (Central San) to upgrade the water treatment facility’s ultraviolet (UV) technology to reduce the energy footprint of water treatment and protect public health and water quality in the region.
$273,000 for the Marine Mammal Center to help build scientific literacy and environmental stewardship of the coastal zone for 2,700 students and their teachers in Contra Costa County and to develop a pipeline for the future STEM workforce.
“Federal Community Project Funding for Organized Retail Theft Prevention is an investment in safer communities and a stronger justice system. These resources empower my office to hold offenders accountable, disrupt organized criminal enterprises, and protect the businesses and residents that help our county thrive,” said Diana Becton, District Attorney, Contra Costa County. “Supporting the Healing and Justice for Labor Trafficking Survivors Project honors the resilience of survivors and reinforces the commitment to justice with compassion. This funding will expand critical services, remove barriers to recovery, and ensure that trafficking survivors have the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”
“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for securing this federal investment for the Antioch and Oakley Smart Signals Project. These upgrades will improve safety and make travel more reliable for everyone. They also complement CCTA’s countywide effort to modernize intersections across every city and town in Contra Costa County, building a more connected signal network that helps traffic flow and improves safety regionwide as more locations come online,” said Darlene Gee, Chair of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Board of Commissioners.
“We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for his leadership and support of our Community Project Funding request, which will allow us to strengthen and modernize the emergency power infrastructure that supports the East Bay Regional Communications System. This investment will fund the replacement and installation of critical equipment at radio tower sites throughout Contra Costa County. These improvements will significantly enhance the reliability of the public safety radio network for firefighters, emergency medical services, and all first responders serving Contra Costa County and northern Alameda County, particularly during emergencies and disasters that include power outages. Congressman DeSaulnier’s continued advocacy helps ensure we have the dependable infrastructure to protect and serve our communities,” said Lewis Broschard, former Fire Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.
“The Town of Danville is deeply grateful to Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and his dedicated staff for their steadfast support in securing federal funding for our Townwide Fiber Project. This critical investment will modernize our traffic infrastructure, creating smarter, safer, and more efficient streets for everyone in our community. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership to deliver these transformative improvements,” said Mayor Newell Arnerich, Town of Danville.
“Central San is grateful for the leadership and support of Congressman DeSaulnier in securing Community Project Funding for our UV Disinfection Replacement Project. This funding will allow us to modernize critical wastewater infrastructure, improve system resilience, and ensure continued compliance with regulatory standards. By transitioning to a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient UV disinfection system, we expect to reduce energy demand by up to 60 percent while enhancing reliability for the communities we serve,” said Roger Bailey, General Manager of Central Conta Costa Sanitary District (Central San).
“This funding is a powerful investment in the next generation of ocean stewards,” said Jeff Boehm, Chief External Relations Officer at The Marine Mammal Center. “Through our Ocean Ambassadors program in Contra Costa County and beyond, we equip educators and young people with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to protect our ocean and the wildlife that depend on it. We are deeply grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing this project and for recognizing the critical role education plays in conservation.”
“This $2 million award represents an important step toward a more sustainable and resilient transit system for central Contra Costa County and leverages our state efforts to advance zero-emission infrastructure. We thank Congressman DeSaulnier for recognizing the value of this project and for his strong support of investments that benefit our community,” said Bill Churchill, General Manager of Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection).
“We are deeply grateful for this grant funding, which will enable us to upgrade our Body-Worn Cameras and strengthen evidence preservation infrastructure. These tools are vital for ensuring transparency, accountability, and public safety. While our department already utilizes Body-Worn Cameras, this upgrade is essential to maintaining cutting-edge technology and best practices in the years ahead. We sincerely thank Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and his team for their support and collaboration in securing this critical investment for our community,” said Ryan Hibbs, Chief of Police, City of Walnut Creek.
“The Marsh Drive Class I bike and pedestrian path will close a critical gap in Contra Costa County’s active transportation network, improving safety and access for people walking and biking in the Pacheco area. We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing this project and helping deliver infrastructure that directly benefits the community,” said Warren Lai, Director, Contra Costa County Public Works Department.“The Treat Boulevard Complete Streets project will make a key corridor safer and more accessible for non-motorized users, supporting walking and biking. The project will help connect non-motorized transport users from the high-density housing at the Pleasant Hill BART station with grocery stores and other essential services in Walnut Creek. We appreciate Congressman DeSaulnier’s leadership in securing this funding and advancing transportation improvements that enhance quality of life in Contra Costa County.”
“We thank Representative DeSaulnier for securing critical funding to advance the South of Bailey Road project at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50,” said John Mercurio, Director, East Bay Regional Park District. “The Representative is a longtime friend of the Park District. This support helps us move forward in opening public access to a landscape of both remarkable natural value and deep historical significance. As we develop the park, the Park District remains committed to honoring the legacy of the Port Chicago 50 and ensuring this important chapter of our nation’s history is remembered and shared with future generations.”
Transparency and Accountability
The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process, which is detailed here by the Appropriations Committee. Examples of this vetting include certifying that Members have no financial interest in these projects, an audit of a sampling of these projects by the Government Accountability Office, and a requirement for demonstrated community support and engagement for each submission. More information on each project and the certifications of no financial interest can be found here.
The Antioch Police Department is reminding everyone to Look Twice for Motorcycles. As the weather warms up, more riders are out on the road, making it important for all drivers to stay alert and help prevent crashes and save lives.
“Most crashes involving motorcycles happen when drivers simply don’t see them. Taking a few extra seconds to look twice can prevent a tragedy.” — Sergeant Rob Green
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes nationwide in 2023. In California, 583 motorcyclists lost their lives.
Drivers
• Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes
• Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and motorcycles
• Watch for turn signals and make sure riders are actually turning before proceeding
Motorcyclists
• Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and eye protection
• Wear protective gear and reflective clothing
• Ride defensively and avoid blind spots
• Keep headlights on, even during the day
Never drive or ride distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
38-year-old Jaquan Tarrell Jones shot, killed 44-year-old Cordai Mustafi May 5th
Held on $11.62 million bail, has history of arrests and previous convictions in 2006, 2024
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has charged Jaquan Tarrell Jones, 38, of Antioch (born 3/18/1988), with six felony counts stemming from an attack that left one man dead and multiple victims injured in an Antioch neighborhood.
On Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, Jones fatally shot Cordai Mustafi, 44, and attempted to murder Dejon Anderson, 23 and Shontella Anderson, 46, at their residence on the 5200 block of Percheron Way in Antioch. Jones then left that location and entered a home on the 5500 block of Dawnview Court, where he kidnapped a 65-year-old woman who was caring for a child identified as John Doe. (See related article)
In addition to kidnapping, Jones is charged with child abuse and possession of a firearm with prior violent convictions. Several of the felony charges carry enhancements related to using and discharging a firearm, as well as causing great bodily injury to one of the victims. Jones also faces special allegations related to prior serious felonies, including a 2006 robbery conviction and a 2024 conviction for possessing a firearm.
District Attorney Diana Becton said, “No one should experience what these victims and their families have endured. My office will continue to work alongside law enforcement partners like the Antioch Police Department to hold armed offenders accountable and pursue justice on behalf of all those harmed.”
Jones is currently in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on a $11,620,000 bond.
Arraignment on the charges is set for May 8th at 1:30 pm at the A.F. Bray Courts Building Annex in Department 6.
According to localcrimenews.com, he has been arrested 10 more times since 2020 by multiple agencies for crimes including robbery, burglary, grand theft, battery, threats of violence, addict in possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm on person or in a vehicle while in a public place and carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle.
Case No. 04-26-01734 | The People of the State of California v. Jaquan Tarell Jones
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, at approximately 1:03 a.m., Antioch Police officers responded to the area of G Street and Drake Street for a report of a single-vehicle collision.
Officers found a 51-year-old Antioch woman who had been ejected from a vehicle. She was transported to a local hospital with major injuries and later died. Her name is being withheld pending notification of her family.
The Antioch Police Department Traffic Safety Unit is leading the investigation. Preliminary information from witnesses and evidence at the scene suggests speed and impairment may have been contributing factors. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Traffic Officer James Desiderio at 925-331-7474 or jdesiderio@antiochca.gov.
Antioch Police cordoned off Percheron Way during their investigation of the scene of the homicide Tuesday morning, May 5, 2026. Photos courtesy of ContraCosta.news
By Lt. William Whitaker # 6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
Antioch police responded to a shooting in the 5000 block of Percheron Way on May 5, 2026, at 9:14 a.m. Upon arrival, officers located an adult man who was unconscious, not breathing, and suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Officers rendered aid until paramedics arrived, but the victim, 44-year-old male Antioch resident, died at the scene.
The suspect, a 38-year-old male Antioch resident, was located nearby and taken into custody after breaking into an unrelated residence. The weapon used in the incident was recovered. There is no ongoing threat to the community.
The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau is actively investigating this case. No additional details are being released at this time.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact Detective Becerra at (925) 779-6937 or abecerra@antiochca.gov, or the Investigations Bureau at (925) 779-6926.
By Sgt. Rob Green, Traffic Division, Antioch Police Department
On Friday, April 17, 2026, at approximately 8:00 AM, Antioch Police Officers responded to a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian collision at the intersection of Country Hills Drive and Wolverine Way.
Upon arrival, officers located an 84-year-old female pedestrian from Antioch who had sustained major injuries. She was transported to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is fully cooperating with the investigation. The Antioch Police Department Traffic Unit has assumed responsibility for the case.
If you witnessed the collision or have any information that may assist investigators, please contact Officer Josh Egan at (925) 204-1587 or jegan@antiochca.gov.
