To discuss Sheriff’s Office response to ICE civil immigration enforcement activities

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County & Jimmy Lee, PIO, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County TRUTH Act Community Forum to discuss civil immigration enforcement activities is scheduled for 10 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 25, during the regular Board of Supervisors meeting.

The forum discussion will present Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office 2025 data on responses to ICE Requests for Notification for serious and/or violent offenders currently in custody, in compliance with state law. The annual forum has been held since 2017 in accordance with California’s Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds (TRUTH) Act, which requires local jurisdictions to hold a public forum and report on certain interactions with federal immigration authorities.

Jourdan and Lee were asked why they are referred to as, “civil immigration enforcement activities” when the forum will discuss “responses to ICE Requests for Notification for serious and/or violent offenders currently in custody” and shouldn’t they be considered criminal immigration enforcement activities.

Jourdan responded, “we use ‘civil immigration enforcement’ in alignment with the definition of ‘ICE access’ under section 7283(d).”

“The annual TRUTH Act forum reflects our commitment to strengthening trust through open dialogue,” said Board Chair Diane Burgis, District 3 Supervisor. “By creating a space for the public to ask questions, hear information directly from local law enforcement, and share their concerns, we ensure these conversations are grounded in transparency that keeps our community informed and engaged.”

According to the California Department of Justice Office of the Attorney General, “Effective January 1, 2017, California’s Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds (TRUTH) Act ensures that local law enforcement agencies provide individuals in their custody with basic due process and information about their rights should federal immigration authorities seek to make contact with them. Specifically, the law requires:

• Before subjecting an individual in its custody to an interview by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) a local law enforcement entity shall provide the individual with a written consent form, in a language that is understandable to the individual, that explains all of the following:
  • The purpose of the interview;
  • That the interview is voluntary; and
  • That he or she may decline the interview or may choose to be interviewed only with his or her attorney present.
• Upon receiving any detainer, notification, or transfer request, the local law enforcement agency shall:
  • Provide a copy of the request to the individual; and
  • Inform the individual whether the law enforcement agency intends to comply with the request.
• If a local law enforcement agency chooses to provide ICE with notification that an individual will be released from custody on a certain date, the local law enforcement agency must promptly provide the same notification in writing to the individual and to his or her attorney or other person designated by the individual being held.
• All records relating to ICE access provided by local law enforcement agencies, including all communication with ICE, are public records for purposes of the California Public Records Act, but to protect the privacy of individuals, personal identifying information may be redacted prior to public disclosure.”

Ways to Participate:

• Attend the forum in person on August 25 at 1025 Escobar St. in Martinez 
• Watch live at www.contracosta.ca.gov or on CCTV:
  • AT&T U-verse Channel 99, Comcast Channel 27, or WAVE Channel 32.
• Provide comments or questions in person, by phone, or Zoom during the meeting, or provide public comment in advance by emailing it to TRUTHAct@cob.cccounty.us or mailing it to the Clerk of the Board, 1025 Escobar St., 1st Floor, Martinez, CA 94553.
• The meeting will include real-time closed captioning and live translation through Wordly.

Phone and Zoom participation details will be included in the Aug. 25 agenda, posted at least 96 hours before the meeting.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

23-year-old held on $1.1 million bail

By Antioch Police Department

The Antioch Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with the death of 77-year-old Paul Lawson following an assault that occurred in June.

On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, members of the Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau arrested 23-year-old Camari Coleman in the City of Brentwood. Coleman, of Brentwood, (born 9/25/2002) was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility after the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed charges of Penal Code section 187(a) – Murder and Penal Code section 368(b)(1) – Elder Abuse Resulting in Death.

The charges stem from an incident on June 9, 2026, when Antioch Police officers responded to a reported battery at an outdoor phone vendor stand outside the Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services building at 4545 Delta Fair Boulevard. Investigators determined that Mr. Lawson became involved in a verbal and physical fight with employees at the vendor stand. During the incident, Lawson fell and reported that he was unable to move. Witness statements regarding the circumstances of the fall vary, with some indicating he stumbled over a chair and others reporting he may have been pushed during the fight. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. (See related article)

On the morning of June 13, 2026, Mr. Lawson died while receiving care at the hospital.

The Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau conducted the investigation that led to Coleman’s identification as the suspect. The case was submitted to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office on July 16, 2026, and an arrest warrant was subsequently issued.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, two-inch tall, 183-pound Coleman is Black and being held on $1.1 million bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for tomorrow, July 22nd in Martinez Superior Court, Dept. 5 at 1:30 p.m.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Duff at rduff@antiochca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Biological mother has history of arrests including by Antioch Police on July 12th for battery.

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, July 19, 2026, the CHP announced two boys from Antioch have been missing since July 13. It reads, “ENDANGERED MISSING ADVISORY – San Joaquin and Contra Costa Counties Last seen: Redwood Drive and Gentrytown Drive, Antioch. IF SEEN, CALL 9-1-1.”

The boys are 12-year-old Isaiah and 13-year-old Gianni Figueroa who are listed as victims and a 33-year-old woman named Yesenia Villasenor is listed as a suspect. But the flier does not mention her relationship to the boys or that she kidnapped them.

The post included the above flier which reads, “This EMA has been activated by the CHP ENTAC (Emergency Notification and Tactical Alert Center) on behalf of the Antioch Police Department. The CHP ENTAC was notified on July 19, 2026 at 1415 Hours (2:15 PM).”

The flier also shares that the boys were “last seen on July 13, 2026, at approximately 1800 hours, in Antioch, Contra Costa County. Isaiah and Gianni are possibly traveling in a vehicle.”

A photo, license plate and description of a vehicle is included in the flier: White 2109 Toyota Highlander with CA license plate number 8KJR109.

In response to efforts to reach Antioch Police about the matter, as of 5:43 pm, Lt. Bill Whitaker wrote, “They are safe. Post coming out shortly.”

UPDATE 1: A post later Monday on the APD Facebook page reads, “f you have seen this posted on social media or on the freeways, we wanted to update you that the children have been safely located. No further assistance is needed. Thank you.”

Whitaker was asked for additional details and if Villasenor was arrested. He responded, “No arrests.” It was a “custodial and court order issue.”

UPDATE 2: Asked if she is the boys’ mother and where they were located, Whitaker responded, “Yes, their biological mother. We won’t answer their whereabouts for the safety of all involved.”

According to localcrimenews.com, Villasenor has been arrested multiple times dating back to 2015 by various agencies including Antioch, Concord and Pleasant Hill Police, and most recently by the El Dorado Sheriff’s Department on March 1, 2026, for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant. Her other arrests were for DUI alcohol with blood alcohol continent greater than .08, driving while license is suspended and for warrants or holds only.

According to Antioch Police CitizenRIMS, Villasenor was arrested on July 12th at 9:27 AM in the 5100 Block of Monitor Pass Way in Antioch for battery on a spouse/ex-spouse/date/etc. – Simple (Misdemeanor).

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, she was booked into custody on July 12th at 12:07 PM and released on July 14th at 12:12 AM.

By Antioch Police Department

Join us this Saturday, July 18th, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Antioch Walmart for our annual Backpack Drive!

We are coming together to support local families in need and ensure our students in the Antioch Unified School District start the school year ready to succeed. Last year, thanks to your incredible generosity, we donated 300 backpacks, let’s beat that record this year!

Where: Walmart – 4893 Lone Tree Way, Antioch

When: Saturday, July 18th | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Thank you for supporting our community’s kids.

By Lt. Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On July 1, 2026, at about 9:35 a.m., the City of Antioch conducted a scheduled encampment abatement and cleanup at Waldie Plaza, located at 206 G St.  Waldie Plaza is posted with City of Antioch signage advising that the area is subject to immediate abatement pursuant to Antioch Municipal Code § 5-1 and Penal Code § 647(e).

At the same time, BNSF Railway was conducting a separate encampment abatement on its adjacent railroad right-of-way. During that operation, several individuals who had been on BNSF property moved into the Waldie Plaza area. 

Antioch Police officers were on scene to provide security and support while City Code Enforcement personnel and a contracted cleanup crew carried out the abatement.

Officers are routinely assigned to these operations to ensure the safety of City employees and contracted workers. Earlier this year, a contracted cleanup employee was assaulted while conducting a similar operation.

During the July 1 cleanup, a 41-year-old woman who had been on the adjacent BNSF property confronted members of the City’s contracted cleanup crew. Officers intervened and gave the woman repeated verbal commands to move away from the cleanup crew so the operation could safely continue. Despite warnings, she refused to comply with officers’ lawful commands.

As officers arrested the woman for interfering with their duties, she bit the shoulder of one of the arresting officers. The officer responded with a physical strike to stop the assault and placed her under arrest. She was taken into custody and later booked into the Contra Costa County Detention Facility on charges of resisting, delaying, or obstructing a law enforcement officer as well as resisting a law enforcement officer with violence. See related article.

As part of protocol, information about this incident is currently or in process of being submitted to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. Our DOJ consultant and the Antioch Police Department Internal Affairs Division have been advised of the incident.  The department is in the process of assigning this incident to an independent investigator for review.  As this is an active investigation, the officer involved will be placed on paid administrative leave. 

Chief Vigil is releasing the following statement at this time:

“Any use of force by our officers is taken seriously.  This incident will be fully reviewed under our use of force policy, state law, and our department’s current independent oversight framework.”

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center at (925) 778-2441.

Additional information or updates will be released by the Investigations Bureau as appropriate.

UPDATE 2: Admits she bit him, first

UPDATE 1: Antioch Police Department issues statement

By Allen D. Payton

A video posted on Monday afternoon, July 6, 2026, on the Facing Homelessness in Antioch & Community Connection’s Facebook page, shows a homeless woman getting punched in the head by an Antioch Police Officer, identified as Community Engagement Officer Nicholas Shipilov. She was struggling with him and another officer in Waldie Plaza as they were clearing the area in preparation for the Independence Day Celebration planned for Saturday, July 4th. 

The post by local homeless advocate Nicole Gardner, Founder and Director of Facing Homelessness organization, is entitled, “Video of APD Community Engagement Officer Nicholas Shipilov punching an unhoused woman having a mental health crisis in the face during an illegal encampment sweep.”

In the video she says there was a homeless encampment sweep on July 1st that included both Waldie Plaza, which is a City park, and the railroad tracks. She said the APD Community Engagement Team and City’s Code Enforcement Officers were arresting the residents and telling them, “Ya’ll gotta go.” www.facebook.com/reel/1025054446734808

When asked by the person recording the video, “Why did you do that?” the officer said, “She bit me.”

Gardener referred to a previous video she posted on July 1st on the same page of her interaction with both City staff and homeless residents in Waldie Plaza. In it you can hear her asking if the residents were given proper notification. www.facebook.com/reel/880300225122640

The woman nicknamed Frenchie, was arrested.

In addition, a group of homeless residents were encamped last week on the steps and in front of City Hall. Lt. Michael Mellone said they were cleared out in time for the holiday activities which took place on W. 2nd Street, in the City Hall parking lot and in Waldie Plaza. The station for the parade judges, which included Gardner, was located on the sidewalk directly in front of City Hall. He said they had to be given a 48-hour notice.

The encampment was reported as a protest by both NBC Bay Area and CBS San Francisco.

When reached for further comment Gardner said about the woman, “She said she did try to bite him, first. She was released from custody this morning. She said her head still hurt. So, we’re going to take her to the hospital after she recovers her personal items from the police department.”

UPDATE 2: However, in an interview with NBC Bay Area News viewed later by the Herald, the woman, identified as Frenchie Hardy, said, “I bit him and he punched me in my face.”

About the officer Gardner, who is also an Antioch Parks and Recreation Commissioner, pointed out, “He was one of the officers who responded to the Angelo Quinto incident. He should have called the Crisis Response Team. They didn’t even call CORE. They need to coordinate better.” However, Waldie Plaza is treated differently.

Questions for Staff, Council

The following questions were emailed to City staff Monday evening, including Chief Joe Vigil, Acting City Manager Ana Cortez, City Attorney Lori Asuncion and PIO Jaden Baird, and again Tuesday afternoon.

“When did the incident occur?

“Was Officer Shipilov the one who punched the woman? If not, what is the officer’s name and is he a member of the Community Engagement Team?

“What is being or will be done about the incident? Will the officer be or has he been disciplined, especially in light of what the Dep’t and City went through and the lawsuits settled last year, and the class action lawsuit that appears to be continuing – Trent Allen, et al?

“Did he explain why it occurred? It appears she tried to bite him on his arm prior to the punch.

“What is the process for clearing homeless encampments?

“Does the 48-hour notice give to residents before removing them from an encampment have to be in writing?”

The same questions were sent to the mayor and council members.

Police Respond

Lt. Gary Lowther shared the following about the matter saying, “She was arrested for battery on a police officer and resisting, delaying and obstructing a peace officer and resisting with violence. The case was presented to the District Attorney’s Office.”

Asked about the officer he said, “Everything is still going through its normal channels of review.”

About the process for clearing homeless encampments Lowther said, “The signage in Waldie Plaza has language for immediate abatement. For other locations there’s a 48-hour notice with a piece of paper. Then they get in touch with CORE who will make contact with those folks during the couple of days.”

“The Crisis Response Team does not go along with Code Enforcement on abatements. It’s strictly enforcement,” he explained. “Public Works contracts out the clean-up and the personal items are stored for a couple of days, anything that isn’t deemed to be hazardous material.”

“BNSF was conducting a separate abatement along their railroad tracks at the same time. We weren’t involved in that,” Lowther stated.

“A press release is expected to be sent out soon,” he added.

Cortez responded later, “We are working on a response for you and will be in touch with you shortly.”

UPDATE 1: Antioch Police Department Statement on July 1 Use-of-Force Incident During Waldie Plaza Encampment Cleanup

By Lt. Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On July 1, 2026, at about 9:35 a.m., the City of Antioch conducted a scheduled encampment abatement and cleanup at Waldie Plaza, located at 206 G St.  Waldie Plaza is posted with City of Antioch signage advising that the area is subject to immediate abatement pursuant to Antioch Municipal Code § 5-1 and Penal Code § 647(e).

At the same time, BNSF Railway was conducting a separate encampment abatement on its adjacent railroad right-of-way. During that operation, several individuals who had been on BNSF property moved into the Waldie Plaza area. 

Antioch Police officers were on scene to provide security and support while City Code Enforcement personnel and a contracted cleanup crew carried out the abatement.

Officers are routinely assigned to these operations to ensure the safety of City employees and contracted workers. Earlier this year, a contracted cleanup employee was assaulted while conducting a similar operation.

During the July 1 cleanup, a 41-year-old woman who had been on the adjacent BNSF property confronted members of the City’s contracted cleanup crew. Officers intervened and gave the woman repeated verbal commands to move away from the cleanup crew so the operation could safely continue. Despite warnings, she refused to comply with officers’ lawful commands.

As officers arrested the woman for interfering with their duties, she bit the shoulder of one of the arresting officers. The officer responded with a physical strike to stop the assault and placed her under arrest. She was taken into custody and later booked into the Contra Costa County Detention Facility on charges of resisting, delaying, or obstructing a law enforcement officer as well as resisting a law enforcement officer with violence.

As part of protocol, information about this incident is currently or in process of being submitted to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. Our DOJ consultant and the Antioch Police Department Internal Affairs Division have been advised of the incident.  The department is in the process of assigning this incident to an independent investigator for review.  As this is an active investigation, the officer involved will be placed on paid administrative leave. 

Chief Vigil is releasing the following statement at this time:

“Any use of force by our officers is taken seriously.  This incident will be fully reviewed under our use of force policy, state law, and our department’s current independent oversight framework.”

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center at (925) 778-2441.

Additional information or updates will be released by the Investigations Bureau as appropriate.

———–

Please check back later for any additional updates to this report.

By CHP – Golden Gate Division

Every year, thousands of vehicles are stolen across California. July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a motor vehicle was stolen every 48 seconds in the United States in 2025. 

Use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle:

• Take your vehicle’s key; do not leave it in or on your vehicle.
• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
• Park in well-lit areas if possible.
• Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.

Thieves want vehicle parts and valuable items, too.

Radios and wheel covers aren’t the only popular stolen vehicle parts thieves take. They want whatever sells, from the mandated labeled parts to those that aren’t. Some of the most popular items stolen from vehicles include air bags, GPS units, cell phones, iPads, laptops, and purses. Parts like doors, engines and transmissions are stripped and sold.

While thefts declined last year, prevention starts with simple habits:

• Keep valuables out of sight.
• Lock your doors and roll up all windows.
• Park in well-lit, visible areas.
• Install a GPS tracker or recovery system
• Use anti-theft tools
• (steering wheel locks, alarms)
• Always turn off your car and take your keys.

NEVER leave it running unattended.

A few seconds of prevention can save you the time, expense, and frustration of having your vehicle stolen.

Help protect your vehicle and don’t make it an easy target.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Antioch Police Department

We will be holding a Neighborhood Watch meeting on Tuesday June 30th at 5:00 p.m. at Mira Vista Hills Park near the tennis courts off Cordoba Way. During the meeting, we will provide updates and discuss any issues or concerns. We encourage you to attend, as this is a valuable opportunity to ask questions, receive helpful information, and engage directly with your Police Department.

Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program which enlists the active participation of citizens in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime in their communities:

• Neighbors working together for mutual assistance
• Recognizing suspicious activities or people in your area
• Implementation of crime prevention such as home security, night patrols, etc.
• Report code violations, unsafe street conditions, or other issues that degrade the quality of life in your area
• Keep your block clean and free of graffiti
• Provide a safe environment for you, your children, and/or your pets

For more information email neighborhoodwatch@antiochca.gov or call (925) 779-6980.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.