By Sgt. Rob Green, Antioch Police Department  

On December 20, 2024, the Antioch Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 6pm to 11pm at an undisclosed location.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Sergeant Rob Green said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”

The Antioch Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Both had criminal records

By Allen D. Payton

The Contra Costa Coroner’s Office has identified the two men who exchanged gunfire in the parking lot of Delta Bowl in Antioch on Saturday night, Dec. 7, 2024. Deputy Coroner Livingston said they were Antonio Drake, age 34, male out of Antioch and Deantray Reed, age 35, male out of Oakley.

As previously reported by Antioch Police, Investigators determined Reed approached the victim, Drake, while he was sitting in the driver’s seat of his vehicle preparing to leave. Gunfire was exchanged between the two males, and both were fatally wounded. Drake succumbed to his gunshot injury in the parking lot and Reed was transported by paramedics to a nearby hospital where he also succumbed to his gunshot injury.

At this time, the motive for the shooting is unknown, and no other suspects or involved individuals appear to be outstanding.

According to localcrimenews.com, Reed was arrested in June 2010 by Solano County Sheriff’s Deputies for assault with a firearm on a person, shooting at an inhabited dwelling/vehicle/etc. and failure to appear on a felony charge.

In addition, according to court records, he was convicted of second-degree robbery, assault with force likely to cause bodily injury, participation in a criminal street gang, and evading an officer for an incident in San Francisco in 2011.

According to localcrimenews.com, Drake was arrested in November 2013 for burglary, according to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office. That arrest was made by Concord Police and his middle name was listed as Lorenzo. He was also arrested in February 2015 by Antioch Police for possession of marijuana/hashish for sale, revocation of probation, addict in possession of firearm and possession of ammunition and again, by Antioch Police in January 2017 for possession of a controlled substance for sale and revocation of probation.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Antioch Police Department

The Antioch Police Department is asking for the public’s help in finding the driver behind a deadly hit-and-run accident. The crash happened at the Lone Tree way and Canada Valley Road intersection on October 12, 2024, at 8:24 p.m. The driver of the wanted vehicle struck and killed a 53-year-old female pedestrian who was in a crosswalk. (See related article)

Over the last two months, investigators have diligently followed up on all leads and are now asking for the community’s assistance. Investigators are currently looking for the vehicle in the above photograph.

If you have any information please contact Officer J. Egan at jegan@antiochca.gov or (925 204-1587.

By Allen D. Payton

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest of a female suspect for robbery of an Antioch Letter Carrier on Nov. 29, 2024.

The USPIS issued the following announcement on Dec. 6th:

“The suspect was described as a medium build female, in her mid-20s to early 30s, and 5’6″-5’7″ feet tall. She was wearing a black or blue hooded sweatshirt, with a Covid mask or scarf covering her mouth. She was last seen running westbound on Lawton Street.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) involved in the robbery of a United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier at gun point. The incident occurred on November 29, 2024, at approximately 6:40 p.m., while delivering mail on Lawton Street in Antioch, CA 94509.

TAKE NO ACTION TO APPREHEND THESE PERSONS YOURSELF

If you have any information about this incident, please contact the: U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 (say ‘Law Enforcement’)

Reference Case No. 4432888

All information will be kept strictly confidential.”

Or file a report online at Report – United States Postal Inspection Service.

With help from K9, Sheriff’s Office helicopter, Pittsburg PD

By Antioch Police Department

Are you guys keeping score!? Tally two more for the good guys! ARMED CARJACKERS IN CUSTODY!

Thursday night, Dec. 5, 2024, at 6:15pm two victims were sitting in their vehicle in downtown Antioch when two brazen bandits forced them from their vehicle at gunpoint! The uncouth characters fled in the now stolen vehicle. What the two brainy bandits didn’t know is the vehicle had LoJack tracking capabilities.

During the chase, speeds reached 112 miles per hour on Highway 4.

K9 Kona and her leash holder located the vehicle on 18th street and gave chase. Luckily our buddies at Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office have a sweet little helicopter and they happened to be out for an evening cruise! The suspects fled to Bay Point where a platoon sized force of Antioch PD, Pittsburg PD and Contra Costa Sheriff’s deputies were waiting. The two suspects were both arrested fleeing from the vehicle!

On a “don’t commit crimes” side note, one of the suspects broke their ankle hopping a fence. They were cleared at the hospital and booked!

See incident video.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Antioch Police Department

On Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, the eagle-eyed residents of the Beede Way neighborhood called about people entering a Red Tagged residence on the street. When our officers arrived, three individuals were located inside and swiftly placed under arrest. Before being placed into a patrol vehicle a search of their pockets was conducted and to our utter amazement …drum roll please…methamphetamine and a meth pipe were located! All three individuals were booked at our jail!

Editorial side note: You may recognize the middle subject’s golden locks from a post a couple months back! The same regal gentleman with the coiffure seen here drove past our officers in a stolen vehicle on A Street and was arrested!! Today he cashed in his frequent flyer miles for a one-way ticket to our all-inclusive APD resort! (jail)

See over 35,000 lights and 70+ handmade wooden cut-outs

Special Guest Appearance by Belle for photos with guests

By Antioch Police Department

For 28 years, with the help of our family, friends and community, we have been providing holiday support to local families. Please help us continue our efforts this year during our Drive by Disney “Spirit & Support” at the home of Gary and Kristen Vistalli located at 3732 Colonial Court. The event will be held this Saturday, Dec. 7.

See have over 35,000 lights and 70+ wooden cut-outs all handmade and SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE by Belle who will be there taking photos with guests.

We’re collecting gift cards, new unwrapped toys, blankets, clothes including hats, gloves, scarves and socks, as well as money including Venmo payments. Items collected will be provided to the Antioch Police Department Giveaway Event for Antioch residents. Our goal is 100 families or even more!

We REALLY need items for TEENS!

Drive by and drop off between the hours of 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm. If you cannot come by in person, please consider a monetary donation or if local, we can arrange a pick-up. Just let us know. We truly appreciate your generosity for so many in need.

THANK YOU!

“But the righteous are as bold as a lion.”

Used axe to break in

By Antioch Police Department

When the pastor at First Family Church on Contra Loma responded to check an alarm in the early hours of Thanksgiving he was not expecting to confront a burglar, but that’s what happened. When the burglar saw his wicked deeds had been discovered he decided to fight with the pastor instead of repent. What he did not know was the pastor would win this battle of good and evil, and he held down the perp until APD arrived and placed the man in custody.

We are thankful today that the pastor was uninjured during this incident and hopeful that with amazing community members like we have been highlighting lately, we can turn the tide on crime in our city.

The axe in the photo was used to break a window on the church which is how the burglar entered.

The verse shared refers to what is written in the book of Proverbs in the Bible chapter 28 verse 1.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.