Antioch Police Lt. Matt Koch was joined by Interim Chief Brian Addington (left) and Captain Joe Vigil (right) during the graduation ceremony on Nov. 20, 2024, in Del Mar, California. Photo: Antioch PD
SBSLI, established by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), is one of the most respected leadership programs in law enforcement. Over the course of eight months, participants engage in intensive training designed to enhance leadership, critical thinking, and team-building skills. SBSLI challenges its graduates to reflect on their leadership styles, develop emotional intelligence, and master the tools needed to inspire and guide their teams in today’s dynamic public safety environment. The institute is name for the 29th Sheriff of Los Angeles County.
The dedication and perseverance it takes to complete this rigorous program are a testament to Lt. Koch’s commitment to excellence. His graduation is not only a personal milestone but also a win for our entire team, as he brings back invaluable insights to help strengthen our department.
Interim Chief Brian Addington and Captain Joe Vigil were honored to attend the ceremony in Del Mar, California on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, to support and celebrate this incredible achievement. Lt. Koch, your hard work and determination continue to make us proud!
Koch began his career in law enforcement with the Antioch Police Department as a cadet in 1996, then served as a reserve officer in 1999 until being hired as a police officer in August 2001. He was promoted to the position of lieutenant in June.
Including hiring search firm for police chief recruitment, giving authority to Planning Commission to approve tentative maps, commission appointments
Also, Climate Action and Resilience Plan, lawsuit by Antioch Police Officers Association
By Allen D. Payton
Just two weeks before a new council majority is seated, with Antioch’s new mayor and two members to be sworn in, defeated Mayor Lamar Hernández-Thorpe has placed a variety of major issues on the agenda for the current council to decide during their “lame duck” meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. A lame duck government meeting occurs whenever an elected board meets after its successors are elected.
Prior to the regular session at 7:00 p.m., the council will hold a Closed Session beginning at 6:00 p.m. to discuss a significant exposure to anticipated litigation and two lawsuits, one by the mother of a man who died following interactions with police and one by the Antioch Police Officers Association.
The one issue that is the responsibility of the current council is their response to the scathing report from the Civil Grand Jury, from earlier this year. But the other major issues the current mayor has placed on the agenda include hiring a search firm for recruiting a permanent police chief, giving authority to the Planning Commission to approve tentative maps, appointments of two members to the Planning Commission, one to the Parks and Recreation Commission and two to the Police Oversight Commission, all of which could be left to the new mayor and council majority to decide.
The council will also consider giving a city-owned parcel on E. 18th Street to Con Fire for a new station, directing city staff to discuss with the county the use of a 4.7-acre city-owned lot on Delta Fair Blvd. for homeless shelter, and adopting a Climate Action and Resilience Plan.
The council will also consider under item #15 potential upgrades to the Antioch Amtrak Station to help keep it from being closed or decommissioned in the next two to three years as is the current approved plan of the San Joaquins Joint Powers Authority which oversees the Amtrak service in and through Antioch. Finally, under item #15, the council will consider allocating $60,000 for a Chinese Commemoration Public Art Project in the area of Rivertown which was the City’s Chinatown in the 1800’s.
Organizational chart of how the general law City of Antioch is supposed to operate as pointed out in the Grand Jury report.
Response to Grand Jury Report
Under agenda item #1, carried over twice from previous meetings, the council will consider, “Approving an addendum to specific Findings and Recommendations identified in the Grand Jury Noncompliance letters dated October 3, 2024 in response to the Findings and Recommendations resulting from the 2023-2024 Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury report of June 12, 2024 entitled: “Challenges Facing the City of Antioch” Addendum; and 2) Authorizing the Mayor to sign and submit it to the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury.”
Hiring Search Firm for Police Chief Recruitment
Under the Consent Calendar item #6L, the council will consider hiring executive search firm Bob Hall & Associates to recruit a permanent police chief. According to the city staff report, in September, the City issued a Request for Qualifications to attract qualified recruitment firms capable of conducting a nationwide search. The Human Resources Department contacted 29 firms and of those contacted, seven firms submitted applications.
On Oct. 31st, City staff and a representative from the Antioch Police Oversight Commission evaluated and ranked the applications based on the firms’ experience, proposed recruitment strategies, cost effectiveness, commitment to diversity and ability to meet the City’s timeline and goals. Two firms were identified as the closest matches to the criteria and were interviewed, during which they outlined “their strategies and processes for engaging the community and fostering trust between the Police Department and community members.” Bob Hall & Associates was ranked the highest and selected.
The Huntington Beach-based firm’s most recent police chief recruitment effort was in the City of Vallejo. According to the company’s LinkedIn profile, it’s founder and namesake, Bob Hall, passed away “on July 12, 2024, after a 5-month battle with cancer.”
UPDATE: Interim Chief Brian Addington said he was part of the decision-making process in selecting the firm and that it was Commission Chairperson Porsche Taylor as the member who participated, as well. He said he feels very confident in the search firm and that both finalists had the needed experience.
In addition, Rachel Hall, the firm’s Recruitment Manager, shared, “Bob Hall & Associates was founded in 2019 and we will be dedicating a specialized team to the Antioch Police Chief recruitment.”
Allowing Planning Commission Approval of Tentative Maps
According to the city staff report for agenda item #7, “In order to streamline Antioch’s development review process and make it more consistent with neighboring jurisdictions and the goals of the Housing Element, this proposed ordinance (“Ordinance”) amends AMC (Antioch Municipal Code) Title 9, Chapter 4, Articles 1 and 3 to assign the Planning Commission the sole authority to approve Tentative Maps as the Advisory Agency in compliance with the Subdivision Map Act, while designating the City Council to act as the Appeals Board for Tentative Map decisions and to continue approving Final Maps.”
Meeting Information
The regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown. The meeting can also be seen via livestream on the City’s website or viewed on either Comcast local cable channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99. See the complete agenda packet.
See separate article about the City’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan. An effort to reach Mike Rains, the attorney for the Antioch Police Officers Association for more details about their lawsuit was also unsuccessful prior to publication time.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
No injuries so far in city’s 25th shooting since Sept. 2nd; police seek suspect(s)
By Lt. John Fortner, Antioch Police Field Services Division
At 1:47 p.m., the Antioch Police Dispatch Center received a 9-1-1 call reporting numerous gunshots coming from the 1200 block of Sycamore Drive.
When officers arrived at the scene, they located several bullet casings in the roadway and a discarded pistol on the ground. At the time of this investigation no victims have been identified or come forward.
The investigation is still active, and evidence is being collected.
The police department has been assigning officers to patrol this area and will be increasing the coverage times.
It’s the 25th shooting in Antioch since Sept. 2nd, with 21 of them in the Sycamore corridor. The shooting is also the seventh since the council approved the Violence Reduction Initiative, last month, which is focused on both that area of the city and the Cavallo Road / E. 18th area.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925 )778-2441, the Investigations Bureau at (925) 779-6925, or email a tip to tips@antiochca.gov.
Con Fire personnel place the shooting victim into an ambulance on E. 6th Street early Monday afternoon Nov. 19, 2024. Photos by Allen D. Payton
City’s 15th homicide this year, 24th shooting since Sept. 2; police ask public’s help to ID suspect
By Lt. John Fortner, Antioch Police Field Services Division
At 12:20 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, the Antioch Police Dispatch Center received a 9-1-1 call reporting a gunshot in the 30 block of East 6th Street with a male victim down on the ground.
When officers arrived on the scene, they located a man outside, suffering from what appeared to be a single gunshot wound, later reported as to his chest. The officers immediately administered first aid and called emergency medical personnel to respond. Once the Contra Costa Fire Protection District paramedics arrived, they took over lifesaving efforts. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit, responded to the scene to assist with the investigation and to determine what and where the shooting occurred. One officer looked for shell casings in the street near the home and said the man appeared to be in his 30’s.
Currently, detectives are interviewing witnesses and residents in the area and are working to identify any suspects or persons of interest. The investigation is still active, and evidence is being collected.
We urge anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area to come forward. Your information could be vital in solving this case.
According to the department’s Crime Statistics it is the 15th homicide in Antioch this year and the 24th shooting since Sept. 2. But it’s the first shooting outside of the Sycamore corridor and Cavallo Road/E. 18th Street area, which the city council’s Violence Reduction Initiative, approved last month, is focused on.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441, email a tip to tips@antiochca.gov, or the Investigations Bureau at (925) 779-6925. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.
The high-speed chase ended in a crash of the suspect’s vehicle on the Loveridge Road overpass in Pittsburg on Saturday night, Nov. 16, 2024. Source: CHP Golden Gate Air Operations video screenshot
Saturday night, Nov. 16, 2024, Antioch PD, with incredible support from the California Highway Patrol and the Kensington Police Department, conducted a proactive enforcement detail targeting crime hot spots across our city. Here’s a recap of the evening’s efforts:
Cavallo Road/18th Street Pursuit: Officers attempted to stop an Infiniti, but the driver failed to yield, resulting in a pursuit that reached speeds of over 110 MPH. Thanks to CHP – Golden Gate Division Air Operations Air 37, officers were able to back off the pursuit, allowing the air unit to monitor the vehicle from the sky. This approach significantly enhanced safety for both our officers and the public, while still maintaining control of the situation. The pursuit ended on the Loveridge Road overpass, where the vehicle crashed into a wall. All occupants fled on foot but were quickly apprehended by Antioch PD and CHP officers. The vehicle, identified as an unreported stolen, was recovered, and the driver was booked at Juvenile Hall. (See surveillance video)
Sycamore Square Patrols: Officers observed light foot and vehicle traffic in Sycamore Square, Peppertree and Lemontree areas. During one of the evening’s first traffic stops, officers recovered an occupied stolen vehicle. The driver was taken into custody and booked at the County Jail.
Additional Patrols: Officers checked the W. 10th Street and D Street/20th Street areas with no unusual activity reported. Patrols returned to the 18th Street corridor for further vehicle stops.
Stats from the Night:
Traffic Stops: 54
Citations Issued: 7
Felony Arrests: 4
Stolen Vehicles Recovered: 4
Narcotics Seized: 16.2 grams of Meth
Thanks to our increased officer numbers and the continued cooperation of our partner agencies, these proactive patrols will continue into the future to ensure a sustained focus on community safety.
A special thank you to CHP and KPD for their continued partnership!
Focusing on crime hot spots and working collaboratively helps keep our community safe. Thank you for your trust and support!
Antioch Police investigate a second of two shootings on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, that occurred at Sycamore Square. Source: video screenshots from unknown source
22nd and 23rd shootings in city since Sept. 2nd
By Lt. Joe Njoroge #7052, Antioch Police Field Services Division
ShotSpotter technology alerted Antioch police officers to a pair of shootings that appear to be connected.
On Monday November 18th, 2024, at approximately 3:26 PM, Antioch police received a ShotSpotter activation indicating multiple shots around Spanos Street and Mahogany Way. Approximately three minutes later, a second ShotSpotter activation was received, reporting multiple shots from the 1000 block of Sycamore Drive.
Officers responded to both locations and determined the shootings were related. At the scene of the first shooting, it was determined that two to three suspects in one vehicle had shot at two victims who were inside another vehicle. The two victims, as 25-year-old male and 35-year-old female, were uninjured, and the suspects fled the scene.
At the scene of the second shooting, officers were unable to locate any victims. However, shortly thereafter, a third victim, a 27-year-old man, arrived at a local hospital with gunshot wounds. Through the investigation, it was determined that the third victim was present at the scene of the second shooting. The 27-year-old victim is in stable condition and is expected to survive.
This case is in the preliminary stages, and the names of the parties involved are not being released at this time. If you have any information related to this case, please email the Antioch Police Department at tips@antiochca.gov.
They were the 22nd and 23rd shootings in Antioch since Sept. 2nd and the fifth and sixth since the city council approved the Violence Reduction Initiative focused on both the Sycamore corridor and Cavallo Road neighborhood. Of the total, 20 shootings have occurred in the Sycamore corridor.
“the APOA is excited to work with the incoming council members”
The Antioch Police Officers Association would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the members of the City Council who are departing their positions. As we transition to a new chapter in our local government, we acknowledge their hard work and efforts.
Looking ahead, the APOA is excited to work with the incoming council members. We are optimistic about the new leadership and their commitment to prioritizing public safety in our city.
Given the findings of the recent Grand Jury report and the serious allegations of sexual harassment, it is clear that Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe’s tenure has been marked by controversial behavior that has negatively impacted our community. The APOA looks forward to a future under Mayor Ron Bernal, who we believe will bring a renewed focus on transparency, accountability and effective governance.
The APOA is dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance public safety, improve community relations, and ensure that our officers have the resources they need to effectively serve the public. We look forward to collaborating with the new council to implement strategies that will contribute to the overall safety and quality of life in Antioch.
We encourage the community to engage with their new representatives and participate in discussions that shape the future of our city. Together, we can build a stronger, safer Antioch for everyone.
The abandoned carjacked SUV was located at a home on View Drive Wednesday morning, Nov. 13, 2024. Photo: Antioch PD
Following car and foot chase through city; residents’ calls help police apprehend suspect; victim escapes
By Lt. John Fortner Antioch Police Department Field Services Division
According to Sgt. Rob Green on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 10:36 a.m., “We had a carjacking on Lone Tree Way. APD officers located the stolen vehicle and chased it. The suspect dumped the vehicle in a driveway and fled onto the freeway where he tried to car jack several more vehicles. We were able to catch him, and one adult male is in custody.”
Later, the department issued the following information about the case:
Antioch police officers arrested an Antioch man in connection with a carjacking and pursuit this morning. At 8:48 a.m., the Antioch Police Dispatch Center began receiving multiple emergency calls reporting a vehicle crash near Lone Tree Way and Slatten Ranch Road. Callers reported seeing a man running from a black sedan that was disabled in the roadway into the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center. Shortly afterward, several callers reported that the same man carjacked a silver SUV in the parking lot near the Panda Express restaurant. The suspect began to drive away in the SUV with the owner, an Antioch female, still inside the vehicle. After driving a short distance, the victim was able to escape the vehicle near the Walmart shopping center.
Officers arrived on the scene and located the unoccupied black sedan and the victim of the carjacking. During the investigation, officers patrolling the area found the carjacked SUV, and a vehicle pursuit began. The pursuit was terminated because the suspect approached a school zone at a high rate of speed. The suspect then abandoned the vehicle in the 3100 block of View Drive and ran to the area of Alcala Street and West Tregallas Road where he attempted to enter several parked cars. Witnesses in the neighborhood called the police to report the suspicious activity. As officers converged on the area, the suspect fled on-foot northbound onto Highway 4, where he was safely taken into custody.
The Antioch Police Department would like to thank the residents who called to help the victim in this case and report the suspicious activity in their neighborhood. Your assistance is invaluable.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441 or the Investigations Bureau at (925) 779-6925. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.
