Archive for the ‘Police & Crime’ Category

Antioch man arrested in Benicia for drugs, shoplifting, possessing burglary tools

Monday, November 4th, 2024
Antioch resident Gabriel Ryan Henry arrested on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. Photo: Benicia PD

Has history of arrests dating back to 2014, twice for shoplifting less than $950; already out of custody

By Benicia Police Department

During the late night hours on Sunday, Nov. 3rd, officers made contact with a driver for multiple vehicle code violations in the 1900 Block of E. 2nd Street.  During the initial conversation officers noticed a meth pipe visible in the vehicle.  Upon further search, the suspect, 48-year-old male out of Antioch, Gabriel Ryan Henry was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. 

Also found were Norco pill (without prescription), burglary tools, multiple plastic bottles smelling of gasoline, a collection of flexible hoses, bolt cutters, and approximately $500 of stolen groceries from the Benicia Safeway.  The suspect’s car was impounded, and he was arrested and booked into County Jail without incident. 

The five-foot, nine-inch tall, 230-pound Hispanic suspect was charged with the following crimes:

11377(A) HS: Possess controlled substance (M)
11350(A) HS: Possess narcotic controlled substance (M)
11364(A) HS: Possess unlawful paraphernalia (M)
4060 BP: Possess controlled substances without a prescription (M)
466 PC: Possess/etc burglary tools (M)
459.5(A) PC: Shoplifting (M)

Case #24-1642

According to localcrimenews.com, Henry’s bail was set at $7,500 and has a history of arrests by dating back to 2014 by multiple agencies including Concord PD, Walnut Creek PD, Clayton PD, Dublin PD and the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office. He was charged with a variety of crimes including petty theft, drug possession, receiving or concealing stolen property and shoplifting.

According to the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, Henry was released early Monday morning, Nov. 4th.

54-year-old man badly injured in Antioch go-cart accident Saturday night

Sunday, November 3rd, 2024
Antioch Police responded to a go-cart accident and had the incident area taped off on North Lake Drive, Saturday night, Nov. 2, 2024. Photo courtesy of a resident who chose to remain anonymous.

By Lt. Joe Njoroge #7052, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On November 02, 2024, at approximately 7:56 PM, Antioch Police officers responded to reports of a solo go-cart collision on N. Lake Drive. Upon arrival, officers found the 54-year-old male (unknown resident) driver of the go-cart on the ground, suffering from major injuries and unresponsive. Officers on scene immediately provided medical assistance to the driver until paramedics arrived. The driver was thereafter transported to an area hospital where he is currently being treated.

Traffic Accident Investigators took over the investigation. This collision investigation is in the preliminary stages and the names of the parties involved are not being released at this time.

Based on preliminary information at the scene, it was determined the go-cart driver was traveling eastbound on N. Lake Drive at a high rate of speed and collided with a parked vehicle after veering off the roadway.

According to a resident who chose to remain anonymous a neighbor said, “I thought someone had died. There was blood everywhere.”

“APD towed a go-cart, I was told,” the resident continued. “Someone always driving around Lake Alhambra in a go-cart.  Those don’t belong on the street!!!”

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441 or Traffic Collision Investigator Sergeant Green at 925-779-6864, email rgreen@antiochca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CHP receives $2 million federal grant to crack down on dangerous sideshows, street racing in state

Sunday, November 3rd, 2024
Sideshow at W. 10th Street and Auto Center Drive on Saturday night, May 29, 2021. Source: Antioch PD drone video screenshot

Helps fund the STREET III – Sideshow, Takeover, Racing, Education, and Enforcement Taskforce

By CHP Media Relations

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) received $2 million in federal funding that will expand its major crackdown on dangerous sideshows and street racing statewide, holding participants and organizers accountable for reckless driving behaviors.

Federal funding for the Sideshow, Takeover, Racing, Education, and Enforcement Taskforce (STREET III) grant comes after the CHP received $5.5 million in state funding to combat illegal street racing and sideshow activities, resulting in a 40% decrease in illegal sideshow incidents from 2021 to 2022. The STREET III grant aims to reduce the number of fatal and injury traffic crashes attributed to reckless driving, street racing, and sideshows. The CHP will implement a public awareness campaign to tackle these unlawful activities and conduct specialized enforcement operations such as excessive speeding behaviors where motorists are traveling more than 100 mph on state highways. Last year, CHP officers participating in specialized speed enforcement operations from January 2023 to July 2024 issued over 30,000 citations to motorists exceeding 100 mph.

“Sideshows and street takeovers are reckless, criminal activities that endanger our communities and make streets less safe. We have seen too many people killed or hurt at these illegal events. California will continue to ramp up our efforts to crack down on sideshows. For anyone considering attending a sideshow: know that not only do you risk getting hurt at these events, but you also risk the potential loss of your vehicle,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

Since February, the CHP has made 1,125 arrests, seized 110 illegal guns, and recovered more than 2,000 stolen vehicles in Alameda County and the East Bay alone. Last month, Governor Newsom signed four bills into law that impose stricter penalties and strengthen law enforcement’s ability to combat sideshows and street takeovers.

“The CHP’s top priority is the safety of our communities. This new grant allows us to strengthen our efforts in addressing the growing issues of sideshows and illegal street racing, which endanger lives and disrupt neighborhoods,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.“By increasing patrols, deploying advanced technology, and partnering with local organizations, we are committed to making our roads safer and holding those responsible for reckless driving accountable.”

Alongside allied agencies, the CHP established task forces to tackle the challenges posed by street racing and sideshows.  In addition, social media initiatives have been introduced to enhance public awareness regarding the dangers associated with aggressive driving behaviors, including illegal street racing and sideshows. The STREET III grant allows for a campaign starting this month through September 30, 2025. 

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

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Antioch PD violence suppression detail makes 8 felony arrests, recovers 2 stolen guns, 1 stolen vehicle, more

Wednesday, October 30th, 2024
Antioch Police Officers get instructions then participate in the violence suppression detail on Friday night, Oct. 25, 2024. Photos: APD

In just 4 hours!

By Antioch Police Department

“Since when do you guys do this!?” – Comment from a man arrested last night with a firearm.

Last Friday night’s violence suppression detail saw significant results:

  • 25 traffic stops
  • 2 stolen firearms recovered
  • 8 felony arrests
  • One pound of marijuana seized
  • Methamphetamine confiscated
  • 4 vehicles towed
  • 1 stolen vehicle arrest
    And all within just 4 hours!

Our commitment to this community is unwavering. We’ve launched gun violence suppression teams who will operate in two-man cars, focusing on areas most impacted by gun violence. The families in this community deserve peace, and we are resolute in restoring safety and order here.
Special thanks to the Kensington Police Department for joining forces with us to protect our community.

New corporal, four new Antioch police officers sworn in

Tuesday, October 29th, 2024
New Antioch Police Corporal Matt Mulholland and new Officers Ali Kahlili, Jarred Flower, Cameron Mbanugo and Michael Drace are given their oaths of office by Interim Chief Brian Addington on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Photos by Allen D. Payton

Brings force to 82 sworn

By Allen D. Payton

During a ceremony at the Antioch Police Facility on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, Interim Chief Brian Addington administered the oath of office to four new officers and a new corporal promoted from within the ranks. He introduced each of the five men, Corporal Matt Mulholland and Officers Ali Kahlili, Jarred Flower, Cameron Mbanugo and Michael Drace then read about their backgrounds.

“This isn’t something that was handed to you. Each of you have worked extremely hard…wearing the Antioch Police Department patch,” Addington said to them.

In attendance for the ceremony inside the Community Room were District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock, City Manager Bessie Scott, Economic Development Director Kwame Reed, Parks and Recreation Director Brad Helfenberger as well as department leaders and officers, as well as family members and friends.

New Corporal Matt Mulholland is pinned with his new badge by his wife, Samantha who gave him a congratulatory kiss.

Corporal Matt Mulholland

Addington shared the following about new Corporal Mulholland saying, “Matt began his law enforcement career at the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office in 2013. In seven years of service with ACSO he served as a classification and custodial deputy at the Santa Rita jail and a patrol deputy at the Eden Township and Tri Valley substations. Matt transferred to Antioch police department in 2020 and has been assigned to patrol. Throughout his career, Matt has been a field training officer, crisis negotiator, crime scene investigator, and a drug recognition expert. Matt is also a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve with 16 years of military service and is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom with a deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. Matt enjoys the outdoors, attending concerts and sporting events, and is a lifelong 49er fan. Matt lives in Brentwood with his wife Samantha and daughter Savannah (in attendance).

Fun fact: Matt enjoys traveling and has been to 35 states and 20 countries.

About the new corporal Addington shared, “Our officers often turn to him for advice with stripes or not. He also serves on the board of our police union, as well.”

Mulholland’s wife Samantha pinned on his new badge.

See Facebook video of the new Antioch Police Corporal’s comments of appreciation.

New Officer Ali Khalili is pinned then kissed by his mother as Chief Brian Addington looks on.

Officer Ai Khalili – Police Trainee

About new Officer Khalili, the chief said, “Ali was born in Martinez and raised in Antioch. He graduated from Deer Valley High School in 2019. After graduating Deer Valley, he attended Los Medanos College and CSU Sacramento where he earned his Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice. Prior to becoming a trainee, he worked at the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff as a Student Intern for two years in the Emergency Services Division. Ali first joined the Antioch Police Department as a Police Explorer in 2017, where he stayed until 2023. Ali is fortunate and happy to be back at the department he considers home and is excited to begin!

Fun Fact: Ali has worked at three different Agencies, Contra Costa Community College District Police Department, Sacramento State Police Department, and the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff.”

“We were fortunate to hire him. He just graduated from the Sacramento Sheriff Academy,” Addington added.

Khalili had his mother pin on his new badge.

See Facebook video of the new Antioch Officer’s comments.

New Officer Jarred Flower has his badge pinned on his uniform by Antioch Police Sgt. Price Kendall who commented about his struggle as Chief Addington smiles.

Officer Jarred Flower – Police Trainee

About new Officer Flower Addington said, “Jarred was born in Martinez and raised in Concord. He graduated from Mt. Diablo High School. After high school Jarred attended San Francisco State University from 2011 to 2019, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in History. In his free time Jarred enjoys playing airsoft, playing video games, and going to the shooting range. Jarred is excited and ready to go to the academy and begin working with APD.

Fun Fact: Jarred enjoys history documentaries.”

“We also sponsored him through the Sacramento County Police. He’s excited to be done with the academy,” the chief stated.

Flower asked Antioch Police Sgt. Price Kendall to pin on his badge.

See Facebook video of new Officer Flower’s comments.

New Officer Cameron Mbanugo is pinned by his mother.

Officer Cameron Mbanugo – Academy Graduate

About Officer Mbanugo the chief said, “Cameron was born in Martinez and raised in Vacaville. He attended and graduated from Vanden High School in Vacaville. Shortly after, he attended the Alameda County Police Academy and graduated on May 13, 2024. Cameron was influenced by his stepfather, who is with the BART Police, to become a police officer. On his free time, he enjoys travelling, hiking and shopping.

Fun fact: If Cameron was to move out of California, he would move to Puerto Rico.”

“We’re excited to have him join our ranks,” Addington added.

The new officer had his mother pin on his badge.

Side note, if his last name looks familiar to some Antioch residents, it’s because he is the nephew of local business owner Clifton Mbanugo of Clifton Creative Web. Their last name is pronounced, “Em-BON-uh-go”.

(Awaiting video of new Officer Mbanugo’s comments. Please check back later for the link).

Antioch Police Sgt. Price Kendall (right) responds to razzing from fellow APD leaders and officers for being asked to also pin on new Officer Michael Drace’s badge before fulfilling the request.

Officer Michael Drace – Lateral

About Officer Drace, Addington said, “Michael was born in Lodi and raised in Antioch and Oakley. He attended and graduated from Freedom High School (in Oakley) and during his senior year enlisted in the Marine Corps. Once he graduated high school, he left for the Marine Corps, where he served four years as an armorer, and was stationed in Twenty-Nine Palms, CA. He was honorably discharged from the Marines in 2022. He then attended the Alameda County Police Academy and graduated in 2023. He found his calling to be a police officer because of his service in the Marine Corps and the similar brotherhood. On his free time, he enjoys dirt biking, fishing, weightlifting, jiu-jitsu and spending time with his one-year-old daughter Stella.

Fun fact: Michael has a twin sister.

“He graduated from the academy with Antioch Officers who are close friends. He broke the bad news to the Pleasanton Police Department. Bad news for them good news for us, I think,” the chief shared with a smile.

Addington then asked Drace about his twin sister, “Does she want to be a police officer as well?” “No,” the new Antioch Police Officer said with a laugh.

Drace also asked Sgt. Kendall to pin on his badge, who was razzed about it by other Antioch PD leaders and officers in attendance.

After each had their badge pinned to their uniforms, the five men were given the opportunity to say a few words, thanking Addington for the opportunity and their families for their support.

See Facebook video of new Antioch Officer Drace’s comments.

New Corporal Mulholland (left) and the five new Antioch Police Officers take the IACP Oath of Honor on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024.

IACP Oath of Honor

Addington then spoke about the Oath of Honor, which he’s been having each of the new recruits and those promoted in leadership to take, this year.

“I had the opportunity this past weekend to attend the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference,” the chief shared. “They asked all the sworn officers in the room to take the Oath of Honor.”

Addington then charged the five men, “To adhere to this oath and to live up to the highest ethical standards” and asked them, “Do each of you understand that?”

“Yes sir,” they all responded.

The chief then administered the IACP Oath of Honor.

Following the conclusion of the ceremony, the new corporal and officers gathered with their family, friends for photos, enjoyed refreshments and took tours of the Police Facility.

Addington later said that brings the Antioch Police force to 82 sworn officers. That’s out of 115 in the budget.

Motorcyclist dies in Antioch traffic collision Monday morning

Monday, October 28th, 2024


By Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On October 28, 2024, at approximately 10:58 AM, Antioch Police officers responded to reports of a solo motorcyclist down in the 4300 block of Hillcrest Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found the 43-year-old (Antioch resident) motorcyclist on the ground, suffering from major injuries, and unresponsive. Unfortunately, the motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Hillcrest Avenue was temporarily closed between Hidden Glen Drive and Via Dora Drive.

Traffic Accident Investigators took over the investigation. This collision investigation is in the preliminary stages and the names of the parties involved are not being released at this time. Based on preliminary information at the scene, it was determined the solo motorcyclist was traveling northbound on Hillcrest Avenue at a high rate of speed and collided with the sidewalk where he was ejected from the motorcycle.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925)778-2441 or Traffic Collision Investigator Sergeant Green at 925-779-6864, email rgreen@antiochca.gov.

Annual National Drug Take Back Day Saturday, Oct. 26

Friday, October 25th, 2024

By Antioch Police Department

Join us this Saturday, October 26th, from 10 am to 2 pm at the DEA Take Back event! Dispose of your unused medications safely and anonymously at convenient local drop-off locations nationwide. Locate a collection site near you: www.DEATakeBack.com.

Solid and liquid medications may be disposed. No medical sharps will be accepted.

Where: Antioch Police Department
300 L Street, Antioch
Inside the front lobby
From 10:00am to 2:00 pm.

DNA evidence leads to arrest of 2023 Antioch burglary suspect in Redding

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024
Burglary and stolen vehicle suspect KC Allen Moore of Antioch was arrested by Redding Police. Photos: Antioch PD

The Wheels of Justice never stop

UPDATE: Details on suspect with history of arrests, DNA evidence

By Antioch Police Department

Last year, Officer Kawalya was sent to investigate a burglary where a vehicle had been stolen! During his investigation, he located a key item of evidence. That item had the suspect’s DNA which the Contra Costa Sheriff’s crime lab was able to match. Officer Kawalya authored a warrant for the suspect and the search was on!

He thought he got away but you’re never out of reach of the long arms of the law. Thanks to our friends at the Redding Police Department, they were able to arrest him on the warrant and he was transported back to APD to face charges.

UPDATE: According to Lt. Desmond Bittner, the suspect’s name is, “K.C. Moore, age 42. He’s from Antioch, born and raised. The incident occurred in March 2023.”

Bittner also shared, “officers recovered DNA from the swabs of the steering wheel and shifting knob in the car that was stolen.”

“Moore was charged with burglary and vehicle theft,” he added.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Moore’s middle name is Allen and as of Oct. 17 he had bonded out of custody.

According to localcrimenews.com, Moore has a history of arrests by multiple agencies dating back to 2014 for crimes including previous vehicle thefts, assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, multiple weapon and drug charges, and possession of burglar’s tools.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.