Found with two AK-47s, one fully loaded, and Glock with extended magazine

By Antioch Police Department

On October 15th, at approximately 11:00 PM, the Pittsburg Police Departmentissued a BOLO (Be on the Lookout) for suspects involved in an armed robbery, reported to be carrying a handgun and an AK-47 rifle.

Around 1:30 AM on October 16th, Antioch PD responded to a disturbance in the parking lot of 320 W 20th Street. Officers encountered a white Chrysler 300 and observed a suspected controlled substance in the vehicle. During the investigation, two individuals were detained, and officers discovered a fully loaded AK-47 rifle and a Glock handgun with an extended magazine. Another AK-47 rifle was found in a backpack.

Pittsburg PD arrived and confirmed the suspects as those involved in the robbery and recovered the stolen necklace from the robbery. Pittsburg PD took custody of the suspects, their vehicle, and the firearms.

Thanks to outstanding police work, three dangerous weapons were taken off the streets!

By Antioch Police Department

Shoutout to the eagle-eyed citizens who helped APD apprehend an organized retail theft crew on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024.

Three juvenile subjects, between the ages of 14 and 16, were arrested after stealing $5,000 worth of merchandise from Sephora in the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center on Lone Tree Way in Antioch. One of the individuals had an outstanding warrant for retail theft. Great work, community and APD!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

New captain, lieutenant and officer join department, Fachner moves up to sergeant

“What an exciting time to join the Antioch Police Department. These new outstanding additions represent the department’s future, bringing fresh energy and perspectives to help shape our path forward.”- Interim Police Chief Brian Addington

By Allen D. Payton and Interim Antioch Police Chief Brian Addington

The Antioch Police Department added three more to the force and promoted one from within during an oath of office ceremony on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, led by Interim Chief Brian Addington, the sixth during his time in the position. He swore in Captain John Miller, the former police chief of Winters, CA, Lieutenant Joe Njoroge, a lateral from the Walnut Creek Police Department, new Officer Junior Pen and newly promoted Sergeant Dan Fachner.

The standing room only event held inside the Antioch Police Facility’s Community Room was attended by new City Manager Bessie Scott, City Attorney Thomas Loyd Smith, officers from the Antioch, Walnut Creek and Stockton Police Departments, as well as family and friends of the four men.

“It’s not an easy process to become an officer or get promoted,” Addington stated mentioning the application and oral board process. “If you make it high enough on the list you do a polygraph with an outside polygrapher, then a background of your entire life by an outside investigator. Then an interview with me, then a psychological exam, which is a battery of tests, followed by a psychologist approved by P.O.S.T. The final step is a physical examination by a medical doctor in compliance with POST guidelines to be an officer. All the candidates here, successfully completed all of that and surpassed the other applicants for the positions.”

“I am honored to welcome you to this special occasion, where we celebrate the swearing-in of new officers and promotion of dedicated members,” the Chief stated. “One comes from within our ranks here at Antioch, and two who served honorably with other agencies and are now joining us.”

“Today marks a significant milestone – not only for those standing before us but also for our police department as we continue to rebuild and renew our commitment to a higher standard of public service,” Addington continued.

“These officers have distinguished themselves through their hard work, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the community they serve,” the Chief said. “Their achievements reflect their readiness to take on greater responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to this department’s future. Each has answered the call to serve with integrity and professionalism, even in the face of significant challenges.”

“As we recognize their accomplishments today, we also reaffirm our collective mission to foster a culture of accountability and excellence,” he continued. “We will ensure that every action we take reflects the principles of fairness and constitutional policing. Together, we are committed to building a department the community can trust – one that is not only responsive to the present but also grounded in ideals that safeguard the future.”

“A special welcome to our most honored guests – all the family and friends joining us today. We know the sacrifices you have made to get your loved one to this point, and I want you to know that they have not gone unnoticed,” Addington stated.

“I mentioned rebuilding the department, I want to provide some prospect to this – and highlight the outstanding work our recruitment teams have been doing,” the Chief shared. “We currently have six new officers in the Field Training Program (including Pen) and 19 recruits in police academies. The first two will graduate next week. Six more officers will begin their academy journey next month, and several lateral officers are in the hiring process.

“What an exciting time to join the Antioch Police Department These new outstanding additions represent the department’s future, bringing fresh energy and perspectives to help shape our path forward,” he added.

Bios

Addington introduced each of the four men and provided their backgrounds.

Captain John Miller

“Captain Miller began his law enforcement career in 1984 as a Cadet with the Contra Costa County Sherriff’s Department. He became a Reserve Deputy Sheriff serving in Detention and on Patrrol and joined the Vacaville Police Department as a full-time police officer where he served for six years. During this time with Vacaville, he was a K9 handler, SWAT Team member, Honor Guard member, and Cadet Advisor.

“Captain Miller then served with the Vallejo Police Department for nearly 10 years, promoting to Corporal then Sergeant. He served as a Beat Health Officer in the Community Services Division employing the Community Oriented Policing and Problem-Solving philosophy, the Department Training Supervisor, SWAT Team Leader, and Department Rangemaster, overseeing all use of force training and equipment. His other duties at Vallejo included Cadet Advisor and Honor Guard. He went to the Pacific Grove Police Department Police as a Commander where he served for nearly four years as the second-in-command of the department. He was also the regional SWAT team Tactical Commander. Captain Miller was hired as the Chief of Police of the Winters Police Department in July 2016, where he has served for over eight years.

“Over his career, Captain Miller has been awarded the Medal of Valor, two Medals of Merit and a Medal of Good Conduct, 10851 Award for recovering stolen vehicles, among many other commendations.

“Captain Miller earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Personnel Administration and Industrial Relations from Cal-State Hayward (now East Bay) and his Master’s degree in Public Administration with Honors, from Golden Gate University. He has attended the FBI National Academy, California POST Command College and California Police Captain’s Association Executive Leadership Institute.

“Captain Miller also taught at the Napa Valley Criminal Justice Center’s Basic Police Academy for several years teaching firearms, force options simulator, use of force law and weapons law. Captain Miller currently serves on the California Police Chiefs Association (CPCA) Professional Development Committee, represents CPCA on the POST Instructor Standards Advisory Committee and is a facilitator of the CPCA Second in Command Course.

“Captain Miller has two adult children and was active in their lives as a Cub Scout Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster and a 4-H leader. His son earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and his daughter earned a Bronze Award in 4-H.

Captain Miller is an avid outdoorsman. He dove for abalone and spearfished on California’s north coast. He is also SCUBA certified and has dived in warm water destinations such as Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Belie, Jamaica and Hawaii.

Fun Fact: Captain Miller has back packed into the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana four times to hunt elk. “The Bob,” as it is known, is one of the largest nearly untouched wilderness areas in the Lower 48. He was thrown twice by horses, and after those experiences, he packed in last year on foot using pack llamas.

“We’re very excited to lure him over to the APD as a captain,” the chief added.

Addington handed Miller his pin and said, “His uniform wasn’t ready yet, but we didn’t want to wait because we need him.”

Miller later said he didn’t have anyone there to pin him as he wasn’t expecting such a grand ceremony. “At Winters, we were just sworn in during a council meeting, given a handshake and told to ‘get to work,’” he said with a laugh.

Lt. Joe Njoroge (pronounced “Jarogay”)

“Joe began his law enforcement career as a police officer with the San Jose Police Department in 2008, where he served for five years. In 2012, he left San Jose and joined the Walnut Creek Police Department, where he worked for 12 years, and went to join us here at Antioch in 2013.

“Over his 17 years in law enforcement, he has also gained extensive training and experience. Some of his past assignments included Cadet Advisor, Emergency Vehicle operations Instructor, Field Training Officer, SWAT “Operator, and Special Enforcement Team Officer.

In 2019, he was promoted to Sergeant and supervised multiple patrol teams and the Special Events Unit. In 2022, I transitioned to the Detective Bureau and oversaw property and person crimes.

“He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering, which he earned in 2001. Before going into law enforcement, he worked in the semiconductor industry.”

“He’s probably the smartest person in the department,” Addington stated.

“Throughout his career, Joe actively participated in several teams, including the Peer Support Team and Neighborhood Watch Team, and served as the Pink Patch Project Coordinator. He also assisted the Fleet Manager in ensuring efficient operations.

“He graduated from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and Leadership Contra Costa and is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration in Criminal Justice.” About the Sherman Block training, Addington said, it’s “a nine-month program with chiefs across the state. It helps you really learn about yourself.”

“One of Joe’s passions is soccer,” the Chief continued. “He has dedicated time to coaching youth teams in San Jose at Downtown College Prep and Walnut Creek for the Walnut Creek Soccer Club. He strives to inspire the next generation through sports and teamwork.

Fun Fact: In Joe’s spare time, he enjoys working on mastering the craft of BBQ.  His family and friends say he makes a mean brisket and BBQ chicken wings.”

 “I know you’ll fit in well here because we have some pretty good soccer players in Antioch,” Addington stated and shared about the department’s newest lieutenant that, “He loves cookies. So, we have some in the back.”

After introducing Njoroge Addington thanked, “the Walnut Creek alumni who are here, today including former Chief Jamie Knox.”

Njoroge had his son and wife pin him with his new badge.

Sgt. Dan Fachner

“Dan grew up in Livermore, California, and enlisted in the Air Force in 1990 after graduating high school. He served on active-duty status in the Air Force for 11 years as a jet engine mechanic on KC-135 air refuelers. In 2001, Dan was honorably discharged from active-duty status in the Air Force and was hired by the San Police Department as a Police Officer. He attended and graduated from the San Jose Police Academy at Evergreen Community College.

“9/11 occurred during Dan’s police academy, and he decided to serve his country again. He joined the Air Force Reserves after graduating from the Police Academy, was activated, and returned to active duty. He proudly served during Operation Enduring Freedom, working on KC10 aircraft refuelers responsible for worldwide support.

“While at the San Jose Police Department, Dan worked in patrol field services for 12 years. He was a Rifle Team member and an instructor for the field training program. Dan had a collateral assignment as a gang suppression officer, where he reduced gang crimes in the City of San Jose.

“In 2013 Dan retired from the Air Force after serving for 23 years. He joined the Antioch Police Department in 2013 as a Police Officer and was assigned to patrol field services. While in patrol field services, Dan has been a K9 handler, Rifle Team member, Field Training Officer, and Drone Operator. Dan had a collateral assignment and was assigned to the Contra Costa County Vehicle Suppression Enforcement Team, which focused on reducing vehicle thefts. In July of 2024, Dan was promoted to the rank of Corporal.

“Dan enjoys traveling with his wife, Crissy, when he is not at work. He is also an avid golfer and bass fisherman.

Fun Fact: Dan recently competed in a bass fishing Tournament of Champions series, competing against the top 100 fishermen in California.”

About Fachner the Chief added, “he’s had a distinguished career, and he’s really earned this. In July we promoted him to corporal and he’s done such a good job that a few months later we’re promoting him to sergeant.”

Fachner had Sgt. Dave Moody of the San Jose Police Department, who has 45 years of experience in law enforcement, pin on his badge.

Officer Junior Pen- Academy Graduate

“Junior was born and raised in Stockton and attended Ronald E. McNair High School. During high school, he trained in Muay Thai, a form of kickboxing. He is the first-generation police officer in his family and is very proud of it – which he should be. He attended and graduated from the Alameda County Police Academy, receiving a certificate of achievement. Junior found a calling to be a police officer because of his mentor, slain Stockton Police Officer Jimmy Inn’s sacrifice. Officer Inn motivated him to want to serve and protect the community.”

Addington then recognized members of Inn’s family who were in attendance for the ceremony. “Officer Inn was shot and killed on a domestic violence call in May 2021,” he shared. “He was a mentor to Officer Junior Pen and his legacy lives on in law enforcement. Junior was motivated by Officer Inn to join the Antioch Police Department.”

“Junior likes fishing, weightlifting, and spending time with his family in his free time,” Addington continued.

“Fun Fact: Junior is a nerd for the Star Wars movies franchise – as do most of us, I’m sure,” the Chief added.

Pen asked his cousin to pin his badge on his uniform.

Oaths of Office and Honor

Following their introductions, Addington administered their oaths of office. Then after each of the four men was pinned, they offered remarks which included thanking Addington for hiring them.

The Chief then shared about the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Law Enforcement Oath of Honor saying, “The IACP Governing Body developed an Oath of Honor to punctuate the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect and ensuring the preservation of human life.

What is the Oath of Honor

“This is a public affirmation of your commitment to adhere to this oath and demonstrate the highest ethical standards. Before you take the Oath of Honor, you must understand what it means. This oath is a solemn pledge that you sincerely intend to abide by the terms of the Oath of Honor. Do each of you understand that?” Addington asked. They all replied, “Yes.”

“Raise your right hand and repeat the oath of Honor to affirm this,” the Chief said and led the men in the additional oath.

“Thank you for joining us in this moment of celebration, and please join me in congratulating these exceptional officers on their achievements. We look forward to their continued impact on shaping the path ahead,” the Chief added.

Family, friends and former and current colleagues congratulated and joined the men for photos and refreshments, which included the cookies Addington previously mentioned, as well as brownies and strawberries covered in sugary blue frosting and white chocolate, set inside letters spelling “APD.”

See videos of each of the four later on the Antioch Herald Facebook page.

10/24/24 UPDATE: The victim “died over the weekend”, incident now investigated as vehicular manslaughter

By Lieutenant Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On October 12, 2024, at approximately 8:25 PM, Antioch Police officers responded to a report of a hit-and-run auto vs. pedestrian vehicle collision on Lone Tree Way near Canada Valley Road. Officers arrived on scene and found the 53-year-old female victim unresponsive on the ground in the eastbound lanes of Lone Tree Way. Officers performed first aid until relieved by paramedics. The victim was transported to an area hospital with life threatening injuries.

10/14/24 UPDATE: According to Interim Chief Brian Addington, “She is listed in critical condition.”

Traffic accident investigators were called out to take over the investigation. This investigation is still on-going, and the cause of the collision has not yet been determined. This case is in the preliminary stages and the names of the parties involved are not being released at this time.

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.

10/23/24 UPDATE: Antioch Interim Police Chief Brian Addington and Captain Joe Vigil confirmed information shared in a comment on the Antioch Herald Facebook page that the victim “died over the weekend.”

10/24/24 UPDATE: When asked if it is now a homicide investigation Lt. Desmond Bittner said, “Anything related to a vehicle, it would be vehicular manslaughter, and the investigation is conducted like a homicide, but it is not classified as a homicide.”

The investigation and search for the suspect continues.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

In Wednesday TV news interview about new Violence Reduction Initiative; Bernal says, “No” he didn’t know about police scandals

Although scandals occurred while he’s been on the council since 2016 and mayor since 2020 Hernandez-Thorpe won’t accept any responsibility

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe who is seeking re-election to a second term in the position, and third term on the council, lashed out at his opponent, former city manager Ron Bernal on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, during a Bay Area TV news interview. He posted a video of the interview on his official Facebook page.

The KTVU interview was about the Violence Reduction Initiative approved the by city council the previous night providing up to $500,000 for help from outside agencies at a cost of up to $200 per hour for their officers and equipment. The plan is to supplement the effort of the Antioch Police Department specifically focusing on the City’s highest-crime areas of Sycamore and Cavallo Roads following a rash of 15 shootings in September, most of which occurred in those parts of town and results in the deaths of two young men.

During the interview the mayor blasted Bernal claiming he was responsible for the current crime which he blamed on the lack of officers due to the two scandals involving officers from both the Antioch and Pittsburg Police Departments that were investigated by both the Contra Costa DA’s Office and FBI. Hernandez-Thorpe said, “The former city manager left us with this mess.”

The scandals started with the selling of steroids and one officer taking tests so other officers could pass college courses to obtain greater pay and the initial investigation uncovered racist and offensive texts being sent by six officers but received by many more. The investigations resulted in 35 Antioch officers being placed on leave and ultimately, 10 officers being terminated. (See related articles here, here and here)

The texting occurred in 2019, 2020 and 2021 while Hernandez-Thorpe was on the city council having been elected in 2016 and during his first year as mayor, and when Bernal was city manager, having been first hired interim city manager then promoted to the permanent position both in March 2017. The mayor called for the firing of all the officers investigated for the text scandal in May 2023 and again the following month. 

The KTVU reporter challenged the mayor asking him if he was elected in 2020, but she failed to ask him how long he’s served on the council. Hernandez-Thorpe’s first term as a council member began in December 2016 and included the time period of both police scandals.

The police chief at that time, Tammany Brooks, who was hired in May 2017, said he was unaware of the texts that were shared among officers’ personal cell phones, not their department-issued phones. In October 2021, Brooks retired from Antioch and took a new position with the Boise Police Department. Bernal retired at the end of December 2021.

It wasn’t always chilly between the mayor and Bernal. Following Bernal’s announcement of his retirement, Hernandez-Thorpe heaped praise upon him saying, “Ron is an impeccable human being, filled with compassion, understanding, and love. This has been demonstrated time after time in his relentless support and desire to house our unhoused neighbors, provide Antioch youth with new paths filled with opportunity, and much, much more.  Ron has been a friend, confidant, and advisor.  While Ron will be missed in his capacity as city manager, he and his wife will continue to be Antioch residents and neighbors to many of us.” (See related articles here and here)

This is the second time Hernandez-Thorpe has accused Bernal of something that occurred while both were serving in their respective positions. Earlier this year the mayor accused the former city manager of approving the decommissioning of the Antioch Amtrak station, which was later proven false. Bernal, with Hernandez-Thorpe’s knowledge, only approved the demolition of the building at the station. (See related article)

Questions for Hernandez-Thorpe Go Unanswered

Questions were sent Thursday morning to the mayor asking the following:

“If you’re going to blame the former city manager, who was hired in March 2017, shouldn’t you also accept at least part of the blame since you were one of his bosses and were on the council at the time?

Did you know about the texts being sent among the officers? 

Since Chief Brooks was hired in May 2017 in your first year on the council and who said he was unaware of the texts as they were sent using the officers’ personal cell phones and that’s not something the department has oversight of, how could you expect the city manager to know of the texts? How could you or any of the council members be aware of them, either?

Since you twice called for the firing of all 35 officers on paid leave during the two investigations, most of whom only received the texts but didn’t send any, which if that had happened would have further depleted the number on the Antioch force by another 25 sworn officers, shouldn’t you take responsibility for contributing to the atmosphere that’s kept officers from wanting to come to work for our city?

As the mayor and one of five council members, do you accept any responsibility for the current crime problems, specifically the recent rash of 16 shootings in Antioch and lack of police officers on the force?

Do you think it’s appropriate to be campaigning during a TV interview about a new City effort to address the current increase in shootings in Antioch’s highest crime areas instead of focusing on the solutions?”

The mayor was also asked to share anything else about the matter.

But multiple attempts to reach Hernandez-Thorpe and his campaign consultant were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

Bernal Says He Didn’t Know About the Police Scandals

In addition, Bernal was also asked questions about Hernandez-Thorpe’s accusations. He was asked:

“Did you know anything about the racist and offensive police texts while you were city manager?

Did you know anything about the use of steroids by some officers?

Were you aware of any reports from within the department that some officers were paying another officer to take tests for them to pass college courses in order to increase their pay?”

Bernal was also asked if he had any other comments about the matter.

Although his campaign consultant, Matt Shupe, responded, “Were not going to engage on any of these Lamar issues/topics/stories” and shared Bernal had also been interviewed by KTVU on Thursday, the candidate later responded simply with, “No, no and no. I have no further comment.”

The election is November 5th and whichever of the three running for mayor, including second-time candidate Rakesh Christian, is victorious will serve for a four-year term.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

“No victims have come forward,” – Antioch Police Lt. John Fortner

16th shooting in city since Sept. 2nd

By Allen D. Payton

A shooting between occupants of two vehicles on Cavallo Road in Antioch, Tuesday evening, October 8, 2024, at about 6:30 p.m. struck the Contra Costa County Social Services building but no individuals.

“No victims have come forward,” said Antioch Police Lt. John Fortner. “We didn’t locate any victims, no hospital calls, nothing.”

“It was two cars going at each other,” he shared. “We’re still looking at video. Basically, what we have, it happened between the Mexican market and the County building in the street.”

“There was a car on the roadway facing south, about the 1700 block of Cavallo, north of E. 18th Street. It was a lighter colored vehicle. A darker colored vehicle heading southbound slowed down as it neared the other vehicle. The occupants of one car started shooting at the other. Both cars ended up making U-turns in the middle of the street and heading northbound, with the darker colored vehicle turning first. So, the lighter colored car may have been chasing the other. We don’t know if it was an exchange or who started it.”

“We’re not aware of any buildings being struck,” he stated. But when informed of the photos provided to the Herald and shared by a resident on social media on Wednesday. Fortner then added, “I will confirm that and get back to you.”

It’s the 16th shooting in Antioch since the first week of September and the third on Cavallo Road, one of which resulted in the death of an 18-year-old man. The first shooting on Sept. 2 resulted in the death of a 20-year-old man who police later said shot first.

To combat the violence the city council on Tuesday night approved spending up to $500,000 on a Violence Reduction Initiative paying up to $200 per hour for overtime to outside agency officers and for the use of their equipment, but not paying double-time to Antioch officers. The initiative is focused on in the Sycamore corridor and Cavallo Road neighborhood and is designed to assist the “understaffed, overworked police department”, according to District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker in whose district 15 of the shootings have occurred.

UPDATE: Up to $500,000, but only includes up to $200 per hour for outside agency officers and equipment costs, no double-time for Antioch Police officers

“This is a temporary measure. It is not a forever thing,” – Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe

“…we already have an understaffed, overworked police department,” – District 1 Councilwoman Torres-Walker in whose district all but one shooting occurred as her reason for opposing the double-time pay for Antioch officers.

Reverses tobacco retailer ordinance now allowing them to be sold or inherited

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the Antioch City Council, with District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica absent due to illness, voted 4-0 to approve a Violence Reduction Initiative with a budget of up to $500,000 and offering up to $200 to cover the costs of police officers and equipment from outside agencies, but not to offer Antioch’s officers double time, for now. Then, to ensure “Opportunity Lives Here” in Antioch, again for tobacco retail owners, the council barely passed on a 3-0-1 vote revision to the ordinance adopted in 2017 banning the sale or transfer to heirs of their businesses in the city as of Jan. 1, 2023. It was also the first council meeting for new City Manager Bessie Mae Scott who started on Monday.

Approve up to $500,000 for Violence Reduction Initiative, Pay up to $200 per Hour but Only for Outside Agency Personnel

Following public comments that questioned the expenditure of the funds for the Violence Reduction Initiative proposed in response to the rash of 15 shootings in September, mostly in the Sycamore corridor, District 1 Councilwoman Torres-Walker, in whose district all but one of the shootings occurred, was the first member to weigh in on the issue. (See related article)

According to the city staff report, the proposal had three parts: “1) Authorizing the payment of double-time for Antioch Police Officer’s Association Members for working extra shifts in designated areas of the City to reduce violence as directed by the Chief of Police or his/her designee; 2) Authorizing the City Manager to enter into agreements, approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office, to pay regional municipalities $200 per hour to send officers to work shifts in designated areas to reduce violence; and 3) Allocating up to $500,000 to fund this violence reduction initiative.”

“The double time for officers is for them to come in on their days office…to incentivize them…is what the double-time authorization is for,” the councilwoman stated “I don’t necessarily support the double-time. But I do support the use of outside support. What this really is to increase police presence in communities that need it most.”

Torres-Walker then went on another of her diatribes about her views on policing and public safety saying, “Had we invested up front in prevention of violence we wouldn’t need to invest in police” and if you want accountability, you’re not anti-police. “You don’t have to pander to Back the Blue, very dangerous individuals. You don’t want to be attacked by people who are very pro-police,” taking a swipe at a local police support Facebook group.

Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson then asked Antioch Police Captain Joe Vigil about double time versus outside agencies.

“The idea of having a balanced approached of having a bit of both…to supplement our police staffing,” he responded. “The whole point of this was to incentivize the officers to come in on their day off.”

“So, we don’t even know if any agency is going to help,” Wilson stated.

“No. We do. We have one and we have two in the works,” Hernandez-Thorpe interjected.

Ogorchock asked, “There will still be forced overtime?”

“It’s built into the schedule,” Vigil stated.

“Should we offer this to our officers before offering it to outside agencies?” she asked.

“Correct,” he said.

“It’s up to $500,000, correct?”

“Correct,” he responded.

“It’s being allocated as it’s being used, correct?” the councilwoman continued.

“Correct,” Vigil stated.

“Our officers are already working toward overtime, correct?” Torres-Walker asked.

“Correct,” the Police Captain said.

“This will be managed…to make sure people aren’t too tired,” the District 1 Councilwoman stated. “We aren’t obligated to offer overtime. But we could use money to bring in outside support.”

“This doesn’t have to be offered to our officers, first. I heard you say that, but I don’t think that’s accurate,” the mayor stated.

“No. It’s not. I apologize for the confusion,” Vigil responded. “There would be a schedule put out and built.”

“The main focus of this is outside agencies,” Hernandez-Thorpe stated. “I know it’s both. But the primary purpose that the chief has been working on is outside agencies. Our officers are already working overtime.”

“Since we already have an understaffed, overworked police department then we wouldn’t be discussing number one, but only number two and three (of the proposal),” Torres-Walker pointed out.

“But this is for the areas we’ve been talking about. They are doing overtime,” the mayor said.

“Some people are not coming in on their day off,” Torres-Walker stated.

“That’s the point of the incentive,” Hernandez-Thorpe explained.

“That would make (section) one moot because they’re already working toward overtime from the direction of the police chief. They’re just not coming in on their days off,” the councilwoman reiterated.

“My goal has always been the outside agencies. That’s the chief’s goal. What I hear the captain saying is for officers to come in on their days off, is that correct?” the mayor asked.

“I don’t support the double-time, but I do support incentivizing outside agencies,” Torres-Walker repeated.

“They already do get the overtime. We’re authorizing double-time,” Vigil shared in response to a question by Hernandez-Thorpe.

“While we may get outside agencies it doesn’t mean we’ll get every single day outside agency support,” the mayor explained. “This is a temporary measure. It is not a forever thing and I think…we’re not just talking about Sycamore, we’re talking about 18th and Cavallo. So, we’re talking about other hot spots in the community, and we don’t want it to spill over.”

“Whatever direction ya’ll want to go in, I’ll support,” Torres-Walker then said. “It’s not additional people. It’s maybe two people, three people.”

“Yes. Two, four,” Vigil responded.

“It’s not in addition. We’re still understaffed,” the councilwoman reiterated. “So, we can temporarily deter violence, then we’re over policing in one neighborhood and under policing in another neighborhood. I will just be interested to see what the results will be.”

“So, if are they coming in with their vehicles are they using our vehicles?

“These are not full shifts, they’re partial shifts around certain days and times,” Vigil said. “We do not reimburse them for after they leave…just for when they’re here and their equipment.”

Ogorchock then moved approval of the funding of up to $500,000 to fund double-time for both Antioch and outside agency officers.

“I get the council’s concerns about the officers’ overtime. We can either vote on these individually or set a parameter around the use of overtime,” the mayor then offered.

“I think it would be easier to vote on them separately,” said City Attorney Thomas L. Smith.

Ogorchock then withdrew her motion. “I still have concerns about the unions and our officers and how it has to be offered to them, first. I have a hard time dealing with the rest of it.”

“It’s not an issue,” Hernandez-Thorpe said. “The outside agencies, I really need the council to support this.”

Wilson then made a new motion to only approve the double-time for officers from outside agencies up to $200 per hour and spending up to $500,000. Torres-Walker seconded the motion.

“So, the goal is, you, mayor is going to go talk to the chief?” Torres-Walker asked.

“The city manager,” the mayor stated.

She will go talk to the chief about the issue of overtime for Antioch’s officers, Torres-Walker explained.

The motion then passed 4-0.

Tobacco Retailer Ordinance Revision

After voting on August 8, 2017, to not allow owners of tobacco retail businesses in Antioch to sell or transfer them to their heirs, the Antioch City Council reversed course during their Tuesday meeting. With very few public comments on the matter and although Barbanica had pushed the issue and the council members proposed postponing the item until he could be in attendance, the council went ahead and barely passed the revisions to the ordinance on a vote of 3-0-1, with Wilson abstaining.

During discussion on the item, Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe said he was on the council in 2017 when the council voted for the original ordinance, as was Wilson and District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock. The ordinance passed at that time on a 3-0 vote with Hernandez-Thorpe and Wilson absent from the meeting. It prohibited new tobacco and paraphernalia retailers from opening in the city and those that were legally established prior to the adoption of the ordinance could not be sold or transferred after January 1, 2023. (See related article)

The mayor said the council voted for it because of the problems with youth buying tobacco products and crime at or near the business. But he said to a few of the business owners in the audience, “I’ve been to your business. It’s not a crime hub. But there are some that are in crime hubs.”

District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker said she was never in favor of preventing business owners from selling or passing them on to their heirs. Although Wilson said she thought her colleague made a good point about the business owners wanting to create generational wealth, she nevertheless would not support the revision to the ordinance.