By Captain Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On Friday, August 21, 2026, at 10:31 p.m., Antioch Police officers responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Hillcrest Avenue and the eastbound Highway 4 off-ramp. The involved vehicle fled the scene following the collision.
Upon arrival, officers located a 24-year-old Antioch woman lying on the sidewalk. Officers immediately provided medical aid until Con Fire personnel arrived. The victim was transported to an area hospital with major injuries and remains in critical condition.
Witnesses at the scene provided officers with a description of the suspect vehicle. Officers later located the vehicle in the 2800 block of Larkspur Drive in Antioch. The driver fled the area before officers could make contact. Investigators are currently reviewing evidence and working to identify the 40-year-old Hispanic male driver.
The Antioch Police Department’s Traffic Unit has taken over the investigation. The collision investigation remains ongoing, and the victim’s name is being withheld at this time.
Based on preliminary information gathered at the scene, speed and alcohol appear to be factors in the collision.
This information was made available by the Traffic Unit. Any further information or additional press releases will be provided by the Traffic Unit.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441 or Traffic Collision Investigator James Desiderio at (925) 331-7474, email jdesiderio@antiochca.gov.
Pepper spray is legal in CA but not for minors to possess
Could face up to $1,000 fine and/or up to 3 years in prisonfor misuse, up to $2,000 fine and/or 6 months in county jail for battery
By Lt. Franco Cesar, Antioch Police Department
On August 21, 2026, at approximately 1:47 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to Antioch High School following reports of multiple students exposed to pepper spray. The incident occurred in a school hallway during a passing period.
A preliminary investigation revealed the incident stemmed from an ongoing dispute between two students. During the altercation, pepper spray was deployed, inadvertently affecting several nearby students.
Officers identified seven students affected by the spray. Emergency medical personnel evaluated the victims on scene and transported three students to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment. No serious injuries were reported.
Responding officers located the juvenile responsible for deploying the pepper spray. She was issued a citation for Possession/Use of Tear Gas by a Minor and Battery, then released to her parents. Due to the suspect’s age, her identity will not be released.
Source: Antioch PD CitizenRIMS
The Antioch Police Department remains committed to campus safety and continues to work in close partnership with Antioch Unified School District administrators during school incidents.
Case No.: 26-7951
According to the Antioch Police CitizenRIMS Map, the incident occurred at 1:38 PM and is listed as a misdemeanor possession of a weapon at school K-12 626.10(A)(1) PC and 243(A) PC – battery. Incident Number:2608210130.
Pepper Spray is Legal in CA But Not for Minors to Possess
According to Zarc International, “Pepper spray in CA is Legal. Subject to certain restrictions, Section 12403.7 of the Penal Code provides ‘any person may purchase, possess or use tear gas and tear gas weapons for the projection or release of tear gas if the tear gas and tear gas weapons are used solely for self-defense purposes.’
“The definition of tear gas also includes pepper spray. The restrictions include a prohibition against selling such a unit to a minor, and a provision limiting the size to 2.5 ounces by weight.
“The misuse of tear gas in California comes with state penalties of up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to three years in prison, not to mention a possible felony conviction on record. Some examples of misuse include: using tear gas on people in anger, spraying it as a joke, possession of tear gas by prohibited persons, minors, drug addicts or persons convicted of felonies.
“To be legally purchased, possessed or used in California, any canister must have a label that says ‘WARNING: The use of this substance or device for any purpose other than self-defense is a crime under the law. The contents are dangerous–use with care.’ The maximum legal net weight for a canister is 2.5 ounces, or 70 grams of OC, CS or CN. CR is not legal for civilian use.”
Police seek unknown suspect, warn residents against vigilante justicefollowing social media posts of videos showing “resident yelling and using racial slurs”
By Lt. Michael Mellone, Antioch Police Department
On Monday, August 17, 2026, at 10:11 a.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a residence in the Lake Alhambra area of Antioch after an incendiary device was reportedly thrown at the property. The device, preliminarily believed to be a large firework, exploded and caused minor property damage. No injuries were reported.
Officers secured the scene and collected evidence. The Walnut Creek Police Department Bomb Squad responded to assist with the investigation. APD officers have interviewed several witnesses, are collecting and reviewing surveillance video from the surrounding area and are pursuing several investigative leads. At this time, no suspect has been identified.
The residence is associated with several incidents from July 2026. One of those incidents, which recently received significant attention on social media, was addressed through the courts and resulted in a restraining order. In a separate incident involving a different victim, the same suspect was arrested for an alleged civil rights violation and battery. That case was referred to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, which subsequently filed misdemeanor charges alleging violation of civil rights and simple battery. The criminal case remains pending.
A post on the Antioch Police Department’s Facebook page Sunday afternoon, Aug. 16, also asked people not to pursue vigilante justice. It read, “We are aware of videos circulating on social media involving a local resident yelling and using racial slurs. The Antioch Police Department is actively investigating the incident.
“We understand that these videos may be upsetting to our community. We ask everyone to please allow our investigators to do their job and not take matters into your own hands or harass, threaten, or confront anyone involved.
“If you have information that may assist our investigation, please contact the Antioch Police Department.
“Thank you for helping us keep our community safe and respectful.”
Screenshot of APD CitizenRIMS map showing arrest following the incident at the same house on July 27, 2026. Source: Antioch PD
According to Lt. Bill Whitaker, an arrest was made at the house on July 27th of the man who was the subject of the videos in which he can be seen making racist comments. According to the APD CitizenRIMS map, the arrest occurred at 6:12 PM and was for a felony assault described as, “Threaten Crime With Intent To Terrorize,” 422(A) PC – against immediate family or any other person who regularly resides in the household, 422.6(A) PC – a person, whether or not acting under color of law, shall not, by force or threat of force, willfully injure, intimidate, interfere with, oppress, or threaten any other person in the free exercise or enjoyment of a right or privilege secured by the Constitution or laws of this state, and 242 PC – battery. Case Number: 26-7027 and Incident Number: 2607270189. However, the arrest is not included in the list on the APD CitizenRIMS website.
Whitaker also shared that the incident is unrelated to what occurred on July 30, 2026, when the Antioch Police Department served a search warrant at a residence in the 4000 block of South Royal Links Circle as part of an ongoing investigation involving possible homemade explosive devices.
Investigators are examining whether today’s incident is connected to the recent social media attention surrounding the July incidents. While APD recognizes the strong public reaction, retaliation and vigilante acts are not an acceptable substitute for the criminal justice process. The July matters were investigated by APD and are being addressed through the appropriate legal processes.
Resident of house arrested on July 27th. Source: bayarea_tv Instagram video screenshot
UPDATE 1: One video posted on the bayarea_tv Instagram account shared semi-anonymously (without a name, just an email address) with the Herald Monday night, shows a man in the yard of a house cussing at someone video recording him while yelling profanity and racist epithets, and flipping off using both hands.
The description posted with the video reads, “Racist Neighbor in Antioch, CA. A Black homeowner says she has faced repeated harassment from her next-door neighbor, including being called the N-word and subjected to other insults. She says the behavior has continued despite having restraining orders against the neighbor. Video of one of the encounters has since circulated online, bringing attention to what she describes as ongoing harassment. What should happen in a situation like this?” (The Herald will not post a link to the video, just a screenshot so as not to repeat the vile comments). Lt. Whitaker confirmed he is the man who was arrested on July 27th.
Members of the public who have information or evidence are encouraged to provide it to law enforcement rather than take matters into their own hands. Harassment, threats, trespassing, property damage, or acts of violence directed at any person or residence may constitute separate criminal offenses and will be investigated accordingly. Such actions can also place uninvolved neighbors, including children and pets, community members, and first responders at risk.
Anyone with information about today’s incident is asked to contact the Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau at (925) 779-6926 and reference Case No. 26-7784. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
Because today’s investigation remains active and the July criminal case is pending, APD is limiting the release of additional details that could compromise either matter. Additional information will be released when appropriate.
Antioch Historical Society Landscape Advisor Cesar Court presents a thank you plaque to Nahleen Cloninger representing the Antioch Police Officers Association Community Engagement Team and Antioch Police Chief Joe Vigil. Photo: Antioch Historical Society
By Carla Baker Marymee, Antioch Historical Society
The Antioch Historical Society presented a beautiful plaque to Antioch Police Chief Joe Vigil and Nahleen Cloninger to thank the Antioch Police Officers Association Community Engagement Team for their incredible support during a recent clean up at the Antioch Historical Museum! It was presented by Landscape Advisor Cesar Court.
Special appreciation to Nick Shipilov, who coordinated the effort and worked side-by-side with fellow officers Loren Bledsoe (ret.), Eric Nilsen, Rick Hoffman and his son, JJ Jeong, Arturo Becerra, Joshua Riosbass, and Brian Cruz-Guzman. These outstanding individuals recently donated their personal time to help care for our museum grounds.
We are deeply grateful for their generosity, hard work, and community spirit.
Our grounds and facilities require ongoing care. We’re asking for your help — even one day a month makes a difference. Special thanks to Cesar Court, our Landscape Advisor, who has been tirelessly maintaining the grounds with a small crew. If you’d like to assist, please contact Cesar at (925) 550-7821.
Suspect Terrence Gordon Langston in a video posted on his Facebook page Jan. 13, 2020, and the cash and gold bars confiscated. Photo by Antioch PD
Has victims in multiple states, history of arrests, already out of custody
By Antioch Police Department
On July 21, 2026, Lear Capital, a Los Angeles-based precious metals company, contacted the Antioch Police Department to report suspicious transactions they believed were fraudulent. Their employees noticed something was off, and instead of looking the other way, they picked up the phone and called us.
That call mattered. Detective Duff quickly connected the activity to victims in multiple states with combined losses of nearly $30,000. Within days, detectives served a search warrant at an Antioch residence and recovered stolen property, including $9,000 in gold, along with check-printing equipment, card readers, personal identifying information belonging to numerous people and two firearms.
Terrence Gordon Langston, 34, of Antioch, was arrested and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has filed felony identity theft and grand theft charges.
According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests by Antioch and Colma Police and the Contra Costa Sheriff dating back to 2017 for crimes including receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, receiving or concealing stolen property and for a bench warrant/failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge.
On Langston’s Facebook page, it shows he’s self-employed since January 2018 and he posted a video of himself talking about something he called “Money Mystery” and described as “the next generation of broadcast.” Langston said that he’s “been MIA for a minute…because I’ve been working on my own app” and was “in the beta-testing stages” and looking for “11 testers” to help him and “each week…giving out $11 to each tester.” Under Langston’s education it shows California State University, Northridge.
We want to thank Lear Capital for doing the right thing. Most identity theft victims don’t know they’ve been targeted until the damage is done. Alert businesses are often the first to spot it.
That’s the lesson in this case: early detection stops fraud. Here’s how to detect it early in your own life.
Freeze your credit. It’s free, takes about 10 minutes, and blocks anyone from opening accounts in your name. You can unfreeze it anytime.
Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery. This free service emails you a photo of the mail arriving at your address each day, before it gets there. If something goes missing between the photo and your mailbox, you’ll know. Mail theft remains one of the most common ways criminals steal identities. Sign up at informeddelivery.usps.com.
Check your credit reports. You’re entitled to free weekly reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Look for accounts you don’t recognize.
Verify before you share. If someone calls claiming to be your bank, a company you do business with, or even law enforcement, hang up and call back using a number you find yourself. Legitimate organizations will never pressure you to stay on the line.
If it happens to you, report it at IdentityTheft.gov and file a report with your local police department. A police report is often required to dispute fraudulent accounts.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Vote on spending over $500K for park and trail signage, $382K for police dep’t security system, appointing new member to Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee
By Allen D. Payton
Following a Closed Session at 4:30 p.m., during their Regular Meeting tonight, Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the Antioch City Council will discuss resuming downtown security services and vote on spending over $500,000 for park and trail signage, about $382,000 for Police Department cameras and appointing a new member to the Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee. That’s in addition to deciding where to use state park grant funds, either at the former Beede Lumber Yard in Rivertown or at City Park. (See related article)
Before their Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m., during Closed Session, which begins at 4:30 p.m., the Council will discuss the City Attorney’s performance evaluation, nine potential lawsuits pertaining to possible Labor Code Section 1102.5, which protects employees from retaliation for reporting or refusing to participate in illegal or unlawful activities, and Fair Employment and Housing Act violations, as well as one possible lawsuit for a potential breach of contract and related claims.
Herald file photo
Downtown Security Services Discussion
Under item 9 on the agenda, the Council will discuss resuming private security services to patrol City-owned parking lots in historic, downtown Rivertown. The previous contract and extensions ended on June 30th.
According to the City staff report, “In December 2022, in response to increasing concerns from Rivertown/Downtown business owners and visitors regarding criminal activity and quality of life issues occurring in and around City-owned public parking lots, the City Council directed staff to evaluate options to improve public safety and security in the area. One key strategy identified was the deployment of private security services to act as a visible deterrent, identify safety issues, monitor City-owned properties and promptly report incidents and safety concerns to the Antioch Police Department.
“Following a competitive process, the City selected Shield Protection & Public Safety, Inc., DBA Spearhead Protection, as the most qualified provider. The City entered into a professional services agreement with Spearhead Protection for services from January 9, 2024, through June 30, 2025, in the not-to-exceed amount of $100,068. On April 23, 2025, the City executed a first amended agreement, increasing the compensation by $49,932. On May 27, 2025, agreement (mislabeled as a first amendment), extending services through June 30, 2026, and increasing compensation to the not-to-exceed amount of $100,000.
“There is no direct fiscal impact of the discussion surrounding downtown security services. Should Council direct that the City resume security services and issue a request for proposal, the City Manager’s General Fund budget includes $102,500 for services, based on the pricing of the prior contract.”
“The previous contract provided security coverage seven days a week, including holidays, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and midnight. Services include regular patrols of nine designated locations in the Rivertown/Downtown area by a uniformed guard in a marked security vehicle.”
Photo: Verkada
New Police Department Cameras, Hardware & Software
Under the Consent Calendar item 5.F, the Council will consider approving a five-year agreement with Verkada-Development Group Inc. in the amount of $381,676.22 to purchase police department cameras, hardware and cloud-based operating system software for use inside the police facility and animal shelter for the period from September 1, 2026, to September 1, 2031
It requires authorizing a fiscal year 2026-27 budget amendment to roll over the FY 2025-26 Police Department General Fund budget to the Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget. The cost of the five-year contract is to be paid upfront with an average cost of $76,335.24 per year.
The contract will be with Redding-based Development Group, Inc., which designs and installs equipment by San Mateo-based Verkada.
According to the City staff report, “the Antioch Police Department’s existing Bay Alarm video surveillance system has reached the end of its useful life and is no longer capable of providing the level of security, reliability, and functionality required to support daily police operations. The system was originally designed as a 12-server, on-premises video management platform; however, eight of the twelve servers have failed and are no longer operational. As a result, the system has experienced a significant reduction in performance, reliability, and recording capability, creating substantial vulnerabilities in the Department’s security infrastructure.
“In addition to the server failures, much of the existing surveillance hardware has deteriorated due to age and prolonged use. Numerous cameras have exposed wiring, increasing the likelihood of equipment failure and presenting maintenance and safety concerns. The video intercom systems located at secure entrances, public access doors, and vehicle gates are also malfunctioning and no longer provide dependable communication or access control. These failures negatively impact the Department’s ability to monitor facilities, control access and maintain a secure environment for employees, visitors and members of the public.
Source: Verkada
“The Bay Alarm video management software and supporting platform are also obsolete and have exceeded their serviceable life. Replacement components are increasingly difficult to obtain, manufacturer support is limited or unavailable, and the system is no longer capable of supporting current security technologies or operational requirements.
“Due to the age and condition of both the hardware and software, continued repairs are no longer practical or cost-effective. The system is beyond repair and requires complete replacement with a modern, reliable video surveillance solution that provides enhanced security, improved operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
“Verkada…has built a unique end-to-end, cloud-managed security platform for monitoring and managing physical security. The Verkada integrated platform offers comprehensive solutions across video security (cameras), access control (door controllers and readers), environmental sensors (air quality monitoring), alarms (wired and wireless sensors, wired alarm panel, and wireless hub, as well as packaged monitoring offerings), visitor management, mailroom management, and video door intercoms.
“This platform includes a number of unique features, such as up to 365 days of continuous on-camera storage, a full range of indoor and outdoor cameras with night vision (dome, mini, bullet, split, and fisheye models), infrared LED isolation on 4K dome camera models, an offline mode that allows a user to view live streams via a viewing station even in the event of an Internet outage, and security screens for visitors. Verkada provides native integration across all those applications, including security cameras, access control, environmental sensors, alarms, visitor management, mailroom management, and video intercoms.
“Verkada is the only manufacturer of cloud-managed physical security solutions with all those features. These products are designed, manufactured, and sold exclusively by Verkada who holds various intellectual property rights in and to its products.
“Switching to Verkada provides a modern, scalable security platform that better aligns with current and future operational needs. Verkada’s cloud-managed system consolidates video surveillance, access control, and system management into a single, intuitive interface, reducing complexity and administrative overhead. This transition improves system reliability, simplifies maintenance, and ensures consistent performance across all deployed devices while allowing authorized personnel to securely access and manage the system from anywhere.”
Examples of new park sign designs from bidding plans. Source: City of Antioch
New Park & Trail Signage
Under the Consent Calendar item 5.H., the Council will consider awarding the construction agreement for the Installation of Park Signage Project to the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder, Los Angeles-based Monarka Development Corporation DBA Express Sign & Neon in the amount of $498,860, with a $25,000 contingency for a total contract amount of $523,860.
Examples of new park sign designs from bidding plans. Source: City of Antioch
It requires approving a budget amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Capital Improvement and Operating Budgets using Park-in-Lieu funds paid for by new development, in the amount of $187,000.
According to the City staff report, the project consists of the fabrication and installation of signage within parks and major trails throughout the city including Antioch City Park, Chichibu Park, Worth Shaw Community Park, Antioch Community Park and other designated trail locations.
Under item 6 on the agenda, Mayor Ron Bernal will to nominate the candidate of his choice, Christian Lapena, and the City Council will vote on adopting a resolution approving his appointment to the Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee for a full-term vacancy expiring March 2030.
According to his application, Lapena has lived in Antioch since 2021 and is the founder of the non-profit organization Herpaderp. According to their website, the exotic animal rescue organization based in Antioch, specializes in rescuing and rehabilitating animals such as turtles, lizards, snakes and other animals that are not native to the area or are not commonly kept as pets.
According to his LinkedIn profile, since Sept. 2024 he has worked as a Senior Support Engineer for Renascent Technology and since Oct. 2020 Lapena has worked as a contract Senior Support Engineer for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. In 2012 He earned an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in network security from City College of San Francisco.
The Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee is responsible for reviewing the receipt and expenditure of funds under the City’s Measure W one-cent sales tax as they relate to the Council’s stated priorities outlined in the adopted budgets of the City. The Committee is responsible for reporting out the result of their review by April 1st of each year at a public meeting.
Committee members are responsible for the following duties:
Reviewing annual sales tax revenue and expenditure reports.
Monitoring compliance with ballot measure requirements.
Providing transparency to the public regarding fund usage.
Advising the City Council on accountability measures.
Each year, an independent auditor shall complete a public audit report of the revenue raised and its expenditure. The Committee’s review shall be completed in conjunction with the City’s budget process. The Committee’s report on its review, whether oral or written, shall be considered by the City Council at a public meeting before April 1 of each year. Any written report shall be a matter of public record.
The Committee consists of seven members who are Antioch residents. The terms of the Committee members are staggered with four members serving a four-year term and three members serving a two-year term. At least one member of the Committee shall have a financial, accounting or auditing background.
As previously reported, there are currently five more vacancies on the committee that the Council will be filling that include:
Three (3) Full-Term Vacancies, expiring March 2030
Two (2) Full-Term Vacancies, expiring March 2028
Applications are due this Friday, Aug. 14 at 5:00 p.m. To be considered for the vacancy position(s), please complete an application and submit it to the City Clerk’s Office by the deadline date listed above. Applications are also located on the City’s Website at www.antiochca.gov/739/Boards-Commissions and may be picked up in person at Antioch City Hall, 200 H Street, Antioch, CA.
Please email your completed application to: cityclerk@antiochca.gov. You can also drop off your application (Attn: City Clerk) in the water billing drop-off box located in the parking lot just outside of Antioch City Hall.
Meeting Details
The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in historic, downtown Rivertown and can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website or on Comcast cable TV channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99.
By Captain Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division
The Antioch Police Department is investigating a shooting that injured an 18-year-old woman believed to have been an unintended victim.
On Sunday, August 2, 2026, at 10:36 p.m., Antioch police officers responded to reports of gunfire in the area of Sycamore Drive and Peppertree Way. When officers arrived, they located 26 spent shell casings in the roadway and secured the scene while searching for evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.
During the investigation, officers learned that the woman had been struck by gunfire and was receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.
The preliminary investigation determined the victim had just exited a business in the Sycamore Square shopping center when the shooting occurred. Investigators believe she was not the intended target and was inadvertently struck by gunfire.
The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released from the hospital.
The investigation remains active, and no additional information is being released at this time.
