Antioch Police Lt. Michael Mellone with (left) course coordinator, retired Cypress, California Police Chief Jackie Gomez-Whiteley and Dean Dave Sprott during his graduation ceremony from the Executive Leadership Institute on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Photo source: Antioch PD
By Antioch Police Department
Congratulations to Lieutenant Michael Mellone on graduating from the 2026 Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) on Saturday, June 13, 2026!
We are proud to recognize Lieutenant Mellone for successfully completing this prestigious leadership program, a partnership between the California Police Chiefs Association (CPCA) and the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University.
For those who know Mike, this accomplishment comes as no surprise. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to learning, growth, and leading by example. Whether mentoring officers, supporting his peers, or serving our community, he approaches every challenge with professionalism, integrity, and a genuine desire to make those around him better.
The Executive Leadership Institute is an intensive 14-day program that brings together law enforcement leaders from across California to develop the skills, vision, and leadership strategies needed to guide their organizations into the future. Graduating from this program is a significant achievement and a reflection of the dedication required to continuously grow as a leader.
According to the CPCA website, curriculum of this program encompasses a wide range of key topics in a Drucker inspired learning environment where the principles of management consultant, educator and author, Peter F. Drucker are imbued with a law enforcement perspective. Some of these topics include: Application of Drucker Principles to your Organization, Managing and Communicating the Police Brand to the Public, Teams in Organizations: Developing a Culture of Collaboration and Leadership, Leadership Decision Making: Introduction to Decision Science and Evidence-Based Decision Making, Creating an Exemplary Policing Organization, Changing Culture in a Police Organization: A New Path for Modern Policing; Leading Through Conflict and Diversity, Women in Leadership: Issues Facing Men and Women, Creating and Maintaining the High Reliability Organization, and Policing and Social Influence, and more.
Lt. Mellone’s investment in his professional development benefits not only our department, but also the community we serve. We are fortunate to have leaders who are committed to excellence and who never stop striving to improve themselves and those around them.
Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Mellone on this well-deserved accomplishment. We are excited to see the continued positive impact of his leadership in the years ahead.
Laptops and electronic equipment were stolen from the RRTH Learning Center last week. Photo: RRTH Learning Center
Police investigating, public asked for help
Fundraisers Sunday, June 28th and online
By RRTH Learning Center & RR Ministries
Our organization, RR Transitional Housing Learning Center, helps more than 250 students in Contra Costa County and we have been recently burglarized. They stole 40 Chromebooks from our kids.
Between Thursday, June 18, 2026, after 4:00 PM and Friday, June 19, before 6:00 PM, our location at 512 W. 2nd Street in Antioch was broken into. During the burglary, all of the Chromebooks donated by the Antioch Rotary Club were stolen.
These Chromebooks were used daily in our free tutoring program, youth job readiness program, homework support services, reading intervention activities, and educational workshops. Every service we provide is offered at no cost, making these resources vital for the children, youth, and families we serve.
In addition to the Chromebooks, our livestream equipment, personal laptops, and other devices were also taken.
We are also addressing attempts to access our financial and communication platforms, including Venmo, PayPal, email and banking-related accounts. We have taken immediate steps to secure our systems, filed a police report, and are working with law enforcement.
Our hearts are heavy. These resources helped children learn, complete homework, build confidence, and prepare for their futures.
We are asking for the community’s help. If you were near 512 W. 2nd Street in Antioch between June 18 and June 19 and saw anything suspicious, have information about this incident, or notice someone attempting to sell multiple Chromebooks or other electronic equipment, please contact us or local law enforcement.
According to Antioch Police Lt. Mike Mellone, a report was taken and the burglary is under investigation.
While this is heartbreaking, it will not stop our mission. We remain committed to serving our community and providing free programs to the children, youth and families who depend on them.
As we prepare for our summer programs, we urgently need your help replacing these essential resources so we can continue providing free services to the hundreds of students and families who rely on us each year.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps us move one step closer to restoring these vital programs. If you are unable to donate, sharing our story with others is equally appreciated.
Officer Brock Marcotte seized 2.1 pounds of marijuana and $1,900 in cash during the arrest on Friday, June 19, 2026. Photos: Antioch PD
37-year-old man with history of arrests already out of custody
By Antioch Police Department
Friday morning, June 19, 2026, day shift officers were approached by a concerned resident near W. 10th Street and K Street who reported that individuals were loitering in the area and suspected of dealing drugs. The resident expressed concerns for his safety and asked officers to help address the issue.
A short time later, Officer Brock Marcotte responded to the area and observed a male loitering near a white SUV. A records check revealed the vehicle’s owner had an outstanding felony Ramey warrant out of Oakland.
During contact with the occupant, Officer Marcotte observed a large quantity of marijuana in plain view and confirmed the individual was the subject of the warrant. During the arrest, officers located approximately 2.1 pounds of marijuana and $1,900 in cash in multiple denominations. The suspect admitted to selling marijuana in the area.
The suspect was arrested at 9:54 AM and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for marijuana sales and the outstanding warrant. The marijuana and cash were seized as evidence.
According to the Antioch PD CitizenRIMS, arrested was 37-year-old Carvonte Jonmonte Simon is Black or African American, five-feet, six-inches tall and 160 pounds.
According to localcrimenews.com, the suspect is from Suisun City has a history of arrests dating back to 2019, by multiple agencies on gun and ammunition charges, and for crimes including battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse, grand theft, burglary and receiving or concealing stolen property.
In addition to this arrest, the Antioch Police Department has increased proactive enforcement efforts throughout the Sycamore Corridor to address community concerns related to blight, quality-of-life issues and the sale of illicit narcotics.
We appreciate residents who continue to report suspicious activity and partner with us to keep Antioch safe.
The Antioch Police Department remained busy throughout the month of May, responding to thousands of calls for service, investigating crimes, and working to keep our community safe.
During the month of May:
17,000+ Calls Received by Dispatch
7,000+ Calls for Service
Responded to 900+ Cases Investigated
40 Stolen Vehicles Recovered
141 Arrests Made
These numbers represent the dedication and hard work of our dispatchers, officers, detectives, professional staff, and specialized units who serve our community every day.
Thank you to the residents of Antioch for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are working toward a safer community for everyone.
Antioch Police Chief Joe Vigil (center) is joined by (L-R) new Lieutenant Gary Lowther, Sergeants Adam Duffy and Josh Egan, Corporals Ashley Allen and Erik Nilsen and Officer Dezi Gomez during the oath of office ceremony on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. All photos by Antioch PD
Plus, another new officer in April
“Celebrating Leadership, Service and New Beginnings”
By Antioch Police Department
This past week was an exciting one for the Antioch Police Department as we recognized several well-deserved promotions and welcomed a new officer to our ranks.
Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Gary Lowther, Sergeant Adam Duffy, Sergeant Josh Egan, Corporal Ashley Allen and Corporal Erik Nilsen and please help us welcome Officer Dezi-James Gomez.
Each of these individuals has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving our community, supporting their fellow officers, and continuously striving for professional excellence.
From military service and specialized investigations to mentoring new officers, crisis negotiations, SWAT assignments, field training, traffic enforcement, and community engagement, these men and women have dedicated countless hours to making Antioch a safer place. Their promotions reflect years of hard work, leadership, sacrifice, and dedication to public service.
We are also proud to welcome Officer Gomez, a local product who grew up in Discovery Bay and Brentwood, recently completed the police academy and our Field Training Program, and is already serving the community he calls home.
Promotions are never achieved alone. We would also like to recognize and thank the families, friends, and loved ones who have supported these officers throughout their careers. Your encouragement and sacrifices make their success possible.
During the ceremony in the Antioch Police Department’s Community Room, Chief Joe Vigil provided additional details about each of the departments’ promoted leaders and the new officer, as he introduced each.
Lt. Gary Lowther is pinned with his new badge by his mother during the ceremony.
Lt. Gary Lowther
Lieutenant Lowther was born and raised in Union City and graduated from James Logan High School. He would go on to earn an NCAA Division I baseball scholarship to Old Dominion University in Norfolk Virginia. While attending Old Dominion University, he met his wife, Carinda, and would graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications.
Lieutenant Lowther would return to California and begin his law enforcement career in 2005 with the Antioch Police Department in 2005, who sponsored him through the 130th Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Basic Police Academy. While in the academy, Lowther was fortunate enough to be allowed a half-day off to get married.
Throughout his time with the department, he would become a Field Training Officer, firearms / active shooter instructor, and serve on the SWAT Team, as well as serve as a detective. He was promoted to corporal in March 2016. As a sergeant, Lieutenant Lowther would supervise patrol teams, work in administration in hiring and recruiting, internal affairs, and supervise the Hostage Negotiation Team as well as the Field Training Program. Over the last six months, Lieutenant Lowther would serve as the acting watch commander, overseeing multiple patrol teams and mentoring and coaching our younger supervisors.
Lieutenant Lowther and his wife, Carinda, are proud parents of three amazing boys, Jaxon (17), Caden (14), and Garrett (9). Their continued support has allowed Lieutenant Lowther to remain committed to serving the Antioch community with integrity, professionalism, and leadership.
Sgt. Adam Duffy is pinned by his wife, Heidi and son, Jack.
Sgt. Adam Duffy
Sergeant Duffy was born and raised in Antioch. He began serving our city at an early age, delivering newspapers for the Daily Ledger and working at local grocery stores. Following high school, he left Antioch to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice before answering the call to military service by joining the United States Navy as a Master-at-Arms.
During his six years of honorable service in the Navy, Adam achieved the rank of Petty Officer Second Class before returning home to continue his commitment to public service. He attended the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office academy, where he earned the distinction of Top Recruit.
Adam began his law enforcement career with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, then joined the Antioch Police Department last June. Throughout his career Sergeant Duffy has served with distinction in Patrol and Investigations.
While assigned to Patrol, Sergeant Duffy served as a Field Training Officer, was a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team, and contributed to the department’s recruiting efforts. In Investigations, he was assigned to the Violent Crime Unit, where he spent almost five years investigating numerous serious and violent offenses.
In addition to his primary assignments, Adam serves as a 40mm less-lethal instructor and an EVOC instructor. He oversees the department’s K9 Unit and assists in supervising the Field Training Program. Demonstrating his continued commitment to professional growth, Adam completed his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the California Coast University while working full time.
Adam is married to his biggest supporter, Heidi, and together they are raising their son, Jack — a future police officer, firefighter, or perhaps even a trash truck driver.
Sgt. Josh Egan with his wife, Jacqueline while holding their daughter, Bailey during the pinning of his new badge.
Sgt. Josh Egan
At an early age Sergeant Egan knew he wanted to serve the greater good. He enlisted in the Army and served in executive protection for the NATO Commander. Sergeant Egan began his law enforcement career with the Modesto Police Department in 2009, where he served as a Field Training Officer, Traffic Officer, and was on their Crime Reduction Team.
Sergeant Egan would join the Antioch Police Department in 2020. Since coming to Antioch, Sergeant Egan has served as a Field Training Officer, Traffic Officer, and is also a Drug Recognition Expert. He has served in a variety of roles, including Motor Officer, Field Training Officer, and Drug Recognition Expert. He also serves as the department’s sole Accident Reconstructionist and has filed many cases. Sergeant Egan is also an instructor in both Emergency Vehicle Operations and Crisis Intervention.
Sergeant Egan is currently working towards completing his bachelor’s Degree. In his free time, he enjoys life at home with his wife, Jacqueline, and their daughter, Bailey. Sergeant Egan is truly grateful for this opportunity and takes immense pride in helping to move the agency forward and lead this department into the future.
Corporal Ashley Allen with Chief Vigil during the ceremony. Her husband and son pinned on her new badge.
Corporal Ashley Allen
Corporal Allen has participated in team sports since an early age. She would go on to have a successful collegiate career as a Division II shortstop and earn her bachelor’s degree from California State University East Bay, in Criminal Justice. During her senior year of college, she was hired by the Antioch Police Department and would later attend the Alameda County Police Academy.
Corporal Allen began her law enforcement career in September 2018 as a patrol officer. During her time in patrol, she would serve as a cadet advisor, mentoring numerous teenage cadets, several of whom have since gone on to become Antioch police officers. Her dedication to mentorship and community engagement has remained a cornerstone of her career.
Corporal Allen would later move into the Investigations Division, where she would spend several years in the Special Victims Unit detective. In this role, she received extensive training in crime scene investigation and advanced investigative techniques related to crimes involving vulnerable victims. Through her thorough investigative work and commitment to seeking justice, she secured successful filings and convictions for numerous cases.
Her time in investigations would see her partner with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force where she would participate in numerous operations targeting individuals exploiting children online. Corporal Allen would also serve as a crisis negotiator, where she assists in high-risk and critical incidents requiring communication and de-escalation skills and techniques.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Corporal Allen enjoys working out, playing recreational softball, and spending quality time with her family, including her three-year-old son Jackson.
Corporal Erik Nilsen is pinned by his wife, Ariel.
Corporal Erik Nilsen
Before beginning his law enforcement career, Corporal Nilsen worked in the financial industry. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from California State University, Fresno and several advanced financial designations from The American College.
After a short period of time Corporal Nilsen moved into the policing profession, beginning his career with the Antioch Police Department in 2017 as a Community Service Officer. He would become a sworn police officer in 2018, at the same time as Corporal Allen, after graduating from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Academy.
Erik has spent time in the operations division assigned to patrol. He would serve as a Field Training Officer, drone pilot, and acting Corporal. In 2024 Erik became a Detective where he worked in the sexual assault, violent crime, financial crime, and property crime units. He also worked in the CSI unit as Detective Jeong’s much younger assistant. Throughout his time in the department, Corporal Nilsen held several ancillary assignments on the Peer Support Team, SWAT Team, Honor Guard, Recruiting Team, and Use of Force Review Board.
Corporal Nilsen has a deep commitment to training, mentoring, and developing officers, as well as serving the Antioch community with professionalism and integrity. He is a department instructor in defensive tactics, force options, de-escalation, and tactical communications.
Corporal Nilsen is joined today by his wife Ariel (yes like the little mermaid) who blessed their family with their first daughter four months ago. He is also joined by his parents and sister whose support has been instrumental throughout his career.
Officer Dezi-James Gomez is pinned by his wife.
Officer Dezi-James Gomez
Officer Gomez was born in San Mateo and grew up in Discovery Bay and Brentwood. He attended Liberty High School and shortly after attended Los Medanos College EMT Academy.
Earlier this year he completed the Alameda County Sheriff’s academy and a few weeks ago completed our Field Training Program.
Dezi’s father is a motivational figure for him becoming a police officer. His dad was in the military and so was his grandpa. In his free time, he does a lot of water sports on the delta. He wakeboards, fishes, and rides jet skis. Officer Gomez enjoys family bonding and meeting new people.
Fun fact: Dezi and his wife have four very loud parrots.
Chief Vigil administered the oath of office to the five.
Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Lowther, Sergeant Duffy, Sergeant Egan, Corporal Allen, Corporal Nilsen, and welcoming Officer Gomez to the Antioch Police Department family. We are proud to have each of them serving our community.
Congratulations and thank you for your continued service to Antioch!
Officer Brandon Stanley joined the Antioch Police Department in April 2026.
Another New Officer in April
In April, another new, lateral sworn officer was added to the force, Brandon Stanley.
Brandon was born in Daly City and raised in Modesto. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice and brings a strong background in law enforcement to our team.
Before joining APD, Brandon worked with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, where he spent three years in adult detention before transitioning to patrol. He has served as a Field Training Officer (FTO) since 2020 and has been working in traffic enforcement over the past couple of years.
Please join us in welcoming Officer Stanley to the Antioch Police Department!
According to Chief Vigil, the two additions bring the total number of sworn officers on the force to 85 as of Wednesday, June 10th.
Donald Guenther was arrested by Antioch Police on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, for the vandalism at Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Restaurant Bar & Grill on Saturday, May 23rd. Photos by Antioch PD
46-year-old Donald Guenther has history of over 30 arrests
By Antioch Police Department
On May 27, 2026 the Antioch Police Department posted the following: “WTF! We saw your post, recognized your vandal and located him yesterday. He was booked into the Martinez Main Jail on felony vandalism charges.
“Over last weekend an uncouth vandal took aim at the front windows of the WTF restaurant on Hillcrest Avenue with a rock. After seeing the photos of the responsible on video, several officers recognized him. Teams immediately responded to the area and located him several blocks from the crime scene. He was arrested without issue and booked into Jail.
“Thanks for your continued support Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Restaurant Bar & Grill.”
According to the Antioch Police CitizenRIMS the incident occurred on Saturday, May 23rd at 1:06 AM. The suspect was identified by Captain Matt Koch on Thursday, June 4th as 46-year-old Donald Guenther of Antioch.
According to localcrimenews.com, Guenther has a history of over 30 arrests dating back to 2014. He was charged with rape, multiple times with vandalism including for over $5,000 a few times, gun and drug crimes, failure to appear, as well as receiving stolen property and unlawful use of willfully obtained personal identifying information.
Antioch Police response to the scene included SWAT personnel during the standoff Monday morning, June 1, 2026. Photos: (Left) Antioch PD. (Right) Courtesy of ContraCosta.news.
Following standoff
By Lt. Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On June 1, 2026, at approximately 6:34 AM, Antioch Police officers responded to the 1100 block of W. 9th Street following reports of shots fired in front of a residence.
Upon arrival, officers located a 37-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately provided first aid until personnel from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District arrived on scene. The victim was transported to a local trauma center and is currently reported to be in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
During the initial investigation, officers identified a suspect and determined he was likely inside a nearby residence. Officers established containment around the location, and members of the Antioch SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiations Team responded to assist. Through coordinated efforts, the suspect, identified as 51-year-old Carl Griggs of Antioch, surrendered peacefully without further incident.
The scene was secured, and the Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau has assumed responsibility for the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center at (925) 778-2441.
This information was provided by the Field Services Division. Additional information or updates will be released by the Investigations Bureau as they become available.
AR-style weapon, magazines and ammunition confiscated from the suspect on Friday, May 29, 2026. Photos: Antioch PD
31-year-old Angelo Zuniga being held on $240K bail, has history of arrests
By Antioch Police Department
On Friday afternoon, May 29, 2026, about 2:00 PM, the Antioch Police dispatch center received a call of a man with a gun in the 2500 block San Jose Drive. The caller reported seeing a male retrieve a firearm from the trunk of a black Nissan Maxima before driving away.
While responding, an officer located the vehicle parked in front of a 7-Eleven on Buchanan Road. Officers contacted the driver and observed a loaded AR-style pistol positioned between the driver’s seat and center console. The driver was detained without incident.
In addition, during a search of the suspect’s vehicle, officers also located the upper receiver of an AR-style pistol inside the trunk.
The suspect was arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on weapons related charges.
UPDATE: He was later identified by Antioch Police Captain Matt Koch and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office as Angelo Raymondo Zuniga, age 31 of Antioch, born 11/11/1994.
As always, we appreciate community members who promptly report suspicious or dangerous activity. If you see something concerning, please call dispatch so officers can investigate. We can’t do it without you.
According to the Antioch Police CitizenRIMS, the suspect was arrested for illegally possessing any assault weapon and charged with a felony. Crimes: 30605(A) PC, 25400(A)(1) PC carrying a concealed firearm within any vehicle; 25850(A) PC carrying a loaded firearm on the person or in a vehicle while in any public place; 32310(A) PC any person who manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives, lends, buys, or receives any large-capacity magazine; 29180(C) PC Any person who owns a firearm or firearm precursor part that does not bear a valid state or federal serial number or mark of identification; and 33215 PC any person who manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives, lends, or possesses any short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun. Case Number: 26-4937 Incident Number: 2605290119
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 189-pound Zuniga is Hispanic and being held on $240,000 bail.
According to localcrimenews.com, this is his fifth arrest since 2017, all by Antioch PD, and third for carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle. Zuniga was also arrested for drive while under the combined influence of drugs and alcohol, and failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge.
