Police pursue lead on suspect’s vehicle

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

Antioch police investigators are searching for the driver behind a deadly hit-and-run collision. On January 14, 2025, at approximately 6:08 p.m., Antioch Police officers responded to a report of a hit-and-run in the 3000 block of Wilbur Avenue. Callers reported that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle, which left the scene.

Officers and paramedics arrived and found an adult female victim approximately 68-year-old unresponsive on the ground. Life-saving measures were attempted, but unfortunately, the victim died. The Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office has provided Antioch Police with the victim’s name. But they are waiting to release it pending notification of next of kin, Sgt. Rob Green shared. She was born in 1957 but had no identification with her.

Traffic accident investigators were called to take over the investigation. The roadway at Hwy 160 was closed for several hours. This investigation is ongoing, and the cause of the collision has not yet been determined. The case is still in the preliminary stages, and the names of the parties involved are not being released at this time. Green also said police have a lead on the suspect’s vehicle and will provide additional information as he has it.

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.

Discuss 10% annual water rate increases, set public hearing for March 11

“This is kind of a shock for people, 50% over five years” – District 3 Councilman Don Freitas.

Both councilwomen absent for first meeting of the year

By Allen D. Payton

During the first Antioch City Council meeting of the new year, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the new mayor and two members discussed and approved a variety of matters without the input or votes of both councilwomen who did not attend. Those included an agreement with former Interim Chief Brian Addington’s consulting firm for services to the police department and fees for concealed carry weapons. The council also heard a presentation on the process for recruiting a new, permanent police chief and another from the Parks and Recreation Department entitled, “What a Year It’s Been – Celebrating Our Year 2024.”

According to City Manager Bessie Scott, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker was sick and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson was in Washington D.C. for a conference.

Approves Agreement with Addington’s Consulting Firm for Police Department

After just completing his time as Antioch’s interim police chief last Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, Brian Addington’s company, WBA Consulting was hired as the consultant to the police department to comply with the City’s recent agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.

As previously reported, the council was asked to hire a “consultant team that can provide support, guidance, and advice in several areas, which will supplement and enhance the Antioch Police Department’s efficiency and effectiveness. The City requires assistance with overall project management for Police Department operations and administration, policy support, and special project implementation for not only day-to-day operations, but also with compliance efforts identified in the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) settlement agreement with the Antioch Police Department and City of Antioch dated January 2, 2025.” (See related article)

WBA Consulting was mentioned as part of his background in an introductory article about Addington when he was hired as interim police chief last February.

Other than one question from District 3 Councilman Don Freitas about the items in the agreement lined through that were eliminated from the final version, without discussion, the council approved the agreement 3-0, with Councilwomen Tamisha Torres-Walker and Monica Wilson absent.

Approves CCW Permit Fees

Under agenda item 6, according to Antioch Police Captain Desmond Bitner, who provided the City staff report to the council about setting fees for handling concealed carry weapons (CCW) permits, the majority of law enforcement agencies in California use software to expedite the process. As of January, under SB2 cities can increase fees. Permits have to be renewed every two years.

“These are basic numbers we’ve assessed and consulted other agencies,” Bittner We’re not making any money on this. We’re just breaking even to cover our costs.”

Only two members of the public spoke on the item, but neither chose to serve as the proponent or opponent for the public hearing which would have afforded them 10 minutes to speak.

“I was not aware what’s really going on,” said a woman who claimed to be a local leader for Gun Owners of America. “I get a little emotional when it comes to my right to carry. I grew up in this town. I left…then I came back. I feel incredibly unsafe in this town.”

“It’s cheaper for me to fly to Texas…to get the training,” she continued. “To hear the fees for me to exercise my constitutional right to carry…is appalling.”

“Police told me the applications are stacked so high, don’t even bother,” she added. “I just want actions, and I want answers. I shouldn’t have to wait a year-and-a-half.”

Resident Greg Farina who identified himself as the president of the Contra Costa Chapter of the California Rifle and Pistol Association said, “I’m very happy the City of Antioch is going through this. I just got my letter from Contra Costa County. It took me 15 months.”

“Yes, it’s expensive. I’m concerned about lower income folks. I will help you do anything and help sell what you’re doing,” he added.

Freitas asked Bittner, “do we actively have applications for the City of Antioch, now?”

“As far as I know, no,” the captain responded. “We averaged about five applications per year. The sheriff’s department processed for us on average 67 per year. We can get the knocked out in 90 days. If the applicant is being diligent in getting things done, we’ll be right there with them.”

“This will not impact the General Fund?” District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha asked. Mayor Ron Bernal responded, “No.”

“We respect the citizens right to carry,” Bittner added.

The council approved the item on a 3-0 vote.

Review Water Rates Study Including 10% per Year Increases & Set Public Hearing

Under Item 7 the council adopted a resolution to set a hearing for March 11th on water rate increases. City staff presented a Water Rates Study showing Antioch has the lowest single family monthly water bills of neighboring cities and a proposed increase of 10% per year on average. The City’s ratepayers get to provide their opinion to the council.

On Nov. 12, 2025, the previous council failed to approve the rate increases on a vote 2-1-1 with Councilwomen Lori Ogorchock and Monica Wilson voting yes, then-Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe voting no, Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker voting to abstain and then-Councilman Mike Barbanica absent. (See Item 8 of the Meeting Minutes)

“If the council should accept these, is the funding sufficient to pay our bills on an annual basis?” Freitas asked.

“Yes,” Tom Pavletic of Pavletic Consulting responded.

The Water Use chart for Calendar Years 2023-29 shows a one percent increase in projected water use for Fiscal Year 2024 but a one percent decrease in FY2025-27 and a two percent decrease in FY2028 and 2029.
“I don’t understand for three consecutive years you’re showing a decrease,” Freitas stated.

“We put 100 new accounts per year in this model. But it’s a matter of conservation. In the past 15 years your single-family user class has reduced 15%,” the consultant responded. “Your rates are going to go up about 10% per year. That’s going to result in conservation.”

“You’ve gone from 375 gallons per year to 250 gallons,” he added.

Bernal stated, “you’re using 100 units per year. That seems a little bit low…for projections.”

“We looked at past models and past growth and that’s what comes in,” Pavletic responded. “When I do water rate studies, I never use the General Plan.”

Freitas asked, “What we’re asking is for an increase of about 10% a year?”

“Yes,” Pavletic responded.

Freitas pressed staff on the debt service for the water department on the 2019 Construction Installment Sale Agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board for the Brackish Water Desalination Plant.
“Antioch is one of the few cities with its own water plant…and we have this new state of the art facility coming online,” Finance Director Dawn Merchant stated.

“For debt service, if we fall below, it’s going to be with us for a long, long time,” Freitas stated. “This is a very dangerous thing to get to for infrastructure financing. Why did we not have rate increases for five years? I don’t get it.”

“There was a number of reasons. Initially and honestly, the water system has enough funds to continue,” said Acting Public Works Director Scott Buenting. “The same time as COVID was going on and giving the residents a break for two, two-year terms.”

“This is kind of a shock for people, 50% over five years,” Freitas stated. “I think we should do things incrementally…when we review the budget.”

“Are we taking into account the entire cost of the (brackish water) project?” Bernal asked. “Yes, Buenting responded.

Asked about the City purchasing less water from the Contra Costa Water District, Buenting responded, “That should be less.”

“Since we’re so close on our ratios we don’t want to have any surprises,” Bernal stated.

“When the water becomes brackish the desalination plant will be operational,” Buenting stated.

“This year?” Freitas asked.

“Yes. This year,” Buenting responded.

“I feel like we have no choice. The consumer cannot deal with these increases,” Freitas stated and made a motion to approve with Rocha later seconding the motion.

Public Comments on Water Rate Increases

“As a consumer, I don’t like it,” said resident Melissa Case. “But Don, you’re a blessing to this conversation. Now, I know where your strengths are. It looks like we have to find to pay our water bills.”

Former Councilwoman Ogorchock spoke next saying, “The council did not approve it. It was one abstention, two yesses and one no. That was the mayor. It wasn’t cost effective for our seniors, and I look out for our seniors.”

She asked about the effect of not voting for it and the possible move of $2 million into the enterprise fund.

Resident and local business owner Jim Lanter said the council had the responsibility for, “public safety, budget. We’ve got to make ourselves fiscally smart. I appreciate the questions, the tough questions. But nobody can afford 10%. I wish we had two-and-a-half percent a year.”

“Those little changes do matter. I would encourage the City to bring forward these rate hikes…and explore rate subsidies. We just have to fill that gap. There are plenty of opportunities out there,” Freitas stated.

“If there is any alternative flexibility for our seniors on fixed incomes,” Rocha mentioned. “This got kicked down the road. So, now we have to address what didn’t get done. But if we can look at our seniors and those who face the biggest struggle.”

“It gets to be a complicated legal issue if you use the enterprise fund to provide subsidies as it is a tax on other ratepayers,” Freitas mentioned.

“I do appreciate your expertise from your experience in the water industry,” Rochas said to Freitas who served on the CCWD Board for 16 years. “We probably should have taken action in 2023. But it is what it is and we have to address it.”

“I just want to make sure General Fund money has not been used to prop up the water fund,” Bernal asked.

“No,” Buenting responded.

“I think that 1.2% needs to be mentioned up front. For the public to understand,” Freitas added.

“I’d like to see something in the staff report to reflect what happens if we don’t pass this,” Bernal said to City Manager Bessie Scott.

The council then approved the process 3-0 which will include Hearing Notices being mailed out to account holders who get to provide input on the proposed rate changes. If written protests against the proposed rate changes are presented by a majority of the parcels or accounts, the city council will not enact the proposed changes. If a majority don’t protest, the council will then vote on a resolution to adjust rates and charges.

If approved, the new FY25 rates will begin May 1st and on Jan. 1, 2026, the new rates for FY 26 will be implemented. Then on July 1st of the following three fiscal years the rates for those years will be implemented.

Meeting Extended for Up to an Hour

The council then voted 3-0 to extend the meeting until midnight, one hour past the normal ending time of 11:00 p.m.

Discusses Annual Financial Reports

Under Item 9 the council considered the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024, inclusive of the City of Antioch Single Audit Reports for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024.

“We were deficit spending for the past several fiscal years. We broke even this year. Do we have reserves or are they decreasing? Are we in a financial bind?” Freitas asked.

“As of today, we are not in a financial bind,” Merchant responded.

“We are putting together the 2025-27 budget. I think we will still have that deficit. We are still pulling together the numbers. We will be drawing down on our reserves. The budget stabilization fund which are using the fill the gap should only be used one time,” she continued.

“The ARPA money from the pandemic that ends in April, right?” Freitas asked.

“They had to be obligated by the end of December. But we have until 2026 to spend them. There are some programs that end, like Opportunity Village, that contract ends in April,” Merchant responded referring to the homeless motel on East 18th Street. “We have to look and see how much was allocated to that to continue. Once the money is spent from ARPA it’s gone.”

Freitas asked about claims during the campaign of a $90 billion reserve fund.

“That money is there but you can see $46.4 million of the Budget Stabilization Fund is committed. You really need to look at the $36.5 million,” Merchant stated.

“That’s the really true reserve,” Freitas stated. “Not the $90 million.”

“It’s really supposed to be for one-time projects,” Merchant stated.

“As we go into the budget we have transparency,” Freitas requested of Bernal. “These are real impacts to real people. I’d like the opportunity to educate the staff…the public. If there isn’t any money those projects are in jeopardy.”

“I think lumping the two funds together is misleading,” Rocha stated. “When you look at the ARPA funds which is about 20% of our budget…that’s a significant amount. We’re going to have to look to work with the County. We have a responsibility to be fiscally solvent and spending down our reserves is not the way.

If we can continue the services to our unhoused community maybe we can take housing off the table.”
“Hearing some of the things, tonight, unless we come together and have partnerships in the region, there are going to have to be some serious cuts,” the District 2 councilman continued. “I know that’s not popular. But I didn’t sign up to be popular. We’re going to have to look at grant writing.
Bernal then mentioned amounts of the net pension liability and asked, “Can you explain what the net pension liability is?”

“Is what CalPERS calculates the ultimate liability we have to pay current employees until their descendants are no longer alive,” Merchant responded. They’re calculated on mortality rates.”

“Other post-employment benefits you provide medical…for those employees under that plan…they’re estimated we have to pay until those employees are deceased,” she added.

“Can we break out that amount…on an annualized cost?” Bernal asked. “Yes,” Merchant responded.

The council then voted 3-0 to receive and file the report.

Item 11, the proposed emergency City staffing positions, was tabled until the next council meeting.

Following comments by the city manager offering “kudos” to a variety of City staff members and committee reports by the councilmembers the meeting adjourned at 11:27 p.m.

Wanted after Saturday night hours-long lockdown while police surrounded house in search of Marlon Wheeler who faces multiple charges, held on $985,000 bail

Multi-agency effort

By Lt. Matthew Koch #3018 Antioch Police Field Services Division and Allen D. Payton

On Saturday, December 28, 2024, at approximately 6:35 p.m., Antioch police officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation in the 4700 block of Knollpark Circle. As officers were enroute, they received several 911 calls reporting the suspect, 30-year-old Marlon Wheeler, shot at his 37-year-old girlfriend. The victim and her three children, an 8-year-old boy and two girls, ages 11 and 14, were able to flee the residence unharmed. A nearby residence and vehicle were struck by gunfire in the process.

Officers on the scene developed information that the suspect lived at the residence and was barricaded inside the home. After numerous attempts by officers to contact Wheeler, the Antioch Police Department’s SWAT and Crisis Negotiations teams were activated to de-escalate and safely take Wheeler into custody. However, it was later learned he had left between the time police received the call and they arrived on the scene.

Out of an abundance of caution, at 10:12 p.m. a lockdown alert was issued to nearby residents using the Community Warning System and a post on the Antioch Police Facebook page reading, “There is currently law enforcement activity near Country Hills and Knoll Park Circle in Antioch. Residents in the area north of Lone Tree Way and south of Country Hills Drive are advised to shelter in place.

Instructions:

• Go inside immediately.

• Close and lock all windows and doors.

• Do NOT call 9-1-1 unless you need to report a life-threatening emergency.

To report suspicious activity, please contact the Antioch Police Department at (925) 778-2441.

We will provide updates as more information becomes available.”

Several streets in the area were closed including Knollpark Circle, Knollpark Way and Country Hills Drive between Knollcrest Drive and Parkdale Way and half of Knoll Park was taped off.

A mobile command center was set up on Country Hills Drive and the Brentwood Police Department’s Bearcat tactical vehicle was brought to the scene. An Antioch officer could be heard over a loudspeaker repeatedly identifying themselves, naming the suspect, “Marlon Steve Wheeler” and sometimes “any and all occupants” as well as the address, then saying it’s “surrounded. We would like you to safely surrender. Come out with nothing in your hands. You will not be harmed.  You will not be injured. We are not leaving.”

About 11:00 p.m., an officer could be seen knocking on the door of a neighbor’s house across the street from the suspect’s home. At 11:28 p.m. the Antioch PD’s M-RAP vehicle arrived on scene and some of the tools in it were removed by Antioch SWAT members.  

A few neighbors who live on Knollpark Circle were held behind the police tape and not allowed to return to their homes. At 12:01 a.m. a woman who lives down the street from the suspect’s house was escorted to her home by an officer. But others who lived closer were not allowed into the cordoned-off area.

After several hours of attempts to contact Wheeler, at 12:03 AM the Antioch Police Department’s SWAT team was deployed to the residence and a loud explosion could be heard from the use of a flash-bang device. Then again at 12:27 a.m. another flash-bang device was deployed, and another loud explosion could be heard. APD Lt. Desmond Bittner said the suspect may not be in the house.

The SWAT then entered the home and determined Wheeler was no longer on scene and at 12:45 a.m. the house had been cleared and at approximately 1:00 a.m., the shelter-in-place was lifted.

Antioch PD thanked the Brentwood Police Department for assisting by lending their armored rescue vehicle. APD also asked the public’s help if anyone who knew Wheeler’s whereabouts to contact the police department and asked to not contact him as he was considered armed and dangerous.

BOLO, Pursuit from Lafayette and Sunday Arrest

Late Sunday morning, Dec. 29th, a “Be On the Lookout” on the APD’s Facebook page and a photo of the suspect writing, “The Antioch Police seeking assistance in locating Marlon Wheeler, who is considered armed and dangerous.

If you see Wheeler, do not approach him. Please call 9-1-1 immediately.

We will provide additional updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for your assistance.”

Early Sunday afternoon, a Lafayette Police Officer spotted Wheeler, attempted a traffic stop and a pursuit ensued to Antioch over Kirker Pass Road in Pittsburg. As it came into Antioch and Antioch Police learned of the pursuit they took over.

Wheeler was involved in a solo-vehicle collision into a fence near the intersection of Somersville and Buchanan Roads. His vehicle became disabled, and he barricaded inside his car for a short while. Pittsburg PD responded with their armored vehicle. Officers worked diligently to de-escalate the situation, and Wheeler surrendered peacefully a short time later. A firearm was also recovered.

At about 1:05 p.m. Sunday, Antioch Police issued the following update on their Facebook page: “We are pleased to report that Marlon Wheeler is now in custody. Thank you to the Lafayette Police Department and Pittsburg Police Department for their invaluable assistance.

We sincerely appreciate your shares, cooperation, and patience as this incident was resolved. Thank you for helping us keep our community safe!”

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, seven-inch tall, 155-pound Wheeler was born April 23, 1994, was arrested for 187(A) PC – murder, 245(A)(2) PC assault with a firearm, 246 PC shooting at an inhabited dwelling or occupied vehicle, 273.5(A) PC – corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition upon a spouse or co-habitant, 30305(A)(1) PC – a person prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm in possession of ammunition, 29800(A)(1) PC – felon in possession of a firearm and 2800.2(A) VC – felony reckless evasion of a peace officer and the pursued vehicle is driven in a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.

He is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $985,000 bail.

By Antioch Police Department

Just another night at the office for Officer Tanguma! While patrolling near E. 18th Street and Cavallo Road, he spotted a stolen white van cruising through the area. When the red and blues lit up, the driver had other plans — hitting the gas and sparking a short pursuit. The chase ended on E. 6th Street when the driver bailed out of the van and tried to make a break for it on foot.

Spoiler alert: Officer Tanguma wasn’t about to lose that race! The suspect was quickly apprehended and booked for felony evading and possession of a stolen vehicle.

If you’re keeping score, that’s another WIN for APD!

See dash cam video of pursuit and apprehension of suspect.

By Sgt. Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

Following a detailed investigation into the shooting at the Delta Bowl parking lot on December 7, 2024, Antioch Police Department detectives believe the incident was an attempted robbery in which the suspect, Deantray Reed, a 35-year-old male out of Oakley, and victim, Antonio Drake, a 34-year-old male out of Antioch, exchanged gunfire, resulting in fatal injuries to both individuals.

Based on video surveillance and additional evidence processed in the days after the shooting, it does not appear that the suspect and victim were acquainted. Both firearms involved in the incident were recovered and are undergoing ballistic imaging. At this time, no suspects are outstanding, and the incident appears to be isolated.

Original Incident Overview

As previously reported, at 10:36 PM on the date of the incident, Antioch police officers responded to reports of a shooting in the parking lot of Delta Bowl, located at 3300 Delta Fair Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers discovered two adult males suffering from gunshot wounds. Drake succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while Reed was transported to a nearby hospital, where he also passed away. Both men had criminal records. (See related article)

Investigators determined that the suspect approached the victim while he was seated in the driver’s seat of his vehicle, preparing to leave. A confrontation ensued, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that fatally wounded both individuals.

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, which includes Crime Scene Investigators and Violent Crimes Unit detectives, continues to work on this case. Any updates will be provided by the Investigations Bureau as information becomes available.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Antioch Police Detective Arturo Becerra at (925) 779-6937 or via email at abecerra@antiochca.gov. Anonymous tips can also be sent to tips@antiochca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

3rd arrest this year for Larry Neal, Jr. who was also injured and has history of arrests

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

The Pleasant Hill Police Department is investigating a shooting that injured an adult male and a child. Two arrests have been made.

On December 23, 2024, at about 11:49AM, the Pleasant Hill Police received several calls about numerous gunshots in the area of Contra Costa Blvd. and Vivian Drive. Responding officers were quickly able to locate three vehicles that were involved in the incident. The driver of one of the vehicles, Larry Neal, was struck by gunfire in the hand. A 7-year-old child was inside one of the involved vehicles and sustained minor injuries. Both were treated and released from local hospitals.

The investigation shows that this incident began as a custody dispute between the parents of the injured child and was not a random act. The occupants of two of the vehicles exchanged gunfire with one another at close range.

Contra Costa Blvd. was closed to traffic for several hours but was later reopened.

Alexis Janay Sidney (age 38, born June 9, 1986) of Brentwood was arrested for felony violations of PC 273a(a)- Child Endangerment and PC 246- Shooting at an Occupied Vehicle

Larry Darryl Neal, Jr. (age 27, born Dec. 6, 1997) of Antioch was arrested for felony violations of PC 273a(a)- Child Endangerment and PC 246- Shooting at an Occupied Vehicle, and PC 29800(a)(1)- Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Both were booked at the Martinez Detention Facility.

Our agency is still actively investigating the shooting and ask that anyone with information contact the Pleasant Hill Police Department Investigations Division at (925) 288-4630

Case Number: 24-3760

According to NBC Bay Area news report, the two are parents of the child and the gunfire was over a custody dispute.

Neal Has History of Arrests

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, Neal is five-foot, 11-inches tall, 189 pounds and his being held on $400,000 bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, Neal is Black and was arrested twice this year and twice in 2022. On Jan. 24 he was arrested by Richmond PD for multiple gun charges and on Jan. 25 he was arrested by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies also for multiple gun charges, as well as hit-and-run and evading a police officer with wanton disregard for safety. On Feb. 18, 2022, Neal was arrested by Antioch PD for gun charges including addict in possession of firearm, possession of ammunition and carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner. He was arrested later that year on July 23 by Dublin CHP for assault against a peace officer or emergency personnel, driving while under the combined influence of drugs and alcohol and possession of an open container while driving.

As previously reported, in 2017 Neal was wanted by police for fatally shooting a 43-year-old Bethel Island man, Robert Hopkins, Jr., near the Baskin-Robbins in Pittsburg. He later turned himself in. During the trial a video was shown and according to an East Bay Times report, “The shooting, both defense and prosecuting attorneys agreed, was the culmination of a brief, spontaneous argument between Hopkins, Neal, and Neal’s then-pregnant girlfriend, that began with a stare-down between the two men. After Hopkins ran toward the couple, Neal fired five shots at him, striking him four times, according to testimony.” Neal’s public defender argued Neal fatally shot the Hopkins while defending his pregnant girlfriend to get the charges reduced but the judge in the case struck it down. However, the jury convicted Neal of manslaughter. Neal appealed the conviction, and it was later reduced to unlawful firearm activity and his sentence was vacated.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, two-inch tall, 176-pound Sidney is being held in the West County Detention Center on $350,000 bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

William Pree, Lucy Daniels apprehended following traffic stop during cross state trip

Alleged prison gang leader, Pree was convicted for 2015 murder of man in Antioch which was overturned on appeal

By Humboldt County Drug Task Force

On Saturday, December 21st, 2024, Agents with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) and Deputies with the Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served a search warrant on William Lavon Pree (43 years old from Antioch). During the month of December, HCDTF received information that Pree was traveling to the Bay Area and purchasing large quantities of narcotics for the purpose of sales, and that he was in possession of firearms. Pree is a convicted felon for numerous violent offenses involving firearms including attempted homicide. 

HCDTF Agents observed Pree travel from Humboldt County, to Los Angeles, and then the Bay Area. Upon Pree’s return to Humboldt County, Agents conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle on Hwy 101 at Hookton Road in Loleta. The vehicle had four occupants, Josephine Lucy Daniels (Age 48 from Antioch), Willaim Pree, and two juveniles (ages 5 and 17). All occupants were detained without incident.

Agents searched Pree’s vehicle and located over 450 Xanax bars, a half-pound of cocaine, a loaded 10MM Glock handgun, a loaded 9mm ghost pistol (privately manufactured with no serial number) equipped with a “Glock Switch” enabling the firearm to shoot fully automatic, more ammunition, high-capacity magazines, and a digital scale.

Both juveniles were transported to a safe location by law enforcement and Humboldt Child Welfare Services will receive the criminal report. Pree and Daniels were placed under arrest and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where they were both booked on the following charges:

11351 HS – Possession of narcotics for the purpose of sales 

11352(A) HS – Trafficking narcotics

11352(B) HS – Trafficking narcotics through noncontiguous counties 

11370.1 HS – Possession of a loaded firearm/narcotics

32625(A) PC – Possession of a machine gun

30605(A) PC – Possession of an assault weapon

25400(A)(1) PC – Illegally possessing a firearm inside of a vehicle

24610 PC – Possession on a non-detectable firearm

29800(a)(1) PC – Felon in possession of a handgun (Pree only)

30305(a)(1) PC – Felon in possession of ammunition (Pree only)

273A(A) PC – Felony child endangerment

According to localcrimenews.com, Press is Black and was also arrested by Antioch Police in September 2015 for being an accessory after the fact.

As previously reported, Pree was arrested in September 2015 for murder of 23-year-old Antioch resident, Kartiae Ely, who was shot in the driveway of an apartment building in the 1800 block of Cavallo Road and subsequently died from his injuries.

According to a Dec. 2023 Mercury News report, Pree is “An alleged prison gang leader accused of ordering the murder of a man over his gang’s attempts to take over an Antioch ‘money block’ has been released from jail after a judge lowered his bail to $200,000 in a pending murder case, court records show. William…Pree and his co-defendant, 45-year-old Edward Robinson, were convicted of murder in 2017, only to have the case be overthrown by an appeals court” in 2023.

According to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department, he is being held in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility in Eureka. Also, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Dept, Daniels is of American Indian/Alaska Native descent and as of Sunday, Dec. 22 had bonded out of custody.

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Vehicle towed

By Antioch Police Department

Would you look at that! Prop 36, VOTED ON BY YOU, is making immediate impacts on the community!

Yesterday, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, Target called 9-1-1 to report a sneaky thief was inside shoplifting! The man arrived in a white Escalade and was stealing multiple items inside the store! Officer Pedreira was quick on scene with a response time of 1 minute and 5 seconds! The would-be pilferer was located placing the stolen items in the vehicle! He was detained and thanks to Prop 36 and his history of theft, his misdemeanor is now a FELONY! He was transported and booked into jail!!

Last week, this habitual swindler’s five-finger-discount would have earned him a citation, today it earned him a Felony charge and a trip to jail!

We even took his car-to-car jail for its role in the crime!