A thief can be seen on JCPenney store surveillance video smashing jewelry display cases on June 15, 2024. Video screenshot. Source: APD
Smash and grab robbery occurred June 15th, APD just learned of it
By Antioch Police Department
Community, take a good look at these videos and help us find the man behind this jewelry smash and grab that happened at JCPenney in the Slatten Ranch shopping center off Slatten Ranch Road and Empire Avenue.
We were just made aware of this theft that happened on June 15th. Antioch police officers responded to an alarm call just after 10:00 p.m. from the JCPenney on Slatten Ranch Road. Officers reviewed the store surveillance video which shows the suspect approaching the glass jewelry cases, taking a hammer or tool, smashing the glass and taking off with nearly half-a-million dollars in jewelry.
The suspect was also seen on video walking into the store at 8:25 p.m. and hiding in the store for a few hours before committing the crime. If you have any information about the identity of the suspect, please contact Detective Cole Shaffer cshaffer@antiochca.gov or (925) 481-8604.
Former Plant Engineer at Crown Zellerbach, Inland Paper and Gaylord Paper
Services Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Antioch Police Officers Association Mourns His Passing
Frank Rupani, age 80, passed away suddenly at home with his wife by his side on Wednesday, July 10.
Frank was born on June 24, 1944, in Burgettstown, PA to the late Frank and Pauline (Combi) Rupani. After graduating from Union High School in 1962, he went on to the University of Akron earning his BS in Mechanical Engineering as well as the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. It was in Del Rio, Texas where he met Inelda Rendon, his wife of 54 years.
During the Vietnam War, Frank served as a navigator on the B-52 Stratofortress, based in Guam and Thailand. His missions over Vietnam earned him many medals including two Distinguished Flying Crosses.
After leaving the Air Force with the rank of Captain, Frank and Inelda settled in Antioch, CA where he took a job as Plant Engineer for Crown Zellerbach and Inland Paper, which ultimately became Gaylord Paper. After the plant closure, he remained to supervise the dismantling, remediation and ultimate sale of the property. During this time, he went to Golden Gate University to earn his MBA.
While still working his full-time job, at the age of 53, he was drawn to serve his community as a Reserve Officer with the Antioch Police Department for 20 years, retiring as Sergeant in 2017, then continuing to serve an additional 6 years in the VIPS (Volunteer in Police Service) program.
Frank was a man of exceptional character. He was loving, kind, caring, and selfless and was admired by all who knew him. He will be sorely missed.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Frank Rupani and Pauline Rupani (Combi). He is survived by: his wife Inelda; his sister Marlene (Gary Lafever); his siblings-in-law, Sylvia Slater (Robert) of Oklahoma City, OK, Henry (Robin) of San Antonio, TX, Gerard of San Antonio, TX and Alfred Rendon (Liz) of San Antonio, TX; his nieces and nephews, Ryan Slater, Valerie Ochs (Matt), Christopher Galluze (C. J.), Matt Slater (Crystal) and Sarah Simpson (Tucker); his great-nieces and great-nephews, Allyson, Zachary Ochs, Lillian, Nina Slater and Christopher A. Galluze; and his goddaughter Donna Aiken (Tom).
Arrangements are by Higgins Chapel in Antioch.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM at the St. Ignatius Church, 3351 Contra Loma Blvd, Antioch, CA. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM at the same location. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM at the Oak View Memorial Park (2500 E 18th St, Antioch, CA 94509). The military honors will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, at the Oak View Memorial Park Cemetery, 2500 E 18th Street, Antioch, CA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to your favorite charity in his name.
You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family, here.
Frank Rupani helps place the rose on the 9-11 Memorial during the 2016 Antioch Memorial Day Ceremony at Oak View Memorial Park. Photos by Allen D. Payton, Antioch Herald
Antioch Police Officers Association Mourns Passing
“It is with a heavy heart that we inform you about the passing of Reserve Officer Frank Rupani. Frank was a dedicated member of the Antioch Police Department for over 26 years, serving our community with utmost commitment and professionalism.
Officer Rupani’s unwavering dedication to his duty and his selfless service to the Antioch community will always be remembered. He was a true asset to our department, and his loss will be deeply felt by all of us.
During his time with us, Officer Rupani exemplified the values of integrity, compassion, and bravery. He was not only a respected colleague but also a trusted friend to many. His positive impact on our community and the lives he touched cannot be overstated.
As we mourn the loss of Officer Rupani, let us also remember and celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind. His contributions to public safety and his unwavering commitment to serving others will continue to inspire us all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Rupani’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and offer our full support to those affected by this loss.
Please join us in honoring Officer Frank Rupani’s memory and the invaluable service he provided to our community.” (See related article)
By Lt. D. Bittner #3252, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
On July 11, 2024, at approximately 7:29 pm, Antioch police officers responded to the apartment complex located at 600 Wilbur Avenue on the report of a shooting.
When officers arrived, they located a 34-yearold male in the street near the center of the apartment complex suffering from a fatal gunshot wound.
The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.
Additional inquiries, tips or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective John Cox at (925) 481-8147 or by email jcox@antiochca.gov.
Michelle Hidalgo in a post on her Facebook page on October 26, 2022.
Sentenced to 15 years to life
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
A 29-year-old resident of Antioch was sentenced today, July 11, 2024, in Contra Costa Superior Court for sexual abuse of a young child.
Michelle Nicole Hidalgo, was sentenced by the Honorable David Goldstein after she pled guilty to engaging in sexual acts with a child 10 years old or younger [PC 288.7(b)]. Hidalgo was a nanny to the minor victim and has been in custody since her arrest on September 22, 2023. As part of a negotiated agreement, Hidalgo was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison – which will begin immediately. She was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
On September 21, 2023, the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was alerted to sexually explicit images of a small child being shared on X (formally Twitter). A search warrant was served at a residence in Antioch, seized equipment used in the production and distribution of pornographic images of minors and Hidalgo was arrested. She was employed as a part-time nanny for the victim’s family. (See related article)
Pursuant to her plea, Hidalgo admitted to abusing the child on September 19, 2023. Evidence also demonstrated Hidalgo created visual depictions of the abuse and shared those images with other X users. Text messages sent from Hidalgo to others were recovered. Those messages indicated her intent to further
abuse the child the next time she was with the victim. Investigators are currently working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to ensure those images are flagged if shared online in the future.
“The sentence delivered today reflects the severity of the crime committed,” said District Attorney Diana
Becton. “Our system of justice is dedicated to protecting victims and safeguarding the community by holding offenders accountable.”
Deputy District Attorney Jenna Franklin from the DA’s Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case. The investigation was led by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). Detectives and investigators who participated in the ICAC investigation are from the Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Danville police departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Special Agents from the United States Secret Service and Homeland Security Investigations, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, three-inch tall, 250-pound Hidalgo is Hispanic was born on December 23, 1994 and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $800,000 bail. Her Facebook profile shows she lives in Antioch and is from Pacifica, CA where she studied at Terra Nova High School.
Case No. 01-23-02982 | The People of the State of California v. Hidalgo, Michelle Nicole
Frank Rupani in a 2016 photo posted on his Facebook page and in his Antioch Police Reserve Officer uniform. Photo (right): APD
By Antioch Police Department
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you about the passing of Reserve Officer Frank Rupani. Frank was a dedicated member of the Antioch Police Department for over 26 years, serving our community with utmost commitment and professionalism.
He began his service on October 30, 1997, and has received numerous commendations and letters of appreciation from the public. In May 2014, Rupani was honored by then-Chief Allan Cantando as a Reserve Sergeant.
Prior to his retirement from the APD Reserve Unit in 2017, Rupani was assigned to assist the Parking Enforcement unit with a huge backlog of abandoned vehicles in the City. According to then-Police Chief Tammany Brooks, Rupani had been instrumental in getting the number down to a manageable level. He continued to serve the citizens of Antioch by transitioning to the Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS) program and could be seen at community events, including parades in downtown Rivertown, as well as Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies.
Following his retirement Frank Rupani was honored with a plaque for his 20 years of service by then-Chief T Brooks as Captain Tony Morefield looks on during an Antioch Police Ceremony on May 17, 2018. Photos: APD
Officer Rupani’s unwavering dedication to his duty and his selfless service to the Antioch community will always be remembered. He was a true asset to our department, and his loss will be deeply felt by all of us.
During his time with us, Officer Rupani exemplified the values of integrity, compassion, and bravery. He was not only a respected colleague but also a trusted friend to many. His positive impact on our community and the lives he touched cannot be overstated.
As we mourn the loss of Officer Rupani, let us also remember and celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind. His contributions to public safety and his unwavering commitment to serving others will continue to inspire us all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Rupani’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and offer our full support to those affected by this loss.
According to his Facebook page, Rupani is from Burgettstown, Pennsylvania and studied for his Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Akron.
Born on June 24, 1944, Rupani had just turned 80 and is survived by his wife Inelda who, according to family members, was by his side when he passed on July 10, 2024.
Please join us in honoring Officer Frank Rupani’s memory and the invaluable service he provided to our community.
Over 1,300 DUI-related during Maximum Enforcement Period
By Synthia Ramirez, CHP Media Relations
During the Independence Day weekend, the California Highway Patrol conducted a Maximum Enforcement Period to ensure the safety of all Californians. The statewide statistics from this effort are as follows:
Over 1,600 arrests, with over 1,300 being DUI-related
Nearly 30,000 citations issued, including over 17,000 for excessive speed
Over 600 citations for drivers exceeding 100 miles per hour
Nearly 1,000 seatbelt violations cited
Over 1,900 distracted driving citations issued
Great job to all CHP areas that worked tirelessly to keep California safe this Independence Day weekend. Even when it’s not a Maximum Enforcement Period, let’s continue to work together to make responsible choices: drive sober, avoid distractions, follow speed limits, and always buckle up. The primary mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
Six new Antioch Police Officer Recruits meet with department leaders on Wed. July 3, 2024, before entering the academy next Monday. Photos by APD
Chief Addington honors former CSO and new recruit Jose Collazo with CHP award for stolen car recovery
By Antioch Police Department
Exciting News!!!
Chief Addington wished Recruit Officers Daniel Cabada, Jose Collazo, Brandon Michaud, Brian Rose, Zafar Sahel, and David Taylor the very best as they embark on their journey at the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Academy this Monday! These dedicated individuals will undergo six months of intensive training to become the next generation of police officers committed to keeping our community safe.
Interim Antioch Police Chief Brian Addington honors former CSO and now Police Officer Trainee Jose Callazo during the meeting. He begins the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Academy on Monday.
A special congratulations to Police Recruit Jose Collazo, who also received the prestigious CHP 10851 award! Jose, who previously served as a Community Services Officer, has shown exceptional dedication by recovering a significant number of stolen vehicles. We’re proud to see him advance in his career and join the ranks as a full-fledged police officer.
Are you inspired by their dedication and looking for a meaningful career? Join us and make a difference! We offer an expedited hiring process, outstanding pay, benefits, incentives, a $30K hiring bonus, and a variety of exciting assignments.
Visit Joinantiochpd.com for more information and start your journey in serving and protecting our community!
