Archive for the ‘Police & Crime’ Category

29-year-old man suffers gunshot wound to the neck in Antioch

Friday, January 9th, 2026
Source: Pulsepoint courtesy of Denise Cantrell

Police seek public’s help to ID, locate suspect

By Lt. Franco Cesar #7264, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10:46 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 600 block of Wilbur Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers located a 29-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. Officers immediately rendered medical aid until Contra Costa Fire Protection District personnel arrived on scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he is being treated for injuries that have been determined to be non-life-threatening.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at tips@antiochca.gov.

Rep. Harder’s Safer Response Act to protect law enforcement from fentanyl exposure signed into law

Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Fentanyl. Photo: CDC

One in five emergency calls are for overdoses, exposing first responders to contamination and infection

New law spearheads nationwide effort to stop overdose deaths and crack down on trafficking

By Julie S. Kramer, Press Secretary, Office of Congressman Josh Harder

WASHINGTON – On Dec. 11, 2025, Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA-09) announced that his bipartisan bill to protect law enforcement from fentanyl exposure has been signed into law, unlocking $57 million every year through 2030 for overdose training for local law enforcement. Led with Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), the Safer Response Act was included in a broader package of substance use prevention and recovery legislation that passed the Senate in September, alongside the rollout of a brand-new nationwide initiative to combat the fentanyl crisis.

Fentanyl in our community puts everyone at risk:

  • Despite declines, fentanyl overdoses continue to be the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45, killing nearly 50,000 people last year alone.
  • This creates an escalating crisis for first responders, with up to one-in-five emergency medical service calls involving overdose response.
  • First responders are at risk of accidental exposure, contamination, and infection when responding to overdose emergencies.

“Our brave first responders never hesitate to answer the call and step in to save lives every single day, and they shouldn’t have to worry about self-exposure while they’re working to reverse life-threatening fentanyl overdoses,” said Harder. “This bill is going to bring millions for better training and modern resources to Valley departments, which will mean fewer lives lost to the deadly fentanyl epidemic. I’m grateful that lawmakers from across the aisle joined together to send this to the President’s desk, and I’m committed to ensuring our community continues to benefit from common-sense laws like this.” 

How the Safer Response Act supports law enforcement:

  • New technical assistance for local first responders to address overdoses.
  • Additional training on how first responders and emergency medical services can protect themselves in the event of exposure.
  • Outreach coordination teams to bridge gaps between public and private medical and emergency response partnerships.

Harder has made cracking down on the growing fentanyl crisis a top priority – he helped pass a bipartisan bill to put more fentanyl traffickers behind bars, and he is leading new legislation to close drug manufacturing loopholes that traffickers use to escape justice. Earlier this year, Harder met with more than 200 narcotics officers representing state associations across the country, including in California, as part of the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition’s (NNOAC) 2025 Delegate Conference. 

Congressman Harder represents the 9th Congressional District of California. Following the passage of Prop. 50 last November, the new district boundaries will include Pittsburg, Antioch and portions of Oakley and other areas in Eastern Contra Costa County. Harder is expected to run for re-election in the new district.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch Police identify, seek suspect in shooting of 11-year-old girl

Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
Shooting suspect Ryan Hardy is sought by Antioch Police. Photo: Antioch PD

Say 23-year-old Ryan “Hardy should be considered armed and dangerous”

Share more details about girl still in stable but critical condition

By Lt. William Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

Today, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, Antioch Police Department detectives identified Ryan Hardy as the suspect in the shooting of an 11-year-old girl on January 5th through a combination of video surveillance, witness statements and forensic evidence.

Hardy should be considered armed and dangerous. Members of the public are advised not to confront him. Anyone who sees Hardy in public or has information regarding his whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately. Hardy is also encouraged to peacefully surrender to the Antioch Police Department.

During the course of the investigation, detectives identified several individuals who assisted Hardy in evading law enforcement. Those individuals, as well as anyone who knowingly assists Hardy in the future, will be subject to arrest for accessory under Penal Code section 32.

As previously reported, on January 5, 2026, Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of shots fired in the parking lot of the Delta View Apartment complex located at 3915 Delta Fair Boulevard.

While officers were responding, they learned that an 11-year-old girl had sustained a gunshot wound to the head while inside a vehicle in the apartment complex parking lot.

The girl was transported to Children’s Hospital Oakland, where she was listed in stable condition.

Asked for an update on her condition, Lt. Whitaker shared, “It’s the same. She’s in stable but critical condition. The bullet is lodged in her head and they’re trying to monitor to her to decide if they’re going to remove it or leave it.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Antioch Police Detective John Cox at (925) 481-8147 or via email at jcox@antiochca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Following SWAT standoff barricaded suspect in Antioch surrenders

Tuesday, January 6th, 2026
The Antioch Police SWAT standoff on E. 6th Street Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2025, included multiple officers pointing their guns at the house where the armed suspect was barricaded and the Brentwood Police Bearcat Rescue Vehicle. Photo by Allen D. Payton. The armed suspect, Matthew Jeff Britt, Jr., who surrendered peacefully, can be seen in previous arrest photos. Source (left & center) OffenderRadar.com and (right) California Megan’s Law Website.

31-year-old Matthew Britt, Jr. arrested for assault with a deadly weapon of 25-year-old woman; also arrested last June for assault with firearm; is a registered sex offender

By Acting Lt. Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Division

 On January 6, 2026, at approximately 8:16 a.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of a family dispute at a residence at 51East 6th Street.

Upon arrival, officers contacted a 25-year-old woman, an Antioch resident, and determined she was the victim of a felony assault. The woman was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers attempted to make contact with the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Matthew Jeff Britt, Jr. Britt barricaded himself inside the residence and refused to exit. Officers learned Britt was possibly armed with a knife and had an extensive criminal history involving violence and evading law enforcement.

Several officers had guns pointed toward the house located on the north side of the street.

Antioch Police officer points his gun at the house where the armed suspect was barricaded. Photo by Allen D. Payton

At one point, two girls walked past the police tape and were stopped by Antioch officers. Following a confrontation with officers, one girl was detained, handcuffed and placed in the back of a police vehicle. She could be heard saying, “He’s about to kill himself. Why would I not go in there? Why are you doing all this? He didn’t do anything to anybody.”

Instead of being sent to Juvenile Hall as one officer said could have happened, he released the girl.

Police blocked off E. 6th Street at A Street.

Antioch Police blocked off East 6th Street at A Street. Photo by Allen D. Payton

Due to the circumstances, the Antioch Police Department SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiations Team were deployed. Antioch SWAT members escorted three neighbors from their home next door. The Brentwood Police Department’s Bearcat rescue vehicle arrived on scene and was deployed to assist with the standoff.

After several hours of negotiations and de-escalation efforts, Britt voluntarily surrendered without incident. According to Antioch Police Captain Matt Koch, he “surrendered peacefully.”

Britt was uninjured and was evaluated by medical personnel at his request. He was subsequently booked into the Contra Costa County Jail on felony assault charges and is awaiting criminal filing by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

Matthew J. Britt’s information on the California Megan’s Law Website. Screenshot

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 200-pound Britt was born on 11/20/1994 and is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility. 1/15/26 UPDATE: His bond has been set at $360,000 and his next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 21st at 8:30 AM in Department 5 of Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, he is Black and was also arrested by Antioch Police on June 19, 2025, for assault with firearm on a person, possession of ammunition, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner and destroying evidence.

According to OffenderRadar.com, Britt is a registered sex offender convicted in 2015 of pandering with a minor over 16 years of age and is lives in Antioch which was confirmed by the California Megan’s Law Website.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Young woman arrested for stabbing 45-year-old man in Antioch

Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Emergency personnel attend to the victim of a stabbing in Antioch on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. Photo by ContraCosta.news

The two were acquaintances

UPDATE: Suspect identified as Lizbeth Verdad Noonan

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

Publisher’s Note: This Antioch Police press release issued on Dec. 7 was stuck in the system of the City’s website which has been undergoing updates and was not provided to the media until Dec. 30.

On Sunday, December 7, 2025, shortly after 8:00 a.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of a 45-year-old man who had been stabbed inside a residence near E. 16th Street and A Street. Upon arrival, officers were informed the victim was still inside the home. Officers entered the residence, located the man suffering from stab wounds, and provided medical aid until personnel from Con Fire arrived. He was transported to a local hospital and remains in stable condition.

Through the course of the investigation, officers identified the suspect as a 22-year-old woman. She was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

According to Lt. Bill Whitaker the two were acquaintances.

UPDATE: According to the Antioch Police Adult Arrest report, her name is Lizbeth Verdad Noonan who is White, 5’3″ tall, 120 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. She was arrested and taken into custody that same day at 11:00 AM at Sutter Delta Medical Center, 3901 Lone Tree Way. Noonan was charged with inflicting corporal injury on a spouse/cohabitant/dating relationship – aggravated, a felony, and assault with a deadly weapon: not a firearm – aggravated, also a felony.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at tips@antiochca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CHP’s Operation Silent Night arrests 13 during statewide organized retail theft investigation

Wednesday, December 24th, 2025
Stolen merchandise recovered during the CHP’s “Operation Silent Night” targeting an organized retail theft ring. Photos: California Highway Patrol

Executed in Richmond, 3 other cities, recovers 44,140 stolen items worth more than $800K 

12 from Oakland and 53-year-old El Sobrante woman who was previously arrested in 2023 for grand theft and organized retail theft

By Officer Ruben Jones, PIO, CHP Valley Division

SACRAMENTO — Thirteen suspects were arrested, and more than $800,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered following a coordinated, multi-agency operation targeting an organized retail theft network operating across Northern California.

In September, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Valley Division Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) was alerted to a pair of retail theft suspects who stole merchandise in Placer County and at multiple other locations throughout the state. The Valley Division ORCTF includes investigators from the CHP, Sacramento Police Department and the Placer County District Attorney’s Office.

On October 1, the Rocklin Police Department conducted a traffic stop involving the suspects and requested assistance from the Valley Division ORCTF. During the investigation, the suspects provided information identifying individuals who were purchasing stolen merchandise from them and reselling it for profit. Investigators also learned the stolen goods were being distributed and sold at flea markets in Oakland, San Jose, Galt, Modesto and Stockton.

Based on this information, ORCTF investigators conducted surveillance operations that corroborated the suspects’ statements and established links among the theft suspects, those purchasing and reselling the stolen merchandise, and the flea-market distribution locations. Investigators subsequently obtained multiple search warrants covering six residences, three storage lockers, and one storage lot.

On December 11, a coordinated multi-agency enforcement effort, Operation Silent Night, was executed in Oakland, Richmond, San Leandro and Galt. The operation resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects. Investigators seized two firearms, more than $10,000 in cash, five vans, two passenger vehicles and two trailers. More than 400 boxes and 200 bags of stolen merchandise were recovered, including cosmetics, household goods, clothing, power tools, toys, alcohol, and diapers. All suspects were transported to the Placer County Jail for booking.

Stolen merchandise recovered. Photo: CHP

On December 12, Cal Expo provided an exposition hall to assist with the processing and cataloging of the recovered merchandise. In partnership with affected retailers, investigators documented a total of 44,140 stolen items valued in excess of $800,000.

The following are those who were taken into custody:

  • Bach Ngoc Thi Bui, 53, El Sobrante
  • Isaid Garcia Chapas, 41, Oakland
  • Irene Cruz Barragan, 35, Oakland
  • Daniela Cruz Barragan, 33, Oakland
  • Robert Lorenzo Luna-Varela, 34, Oakland
  • Jefferson Isaed Garcia-Rivera, 22, Oakland
  • Jennifer Garcia Cruz, 19, Oakland
  • Elan Rosales Montes, 35, Oakland
  • Claudia Ivet Cruz Barragan, 42, Oakland
  • Yolanda Carrillo Martinez, 45, Oakland
  • Ivan Miranda Espinoza, 33, Oakland
  • Yuridia Sandoval Ramirez, 35, Oakland
  • Eryn Wilfred Corea Guevara, 29, Oakland

“Organized retail theft is not a victimless crime. It impacts businesses, workers, and communities across California. This investigation highlights the strength of collaboration between law enforcement and our retail partners, and our commitment to holding organized theft networks accountable.”- CHP Valley Division Chief Tyler Eccles

The Placer County District Attorney’s Office announced on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, the filing of criminal charges of organized retail theft, conspiracy to commit felony crimes, receiving stolen property, among numerous allegations against the 13 defendants.

The charges stem from numerous thefts that had occurred within Placer County that culminated in a multiple agency operation last week in Oakland that recovered over $700,000 worth of stolen merchandise and extensive counterfeit merchandise. This collaborative investigation and prosecution is made possible by Placer County’s retail theft initiative.

The defendants appeared in court that afternoon and defense attorneys were appointed to represent them. The next court date was scheduled for December 22 in Department 20 at 8:30 am.

Since the ORCTF’s inception in 2019, the CHP has been involved in over 4,200 investigations, leading to the arrest of more than 4,700 suspects and the recovery of nearly 1.5 million stolen goods valued at over $68.7 million statewide as of November 30. 

According to localcrimenews.com, Bui is a female and was also arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department in August 2023 when she was a Pittsburg resident for conspiracy to commit a crime, grand theft, receiving or concealing stolen property and organized retail theft.

The CHP extends its appreciation to all participating law enforcement agencies, task force members, Cal Expo, and retail partners whose collaboration led to the success of this investigation. The case remains ongoing.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol initiated

Monday, December 22nd, 2025
Antioch Police and Con Fire personnel responded to the scene of the fatal collision causing a back-up in the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 between Pittsburg and Antioch Monday morning, Dec. 22, 2025. Video screenshot courtesy of Spotlight CoCoCounty.

Following collision involving DA Senior Inspector killing Antioch assault suspect running on Hwy 4; CHP leads investigation

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – A fatal traffic collision with a pedestrian is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol pursuant to the County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol.

On Monday, December 22, 2025, at approximately 10:35 a.m., in the area of Delta Fair Blvd. in Antioch, a suspect engaged in a disturbance at Delta Bowl. According to Antioch Police, the initial incident occurred at the Comfort Inn, located at 2436 Mahogany Way, where the 27-year-old male suspect had pulled a fire alarm and then struck a 47-year-old male security guard. As police responded, the suspect climbed over a fence and entered eastbound Highway 4 on foot.

The individual was struck in the roadway by an oncoming county vehicle driven by a District Attorney Senior Inspector whose duties were unrelated to the disturbance. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The California Highway Patrol is the venue agency conducting the traffic collision investigation. The California Department of Justice has been notified. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has yielded legal analysis to avoid a potential conflict of interest. The investigation is ongoing.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

14-year-old boy arrested for accidentally shooting cousin in face

Saturday, December 20th, 2025
Photo courtesy of Bay News Video

“Negligent Discharge of a Firearm”

By Lt. Franco Cesar #7264, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On December 18, 2025, at 8:46 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 2700 block of Entrada Circle. Upon arrival, officers located a 17-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound.

Officers immediately began providing medical aid until personnel from Con Fire arrived on scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

During the investigation, officers identified the suspect as a 14-year-old male, who was taken into custody at the scene for Negligent Discharge of a Firearm.

According to Bay New Video, “Thursday night Antioch police responded to…reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they found one juvenile that had been accidentally shot in the face by his cousin. Witnesses said the bullet entered the cheek and exited the back of the neck. The victim was transported to a local hospital. The cousin was taken into custody by Antioch police. There has been in the city of Antioch over the past year a reduction of violent crime…Tonight’s shooting was an unfortunate accident.”

The investigation into this incident remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at tips@antiochca.gov.  

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.