By East Bay Regional Park District Police Department
This week, EBRPD-PD Officers conducted a traffic stop after receiving a call for service of a vehicle that did not pay for entry at the kiosk of Contra Loma Regional Park, in Antioch. The vehicle also matched the description of a suspect vehicle that was doing donuts at Contra Loma the previous day. Officers discovered two juveniles in the car (which was also parked in violation of a no parking sign).
After searching the car, officers located a personally manufactured, un-serialized, short-barrel assault rifle. One of the juveniles was later booked at the Contra Costa Juvenile Detention Facility.
4/15/25 UPDATE: According to EBRPD PIO Dave Mason the suspect arrested is age 17 and he is from Antioch.
Video screenshot shows police have a home on Clearbrook Road taped off following the fatal shooting of a toddler Tuesday evening, April 8, 2025. Source: Antioch resident who chose to remain anonymous
By Antioch Police Department
This evening, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m., the Antioch Police Department dispatch center received a call reporting that a three-year-old had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a home on Clearbrook Road.
Tragically, the child did not survive. At this time, the incident appears to be an accidental shooting.
This is a heartbreaking event, and our thoughts are with the family and all those affected during this incredibly difficult time.
Additional details will be shared as they become available. We ask for the community’s patience and continued respect for the family’s privacy as the investigation continues.
Antioch Bicycle Garden Conceptual Streetscape Plan to be located at Prewett Family Park on Lone Tree Way. Source: City of Antioch
Will also consider spending $225K more for Amtrak Station Upgrades, purchasing 2 armored rescue police vehicles, support for County’s African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub to locate in Antioch
Will first hold Budget Study Session on Public Works, Parks & Rec Departments
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting tomorrow night, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the Antioch City Council will finalize the design of the Bicycle Garden at Prewett Family Park, discuss spending $225,000 more for the Amtrak Station Upgrades and purchasing two armored rescue police vehicles at a cost of up to $531,800. They will also consider supporting the County’s proposed African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub to be located in Antioch.
Antioch Bicycle Garden Streetscape Elements – Agility. Source: City of Antioch
Before their regular meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m., the council will hold a Closed Session at 4:00 p.m. for another discussion on the Public Employee Performance Evaluation of City Manager Bessie Scott. That will be followed by a Budget Study Session on the Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments at 5:00 p.m.
The Budget Session and regular meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in historic, downtown Rivertown. It can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website or on Comcast local access cable Channel 24 of AT&T U-verse Channel 99.
APD Crisis team and SWAT members, Brentwood PD’s armored rescue vehicle assist
By Sgt. Kristian Palma #6286, Antioch Police Patrol Services Bureau
On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at approximately 5:05 PM, Antioch Police officers responded to Wightman Court for a call regarding shots being fired during a verbal disturbance in front of a residence.
While officers were responding, additional callers reported hearing several more shots.
Upon arrival, officers established containment around the involved residence. With the assistance of on duty Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) members, SWAT team members, and the Brentwood Police Department’s armored rescue vehicle, APD officers were able to safely remove the victim from the residence and resolve this highly volatile and tense situation.
After approximately one hour of de-escalation efforts, the suspect, 18-year-old Angel Jiminez of Antioch, surrendered to APD officers and was subsequently arrested without further incident. Through the investigation, it was determined that Jiminez used a replica firearm to shoot the victim with a metal ball bearing, causing an injury.
Antioch Police Captain Matt Koch later shared the suspect used either a “pellet or BB” gun.
This was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. The Antioch Police Department is pleased to have peacefully resolved the situation and restored a sense of normalcy to the affected community.
Any further information or additional press releases will be provided by the Investigations Bureau. Tips can also be sent to tips@antiochca.gov.
The suspects crashed their stolen getaway car into a fence. Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies and other emergency personnel with one of the suspects in the back of a Sheriff’s vehicle on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Photos by and courtesy of Mike Burkholder, ContraCosta.news
See 4/1/25 Update: Suspects identified; all four are from Antioch, one was arrested for similar charges in December and January
By Allen D. Payton
According to Pleasant Hill Police Lt. Jason Kleven, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, “The Pleasant Hill Police Department responded to a report of a possible robbery in progress at the 7-Eleven store parking lot located at 601 Patterson Blvd. Two delivery truck drivers were making a scheduled delivery when several suspects stole multiple cartons of cigarettes from the truck’s cargo area. No weapons or injuries were reported during the theft.
The suspects fled the scene in a stolen vehicle. Pleasant Hill Police Detectives later located the vehicle traveling on Highway 4 near Concord. With the help of a police helicopter, the vehicle led authorities to the city of Antioch, where the vehicle stopped near Fremont Elementary School. Four suspects then fled on foot from the vehicle.
With the support of Antioch Police, Pittsburg Police, the Sheriff’s Office, and the helicopter, officers set up a perimeter. All four adult suspects were apprehended and arrested.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are asking anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Investigations Bureau at (925) 288-4630.
According to a press release by Lt. Joe Njoroge of the Antioch Police Field Services Bureau, “At approximately 2:57 p.m., APD Dispatch received a report about a suspect vehicle involved in a previous incident in Pleasant Hill. APD was requested to assist in locating the vehicle, which was quickly found in the area.
While driving near the intersection of F Street and W. 13th, the suspect vehicle collided with a fence. The suspects then fled the scene on foot. Pleasant Hill PD arrived shortly after, and with the assistance of the Contra Costa Office of the Sheriff and APD, all suspects were apprehended.”
Njoroge later said the four suspects included three males and one female.
3/28/25 10:45 AM UPDATE: In response to a question from an eyewitness who claimed another person was also arrested, the lieutenant said, “A fifth person was detained but he was not associated so, he was released on scene.”
Antioch Police issued a Community Alert on Facebook Thursday afternoon that they were “working in the area of Antioch Middle School and the surrounding area of F Street from W. 13th to W. 18th. Expect heavy police presence in the area. If you see anything suspicious, please call 911 or (925) 778-2441 immediately.”
Later APD provided an update, writing, “We have now cleared the area. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. There is no danger to the community, and the subjects we were looking for have been arrested. Stay safe, and as always, report any suspicious activity to 911 or (925) 778-2441.
4/1/25 UPDATE: According to Pleasant Hill Police, the four suspects were 20-year-old Robert Lee Crawford (born 12/9/04), a six-foot tall, 165-pound Black male from Antioch, 19-year-old Robert Samule Garcia-Scrape of Antioch (born 7/22/05), a five-foot, 11-inch tall, 200-pound White male with blond hair, 21-year-old Jailen Emani Scales of Antioch (born 2/3/04), a six-foot tall, 200-pound Black male and 24-year-old Marieilacqua Bartholomew, a five-foot, one-inch tall, 130-pound Black female, also from Antioch.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Crawford is being held in the West County Detention Center on no bail; Garcia-Scrape is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail and his next court appearance is on April 15 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 03, Superior Court, Mt. Diablo; and Scales is also being held in the West County Detention Center on no bail.
According to localcrimenews.com, Scales was arrested last year, on Dec. 6th by San Francisco Police for burglary, conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor, carrying a loaded firearm on a person or in a vehicle while in a public place, receiving or concealing stolen property, and resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer. He was arrested again on Jan. 15, this year by Fremont PD for robbery, carrying a loaded firearm and with intent to commit a felony, carrying a concealed weapon with a large capacity magazine, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, and elder or dependent adult abuse.
No additional information could be found through online searches for Bartholomew. However, according to Pleasant Hill Police Lt. Jason Kleven, she is also still in custody.
(L-R) New Animal Control Officer Danika “Dani” Anderson, and new officers Rich Siemietkowski, Jake Merrill, Rhondon Pollard and Tanner Andrade join Acting Chief Joe Vigil (center) following their oaths of office ceremony on Monday, March 24, 2025. Photo: Antioch PD.
Plus, new Animal Control Officer; brings total sworn to 84
By Antioch Police Department
Meet our newest APD Team Members!
Please join us in welcoming four new lateral officers and our newest Animal Control Officer to the Antioch Police Department family! They were administered their oaths of office during a ceremony at the Antioch Police Facility on Monday, March 24, 2025.
Officer Tanner Andrade Tanner grew up in Brentwood and now lives there with his wife, Lauren, and their three daughters. He enjoys spending time with family, friends, and his two German Shepherds, Xena and Eleanor. Tanner joins us after serving over two years with San Bruno PD. Fun Fact: Tanner is an avid video game player!
Officer Rhondon Pollard Rhondon was raised in Stockton and is a proud Bear Creek High graduate. After nine years in the Army National Guard, he followed his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer, serving two years with Oakland PD. Rhondon is excited to bring his experience to APD. Fun Fact: Rhondon loves going out for ramen with his wife.
Officer Jake Merrill Jake was born in Stockton and graduated from Escalon High School in 2007. He earned his associate and bachelor’s degrees before serving in the military and working for the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. Fun Fact: Jake enjoys spearfishing in Big Sur and scuba diving in Monterey.
Officer Richard Siemietkowski Rich, a US Marine Corps veteran, has extensive law enforcement experience, including time with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department and the Veterans Affairs Police. Most recently, he worked as a full-time police instructor. In his downtime, Rich loves camping with his family and supporting his daughter’s horse competitions. Fun Fact: Rich enjoys rebuilding classic cars and training in Jiu Jitsu.
Animal Control Officer Danika (Dani) Anderson Dani grew up in Stockton and recently relocated to Antioch. She has over 10 years of experience in the veterinary field, dedicating her life to advocating for animals. Dani enjoys baking, spending time with her two daughters and husband, and watching history documentaries. Fun Fact: Dani once won an axe-throwing battle!
We’re excited to have each of them on board. Welcome to the APD family!
According to Lt. Michael Mellone, there are now 84 sworn officers on the police force “and more coming. We’re projecting six more in the next month.”
St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate with friends, family and good cheer. However, as the festivities often include alcohol, The Antioch Police Department is urging everyone to prioritize safety and avoid driving under the influence. Don’t rely on luck—plan ahead and make sure you have a sober way to get home.
In 2022 alone, there were 74 drunk-driving fatalities during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). More than 13,500 preventable deaths throughout 2022 involved drunk driving, representing 32% of all traffic fatalities in the United States that year.
Additional officers will be on during the weekend looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
“Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day responsibly is about protecting not just yourself but everyone on the road,” said Sergeant Rob Green. “Let’s work together to make this holiday memorable for all the right reasons. Make a plan for a safe ride home.”
Plan for a Safe Celebration Before heading out for St. Patrick’s Day festivities, follow these tips to stay safe: • Designate a Sober Driver: Choose someone ahead of time who will stay alcohol-free and make sure everyone gets home safely. • Use Ride-Sharing Services or Public Transportation: Apps and transit options are great alternatives to driving if you’ve been drinking. • Look Out for Others: Don’t let friends or family members drive impaired. Take their keys and help arrange a safe, sober ride. • Stay Alert: Watch for impaired drivers on the road and report them to local law enforcement by calling 925-778-2441, or for emergencies, 9-1-1.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Former Antioch Police Officer Morteza Amiri was convicted by a jury on Friday, March 14, 2025. Photo: Antioch PD
Morteza Amiri faces up to 20 years in prison
By U.S. Attorney Northern District of California
OAKLAND – A federal jury today convicted former Antioch police officer Morteza Amiri of one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of falsification of records. The jury’s verdict followed an eight-day trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White.
Amiri, 33, was previously employed as a police officer with the Antioch Police Department. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Amiri, a K-9 handler, deployed his K-9 to bite suspects even when it was not necessary. Amiri kept a running bite count that he celebrated with other officers. Amiri also took photographs of the dog bites and shared them with other officers, stating in one text message that “gory pics are for personal stuff” and “cleaned up pics for the case.”
“Morteza Amiri violated the oath he swore to protect the people of Antioch. He flouted his duty as a police officer, misused his police dog, and inflicted unnecessary and excessive force against the victim. This appalling conduct erodes public trust in law enforcement. And it weakens law enforcement’s ability to carry out its primary mission of public safety. As today’s jury verdict makes clear, officers who put themselves above the law will be held accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins.
“Today’s guilty verdict against Morteza Amiri sends a clear message: no one is above the law, especially those sworn to uphold it. Amiri’s actions betrayed the trust of the community and undermined the integrity of law enforcement,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani. “The FBI remains committed to holding accountable any officer who violates their oath and deprives citizens of their constitutional rights. The people of Antioch, and communities everywhere, deserve better.”
According to the evidence at trial, on July 24, 2019, Amiri pulled over and stopped a bicyclist identified as A.A., who, according to Amiri, did not have his bicycle light on. Amiri approached A.A., punched and took the victim to the ground, and then called for his K-9 to bite the victim. As a result, A.A. sustained injuries. At the time, Amiri was accompanied by a police officer with a neighboring agency as a ride-along, and that officer assisted with the deployment of the K-9. Afterwards, Amiri shared pictures of the victim’s wounds with other Antioch police officers. One officer responded, “Yeah buddy good boy,” referring to the K-9, and “Lol you bit [A.A.].” In response to a question from another officer about what cut the dog’s face, Amiri responded, “that’s a piece of the suspect’s flesh lol.”
Amiri later wrote to the officer who accompanied him on the ride-along, “you got to see [the K-9] in action lol,” and stated that detectives got the victim “a 45-day violation and we are gonna leave it at that so i don’t go to court for the bite. Easy,” referring to the victim going into custody for a parole/probation violation. Amiri then falsified a police report of the incident, stating that one of the reasons he deployed his K-9 was because he was alone, when instead the ride-along police officer was with him at the time and had helped Amiri deploy the K-9.
The jury convicted Amiri of one count of deprivation of rights under color of law in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242 and one count of falsification of records in a federal investigation in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1519. The jury acquitted Amiri of one count of conspiracy against rights in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 241 and two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242.
Amiri was previously convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud following a jury trial in August 2024.
Amiri is scheduled to appear on March 18, 2025, for a hearing on whether to remand him to custody pending sentencing, and on June 3, 2025, for sentencing. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on the count of deprivation of rights under color of law and 20 years in prison on the count of falsification of records. Any sentence will be imposed by the Court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The case is being prosecuted by the National Security & Special Prosecutions Section and the Oakland Branch of the United States Attorney’s Office. This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.
These civil rights charges against Amiri were brought as part of an investigation into the Antioch and Pittsburg police departments that resulted in multiple charges against 10 current and former officers and employees of these two police departments for various crimes ranging from the use of excessive force to fraud. The status of these cases, all of which are before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White, is below:
