An Antioch Police Officer seen punching homeless woman during an encampment abatement in Waldie Plaza after she bit him, causing her hat to fly off, on July 1, 2026. Video screenshot. Source: Facing Homelessness in Antioch
By Lt. Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On July 1, 2026, at about 9:35 a.m., the City of Antioch conducted a scheduled encampment abatement and cleanup at Waldie Plaza, located at 206 G St. Waldie Plaza is posted with City of Antioch signage advising that the area is subject to immediate abatement pursuant to Antioch Municipal Code § 5-1 and Penal Code § 647(e).
At the same time, BNSF Railway was conducting a separate encampment abatement on its adjacent railroad right-of-way. During that operation, several individuals who had been on BNSF property moved into the Waldie Plaza area.
Antioch Police officers were on scene to provide security and support while City Code Enforcement personnel and a contracted cleanup crew carried out the abatement.
Officers are routinely assigned to these operations to ensure the safety of City employees and contracted workers. Earlier this year, a contracted cleanup employee was assaulted while conducting a similar operation.
During the July 1 cleanup, a 41-year-old woman who had been on the adjacent BNSF property confronted members of the City’s contracted cleanup crew. Officers intervened and gave the woman repeated verbal commands to move away from the cleanup crew so the operation could safely continue. Despite warnings, she refused to comply with officers’ lawful commands.
As officers arrested the woman for interfering with their duties, she bit the shoulder of one of the arresting officers. The officer responded with a physical strike to stop the assault and placed her under arrest. She was taken into custody and later booked into the Contra Costa County Detention Facility on charges of resisting, delaying, or obstructing a law enforcement officer as well as resisting a law enforcement officer with violence. See related article.
As part of protocol, information about this incident is currently or in process of being submitted to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. Our DOJ consultant and the Antioch Police Department Internal Affairs Division have been advised of the incident. The department is in the process of assigning this incident to an independent investigator for review. As this is an active investigation, the officer involved will be placed on paid administrative leave.
Chief Vigil is releasing the following statement at this time:
“Any use of force by our officers is taken seriously. This incident will be fully reviewed under our use of force policy, state law, and our department’s current independent oversight framework.”
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center at (925) 778-2441.
Additional information or updates will be released by the Investigations Bureau as appropriate.
An Antioch Police Officer seen punching homeless woman during an encampment abatement in Waldie Plaza after she tried to bite him, causing her hat to fly off, on July 1, 2026. Video screenshots. Source: Facing Homelessness in Antioch
UPDATE 2:Admits she bit him, first
UPDATE 1: Antioch Police Department issues statement
By Allen D. Payton
A video posted on Monday afternoon, July 6, 2026, on the Facing Homelessness in Antioch & Community Connection’s Facebook page, shows a homeless woman getting punched in the head by an Antioch Police Officer, identified as Community Engagement Officer Nicholas Shipilov. She was struggling with him and another officer in Waldie Plaza as they were clearing the area in preparation for the Independence Day Celebration planned for Saturday, July 4th.
The post by local homeless advocate Nicole Gardner, Founder and Director of Facing Homelessness organization, is entitled, “Video of APD Community Engagement Officer Nicholas Shipilov punching an unhoused woman having a mental health crisis in the face during an illegal encampment sweep.”
In the video she says there was a homeless encampment sweep on July 1st that included both Waldie Plaza, which is a City park, and the railroad tracks. She said the APD Community Engagement Team and City’s Code Enforcement Officers were arresting the residents and telling them, “Ya’ll gotta go.” www.facebook.com/reel/1025054446734808
When asked by the person recording the video, “Why did you do that?” the officer said, “She bit me.”
Gardener referred to a previous video she posted on July 1st on the same page of her interaction with both City staff and homeless residents in Waldie Plaza. In it you can hear her asking if the residents were given proper notification. www.facebook.com/reel/880300225122640
The woman nicknamed Frenchie, was arrested.
In addition, a group of homeless residents were encamped last week on the steps and in front of City Hall. Lt. Michael Mellone said they were cleared out in time for the holiday activities which took place on W. 2nd Street, in the City Hall parking lot and in Waldie Plaza. The station for the parade judges, which included Gardner, was located on the sidewalk directly in front of City Hall. He said they had to be given a 48-hour notice.
When reached for further comment Gardner said about the woman, “She said she did try to bite him, first. She was released from custody this morning. She said her head still hurt. So, we’re going to take her to the hospital after she recovers her personal items from the police department.”
UPDATE 2: However, in an interview with NBC Bay Area News viewed later by the Herald, the woman, identified as Frenchie Hardy, said, “I bit him and he punched me in my face.”
About the officer Gardner, who is also an Antioch Parks and Recreation Commissioner, pointed out, “He was one of the officers who responded to the Angelo Quinto incident. He should have called the Crisis Response Team. They didn’t even call CORE. They need to coordinate better.” However, Waldie Plaza is treated differently.
Questions for Staff, Council
The following questions were emailed to City staff Monday evening, including Chief Joe Vigil, Acting City Manager Ana Cortez, City Attorney Lori Asuncion and PIO Jaden Baird, and again Tuesday afternoon.
“When did the incident occur?
“Was Officer Shipilov the one who punched the woman? If not, what is the officer’s name and is he a member of the Community Engagement Team?
“What is being or will be done about the incident? Will the officer be or has he been disciplined, especially in light of what the Dep’t and City went through and the lawsuits settled last year, and the class action lawsuit that appears to be continuing – Trent Allen, et al?
“Did he explain why it occurred? It appears she tried to bite him on his arm prior to the punch.
“What is the process for clearing homeless encampments?
“Does the 48-hour notice give to residents before removing them from an encampment have to be in writing?”
The same questions were sent to the mayor and council members.
Police Respond
Lt. Gary Lowther shared the following about the matter saying, “She was arrested for battery on a police officer and resisting, delaying and obstructing a peace officer and resisting with violence. The case was presented to the District Attorney’s Office.”
Asked about the officer he said, “Everything is still going through its normal channels of review.”
About the process for clearing homeless encampments Lowther said, “The signage in Waldie Plaza has language for immediate abatement. For other locations there’s a 48-hour notice with a piece of paper. Then they get in touch with CORE who will make contact with those folks during the couple of days.”
“The Crisis Response Team does not go along with Code Enforcement on abatements. It’s strictly enforcement,” he explained. “Public Works contracts out the clean-up and the personal items are stored for a couple of days, anything that isn’t deemed to be hazardous material.”
“BNSF was conducting a separate abatement along their railroad tracks at the same time. We weren’t involved in that,” Lowther stated.
“A press release is expected to be sent out soon,” he added.
Cortez responded later, “We are working on a response for you and will be in touch with you shortly.”
UPDATE 1: Antioch Police Department Statement on July 1 Use-of-Force Incident During Waldie Plaza Encampment Cleanup
By Lt. Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On July 1, 2026, at about 9:35 a.m., the City of Antioch conducted a scheduled encampment abatement and cleanup at Waldie Plaza, located at 206 G St. Waldie Plaza is posted with City of Antioch signage advising that the area is subject to immediate abatement pursuant to Antioch Municipal Code § 5-1 and Penal Code § 647(e).
At the same time, BNSF Railway was conducting a separate encampment abatement on its adjacent railroad right-of-way. During that operation, several individuals who had been on BNSF property moved into the Waldie Plaza area.
Antioch Police officers were on scene to provide security and support while City Code Enforcement personnel and a contracted cleanup crew carried out the abatement.
Officers are routinely assigned to these operations to ensure the safety of City employees and contracted workers. Earlier this year, a contracted cleanup employee was assaulted while conducting a similar operation.
During the July 1 cleanup, a 41-year-old woman who had been on the adjacent BNSF property confronted members of the City’s contracted cleanup crew. Officers intervened and gave the woman repeated verbal commands to move away from the cleanup crew so the operation could safely continue. Despite warnings, she refused to comply with officers’ lawful commands.
As officers arrested the woman for interfering with their duties, she bit the shoulder of one of the arresting officers. The officer responded with a physical strike to stop the assault and placed her under arrest. She was taken into custody and later booked into the Contra Costa County Detention Facility on charges of resisting, delaying, or obstructing a law enforcement officer as well as resisting a law enforcement officer with violence.
As part of protocol, information about this incident is currently or in process of being submitted to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. Our DOJ consultant and the Antioch Police Department Internal Affairs Division have been advised of the incident. The department is in the process of assigning this incident to an independent investigator for review. As this is an active investigation, the officer involved will be placed on paid administrative leave.
Chief Vigil is releasing the following statement at this time:
“Any use of force by our officers is taken seriously. This incident will be fully reviewed under our use of force policy, state law, and our department’s current independent oversight framework.”
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center at (925) 778-2441.
Additional information or updates will be released by the Investigations Bureau as appropriate.
———–
Please check back later for any additional updates to this report.
America’s 250th Independence Day Celebration in Antioch on Saturday, July 4th will feature live entertainment in Waldie Plaza, in historic, downtown Rivertown.
Kalimba – 7:30 PM – 9:15 PM Waldie Plaza Stage
Some music doesn’t just play — it moves you. It pulls you back to the first time you heard it, when a groove locked in and never let go. Kalimba, The Spirit delivers exactly that: a full-scale, fully live tribute to the legendary Earth Wind & Fire that doesn’t just honor the legacy — it resurrects it.
Born from a deep reverence for the late, great Maurice White and the galaxy of sound he built, Kalimba, The Spirit is an internationally touring production that captures everything that made EWF the most electrifying live act of a generation. The soaring falsetto. The thunderous horns. The lush, interlocking harmonies. The bass lines that roll through your chest like a freight train. All of it — live, authentic, and unapologetically powerful.
Talent buyers take note: this is a production, not a cover band. Kalimba, The Spirit brings a full stage and lighting show built to command the largest rooms, with vocal performances that authentically replicate Philip Bailey’s signature high notes, the thick three-part harmonies of Maurice and Ralph Johnson, and Verdine White’s iconic, grooving bass lines driving it all forward.
The credentials speak volumes. Kalimba has graced historic theaters, major music festivals, state fairs, casinos, and premier corporate events across the globe — including a landmark performance alongside the Village People at the 2020 Dubai Expo and sharing the stage with Sister Sledge in Egypt in 2023. Wherever they perform, one thing is guaranteed: the audience leaves on its feet.
Expect to hear the songs that defined an era: September, Boogie Wonderland, Shining Star, Let’s Groove, After the Love Has Gone, That’s the Way of the World, Fantasy, Sing a Song, Getaway, Reasons, Devotion, Can’t Hide Love, Love’s Holiday — and that’s just the beginning of the night.
Kalimba, The Spirit. Feel it all over again.
Boogie Wonderland, Let’s Groove, Shining Star, After the Love Has Gone, and more. This isn’t a cover act — it’s an experience. Feel it all over again.
Entertainment will also include Farenhyte 5150 – a powerhouse ensemble renowned for delivering high-octane performances that capture the raw energy and polished precision of a live concert experience. What sets them apart is their uncanny ability to sound exactly like the original records, a feat made possible by a lineup of elite musicians who have toured and recorded with multi-platinum artists. Their collective pedigree shines through in every note, stunning audiences with a professional sound that is as flawless as it is infectious. Whether they are hitting a complex groove or a soaring anthem, Farenhyte 5150 commands the stage, guaranteed to get the entire room up and dancing.
Fireworks Show
The fireworks show over the river are scheduled to start at 9:20 p.m.
For the Fourth of July, The Lemon Tree will have a 9:00 AM workout class open to both men and women. Payment details are included on the flyer.
At 11am we’re also hosting a kids’ event designed with neurodivergent and children on the spectrum in mind. It is open to all kids but created with extra care for families who benefit from a calmer, more supportive space.
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.
With parade, live music, Kids Zone, dunk tank fundraiser, food and fireworks show over the river!
By City of Antioch Recreation Department
Join the City of Antioch for a festive day of community pride and patriotic fun in celebrating America’s 250th Independence Day in our historic, downtown Rivertown Saturday, July 4th. Visit Waldie Plaza to experience live entertainment and enjoy food from local restaurants, vendors and trucks. Have an exciting time with friends and family in the Kids Zone located at City Hall, before picking your spot to see the big, unforgettable fireworks show over the river to cap off the celebration!
Schedule of Events
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Parade
4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Kids Zone
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Live Entertainment | Farenhyte 5150
What better way to celebrate Independence Day than by making a splash and raising funds for a fantastic cause? By participating in our Dunk Tank event, you’ll not only have a blast but also contribute to providing scholarships for youth and adults to participate in recreational activities they might not otherwise have access to.
Not interested in sitting in the tank? Get involved by donating to the cause! As you attend our Fourth of July Celebration, stop by the Kids Zone to take your turn trying to sink the sitter! Cheer on our throwers and our volunteers as we raise money to continue to provide recreational opportunities for residents, young and young at heart! The deadline to sign up to take the plunge is Friday, June 26th.
Parade Entry Registration
Ready to show off your red, white, and blue spirit? Parade registrations for Antioch’s 4th of July Celebration are now open! Don’t miss out—register today and be part of one of Antioch’s favorite traditions!
Whether you’re young or young at heart, a solo walker or part of a group, this parade is for everyone. From classic cars and colorful floats to decorated bicycles and festive performances, let your creativity shine as we come together as a community to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
Source: City of Antioch
Parade Route
The parade will begin at the intersection of W 2nd St. and E St. Antioch, CA at 4 pm. The Judge’s Station will be located at the center of Waldie Plaza. A second parade performance stop will be on W 3rd St. next to City Hall. We will finish the parade on W 3rd St. at the corner of D St.
Celebration Site
The main celebration site will take place in Waldie Plaza and the parking lot of City Hall, encompassing W 2nd St. to W 3rd St. and G St. to I St. There are many occurrences within the celebration site, including a live entertainment stage, local restaurants, food trucks, vendors, Kids Zone, DJ stage, and much more.
