All photos by Leslie Reano.

By Leslie Reano and Antioch Police Department

“What a wonderful day today has been,” Lesli Reano an Instructional Aid for Special Needs with the Antioch Unified School District’s Community-Based Instruction program wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday, May 28, 2020. “Our AUSD CBI team had a parade for ALL our graduating young adults today. Our CBI teamed up and brought graduation signs, candy necklace and balloons to all 12 of our graduates. We then did a Graduation parade to each of their homes. The smiles that we saw from our students was priceless! We in CBI all want to thank our wonderful Police force for guiding us on our route to our kids’ homes! They went over and beyond! Thank you, Officer Calvin Prieto, Officer Andrea Rodriguez and Officer Ben Padilla you all were so fun, and your kindness will never be forgotten!! Thank you, Sergeant Smith for reaching out to Lieutenant Mendez and made this all happen. Shout out to our AUSD CBI Team!!!”

“Congratulations to our AUSD CBI graduates!!!” wrote the Antioch Police on their Facebook page. “APD was honored to be part of the graduation parade for the AUSD CBI program. The CBI Program, located on the Deer Valley High School campus, is a community-based instruction (CBI) program for 18- to 22-year-old students with special needs. The program is designed to assist students after earning their certificate of completion, transition into adult life, by helping them to become more independent within the community in the following four basic directions – Vocational Training, Community Access, Independent Living Skills, and Personal Development.

Please join us in congratulating these amazing graduates!”

The program also offers job coaching, Reano said.

Photos by APD.

By Antioch Police Department

On Sunday afternoon, May 24, 2020 one of our officers attempted to make contact with a subject in the area of Buchanan Road and Gentrytown Drive. For unknown reasons, this person decided they didn’t want to talk to us and fled on foot. When our officer caught up to them, they quickly found out that the 60+ prescription pills the person had in their possession may have been the reason they didn’t want to stick around, as well as the fact they were on juvenile probation.

We then paid a house call to conduct a probation search to make sure there wasn’t anything else going on that he shouldn’t be doing. To our surprise, we not only found metal knuckles in his bedroom, but also found a loaded AR-15 rifle. We were fortunate to find this firearm in the fashion in which we did and while it was unfortunate it was in the hands of a juvenile, we are happy to have taken it off the streets before it could be used in any sort of violent crime!

For his troubles, he was eventually given a ride to juvenile hall by our jailer for multiple weapons charges and probation violations.

Photos by APD.

By Antioch Police Department

Good morning Antioch and fans of APD!!! We wanted to let you know about another proactive gun arrest:

Friday, May 22, 2020 at about 2 pm, an #APDDayShift officer patrolling Sycamore Drive and Spanos Street spotted a 17-year-old juvenile he knew had two active warrants. The juvenile was placed under arrest and found to have a loaded semi-automatic pistol in his waistband, with 14 rounds in the magazine. Things didn’t end there, because a gold necklace the juvenile was wearing was traced back to a previously reported theft. He was brought to Juvenile Hall for his warrants, along with the firearm and stolen property possession charges.

APD remains committed to reducing violent crime in our neighborhoods through proactive patrols, instead of sitting back and waiting for bad things to happen. This gun will NEVER be used to harm anyone and we hope this young offender will learn that crime doesn’t pay!

#AntiochPD #AntiochStrong #ProactivePolicing

Photos by APD.

By Antioch Police Department

Lesson Plan: Crime isn’t the ticket to a successful future.

On Wednesday, APD was alerted to a burglary that had just occurred at Deer Valley High School. Officers learned multiple suspects broke into classrooms and stole electronics, laptops, along with drinks and snacks. After viewing video of the incident, our diligent officers began an extensive area search, and located three matching suspects. They attempted to test-out their social distancing skills by sprinting away from the law, but all were captured by our new speedy Officer Carpenter. A search revealed ski masks, a replica handgun, along with some of the stolen loot. The school yard thieves, who ranged in ages from 14-17, were arrested, with two sent to Juvenile Hall, and a third released to a parent.

Working in partnership with our community helps us put a stop to crime. If you spot something unusual, please give us a call at (925) 778-2441, or 9-1-1 if you think it’s an emergency. Be our extra set of eyes and leave the tough stuff to us!

By Antioch Unified School District

We have good news to share!!

Any AUSD student who signed up for an Advanced Placement (AP) exam this school year will have their exam costs paid in full by Antioch USD. This decision was the result of our awareness that due to COVID-19 many students may have stressors – including, but not limited to, not having the same level of access or support for exam preparation due to the virus and school closures. We want our students to take the exams as we feel the experience of the exam itself is a college-readiness activity.

However, we understand that many may be hesitant to move forward with their exams and seek refunds due to feeling they may not be prepared. By picking up all costs, students can now confidently take the exams, knowing that if they do not achieve their desired scores, their families have not come out of pocket for their efforts, thus eliminating unnecessary pressure or worries.

Please note that the refund process for families who have already paid is under way. We ask for your patience as it may take a bit longer than usual to process the anticipated $50,000 in refunds due to the current closure and limited staffing. However, please know that your refund is on the way and we wish you the very best on your exam.

We are rooting for you and you’ve got this!! #WeAreAUSD

Suspect Daiveon Allison. Photo source unknown.

By Sergeant James Stenger #3604, Antioch Police Violent Crimes Unit (Investigations Bureau)

St. Patrick’s Day turned out to be a lucky day for the family of Jonathan Parker and Antioch Police. On March 17, 2020, the 15-year-old suspect, Daiveon Allison of Pittsburg wanted in the shooting death of the Deer Valley High student on Jan. 31, turned himself in with an attorney to Antioch Police Detectives and Deputies from the U.S. Marshals Service. The arranged surrender took place at the Oakland Police Department. The suspect was transported and booked into the Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall in Martinez.

Allison was identified by police to the public on Friday, March 13 over a month after the case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office on but on February 7, 2020. Allison was charged in juvenile court with murder and having a firearm on school grounds. (See related article)

The shooting occurred in the Deer Valley High School parking lot following a basketball game against cross-town Antioch High School.

Jonathan Parker DVHS shooting victim posted on Instagram by chris27ul.

The Antioch Police Department would like to thank the public and U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance with this case.

According to one of Parker’s family members a wanted poster was created and a $10,000 reward was going to be offered for information that led to Daiveon’s whereabouts and arrest, using the funds from a GoFundMe effort. However that didn’t turn out to be necessary.

No further information will be released regarding this case.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

By Allen Payton

As of Friday, March 13, 2020, the schools in the Antioch Unified School District will close for the remainder of the month beginning Monday, March 16.

In a Facebook post Friday morning she wrote:

AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM SUPERINTENDENT ANELLO REGARDING COVID-19 AND SCHOOL CLOSURES (3/13/20 @ 10:20 am)

Good Morning,

After careful consideration, the Antioch Unified School District will close all schools beginning Monday March 16th. School will resume following Spring Break on March 30th. However, we ask that families have a contingency plan for the week of March 30th should it be necessary to keep schools closed. At this time, we do not know if the missed days will need to be made up at a later date, but will keep our families informed once we confirm that.

Schools will remain open today. However, parents/guardians who feel more comfortable not sending their child to school and/or picking up their child can do so and the absence will be excused.

During the March 16th through March 27th closure of schools, students who receive free and reduced lunch can get meals Monday through Friday at any of the following locations and at the following times (please note the meals will be ‘grab and go’):

Belshaw Elementary: 8:00-8:30 am, 12:00-12:30 pm

Fremont Elementary: 8:00-8:30 am, 12:00-12:30 pm

Lone Tree Elementary: 11:30-12:30 pm

Marsh Elementary: 8:00-8:30 am, 12:00-12:30 pm

Muir Elementary: 8:00-8:30 am, 12:00-12:30 pm

Park Middle School: 8:00-8:30 am, 12:15-1:00 pm

Turner Elementary: 11:30 am -12:30 pm

We will provide an update to all families no later than Saturday, March 28th. At this time, please contact your child’s school should you have further questions. Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Anello

Both Anello and Board President Diane Gibson-Gray were informed by this reporter Friday morning, before the decision was made, that the former director of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Dr. Scott Gottlieb recommended not closing schools.

“…closing schools has its own impact on social lives and an impact on public health that could be adverse and could potentially even worsen the epidemic,” he was quoted as saying by Congressman Dan Crenshaw (TX-2) in a post on Twitter. “…So broad preemptive school closures, I personally wouldn’t recommend.”

“That’s probably why all schools have not closed,” responded Gibson-Gray at 10:07 a.m. “Stephanie is working closely with the CDE (California Department of Education) before we make any decisions.” However, a short time later, Gibson-Gray sent a text with the message, “See my update on Facebook,” which was a post of Anello’s announcement

When reached for comment, later Gibson-Gray wrote, “Stephanie is the one whos been in contact with the CDC, so you should talk to her.”

When asked “who made the decision, you or the board and why,” Anello said, “I made the decision.”

When asked why, in light of the information shared with her this morning from the former director of the FDA, and what are the parents or guardians of the students who work are supposed to do with the children, Anello responded, “In light of the pace of the pandemic and as we continue to receive information regarding the spread of the virus, we do not want to risk having any children or staff members exposed to the health risks. We regret that this may have a negative impact on some of our families who may have child care issues, but we are doing what we believe is in the best interest of all students and staff at this time.”

She also shared Board Policy 3516.5 Emergency Schedules which gives the superintendent the authority to close the schools: “In order to provide for the safety of students and staff, the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent or designee to close a school site, change the regular school day schedule, or take any necessary action when hazardous environmental or weather conditions or other emergencies warrant.”

Following the decision by AUSD, leadership for Rocketship Delta Prep charter school in Antioch also decided to close their school, along with the rest of their schools nationwide, according to Marie Issa Gil, Rocketship Bay Area Regional Director. “Rocketeer Families – In alignment with our local districts, school will be closed as of Monday, 3/16,” was the announcement to parents, Friday morning.

Suspect Daiveon Allison. Photo from APD.

By Sergeant James Stenger #3604, Antioch Police Violent Crimes Unit (Investigations Bureau)

On Friday, Jan. 31, 2020 following a basketball game at Deer Valley High School against Antioch High School, 16-year-old Jonathan Parker, a DVHS student, was shot in the school’s parking lot. 15-year-old Pittsburg Resident, Daiveon Allison was identified as the shooter in this incident. On February 7, 2020 this case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. Allison was charged in juvenile court with murder and having a firearm on school grounds. A warrant was issued for Allison’s arrest. (See related article)

It is believed Allison fled the area after this murder and is currently being sought by the Antioch Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service. Allison should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached by the public. If anyone knows Allison’s whereabouts, or if he is seen please call 911 immediately. It is believed Allison may be receiving assistance in avoiding apprehension. Anyone associated with harboring Allison may be arrested for being an accessory to murder after the fact. This information is being released per Welfare and Institution Code 827.6.

On February 1, 2020, 16-Year-Old Jonathan Parker succumbed to his injuries and died at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.

Original News Release

On January 31, 2020 at about 8:44 PM, Antioch Police Department patrol officers were dispatched to the north parking lot of Deer Valley High School for shots being fired in the parking lot. A16-year-old male was located in the parking lot suffering from three gunshot wounds. The male was transported by ground to a local hospital and is currently in critical condition. It was determined the victim is a current student at Deer Valley High School.

At the time of the shooting there was a basketball game between Deer Valley and Antioch High Schools just letting out from the Deer Valley High School gym. A large group of juveniles started fighting in the parking lot when the shots were fired.

The Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau responded and took over this investigation. This investigation is in its infancy and a suspect has not been identified.

No further information will be released regarding this case at this time. Any further updates will come from the Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Smith at (925) 779-6876, or the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.