By Brentwood Police Department
On June 26, 2023 at around 1:58 p.m., Brentwood PD officers responded to the 5600 block of Lone Tree Way to investigate a silent hold up alarm at the Patelco Credit Union. Upon officer’s arrival, it was determined what appears to be a Hispanic female adult passed a note to the bank teller demanding money. The suspect then fled the bank on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.
At around 3:53 p.m., Antioch PD officers responded to the 2700 block of Lone Tree Way to investigate another silent hold up alarm at the Travis Credit Union. Upon their arrival, it was determined what appears to be the same female suspect passed a note to the bank teller again demanding money. The suspect fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of money. Antioch PD Officers believe the suspect may have fled in a gray four-door Honda or Nissan with tinted windows. Thankfully, nobody was physically injured in either robbery.
Our agencies have since confirmed the same female suspect committed the pair of robberies; however, wore different clothing during each incident. The suspect was described to officers as a Hispanic female, early to mid-twenties, between approximately 5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 5 inches tall, with brown hair. Do not approach the suspect if she is seen.
If you have any information about the suspect or the suspect vehicle, please contact Brentwood PD Detective Agostinho at 925-809-7870 or the Antioch Police Department Investigations Division at 925-779-6926. Callers can remain anonymous.
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Contra Costa part of multi-county lawsuit
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office announces that PetSmart LLC entered into a Stipulated Judgement on June 23rd and will pay $1.46 million for overcharging customers, false advertising, and unfair competition.
District Attorney Diana Becton said that “The law in California is clear: businesses must be accurate in charging for goods and services. For customers, it’s important to monitor items scanned at a register and scrutinize your receipts to make sure you are not being overcharged.”
The outcome of the multi-county lawsuit against PetSmart includes court orders that prohibit the company from engaging in false or misleading advertising and charging an amount greater than the lowest price posted for an item. Moreover, PetSmart must implement additional audit and price accuracy procedures in its California stores for a three-year period to ensure compliance with pricing accuracy requirements, including notifying customers of their right to be charged the lowest currently advertised price for any item offered for sale.
PetSmart will pay $1,250,000 in civil penalties, $100,000 in restitution to support consumer protection enforcement efforts, and $110,000 for investigative costs incurred by various counties. Because of this legal action, PetSmart has implemented new policies and procedures to improve pricing accuracy with routine audits, detailed record keeping, and in-store signage to notify customers about the lowest advertised price for items.
The lawsuit was filed in Santa Cruz County. In addition to Contra Costa County, Plaintiffs include Sonoma County, Alameda County, Marin County, San Diego County, Ventura County, and Los Angeles County. Deputy District Attorney Bryan Tierney prosecuted the case for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office – with assistance by the Contra Costa Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures.
If members of the public believe they have been overcharged by businesses, contact our office at: DA-ReportFraud@contracostada.org.
Read MoreCome out and join us for a day of school supply giveaways, community unity with music and dance. Resource operations will also share information.
Sunday, August 6, 2023 3 – 6 p.m.
Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch
To reserve your free school supplies, please contact B.C.C. Ministries at (925) 350-0188 or bcc1781 @gmail.com.
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Illegal weed seized and red tagged house in Antioch on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Top photos by CA Dept of Cannabis Control. Bottom photo by Antioch resident who chose to remain anonymous.
By Moorea Warren, Information Officer, California Department of Cannabis Control
Thanks to the continued dedication and collaboration of the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) 20 East Bay illegal indoor cannabis cultivators were shut down on June 20, and a total estimated value of over $15.3 million of illegal cannabis was seized.
An investigation spanning several weeks culminated in the operation led by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). There were 20 search warrants served by four units of officers and local and state partners, including the Department of Fish & Wildlife, the Department of Tax and Fee Administration, the California National Guard, and local law enforcement – five in Antioch, three in Brentwood, two in Discovery Bay and ten in Pittsburg, resulting in the seizures of:
- 742 pounds of cannabis flower estimated valued of $1,244,762
- 17,121 cannabis plants estimated valued of $14,124,825
- 7 firearms (including 1 assault rifle)
- $24,197 in cash
Several of the locations were red-tagged for safety and code violations.
Read MoreBy Allen D. Payton
According to CHP-Contra Costa, “This afternoon (6/21/23) at approximately 1:57pm, CHP Contra Costa responded to a three-vehicle crash on Vasco Road south of Camino Diablo.
Our preliminary investigation indicates a Dodge Ram, with two occupants, was traveling southbound on Vasco Road while a Toyota Tacoma, with one occupant, and a Chevrolet Express, with one occupant, was traveling northbound on Vasco Road. The Dodge and the Toyota collided head on, due to the Dodge crossing into the northbound lane. The Dodge began to overturn in the southbound lanes and the Chevrolet collided with the Dodge.
The driver of the Toyota was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the Dodge sustained major injuries, the passenger of the Dodge sustained minor injuries and the driver of the Chevrolet sustained minor injuries.”
According to Con Fire PIO Steve Hill, “we responded to reports of a head-on collision between a pickup and a van on Vasco Road just south of Byron this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. On scene, we found a head-on between two pickups and a third vehicle, a small service van, that had gotten involved in the mix-up between the first two vehicles.”
One victim was dead at the scene and there were three injured. Two victims needed extrication, which we accomplished. Two were seriously injured and transported by air ambulance to John Muir Walnut Creek, a third injured party was transported by ground to Kaiser Antioch.
Vasco Road was closed for a couple of hours by CHP as we used it not only to respond to the accident scene but also to land the two air ambulances for transport to hospital. We cleared around 4:00 p.m. after remaining on scene to help with the cleanup. I do not know when Vasco Road was reopened by CHP. I do not have any further information on the three injured parties.”
According to an ABC7 Bay Area News report, “Two people had to be extricated from the vehicles; one at 2:30 p.m. and the other at 2:47 p.m. The victims were transported to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, including a 31-year-old man and a 40-year-old.”
This crash is still under investigation, if anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980 or email 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov.
As of publication time it was not known if Vasco Road had been reopened.
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By Allen D. Payton
During the Antioch Juneteenth Celebration event a few years ago, I shared the fact with a few people, mainly youth, in attendance, that Juneteenth and the ending of slavery in the U.S. was the result of the efforts of the Republican Party, and some of them were shocked and even argued with me. I was surprised they hadn’t learned that in their history classes in school. So, here’s a little history about the day and celebration.
Deriving its name by combining June and nineteenth – Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. But while it became a national holiday in 2021 through a bill by a Democrat U.S. Senator and signed into law by Democrat President Joe Biden as the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, the day it celebrates occurred thanks to the Republican Party. Known as the Grand Old Party or GOP, the party was formed in 1854 to fight the expansion of slavery into the Western territories and ultimately abolish it. Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican to be elected president and under his leadership fought and won the Civil War to end slavery in the United States.
It’s the main reason the first Black U.S. Senators and Members of Congress were Republican, virtually all Black Americans voted Republican until the 1936 and the GOP continued to receive a large percent of the Black vote well into the 1950s and 1960s. A few other facts you might find surprising is that it was Republicans who founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on February 12, 1909, the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth and reparations were originally a Republican idea. It was Union Army General William Tecumseh Sherman who issued Special Field Orders No. 15, giving 40 acres of land to freed slave families and later ordered the army to lend mules for the agrarian reform effort, as a means to provide for themselves and own an asset to pass on to future generations. It was reversed by Democrat Andrew Johnson, who became president following Lincoln’s assassination and issued a proclamation that returned the lands to southern owners.
Back to Juneteenth, it was on June 19, 1865 that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, a Republican career U.S. Army officer, arrived at Galveston, Texas announcing that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free.
It was a little over two months after Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered his Army of Northern Virginia to Union General Ulysses S. Grant in Appomattox, Virginia, setting in motion the end of the war. A wave of Confederate surrenders followed. As a practical matter, the war ended with the May 26 surrender of the Department of the Trans-Mississippi, but the conclusion of the American Civil War lacks a clear and precise historical end date. Confederate ground forces continued surrendering past the May 26 surrender date until June 23.
It was two and a half years after President Lincoln signed his Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 freeing all slaves in Confederate states. Granger issued General Order No. 3 further informing Texas – the most remote state of the former Confederacy – of, and enforcing the proclamation, just two months after Lincoln’s assassination.
When issued, the Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the arrival of Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.
Later attempts to explain this two-and-a-half-year delay in the receipt of this important news have yielded several versions that have been handed down through the years. Often told is the story of a messenger who was murdered on his way to Texas with the news of freedom. Another is that the news was deliberately withheld by the enslavers to maintain the labor force on the plantations. And still another, is that federal troops actually waited for the slave owners to reap the benefits of one last cotton harvest before going to Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. All of which, or neither of these versions could be true. Certainly, for some, President Lincoln’s authority over the rebellious states was in question For whatever the reasons, conditions in Texas remained status quo well beyond what was statutory.
Juneteenth has been celebrated in Texas since 1866, at first involving church-centered community gatherings in Texas. They spread across the South and became more commercialized in the 1920s and 1930s, often centering on a food festival. Participants in the Great Migration brought these celebrations to the rest of the country.
Happy Juneteenth, a holiday of freedom that we can all recognize and celebrate, while honoring those who fought and died to make it a reality!
Information also sourced from Juneteenth.com and the book From the Deck to the Sea: Blacks and the Republican Party.
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Starring Antioch youth
Presented by Aspire Youth Engagement Programs, Inc. Visual & Performing Arts Academy and City of Antioch
Come watch Annie, Jr., the exciting musical based on the popular Tony-winning musical Annie. Follow the journey of a young orphan, Annie as she determines to find her parents!
This exciting show, free to the public, features Antioch scholars from Kindergarten through 12th grade, mounting the stage in dance, song and theater performances.
With over 18 years of experience with providing impactful youth services programs throughout Northern California, Pittsburg-based Aspire Youth Engagement Programs, Inc. continue to excel as leaders in the industry, keeping our pulse to the ever-changing needs of today’s youth, while creating relevant and fresh programs that make a difference. Aspire Programs among others include:
- City of Antioch (January 2022-present)
- “Annie, Jr.” our upcoming production coming on Friday and Saturday, June 23rd and 24th at the Nick Rodriguez Community Theater at 213 F Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. This production, free to the public features scholars, Kinder-12th grade from the city of Antioch, mounting the stage in Dance, Song and Theater performances.
- Musical Production – “The Wiz Jr.” – City of Antioch (2022)
- Painting & Spoken Word (Middle School/High School scholars – City of Antioch – Summer 2022)
- Basketball Summer Camp (13- to 17-year-old boys) June 20th – July 15th, 2023 (38 scholars)
- After School Programs which includes Dance, Theatre and Voice/Choir (Pittsburg Unified School District ‘PUSD’ – 2018-present)
- Bay Point – Dance Classes (1st-8th Grade), Ambrose Community Center (March-June 2023)
- Visual & Performing Arts Academy
- Annual Holiday Musical Production “Joy – The Urban Nutcracker – (88 Scholars from Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley and Pittsburg). Performed at Pittsburg Creative Arts Building, Big Theater, December 10, 2022;
- STEM & STEAM Programs (PUSD, April 2020; April 2021; April,2022 (virtual)
- Girl’s Leadership Program (Social Etiquette, Fashion, Future Leaders)
OUR MISSION
Aspire Youth Engagement Programs are designed to help Kinder – 12th grade scholars discover and develop their true potential focusing on key areas of growth – academically, emotionally and through leadership development – to become their best within the community.
THE COMMUNITY BENEFITS OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
The performing arts are intrinsically valuable for the beauty and fulfillment they bring, but researchers have observed that it also brings other benefits such as Empathy, Academic Performance, and Self Esteem. Performing onstage is frightening for newcomers, which is why students feel an immense confidence boost after they practice hard, work together, and successfully stage a play for friends, the community and family. The kids in our programs practice teamwork, gain confidence, learn leadership and build a skill set not only for a theater stage, but for the real world.
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/MNutt-06-19-his-knee-striking-detainee-in-torso-07-01-22-APD-1024x406.jpg)
Former Antioch Police Officer Matthew Nutt in June 2019 after he was hired, and screenshot of him striking the detainee with his knee while forcing him into the back of a police vehicle, from Officer Dustin Dibble’s body cam video footage on July 1, 2022. Source: APD
Hired in June 2019, Matthew Nutt was terminated this year; APD provides body cam footage
By Lt. Michael Mellone, Community Engagement, Antioch Police Department
As has been previously reported, former Antioch Police Officer Matthew Nutt was terminated from his employment as the result of an internal investigation into his use of force against an individual during a traffic stop on July 1, 2022. During the incident, Mr. Nutt learned the driver of a vehicle stopped for not displaying license plates had an outstanding felony warrant for shooting at an inhabited dwelling or occupied vehicle and conspiracy. Upon placing the individual under arrest, he refused to sit in the back of a police vehicle and displayed physical resistance. Mr. Nutt used force against the arrestee, consisting of a series of punches and kicks, along with knee and elbow strikes.
Mr. Nutt’s application of force triggered an automatic review of his body-worn camera footage. The reviewing supervisor had concerns about what was depicted in the video and believed Mr. Nutt may have violated Antioch Police policies governing use of force. The supervisor communicated his concerns through official channels, and an internal review was initiated. Mr. Nutt was placed into an assignment with no direct public contact.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/MNutts-fist-striking-detainee-in-torso-07-01-22-APD.jpg)
Video screenshot from Officer Dustin Dibble’s body cam footage of former Officer Nutt’s fist striking the detainee in the torso while forcing him into the back of a police vehicle on July 1, 2022. Source: APD
After a thorough investigation, Mr. Nutt was sustained on four (4) use of force policy violations, including using unreasonable force, failure to de-escalate, and failure to use alternative tactics. Chief Steven Ford reviewed the findings of the investigation and terminated Mr. Nutt from his employment with the Antioch Police Department on April 21, 2023.
Members of the Antioch Police Department Professional Standards Unit initiated a criminal investigation into the matter and presented their findings to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. On June 13, 2023, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office charged Mr. Nutt with one misdemeanor count of assault by a public officer.
Chief Steven A. Ford released the following statement regarding this incident:
“Police officers are entrusted with the authority to use reasonable force to protect the public and themselves in the lawful performance of their duties. This requires close supervision and evaluation to maintain public legitimacy and preserve the sanctity of human life. The Antioch Police Department is committed to accountability and full transparency – my hope is our community will see the actions of our personnel to investigate and bring this matter to my attention as an expression of their commitment to accountability and the core tenets of their oath. This unfortunate incident is not reflective of the women and men who serve our community – please join me in continuing to offer our support of their hard work.”
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/MNutt-forcing-detainee-into-police-vehicle-07-01-22-APD.jpg)
Video screenshot from Officer Dustin Dibble’s body cam footage of former Officer Nutt forcing the detainee into the back of a police vehicle on July 1, 2022. Source: APD
Mr. Nutt was hired in June 2019 and employed with the Antioch Police Department for four years and had two years of prior experience with the Los Angeles Police Department. (See related article)
In the interest of transparency – and in accordance with State Law – we are releasing the following documents and evidence:
(WARNING – violence and profanity)
Internal Investigation Report – https://antioch.nextrequest.com/documents/21707013
Former Officer Nutt Body Cam Video #1
Former Officer Nutt Body Cam Video #2 (labeled #6)
Officer Dustin Dibble Body Cam Video (labeled #4) – This video shows Nutt punching and kicking the detainee.
Sergeant Josh Evans Body Cam Video (labeled #5)
Redactions have been made to these items in accordance with State Laws governing release of certain privileged and/or protected information.
The Antioch Police Department trains officers and has several policies on use of force, de-escalation, and alternative tactics, which can be reviewed on our transparency website: https://www.antiochca.gov/police/sb-978-policy-manual-training-materials
The Antioch Police Department recently joined a Trust Building Campaign https://www.theiacp.org/iacp-trust-building-campaign with 25-key policy enhancements we have pledged to implement within a 36-month period. We have also begun a process to seek accreditation of our Police Department and Dispatch Center, which includes regular audits of our policies and practices by an internationally recognized organization.
Read MoreDNA evidence linked suspect to killing
By Pittsburg Police Department
Nearly 16 years after the killing of a Pittsburg man, DNA evidence has led to the arrest of his killer. On June 7, 2023, Pittsburg Police Department detectives arrested 40-year-old Desante Lavelle Blake of Antioch for the 2007 murder of Larry Abercrombie.
On June 8th, 2007, Abercrombie was found suffering from gunshot wounds in front of his home in the 200 block of S. Catamaran Circle. Despite an extensive investigation at the time, no arrests were made, and the case remained unsolved for nearly two decades.
Recently, a Pittsburg Police Department Cold Case detective, who has been actively working this case, submitted evidence collected from the crime scene to the Contra Costa County Crime Lab for additional DNA testing, utilizing modernized technology. The crime lab was able to get a DNA match for the suspect and after a thorough investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Blake’s arrest. Detectives also conducted a search warrant at Blake’s home in Antioch where additional evidence was located that further implicated him in the crime. Blake was booked into the Contra Costa County Jail for murder.
Additionally, the case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, which filed murder charges against Blake.
“Pittsburg PD is dedicated to solving unsolved cases and bringing justice to victims and their families,” said Chief Steve Albanese, “The arrest in this cold case homicide serves as a reminder that justice can be served no matter how much time has passed.”
If anyone has additional information related to this case, we ask you to please contact the Investigations Division at 925-252-4151
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