Suspects Lagashia Williams (left source: Pittsburg PD) and Graciela Amar (right, source: unknown) at the scene of the incident on Feb. 19, 2025.
Kicked neighbor’s dog; both out of custody; older suspect has previous arrest for assault
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has charged two women with cruelty to an animal, brandishing an imitation firearm, and making a false report to peace officers.
46-year-old Lagashia Shante Williams and 18-year-old Graciela Amar were arrested and booked into the Martinez and West County Detention Facilities on February 27th, 2025. The Sheriff’s Office released both Williams and Amar after posting bail of $172,500 on March 1st and March 2nd, respectively. Their arrests followed an investigation by Pittsburg Police into an incident that occurred on February 19th.
On that day, Williams and Amar confronted a homeowner in his driveway regarding an incident involving his elderly neighbor. The previous day, the neighbor had accidentally run over the homeowner’s growing plant while backing a vehicle into a driveway.
Security video shows neighbor being confronted in his driveway by Lagashia Williams (left) and Graciela Amar (right). Source: Unknown
During their conversation, which escalated into an argument, Amar walked toward a vehicle, retrieved what turned out to be an imitation firearm, and handed it to Williams. As the argument between the three individuals continued, Williams brandished the imitation weapon, causing the homeowner to back away.
The homeowner picked up one of the two dogs that were with him. As he was walking away, Williams told Amar to kick the other dog, which she did. The force of the kick sent the animal aloft, through the air, landing several feet away on the lawn of the homeowner’s property. The homeowner picked up the wounded animal, who was crying out, and went inside his home.
Security video shows Graciela Amar kicking the dog into the air. Source: Unknown
Williams called 911 and reported to police dispatch that the homeowner had a gun, a claim that proved to be false.
Both women will be arraigned in court on the following charges:
• PC 597(a) Cruelty to Animals (Williams and Amar)
• PC 417.4 (a) Drawing or exhibiting imitation firearm in a threatening manner (Williams and
Amar)
• PC 148.5 False report (Williams)
If convicted, both could be sentenced to a maximum of three years in county jail and fined up to $20,000.
According to localcrimenews.com, the five-feet, two-inch tall, 160-pound Williams is from Concord and was also arrested in 2016 by Oakland Police for assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily harm.
Also, according to localcrimenews.com, Amar is from Oakland.
The People of the State of California v. Williams, Lagashia Shante
The People of the State of California v. Amar, Graciela
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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