Feb. 4, 4:01 p.m. Officers of the Antioch Police Department were called to the 2900 block of Carmona Way on the report of a burglary. Upon arrival, officers learned that 21-year-old Oakland Resident Andy Lautaimi was seen by a neighbor fleeing the house carrying stolen property while the homeowner was gone. There was a short confrontation outside the victim’s house between Lautaimi and the witness, and then the suspect ran to a nearby house. The victims checked their home and found numerous items missing, including two rifles. Officers conducted a probation search at the residence where Lautaimi was last seen. Officers located all of the stolen property inside the residence and arrested a total of five subjects. The adults arrested were sent to the Martinez Detention Facility, and the juveniles were released to their parents. All were charged with possession of stolen property, which included the two rifles and electronic items. During the search of the suspect’s home, an assault rifle was located in a bedroom belonging to Taniela Kaloni, a 19-year-old male. On Feb. 5 at 9:47 p.m., officers located Kaloni in front of his residence in the 2900 block of Carmona Way. He was arrested without incident, transported to the Antioch Police Department for booking and then to the Martinez Detention Facility. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.
Feb. 15, 10:54 a.m. Officers of the Antioch Police Department spotted a reported stolen vehicle and initiated a pursuit when the driver of the stolen vehicle failed to yield to an enforcement stop. The pursuit went through Oakley, Brentwood, Pittsburg and back to Antioch. The driver abandoned the vehicle in the area of Cañada Valley road north of Lone Tree Way and fled on foot. An extensive search for the driver was conducted but he was not located. The incident is still under investigation. Those with information regarding this case should call the Antioch Police Department at 925-778-2441.
Feb. 17 A 24-year-old Antioch resident was found stabbed multiple times near Mahogany and Auto Center Drives. A passerby found the victim and took him to a local hospital, where he was treated for five stab wounds and a lacerated liver. The victim was less than forthcoming about the incident, but did say that his car was stolen during the attack. Investigators soon learned that the incident was gang related, and that the victim knew his attacker, later identified as 31-year-old Troy Matthews. Matthews was arrested in Antioch on Feb. 18. The victim’s car was located as well. Matthews admitted to the stabbing, but claimed it was in self-defense. Both Matthews and the victims are known gang members. The victim remains hospitalized and is refusing to cooperate with prosecution. Those with information should contact Detective Santiago Castillo at 925-779-6933.
Feb. 19, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The Antioch Police Department’s REACH Project, the Antioch Unified School District and the Contra Costa County Probation Department collaborated in a truancy sweep in the city of Antioch, pairing up APD officers with probation officers. A total of 28 truant students were detained, cited for truancy and returned to class. Student Support Services from the Antioch Unified School District as well as personnel from the REACH Project processed and counseled the truants. The program is intended to be supportive rather than punitive, and its purpose is to keep school-age children in school and off the streets during school hours. Statistical data reveals that high rates of truancy are directly linked to daytime criminal behavior, and truant students are more prone to drop out of school.
Feb. 20 Officers of the Antioch Police Department were dispatched on the report of a man firing a gun in the median of Highway 4 at Contra Loma Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers stopped traffic in both directions to facilitate a search for the suspect. Pittsburg resident Craig Johnson, 49, was found hiding in the shrubbery in the center median and was taken into custody. The weapon was found on the ground near Johnson. According to a witness, Johnson was firing the weapon into the ground and not at passing vehicles. Johnson’s motive for his actions is not known at this time. So far, no victims have been located or have come forward.

For information on law enforcement in Antioch, visit the Police Department on the Web.