On Tuesday, Antioch City Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker announced she has decided to step down as Chair of the Antioch Police Oversight committee.
While she does resign as chair, it appears for the time being she will remain on the oversight committee as well as continue to make decisions that will impact the Antioch Police Department and safety of the city. Its unknown who will become the next chair of the committee.
Here is the Statement issued by Torres-Walker:
After much thought and reflection, I have decided to step down as Chair of the Antioch Police Oversight Committee. I feel this decision is best so that I can continue to provide leadership in spaces where I’m most impactful, advocating for reform while continuing to be a voice for the most vulnerable of our society. In addition, this is necessary for the well-being and safety of my family.
Unfortunately, my work on the committee has become adversarial with the APD, resulting in negative and retaliatory behaviors from APD. My response to these behaviors has been one of self-protection in my personal life, which I understand may be viewed as uncivil. These interactions stem from deeper unspoken issues and erode the public’s trust, such as the most recent actions by former police chief Tammany Brooks. Mr. Brooks received an impartial independent investigation report, and he took the liberty to modify that report. It’s this type of abuse of authority that must be called out which and fans the flames of tension in our community. The work of the Oversight Committee is far too important to the future of Antioch, those who seek justice, and true community policing. I do not, in any way, want my presence as chair to create the perception that the work of the committee is not being led in an objective manner.
Throughout my life, I have dedicated myself to serving the community and ensuring that marginalized communities are not exploited by systems that have been built precisely with that in mind. As a first-time elected official, I recognize that I have made errors in my delivery and that my transition to the decorum and structure of the seat I hold has not been conventional. I know I have made mistakes.
I pledge to continue growing and learning and to never lose the passion I have for my community.
Thank you, Antioch.
The move comes days after Antioch Police responded to a noise complaint at her home which also included gunshots and her interfering with police on scene.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:30 am Saturday on Gary Avenue where police received a report of a large party, noise complaints and shots fired. Police confirmed around the same time as the call from a neighbor, shot spotter picked up 7 rounds fired. Upon arrival, 7 shell casings were located in front of her home—no injuries were reported.
Police said they were met by what appeared to be an intoxicated homeowner (Torres-Walker) who refused to cooperate while stating “Antioch Police could not be trusted”.
At 1:35 am, police received a second call stating the person responsible for the earlier shooting returned and went inside the home. Police were unable to make contact to investigate the shooting.
The incident prompted the Mayor and councilpersons to issue statements
Mayor Lamar Thorpe issues Statement
“I have been briefed about a recent incident involving the Antioch Police Department and Councilmember Torres-Walker. As the mayor of the city of Antioch, I am requesting that Councilmember Torres-Walker immediately step down from her role as the chair of the Antioch Police Oversight Committee.
As elected officials, we do not have to always agree on issues, but we must always agree on the fact that we must set an example for the rest of the city and treat our public employees with respect and dignity for their contributions to our community.”
Ogorchock Calls on Torres-Walker to Resign from Police Oversight Commission
Due to recent events over the weekend at Councilmember Torres-Walkers home, I believe it is in the best interest of the city that she immediately step down from the police oversight commission and all committees she has been appointed to. I would also ask that she be censured at this time until the on-going investigation is completed.
We as council have to hold ourselves to a higher standard and not degrade or be verbally abusive to our police officers. No city employee should be treated in such a manner.
This incident should not overshadow the good work by our Antioch Police Department nor the progress being made throughout the City of Antioch.
Mike Barbanica Calls on Torres-Walker to Resign from Council
This afternoon I started receiving calls about this weekend’s incident with Council Member Torres-Walker. At 12:46 I began to reach out to Council Member Torres-Walker and asked her to meet in person. This was so I could ask her to immediately resign from the Antioch City Council. I did want her to hear it directly from me. She told me that she could meet me Wednesday, but I requested that it happen today, even if by phone. She told me that she would call and I didn’t hear from her, later stating that we could possibly meet after 5 PM. At 4:38 PM Council Member Torres-Walker did not respond to my request to again meet in person.
I requested to meet with Chief Morefield. He confirmed that there was an active investigation, but details were limited because the PD is investigating this as a shooting. I did confirm that multiple body cameras were active as officers were on scene.
I spoke with the press at 4:53 PM and told them that I am calling for her immediate resignation from the City Council. I also am calling for the APD to release the body cam footage as soon as possible. Total transparency was the reason many of us supported these cameras. We do not need the city dragged through another year of this.
Monica Wilson Requests Torres-Walker Step Aside as Chair
Given recent events, it is in the best interest of our city that Councilwoman Torres-Walker step aside in her role as Chair of the Police Oversight Committee.
Antioch Police have not yet released body camera footage of the incident.
24 comments
Trashmisha needs to be removed from city government period!! She is a very good example of how low this city has fallen and what we choose to represent us!!
I hope she is off the committee too at the very least.
I hope people really think it through when the are voting for someone to represent their views. Those who didn’t do their research and voter for her anyway, not knowing her background, have nothing to complain about now. But my neighbors who did vote for her thinking she would bring a fresh approach, are now embarrassed by what they did. Do your penance, people.
She needs to be removed from all city government positions!! She’s a great example of how far this city has fallen and what they choose to represent them!!
Thank Heaven
Joy. My fervent prayer is that you are elected this year.
YOU DON’T PROVIDE ANY FUCKING LEADERSHIP! You wouldn’t know “leadership” if it hit you up along the side of the head with a 2 X 4! You’re nothing but an impediment and you were not legally elected, so if you had any brains, you’d be long gone! You’re a joke!
This Walker woman is too much! What unmitigated gall! Although I live and own properties in her District 1, she is certainly NOT part of our community but an outsider who has no business here. I wouldn’t vote for her in a million years! The part about “leadership” is just plain laughable! So, take your “reform” Tamisha and put it where “the-sun-don’t shine!”
Unfortunately, my work on the committee has become adversarial with the APD, resulting in negative and retaliatory behaviors from APD….so says the lady who makes no bones about the police being the enemy. It sure is retaliatory when the PD shows up and finds spent shell casings after responding to calls about a noisy party, with what sounds like gunfire. At least she did the right thing and stepped down as chair
Torres-Walker would resign from city council if she gave a damn about Antioch. She is a disgrace to the city and the people she is meant to represent!
I’ve been a long time resident of the city of Antioch my family been living in this city for over 50 years we have never experienced anything like we’re experiencing this year with these council members we have two Good counsel members on our staff that is trying to make our city the way it used to be. But with interference with our mayor and certain council ladies they won’t let the APD do their job they rather defund them then back them. This is what happens when a criminal is allowed to make decisions for the good of the city.
I never thought I would say this – but Council member Torres-Walker has now made it to the top of the “List of
Least Effective – Most Damaging – Bat Sh%t crazy Antioch City Council Members” in history, vaulting over the previous leaders in the category – Mr. & Mrs. Hernandez. I was certain nobody would ever be inept enough to topple them from the throne – but clearly I was wrong. All of us, not just the voters in District 1, are harmed by her unprofessionalism, lack of personal responsibility and a dangerous lack of common sense.
I really don’t like this “district” system! This means that a person from one district can affect the other districts as far as mandates are concerned. For example, let the decisions made by the council member representing a certain district have those apply ONLY to the constituents of that district and not others. Therefore, anything this vile woman votes on should not tarnish the district where I live.
Tamisha! You offer no leadership and you have absolutely no impact on anything, unless it’s totally negative and harmful! All you do is create negativity. You sure cared a lot about your community by setting their residences on fire. With sheer luck, this was noticed and people were warned to get out! You fled. The cops found you. You hate the police because they have your number! So? You “decided” to step down? ROFLMFAO! You did NOT “STEP DOWN” as chair from the oversight committee —- you were thrown out! Save us the BS already about how you care about a “vulnerable” community. That’s really getting old.
Please bear with me while I pull out my violin and start playing! Torres-Walker claims, “After much thought and reflection, I have decided to step down ….”. FACT: She was kicked off the Police Oversight Committee .. Torres-Walker states, ” so that I can continue to provide leadership in spaces where I’m most impactful, advocating for reform while continuing to be a voice for the most vulnerable of our society” FACT: Oh please, Tamisha! Don’t patronize us! You’re nobody’s voice! Cut out with the nonsense already! Even people in your own district say you’re full of it!
What’s this idiocy of referring to our former Chief of Police as “Mr. Brooks?” He’s CHIEF BROOKS, ya dope! And don’t you forget it! I have a feeling that Chief Brooks just might return to Antioch in a few years and if he does, HE WILL KICK ASS! So, bend over and SMILE!
First of all, this is NOT your community, lady (and I use the term loosely) and the only tension you feel is the one you’ve established for yourself through your actions and piss-poor attitude! If this is too much “tension” for you and your’s then no one is holding a gun to your head forcing you to stay here. Why don’t you go an fuck up some other city!
Gee, instead of taking responsibility for her own actions, she chooses to blame the police …. again, not taking responsibility for one’s own actions. Where have you been Tamisha when it comes to the needs of your Council District ? — you have a “crime magnet” liquor store within a half a mile of your house, along with apartment buildings that are owned by “slum lords” who refuse to do anything but force their tenants to live in squalid conditions … Yet you have the time and energy to put out the same, unfounded BS about the police department — that basically as a council member, YOU manage, so that says a lot about you as a person — full of BS.
You are in above your head, and please urge someone to push you back into the shallow end of the pool, because you have gotten in way too deep, because you thought the council position would be an “easy gig”. Please do us all a favor and resign from the council before you force the city to have to pay for ANOTHER expensive Recall election, which would never come out in your favor. However, come to think of it, your Recall Election would be for something good, unlike the last bullcrap fiasco we just endured at the state level.
Tamisha — you are far worse than the Hernandez’ (Ralph and Norma) during their terms of perpetuating absolute NONSENSE during their terms on the council. Like another commenter, I thought their nonsense could never be outdone — but Tamisha, you have accomplished that feat in record time — and your legacy of sheer stupidity and nonsense will live on forever in the annals of Antioch Political History !!!
I sure hope this latest event finally nails her ass!
Walker is such a embarrassment that I stopped telling people I live in Antioch when they ask. When I did, they would respond, “How lucky can you get?” So I no longer tell them I live here. I’ve actually taken a PO BOX in Brentwood for my mail. This is so atrocious!
The City Manager should do his job and kick her out. She does not belong on that council. “Electing” her was illegal. Why she’s still stinking up that council is beyond believe!
The woman is BAT SHIT CRAZY! There! I said it! Interfering with police procedure? She should have been hand-cuffed and taken away.
Hey ERIK! I live in District 1 and didn’t vote for her for obvious reasons —- I did my research! Walker doesn’t give a rat’s ass for Antioch. I voted for Joy and will again.
She absolutely needs to be removed from the city council period. She’s been nothing but a disgrace since day 1.
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