Antioch Police Respond to Two Sideshows, Officers Vehicles Attacked

On Saturday night, the Antioch Police Department responded to two sideshow activities within the City of Antioch which left police vehicles damaged and a pursuit into Elk Grove.

According to preliminary information, just before 10:00 pm, a police officers at Lone Tree Way and Blue Rock began observing a sideshow when a participant threw a bottle at the officer followed up by additional items being thrown.

This resulted in a vehicle pursuit into the city of Elk Grove in which Elk Grove Police and CHP took the non-complaint individual and occupants in the vehicle into custody. At least one person was transported into the Martinez Detention Facility.

A short time later, an officer responded to A Street and E 18th Street for a report of sideshow activity. While arriving on scene, the officer was greeted to a large crowd who began attacking the police vehicle, throwing items at the vehicle in which a bottle broke the back window. Additional officers showed up and the suspects fled.

Antioch Police have not released any statements of either incident.

Mayor Lamar Thorpe and Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica each took to social media to make statements on the incident:

12:52 pm Update

Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica took to social media, however, City of Antioch or the police chief still have not released information on the incident:

Is this what our community has come to? Surrounding police officers. When members of a community think that this is okay, enforcement needs to be drastically stepped up. No more, “They are just expressing themselves”. This is ridiculous. A zero tolerance approach is needed. I expect APD to investigate and identify every person in this video that is committing a crime and write cases on each. This patrol unit has substantial damage. I have reached out to the Chief.

Also last night, APD officers were attacked with bottles at another side show and those suspects were chased to the Sacramento area and arrested.

Warning: Strong Language

*****Update******

12:19 PM

I just spoke with the Chief. He made it very clear that he will not tolerate this and that he is already addressing it with a plan being put into place to prosecute not only this incident, but those that think this is okay for the future.

3:48 pm UPDATE

Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe posted the following to social media:

Earlier today, Mayor Thorpe was briefed by Police Chief Dr. Steve Ford about two large sideshows last night. The sideshows were disrupted and mitigated.

As a result, there were two arrests made, several citations and fines issued. Unfortunately, a patrol car that was being occupied by an officer was damaged by bystanders who threw bottles and other objects at the car. This will not be tolerated.

There is an investigation that is moving beyond just those arrested and those individuals will be held accountable.

While the City has been able to prevent these types of large scales sideshows in the past year, the City will continue to use every measure possible to ensure the residents of Antioch have peace and tranquillity in their neighborhoods. Mayor Thorpe will speak more about this matter tomorrow.