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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 11, No. 31
Police arrest kidnap ‘victim’ by Justin Lafferty Staff Writer
One day after an Antioch teenager was allegedly kidnapped during the robbery of a barber shop, police say he helped plan the crime that triggered a statewide Amber Alert. A 16-year-old boy, whose name is being withheld at the request of the Antioch Police Department, was arrested Tuesday on charges that he was an accessory to the robbery of Al’s Barber Shop on West 18th St. A press release from Acting Captain Leonard Orman stated that the boy confessed to faking his own kidnapping. Antioch police Tuesday night also arrested the man who held up the business at gunpoint, 23-yearold Eric Lerone Walker, on suspicion of robbery. Officers served a search warrant on an apartment in the 3100 block of Lone Tree Way, where they apprehended Walker.
Cops found the sawed-off shotgun used in the crime in a nearby van, along with property stolen during the robbery. The arrests on Tuesday added a bizarre twist to what started out as robbery and kidnapping. Al Holmes, the barber shop’s manager, considered himself a big brother to the boy. “I’m just hurt inside because it’s someone that I love,” said Holmes. “It’s troubling. I can’t even really think right, knowing that he’s been a part of this.” Holmes said Wednesday that the teenager is friends on Facebook with Walker. Holmes also claimed Walker’s Facebook page states he’s from North Richmond. Since the arrest, Holmes said that the teenager has written him a letter of apology. On Monday, the Antioch Police Department put out an Amber Alert after the teenager was alsee Kidnap page 15A
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August 5, 2011
History takes the helm
One special stop on the Delta Discovery Cruise itinerary provides a brush with some venerable vessels. Page 1B
Immaculate intention Residents will converge on an Antioch neighborhood, armed with brooms, garbage bags and civic pride. Page 3A
Photo by Justin Lafferty
A 16-year-old boy, whom police at first believed had been kidnapped during a robbery at Al’s Barber Shop in Antioch, has been arrested as an accessory to the crime.
Promotion to the pros
Residents get Out for safety’s sake by Justin Lafferty Staff Writer
Photo by Justin Lafferty
Antioch resident Brandon Tavares prepares to whack a piñata as part of his community’s National Night Out event.
Hundreds of residents around Brentwood and Antioch performed a rare feat Tuesday night – they went outside and broke bread with their neighbors. As part of National Night Out, a series of block parties held to raise crime awareness and promote neighborhood unity, communities came together in a celebration of safety. National Night Out is also a major promotional event for Neighborhood Watch, as block captains are usually the ones who plan the parties. Safety tips are shared and residents get to know each other so they can develop a keener eye for what belongs and what doesn’t. “I think it went quite well,”
Red-tape trial
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Read part one of columnist Slim Randles’ saga of bothersome bureaucracy.
said Antioch Crime Prevention Commissioner Hans Ho. “It was as good or better than the last couple of years. People were all doing their part, and I want to see this tradition continue.” Brentwood saw 12 neighborhoods participate; Antioch 23. Parties ranged from a small gathering of neighbors to barbecues attracting large groups. Dignitaries such as mayors, City Council members, police chiefs and officers also made their rounds, talking with residents about safety issues and sharing ways neighbors can look out for one another. Antioch City Councilman Wade Harper, who bounced around to various parties, loved the old-time feeling of watchsee Out page 15A
Plucky petition
go to news/press releases The city v. state battle over redevelopment bucks is about to hit the streets.
Two local athletes are thrilled to be enduring the rigors of NFL training camp. Page 19A Business ............................. 10B Calendar ............................ 23B Classifieds ......................... 18B Cop Logs ............................17A East County Life ................ 1B Entertainment ................... 7A Food .................................... 12B Health & Beauty .............. 11B Milestones ........................ 15B Opinion ..............................16A Outdoors ............................. 4B Sports .................................19A FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A
Flash dance
go to multimedia/videos Shoppers were treated to a Zumba flash mob that came out of nowhere.