MISSING DELIVERY OF THE NEWSPAPER TO YOUR HOME? Vol. 24, No. 20
by Jake Menez Staff Writer
OAKLEY Oakley police served a search warrant to an Antioch home on May 12 in connection with the January disappearance of Alexis Gabe. In addition to this new development, Alexis’ father, Gwyn, provided an update on what police called a ‘key’ piece of evidence found in February as well as an increased reward amount for any information that leads to her discovery. Also, the reward for information about her disappearance was increased by $50,000 from an anonymous donor to $60,000. The warrant was served to a home on Benttree Way in Antioch, according to a statement by Oakley police. The
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home was identified as Gabe’s last known location prior to her disappearance on Jan. 26. According to the statement, investigators are attempting to determine if the location is where she “met with foul play.” What, if anything, was recovered as a result of the warrant was not disclosed. A May 13 Facebook post by police reported that Gabe’s cellphone case had been found in Antioch, leading residents to speculate that it had been uncovered as part of the May 12 investigation. However, Gwyn Gabe said the case had been discovered back in February in a May 17 Facebook post of his own. “Her phone case was found back in February during the volunteer search with the Klaas
Photo courtesy of Oakley Police
Police revealed that they discovered the phone case of missing Oakley woman Alexis Gabe in Antioch, but they did not reveal the exact location where they found the case. Kids Foundation,” Gabe wrote. “It took this long to release the image because they had to send it to the lab to check for fingerprints and dna.” While investigators have been attempting to gather more evidence to locate Gabe, com-
Staff Writer
ANTIOCH Despite two large sideshows in Antioch on May 14 that damaged police vehicles, city officials hope they can put the brakes on future sideshows. “These incidents bring great danger to responding officers, participants and bystanders,” said interim Antioch Police Chief Steve Ford during a news conference on May 16. “Let me be clear: Violent, disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. To those from out of town, you are welcome to enjoy our city, parks and amenities. But if you engage in sideshow activity, your
vehicle will be towed. Going forward, there will be a zero-tolerance approach to sideshows in the city of Antioch, and all resources at our disposal will be used to mitigate these activities.” The incidents occurred at the intersections of 18th and A streets and, reportedly, at Lone Tree Way and Blue Rock Drive late Saturday night. A video widely circulated on social media shows spectators near the 18th Street sideshow kicking a moving Antioch police vehicle. Officials confirmed that the police vehicle was rendered inop-
munity efforts were also bolstered by the announcement that the reward for information leading to her discovery was increased from $10,000 to $60,000 following a contribution by an see New details page 26
see Sideshows page 26
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Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe held a news conference this week explaining that the police department plans to crack down on sideshows in the city.
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by Kyle Szymanski
May 20, 2022
West Nile virus found in tested dead bird
Antioch officials aim to end sideshows
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REGIONAL The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District announced its found the first dead bird of the year that is positive for West Nile virus in Contra Costa County. The dead bird, an American crow, was picked up in an area of Brentwood close to Discovery Bay. Certain birds carry the virus. Once a mosquito bites an infected bird, the mosquito can become infected. Mosquitoes can spread the virus when they bite another bird or person, the district said. Since 2005, 75 people in Contra Costa County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus. In 2006, two people died from the disease. To reduce the risk of the virus, the district recommends Contra Costa County residents report dead birds because they are often the first sign of the virus in a particular location. The virus can grow more efficiently when temperatures are consistently above 55 degrees. With hot daytime and warm overnight weather in the forecast, the district advises county residents to take steps to reduce the risk of the virus by avoiding mosquito bites. “Infected mosquitoes can spread West Nile virus to people through a single mosquito bite.