Photo: Stock Image
Written By: Jim Emerson
ANTIOCH — Two alleged burglars attempted carjackings while fleeing from pursuing police. With help from a Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, Antioch PD apprehended two men and recovered stolen property.
The incident started as a burglary in-progress on Durness Court—reported by a concerned neighbor. Officers responded February 1 at 3:08 p.m. The helicopter was dispatched given the possibility of a complicated situation with a vulnerable elderly person inside the residence. Turns out she was not at home.
The helicopter crew advised officers on the ground that the backdoor of the home was smashed. A vehicle apparently being used by the suspected burglars was still in the driveway. As officers arrived on the scene the fleeing getaway vehicle struck a police car.
The suspects continued driving onto State Route 4, where they crashed into a guardrail near the Hillcrest Drive off-ramp. They ran from the smashed getaway vehicle, across traffic and adjacent train tracks. They attempted unsuccessful carjackings, as drivers stopped in eastbound lanes to avoid hitting them.
Police caught up with and arrested Donley Thompson (30) and Delancey Z. Huff (42.) Officers recovered the burglary victim’s stolen property from inside the abandoned getaway vehicle. It was returned to its rightful owner.
Thompson and Huff are being held at the West County Detention Facility in lieu of $1,014,000 and $750,000 bond, respectively. Both suspects face charges for first-degree burglary, attempted carjacking, and other felonies. Their next court appearance is February 17.
Coincidentally, Huff was previously convicted for a residential burglary. He was released on parole from jail less than two months ago on December 22.
