My name is Dylan Gambill, I’m 18 and heading to Air Force basic training next year. On June 27, 2025, the Antioch Police cited me for “spectating” and impounded my car even though I wasn’t in a sideshow. Almost an hour after telling me I was free to go, they searched under my hood without a warrant — despite my refusal on video. This is not only a personal attack but a blatant disregard for my constitutional rights.

This issue isn’t isolated. Across Antioch, numerous residents have shared stories of their vehicles being wrongly impounded and searched without consent or warrants. Such incidents are a clear violation of our Fourth Amendment rights (and Article I, Section 13 of the California Constitution), which protect us from unreasonable searches and seizures.

California Vehicle Code §23109.2 allows police to impound a vehicle only if it was used in, blocking, or aiding a speed contest. My vehicle was not — I was simply blocked in. Using this section to justify my impound was a misapplication of the law. The later State Ref citation (CVC §27156) is also invalid, because it was the direct result of an unconstitutional warrantless search.

The courts have been clear:

In Miranda v. City of Cornelius (9th Cir. 2005), the Ninth Circuit ruled that police cannot impound a vehicle for investigative purposes, only for genuine community caretaking.

In Brewster v. Beck (9th Cir. 2017), the court found extended or unjustified impounds unconstitutional.

In Wong Sun v. United States (1963), the U.S. Supreme Court established that evidence obtained through unlawful searches must be suppressed under the “fruit of the poisonous tree” doctrine.

By ignoring these principles, Antioch Police acted outside the bounds of the law and eroded public trust.

We are calling for a thorough investigation into the Antioch Police Department’s practices regarding vehicle impounds and searches. Transparency and accountability are essential for trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. We demand the immediate return of unlawfully impounded vehicles and full refunds to those affected.

Unlawful impounds and searches cause severe financial and emotional harm. This is not just about property — it’s about justice, fairness, and protecting the rights of all citizens. The experiences of Antioch residents point to a systemic issue that requires immediate attention to prevent future abuses.

We urge local officials and Internal Affairs to intervene and stop these illegal practices. We call on our community, legal advocates, and all supporters of justice to stand with us. Help us reclaim our rights and hold the Antioch Police Department accountable.

Please sign this petition to demand justice and restitution for all victims of unlawful vehicle impounds by the Antioch Police Department. Together, we can ensure that no one else has to endure this unjust treatment. Let us stand united for fairness and justice.