A newly released body-camera video has revealed a shocking and dangerous situation involving a robbery suspect and a police officer. What started as a store break-in quickly turned into a high-speed kidnapping, forcing an officer to take extreme action to save his life.
The Robbery Attempt at FoodMaxx
The incident began early in the morning on February 20, around 5:16 a.m. Police received a 911 call reporting a robbery in progress at a FoodMaxx store located on Lone Tree Way.
The caller warned that one of the suspects was armed and had made threats. By the time officers arrived, things had already escalated.
Surveillance footage later showed a black SUV crashing into the store’s entrance. The glass doors shattered as three men jumped out, attempting to steal alcohol. Thankfully, no employees were injured during this break-in.
Confrontation Turns Violent
Within minutes, police located one of the suspects, identified as 23-year-old Dominick Desouza. As officers tried to stop him, Desouza rammed his SUV into a police vehicle.
The situation quickly became dangerous. An officer on foot approached the suspect’s vehicle, but as Desouza suddenly accelerated, the officer was pulled inside the SUV.
This unexpected move turned the situation into a kidnapping.
High-Speed Kidnapping on City Streets
With the officer trapped in the passenger seat, Desouza drove recklessly through the streets for nearly two miles. The SUV hit both a patrol car and parts of the storefront before speeding away.
Body-camera audio captured the tense moments inside the moving vehicle. The officer repeatedly warned Desouza to stop the car.
However, Desouza refused to cooperate. He made alarming statements, including threats to crash the vehicle and refusal to go back to jail. At one point, he even told the officer to jump out of the moving car.
Officer Forced to Open Fire
As the situation became more dangerous, the officer had to make a split-second decision. Fearing for his life, he fired his weapon from inside the vehicle.
The shot struck Desouza in the leg.
Shortly after, the SUV crashed into a parked car in a residential area. The crash finally brought the high-speed chase to an end.
Arrest and Injuries
After the crash, Desouza tried to escape on foot. He ran away and hid in nearby bushes. About 10 minutes later, police found him shouting that he had been shot.
He was taken into custody without further resistance.
Authorities confirmed that:
- Desouza suffered non-life-threatening injuries
- The officer had only minor injuries
The two other suspects involved in the robbery managed to escape and have not yet been fully identified.
Charges Filed Against the Suspect
The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has filed multiple serious charges against Desouza.
Here is a clear overview:
| Charge | Description |
|---|---|
| Kidnapping | For forcing the officer into the vehicle |
| Robbery | Attempted theft at the store |
| Assault | Attack on a police officer |
| Burglary | Breaking into the store |
| Grand Theft | Attempt to steal goods |
| Vehicle Theft | Unlawful use of SUV |
Investigation and Next Steps
As per standard procedure in such cases, the officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave. This is routine in incidents where an officer uses a firearm.
The case is still under investigation by the Antioch Police Department along with the district attorney’s office. Authorities are also following the county’s Law Enforcement Involved Incident Protocol to ensure a proper and fair review.
