“contain unambiguously and historically racist speech directed toward the suspects the officers were investigating.” – DA Diana Becton
By Allen D. Payton
Following a Friday, April 7th ruling by Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Clare M. Maier during a felony court case involving Antioch Police officers, racist texts exchanged by the officers and directed toward the suspects will be disclosed to the defense, District Attorney Diana Becton announced. Several Antioch officers are currently on paid leave and under investigation for alleged racist and other offensive texts, in addition to the remaining seven out of eight officers that have been under investigation by the FBI and DA’s Office since March 2022. One Antioch officer resigned, recently. (See related articles here and here)
According to Contra Costa DA’s Office PIO Ted Asregadoo, Judge Maier “oversaw the court procedure to balance the integrity of the Antioch Police Department and Pittsburg Police Department criminal investigation with the constitutional requirement of the disclosure of exculpatory information (i.e., info that is beneficial to a defendant) in criminally charged cases.”
Judge David E. Goldstein is the presiding judge in the felony case against Terryonn Pugh, 20; Eric Windom, 21; Keyshawn McGee, 22, Trent Allen, 20, et al, #01oo1976380.
Statement By DA Diana Becton on Disclosure of Racist Texts in Felony Case
“Today, Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Clare Maier ruled on the disclosure of information that centers on racist text messages exchanged by Antioch Police officers.
For over a year, the FBI and the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office have engaged in a joint federal and state criminal investigation of sworn law enforcement officers from the Antioch Police Department and Pittsburg Police Department. The broad range of offenses under investigation involve crimes of moral turpitude.
Due to the sensitivity and scope of the investigation, a court procedure was established to balance the integrity of the criminal investigation with the disclosure of exculpatory information (i.e., evidence that is beneficial to a defendant).
In accordance with legal precedent, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has been scrupulous in maintaining the balance as the court constructed.
Recently, additional information has come to light in which police misconduct directly overlaps and impacts a charged felony case.
The joint investigation with the FBI has revealed that Antioch Police officers exchanged text messages which contain unambiguously and historically racist speech directed toward the suspects the officers were investigating.
The racial animus expressed by officers in the recovered text messages trigger additional statutory concerns under the Racial Justice Act.
In seeking further direction from the court, the DA’s Office and the defense appeared in front of Judge Maier on April 4th to present information detailing the overlap of the officers’ misconduct and a charged felony case.
In her ruling today, Judge Maier said that the offensive texts in the two investigative reports shall be disclosed to the defense in the charged felony case. She added, the reports will be redacted to shield cell phone numbers and urged caution in the distribution of the language and images contained in the texts as they can spark more hatred toward Blacks and Latinos.
The integrity of the joint investigation and legal requirements for the disclosure of exculpatory evidence is of paramount importance to the District Attorney’s Office. Our office will continue to work tirelessly to ensure public trust and public safety for the residents of Contra Costa County.
Diana Becton
District Attorney, Contra Costa County”
Read More
Last season’s top Dwarf Car stars were champion Danny Wagner #11 and Devan Kammermann #18. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Fourth try for Season Opener
By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media
Antioch, CA…It seems like it’s been a broken record. It’s happened a total of six times this year, including the two practices that were scheduled before the original season opener on March 11th. Antioch Speedway has been rained out six times this year, including four races in a row.
As the rain let up after Wednesday last week, there might have been a chance to hustle to get the races in over the next couple of days, but the grounds were very saturated on Thursday. It didn’t start looking good out there until Saturday. The decision to cancel last week was a good move. It gives the crew and the staff time to make things right for this Saturday night’s races and Kid’s Easter Egg Hunt.
The Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks will take center stage, joined by the Delta Dwarf Cars, BCRA Midgets and Lightning Sprints and the always fun to watch Hardtops. As if that’s not enough, the season will now open with an exciting Figure 8 race. There’s lots of excitement on the card for fans looking for their racing adrenaline rush.
Eventual winner Clarence Holbrook III #2 makes an inside pass on Trevor Clymens #71 and Jon Haney #44 with Michaela Taylor #71a in close pursuit In Hobby Stock action. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Danny Wagner of Bay Point has competed in all sorts of divisions and been a winner in everything. The three-time Delta Dwarf Car champion has also won feature races in the Mini Trucks, IMCA Modifieds and Winged 360 Sprint Cars. During the off-season, Wagner built a Hobby Stock, and he debuted it at Merced Speedway last week with results you might expect from him. He picked up the feature win in his first start.
Whether Wagner goes for points or not, he is sure to be a force in Hobby Stocks anytime he’s there. There are some good Hobby Stock drivers looking to take it up a notch after last season, led by Jared Baugh of Pittsburg, Michaela Taylor of Oakley, Jewell Crandall of Antioch and Grayson Baca of Brentwood. The Hobby Stocks were averaging car counts in the mid-20s last season, and expectations are that they will remain on that level this year.
Hobby Stocks are the car of choice for the exciting Figure 8 race. Antioch featured this race from 1987 to 1990 and briefly in the early 2000s. Last season, the crowd approved of the return of this race, which came back with a $1,000 to win event, won by two-time Spec Sprint champion Dan Gonderman of Antioch. Longtime Figure 8 supporter Jimmy Robbins of Concord, Mike Conley Jr of Antioch and Newman’s DJ Keldsen and Cody Keldsen are among the drivers anticipated when the cars take the track this Saturday night.
Dwarf Cars are the third longest tenured class at the speedway, following IMCA Modifieds and Hobby Stocks. The king of the mountain these days may be Danny Wagner, but he’ll get stiff competition from last year’s Most Improved Driver, Devan Kammermann of Dublin, who won two races. Throw in great competition from the likes of Ellie Russo of Bay Point, Sean Catucci of Brentwood, Travis Day of Concord and five-time champion Ricardo Rivera of Hollister, and the Dwarf Cars will definitely entertain.
Steve Perry #05 and Angela Brown #47 race for position in the Figure 8 last year. Photo by Katrina Kniss
There isn’t an older sanctioning body based out of California than the Bay City’s Racing Association. The BCRA Lightning Sprints have been making periodic visits to the track every year, but it’s been a couple of seasons since we’ve seen the BCRA Midgets. The popular Open Wheel class ruled the roost in California throughout the 1940s, ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Through the ups and downs, BCRA has remained to sanction these racers, and they still have drivers committed to bringing exciting Midget racing.
The Lightning Sprints made two appearances last season. Unlike the Midgets, they run with wings and they turn some of the fastest laps at the speedway. This division has been under the BCRA banner for over two decades now and always puts on a good show. There’s another division that was once sanctioned by the BCRA throughout the 1950s into the early 1960s, and they are on the card on Saturday night.
The popular Hardtops return, likely to be joined by some of the Valley Sportsman racers from Merced Speedway. Unlike the Hardtops, the Sportsman division runs a wing and is a class that was featured at Antioch Speedway throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Last year, the Hardtops held the Butch Althar Memorial race, won by two-time Merced Speedway champion Rick Elliott. It was Joel Hannagan piloting Doug Braudrick’s Junkyard Dog to his third-consecutive Chet Thomson Memorial win last season.
Matt Land #91 was last season’s BCRA Lightning Sprint champion. Photo by Katrina Kniss
The diverse lineup of cars scheduled this Saturday night offers a little something for every fan. If you want fast, and open wheel, look no further than Midgets and Lightning Sprints. If you want slam-bang, fendered Stock Car racing, Hobby Stocks and Figure 8 will fill the bill. If you like a little bit of nostalgia in your program, look no further than the Hardtops. It’s sure to be a good show.
The evening will also have an Easter Egg Hunt and bike giveaway for the kids. This has become a happy tradition at the speedway in recent years and another reason families come to the speedway.
The gates will open at 4:00 with the first race starting at 6:00.
Adult tickets are $20, Senior/Military $15, Kids (5-12) $15 and kids five and under free.
For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com or check out the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page.
Read More
Police seek suspect
By Lt. Jason Kleven #392, Pleasant Hill Police Department
On April 3, 2023, at about 1:12 AM, the Pleasant Hill Police Department received 911 calls of a shooting with a victim down in the parking lot of Farrington’s Bar at 1938 Contra Costa Blvd. Upon police arrival a single victim was found deceased in the parking lot. The suspect was not on scene and is believed to have fled in a vehicle prior to police arrival. The investigation determined the shooting occurred after a dispute started between two groups of people. The victim has been identified as a 37-year-old male residing in Concord.
The Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office identified the man as Oscar Laredo-Arellano.
Pleasant Hill Police Detectives are actively working on this case. Any witnesses to the incident or anyone with information is asked to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Department, 925-288-4600.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read More
By CHP Contra Costa
Tuesday night, April 4, 2023, at about 11:21pm, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a solo vehicle crash on westbound Hwy 4, near Bailey Road. A blue GMC Envoy, occupied by one driver, was traveling westbound on Hwy 4 when it collided with the center divide, and continued on to collide with a light pole and a tree along the right shoulder. CHP and emergency personnel arrived on scene and the driver (adult male) was pronounced deceased.
The Contra Costa Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Heneli Halaliku, a 57-year-old male from Concord.
Our preliminary investigation indicates the GMC was traveling at a high rate of speed prior to the crash and the driver was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash. This crash is still under investigation, if anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read More
By Lt. Robert Garcia, Concord Police Department
BURGLARY/GRAND THEFT – Sunvalley Shopping Center
Concord Police Case Number 23-03286
On March 31, 2023, at approximately 7:06pm, Concord Police Dispatch received a report of three masked subjects who entered St. Andrew Jewelers in the Sunvalley Shopping Center and smashed several cases with hammers. The employees of the store reported that the suspects made off with miscellaneous jewelry items. Officers responded to the scene however, the suspects had already left in a waiting vehicle. The actual dollar value loss is still being determined. There were no reported injuries during the incident.
The suspects were described as three African-American males in dark clothing and wearing ski masks, armed with hammers.
As this is an ongoing investigation, no further information is being released at this time. If you have any information regarding this case, you can contact our anonymous tip line at 925-603-5836.
Read More
By CHP Contra Costa
Sunday morning, April 2, 2023, at approximately 5:42am, CHP Contra Costa responded to a two-vehicle crash on Treat Boulevard at Alderwood Road near Walnut Creek.
Our preliminary investigation indicates a Nissan van, with one occupant, was stopped facing westbound on Alderwood at Treat Boulevard. The driver of the Nissan exited and stood behind his vehicle. At this time, a Honda Accord was traveling westbound on Treat Boulevard, approaching the stopped Nissan.
The driver lost control of the Honda and simultaneously struck the Nissan and the driver standing behind it. The driver of the Nissan was pronounced deceased on scene and the driver of the Honda was transported to the hospital with major injuries.
The Contra Costa Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Sergio Quilici, a 34-year-old male from Concord.
This crash is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this crash or the events leading up to it, call CHP in Martinez at 925-646-4980.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read More
Car believed used in Brentwood strong-arm robbery on Thursday, March 30, 2023. Photo: Brentwood PD
Firearms stolen
By Brentwood Police Department
On Thursday March 30, 2023 around 9:58 a.m., officers responded to Sportsman’s Warehouse to investigate a strong-arm robbery that just occurred to the rear of the business. Upon officers’ arrival, it was determined a UPS driver was robbed while unloading merchandise to be delivered to the store. Two male suspects (unknown race) approached the victim. One suspect was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants and one wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and dark-colored pants. Both suspects were wearing masks and gloves. We believe there could have been a third suspect inside of the vehicle, but do not have a description.
There were no weapons displayed during the robbery and no injuries to the victim. Our Detectives have since confirmed several firearms were stolen during this incident.
The vehicle used in the robbery is believed to be a gold Toyota Camry (pictured). At the time of the robbery, the vehicle did not have a license plate. The vehicle is missing the rear bumper and has paint oxidation to the trunk and roof of the vehicle. If you have any information about the suspects or the pictured vehicle, please contact Detective Agostinho at 925-809-7870, or Dispatch at 925-809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.
Read More
Suspect Gerald Dial of Vallejo was arrested on March 23, 2023 in the June 2022 smash and grab theft at Macy’s in Walnut Creek. WCPC video screenshot
By Lt. Holley Connors, Walnut Creek Police Department
A 19-year-old Vallejo man is in custody following his arrest in connection with the June 18 robbery at the Macy’s in Walnut Creek’s Broadway Plaza. Walnut Creek Police identified Jammoni Simon as one of the suspects in the robbery. Patrol and Investigations worked together to identify the suspect and a warrant was subsequently authored for his arrest. Simon was taken into custody by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s office on July 5, 2022. During his arrest, Simon was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm.
Walnut Creek Police Chief Jamie Knox said the arrest is a signal to others involved in that crime and to the public. “Walnut Creek Police Department puts the public safety of those who live, work, or visit here at the highest priority,” Knox said. “We will continue to actively pursue this case; Walnut Creek is not an open target for criminals.”
The case was presented to the District Attorney’s Office on July 8th and Simon remains in custody on the following charges:
PC 211, Robbery
PC 459, Burglary
PC 25850(a)(c)(6), Possession of a Loaded Firearm
Detectives continued to develop leads and determined Gerald Dial, a 20-year-old male from Vallejo, was involved and presented this case for review to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. On February 28th, 2023, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed the following felony charges against Dial:
PC 211 Robbery
PC 459 Burglary
PC 487 Grand Theft
On March 23rd, 2023, WCPD Detectives located and arrested Dial on a warrant at the San Francisco Airport. Dial was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. Dial is no longer in custody, as he posted bail.
Walnut Creek Police would like to thank the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in locating and apprehending Simon.
The Department is still actively conducting this investigation. If you have any information related to this case, please contact the Walnut Creek Police at 925-943-5844 or call our anonymous tip line at 925- 843-5865.
Read More
Several thousand dollars of stolen merchandise was recovered from the retail thieves on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Photo: Concord PD
By Concord Police Department
On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, a newly installed Flock camera alerted a CPD Investigator to a felony vehicle in the City of Concord. The vehicle was linked to a CPD investigation for organized retail theft of thousands of dollars in merchandise from local stores.
CPD Officers were able to locate and arrest both of the suspects responsible for a multitude of crimes committed all over the Bay Area. Organized retail theft is a problem which results in the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars each year from our local businesses and this case is just one example of technology assisting us in the apprehension of criminals.
Thank you to our friends at Park N Shop for supporting new resources CPD is employing to keep our community safer!
Read More
“contain unambiguously and historically racist speech directed toward the suspects the officers were investigating.” – DA Diana Becton
By Allen D. Payton
Following a Friday, April 7th ruling by Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Clare M. Maier during a felony court case involving Antioch Police officers, racist texts exchanged by the officers and directed toward the suspects will be disclosed to the defense, District Attorney Diana Becton announced. Several Antioch officers are currently on paid leave and under investigation for alleged racist and other offensive texts, in addition to the remaining seven out of eight officers that have been under investigation by the FBI and DA’s Office since March 2022. One Antioch officer resigned, recently. (See related articles here and here)
According to Contra Costa DA’s Office PIO Ted Asregadoo, Judge Maier “oversaw the court procedure to balance the integrity of the Antioch Police Department and Pittsburg Police Department criminal investigation with the constitutional requirement of the disclosure of exculpatory information (i.e., info that is beneficial to a defendant) in criminally charged cases.”
Judge David E. Goldstein is the presiding judge in the felony case against Terryonn Pugh, 20; Eric Windom, 21; Keyshawn McGee, 22, Trent Allen, 20, et al, #01oo1976380.
Statement By DA Diana Becton on Disclosure of Racist Texts in Felony Case
“Today, Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Clare Maier ruled on the disclosure of information that centers on racist text messages exchanged by Antioch Police officers.
For over a year, the FBI and the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office have engaged in a joint federal and state criminal investigation of sworn law enforcement officers from the Antioch Police Department and Pittsburg Police Department. The broad range of offenses under investigation involve crimes of moral turpitude.
Due to the sensitivity and scope of the investigation, a court procedure was established to balance the integrity of the criminal investigation with the disclosure of exculpatory information (i.e., evidence that is beneficial to a defendant).
In accordance with legal precedent, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has been scrupulous in maintaining the balance as the court constructed.
Recently, additional information has come to light in which police misconduct directly overlaps and impacts a charged felony case.
The joint investigation with the FBI has revealed that Antioch Police officers exchanged text messages which contain unambiguously and historically racist speech directed toward the suspects the officers were investigating.
The racial animus expressed by officers in the recovered text messages trigger additional statutory concerns under the Racial Justice Act.
In seeking further direction from the court, the DA’s Office and the defense appeared in front of Judge Maier on April 4th to present information detailing the overlap of the officers’ misconduct and a charged felony case.
In her ruling today, Judge Maier said that the offensive texts in the two investigative reports shall be disclosed to the defense in the charged felony case. She added, the reports will be redacted to shield cell phone numbers and urged caution in the distribution of the language and images contained in the texts as they can spark more hatred toward Blacks and Latinos.
The integrity of the joint investigation and legal requirements for the disclosure of exculpatory evidence is of paramount importance to the District Attorney’s Office. Our office will continue to work tirelessly to ensure public trust and public safety for the residents of Contra Costa County.
Diana Becton
District Attorney, Contra Costa County”
Read More
Last season’s top Dwarf Car stars were champion Danny Wagner #11 and Devan Kammermann #18. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Fourth try for Season Opener
By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media
Antioch, CA…It seems like it’s been a broken record. It’s happened a total of six times this year, including the two practices that were scheduled before the original season opener on March 11th. Antioch Speedway has been rained out six times this year, including four races in a row.
As the rain let up after Wednesday last week, there might have been a chance to hustle to get the races in over the next couple of days, but the grounds were very saturated on Thursday. It didn’t start looking good out there until Saturday. The decision to cancel last week was a good move. It gives the crew and the staff time to make things right for this Saturday night’s races and Kid’s Easter Egg Hunt.
The Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks will take center stage, joined by the Delta Dwarf Cars, BCRA Midgets and Lightning Sprints and the always fun to watch Hardtops. As if that’s not enough, the season will now open with an exciting Figure 8 race. There’s lots of excitement on the card for fans looking for their racing adrenaline rush.
Eventual winner Clarence Holbrook III #2 makes an inside pass on Trevor Clymens #71 and Jon Haney #44 with Michaela Taylor #71a in close pursuit In Hobby Stock action. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Danny Wagner of Bay Point has competed in all sorts of divisions and been a winner in everything. The three-time Delta Dwarf Car champion has also won feature races in the Mini Trucks, IMCA Modifieds and Winged 360 Sprint Cars. During the off-season, Wagner built a Hobby Stock, and he debuted it at Merced Speedway last week with results you might expect from him. He picked up the feature win in his first start.
Whether Wagner goes for points or not, he is sure to be a force in Hobby Stocks anytime he’s there. There are some good Hobby Stock drivers looking to take it up a notch after last season, led by Jared Baugh of Pittsburg, Michaela Taylor of Oakley, Jewell Crandall of Antioch and Grayson Baca of Brentwood. The Hobby Stocks were averaging car counts in the mid-20s last season, and expectations are that they will remain on that level this year.
Hobby Stocks are the car of choice for the exciting Figure 8 race. Antioch featured this race from 1987 to 1990 and briefly in the early 2000s. Last season, the crowd approved of the return of this race, which came back with a $1,000 to win event, won by two-time Spec Sprint champion Dan Gonderman of Antioch. Longtime Figure 8 supporter Jimmy Robbins of Concord, Mike Conley Jr of Antioch and Newman’s DJ Keldsen and Cody Keldsen are among the drivers anticipated when the cars take the track this Saturday night.
Dwarf Cars are the third longest tenured class at the speedway, following IMCA Modifieds and Hobby Stocks. The king of the mountain these days may be Danny Wagner, but he’ll get stiff competition from last year’s Most Improved Driver, Devan Kammermann of Dublin, who won two races. Throw in great competition from the likes of Ellie Russo of Bay Point, Sean Catucci of Brentwood, Travis Day of Concord and five-time champion Ricardo Rivera of Hollister, and the Dwarf Cars will definitely entertain.
Steve Perry #05 and Angela Brown #47 race for position in the Figure 8 last year. Photo by Katrina Kniss
There isn’t an older sanctioning body based out of California than the Bay City’s Racing Association. The BCRA Lightning Sprints have been making periodic visits to the track every year, but it’s been a couple of seasons since we’ve seen the BCRA Midgets. The popular Open Wheel class ruled the roost in California throughout the 1940s, ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Through the ups and downs, BCRA has remained to sanction these racers, and they still have drivers committed to bringing exciting Midget racing.
The Lightning Sprints made two appearances last season. Unlike the Midgets, they run with wings and they turn some of the fastest laps at the speedway. This division has been under the BCRA banner for over two decades now and always puts on a good show. There’s another division that was once sanctioned by the BCRA throughout the 1950s into the early 1960s, and they are on the card on Saturday night.
The popular Hardtops return, likely to be joined by some of the Valley Sportsman racers from Merced Speedway. Unlike the Hardtops, the Sportsman division runs a wing and is a class that was featured at Antioch Speedway throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Last year, the Hardtops held the Butch Althar Memorial race, won by two-time Merced Speedway champion Rick Elliott. It was Joel Hannagan piloting Doug Braudrick’s Junkyard Dog to his third-consecutive Chet Thomson Memorial win last season.
Matt Land #91 was last season’s BCRA Lightning Sprint champion. Photo by Katrina Kniss
The diverse lineup of cars scheduled this Saturday night offers a little something for every fan. If you want fast, and open wheel, look no further than Midgets and Lightning Sprints. If you want slam-bang, fendered Stock Car racing, Hobby Stocks and Figure 8 will fill the bill. If you like a little bit of nostalgia in your program, look no further than the Hardtops. It’s sure to be a good show.
The evening will also have an Easter Egg Hunt and bike giveaway for the kids. This has become a happy tradition at the speedway in recent years and another reason families come to the speedway.
The gates will open at 4:00 with the first race starting at 6:00.
Adult tickets are $20, Senior/Military $15, Kids (5-12) $15 and kids five and under free.
For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com or check out the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page.
Read More
Police seek suspect
By Lt. Jason Kleven #392, Pleasant Hill Police Department
On April 3, 2023, at about 1:12 AM, the Pleasant Hill Police Department received 911 calls of a shooting with a victim down in the parking lot of Farrington’s Bar at 1938 Contra Costa Blvd. Upon police arrival a single victim was found deceased in the parking lot. The suspect was not on scene and is believed to have fled in a vehicle prior to police arrival. The investigation determined the shooting occurred after a dispute started between two groups of people. The victim has been identified as a 37-year-old male residing in Concord.
The Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office identified the man as Oscar Laredo-Arellano.
Pleasant Hill Police Detectives are actively working on this case. Any witnesses to the incident or anyone with information is asked to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Department, 925-288-4600.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read More
By CHP Contra Costa
Tuesday night, April 4, 2023, at about 11:21pm, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a solo vehicle crash on westbound Hwy 4, near Bailey Road. A blue GMC Envoy, occupied by one driver, was traveling westbound on Hwy 4 when it collided with the center divide, and continued on to collide with a light pole and a tree along the right shoulder. CHP and emergency personnel arrived on scene and the driver (adult male) was pronounced deceased.
The Contra Costa Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Heneli Halaliku, a 57-year-old male from Concord.
Our preliminary investigation indicates the GMC was traveling at a high rate of speed prior to the crash and the driver was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash. This crash is still under investigation, if anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read More
By Lt. Robert Garcia, Concord Police Department
BURGLARY/GRAND THEFT – Sunvalley Shopping Center
Concord Police Case Number 23-03286
On March 31, 2023, at approximately 7:06pm, Concord Police Dispatch received a report of three masked subjects who entered St. Andrew Jewelers in the Sunvalley Shopping Center and smashed several cases with hammers. The employees of the store reported that the suspects made off with miscellaneous jewelry items. Officers responded to the scene however, the suspects had already left in a waiting vehicle. The actual dollar value loss is still being determined. There were no reported injuries during the incident.
The suspects were described as three African-American males in dark clothing and wearing ski masks, armed with hammers.
As this is an ongoing investigation, no further information is being released at this time. If you have any information regarding this case, you can contact our anonymous tip line at 925-603-5836.
Read More
By CHP Contra Costa
Sunday morning, April 2, 2023, at approximately 5:42am, CHP Contra Costa responded to a two-vehicle crash on Treat Boulevard at Alderwood Road near Walnut Creek.
Our preliminary investigation indicates a Nissan van, with one occupant, was stopped facing westbound on Alderwood at Treat Boulevard. The driver of the Nissan exited and stood behind his vehicle. At this time, a Honda Accord was traveling westbound on Treat Boulevard, approaching the stopped Nissan.
The driver lost control of the Honda and simultaneously struck the Nissan and the driver standing behind it. The driver of the Nissan was pronounced deceased on scene and the driver of the Honda was transported to the hospital with major injuries.
The Contra Costa Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Sergio Quilici, a 34-year-old male from Concord.
This crash is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this crash or the events leading up to it, call CHP in Martinez at 925-646-4980.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreCar believed used in Brentwood strong-arm robbery on Thursday, March 30, 2023. Photo: Brentwood PD
Firearms stolen
By Brentwood Police Department
On Thursday March 30, 2023 around 9:58 a.m., officers responded to Sportsman’s Warehouse to investigate a strong-arm robbery that just occurred to the rear of the business. Upon officers’ arrival, it was determined a UPS driver was robbed while unloading merchandise to be delivered to the store. Two male suspects (unknown race) approached the victim. One suspect was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants and one wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and dark-colored pants. Both suspects were wearing masks and gloves. We believe there could have been a third suspect inside of the vehicle, but do not have a description.
There were no weapons displayed during the robbery and no injuries to the victim. Our Detectives have since confirmed several firearms were stolen during this incident.
The vehicle used in the robbery is believed to be a gold Toyota Camry (pictured). At the time of the robbery, the vehicle did not have a license plate. The vehicle is missing the rear bumper and has paint oxidation to the trunk and roof of the vehicle. If you have any information about the suspects or the pictured vehicle, please contact Detective Agostinho at 925-809-7870, or Dispatch at 925-809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.
Read More
Suspect Gerald Dial of Vallejo was arrested on March 23, 2023 in the June 2022 smash and grab theft at Macy’s in Walnut Creek. WCPC video screenshot
By Lt. Holley Connors, Walnut Creek Police Department
A 19-year-old Vallejo man is in custody following his arrest in connection with the June 18 robbery at the Macy’s in Walnut Creek’s Broadway Plaza. Walnut Creek Police identified Jammoni Simon as one of the suspects in the robbery. Patrol and Investigations worked together to identify the suspect and a warrant was subsequently authored for his arrest. Simon was taken into custody by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s office on July 5, 2022. During his arrest, Simon was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm.
Walnut Creek Police Chief Jamie Knox said the arrest is a signal to others involved in that crime and to the public. “Walnut Creek Police Department puts the public safety of those who live, work, or visit here at the highest priority,” Knox said. “We will continue to actively pursue this case; Walnut Creek is not an open target for criminals.”
The case was presented to the District Attorney’s Office on July 8th and Simon remains in custody on the following charges:
PC 211, Robbery
PC 459, Burglary
PC 25850(a)(c)(6), Possession of a Loaded Firearm
Detectives continued to develop leads and determined Gerald Dial, a 20-year-old male from Vallejo, was involved and presented this case for review to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. On February 28th, 2023, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed the following felony charges against Dial:
PC 211 Robbery
PC 459 Burglary
PC 487 Grand Theft
On March 23rd, 2023, WCPD Detectives located and arrested Dial on a warrant at the San Francisco Airport. Dial was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. Dial is no longer in custody, as he posted bail.
Walnut Creek Police would like to thank the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in locating and apprehending Simon.
The Department is still actively conducting this investigation. If you have any information related to this case, please contact the Walnut Creek Police at 925-943-5844 or call our anonymous tip line at 925- 843-5865.
Read MoreSeveral thousand dollars of stolen merchandise was recovered from the retail thieves on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Photo: Concord PD
By Concord Police Department
On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, a newly installed Flock camera alerted a CPD Investigator to a felony vehicle in the City of Concord. The vehicle was linked to a CPD investigation for organized retail theft of thousands of dollars in merchandise from local stores.
CPD Officers were able to locate and arrest both of the suspects responsible for a multitude of crimes committed all over the Bay Area. Organized retail theft is a problem which results in the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars each year from our local businesses and this case is just one example of technology assisting us in the apprehension of criminals.
Thank you to our friends at Park N Shop for supporting new resources CPD is employing to keep our community safer!
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