Suspects Gregory Rossignon and Jessica Russo. Photos: Pittsburg PD
Third suspect arrested; GoFundMe page set up for 44-year-old father of five victim
By Pittsburg Police Department
On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, shortly after 9:00 PM, Pittsburg Police Officers responded to a residence on the 100 block of Bruno Avenue after receiving reports of gunshots heard. While on scene and attempting to determine what had occurred, officers heard gunshots coming from the 1000 block of Power Avenue. Shortly after, a call was received that a clerk had been shot at a convenience store on Power Avenue. At 9:41 PM, officers responded to the 1000 block of Power Avenue. Officers arrived on scene and found a male subject had been shot. Officers provided medical aid, but unfortunately the victim succumbed to his injuries on scene.
Through the investigation, it was learned that 37-year-old Gregory Rossignon and 34-year-old Jessica Russo, both from Pittsburg, were involved in an altercation on Bruno Avenue. During this time, several shots from a handgun were fired into the air. No one was injured as a result, and both immediately fled the area. As officers investigated this incident, additional officers responded to the convenience store.
Store clerk Abdul Raouf and his children. Source: GoFundMe
There, officers found and began life-saving efforts on the clerk who had been shot. Unfortunately, the clerk, 44-year-old Abdul Raouf, did not survive these injuries. During the investigation at the convenience store, it was determined that Gregory Rossignon and Jessica Russo were involved in this fatal incident after a confrontation with the store employees. Following the shooting, both fled from the store. Additionally, another man was identified as having been involved in this incident and later arrested at a residence in Pittsburg. This man was identified as 43-year-old Alan Agloro from Pittsburg.
Detectives have obtained arrest warrants for Gregory Rossignon and Jessica Russo and are asking anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact the local police.
This is still an active investigation, and we ask anyone with information about these two incidents to contact Detective Elmore at 925-252-4875 or the Pittsburg Police Department Tip Line at 925-252-4040. This is Pittsburg’s first homicide for the year 2023.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Raouf’s wife and five children.
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Ryniqueka Dowell, Jeffrey, Jamari and Jamani Humble. Source: GoFundMe
During police chase; suspect arrested, expected to face murder charges
Hit-and-run suspect Ralph White III. Source: KTVU
By Hercules Police Department
On March 23, 2023, at about 7:27 pm, the Hercules Police Department received information from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office regarding a stolen 2021 Mazda SUV, possibly heading toward the City of Hercules on eastbound I-80. A Hercules Police Officer saw the Mazda exit I-80 eastbound onto northbound Willow Avenue. As the Officer caught up to the Mazda, the driver immediately began to accelerate. The Officer initiated a short pursuit of the SUV, before it collided into a 2017 Nissan passenger vehicle in the area of Parker Avenue and 4th Street in the City of Rodeo. The driver of the Mazda immediately got out of the vehicle and ran northbound onto Parker Ave. A perimeter was established, and the suspect was found, at a nearby liquor store. He was placed under arrest, and later transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.
The driver of the Nissan passenger vehicle was a 31-year-old, mother of twin boys, age six. All were inside the vehicle and sadly, the mother passed away at the scene. The children were taken to Children’s Hospital in Oakland. One of the boys was in critical condition. He unfortunately passed away.
We will be filing the case with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office tomorrow, Tuesday, March 28, and we will be seeking additional murder charges.
This incident is still an active investigation, and any additional information will be released as the investigation continues. Anybody with any additional information is encouraged to contact Hercules Police Department at (510) 724-1111.
Our thoughts are with the family of the victims and the community during this difficult time. We ask that you please respect the family’s privacy, and that you keep them in your prayers.
According to KTVU News reporter Henry K. Lee, 20-year-old the suspect is Ralph White III and is being held on suspicion of vehicle manslaughter, auto theft and evading police. A tweet of a surveillance video shows the stolen Mazda crashing into the Nissan at 4th and Parker (Viewer discretion). In addition, according to a further tweet by Lee, a GoFundMe page has been set up for the family which identified the mother as Ryniqueka Dowell and the one son as, Jamari Humble and the surviving son as Jamani Humble.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Officers approach hotel room door. Gun, drugs and cash seized on March 25, 2023. Photos: PHPD
By Pleasant Hill Police Department
Saturday afternoon, March 25, 2023, patrol officers learned a wanted subject might be associated with a room at a local hotel. The wanted subject had a warrant related to a residential burglary in Pleasant Hill. Officers safely served the warrant and arrested the subject without incident. Another person in the hotel room also had felony warrants and was on probation.
During a probation search of the hotel room, Officers uncovered a hidden firearm, nearly a pound of methamphetamine, evidence of drug sales and a large amount of cash. Both subjects were booked into county jail for multiple felonies including the warrants. The drugs, firearm and cash were all seized.
PHPD investigators will work closely with the District Attorney to review this case. We want to thank our local community for your continued support.
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The Physicians’ and Dentists’ Organization of Contra Costa (PDOCC), a labor union representing more than 240 doctors in Contra Costa County’s public health system, announced a contract agreement with county management.
The agreement was supported by 90 percent of voting PDOCC members and approved by the County Board Supervisors on Tuesday, May 21. It avoids a historic strike which would have impacted operations throughout the county health system.
The contract enhances the time doctors have to manage their panels of patients and also makes the compensation package more competitive in the Bay Area market.
The contract addresses many issues PDOCC members raised in their negotiations. During the negotiations county doctors and dentists pointed to high patient caseloads, insufficient time for administrative tasks, long waits for primary care appointments and specialty referrals, chronic short staffing and high turnover – all of which combine to negatively impact patient care and health impacts.
“Our new contract advances our goal of improving the ability of Contra Costa County to recruit and retain top medical and dental talent to best serve our communities,” said Dr. David MacDonald, PDOCC President. “We will continue advocating for the patient care issues we called attention to in our negotiations, but we are optimistic about our progress and path forward.”
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Join us this Saturday to celebrate WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD at the East County First 5 Center. We have an entire morning of events planned to celebrate families with young children – arts and crafts, story time, face painting, and a wildlife presentation.
Bring the whole family!
See you Saturday!
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AK-47-style rifle and bullets seized. Photos: Concord PD
AK-47-style rifle used in shooting, loaded handgun seized
Concord PD SWAT, Crisis Negotiations Team, drone activation plus assistance by Antioch PD
By Concord Police Department
Concord Police Sgt. Sansen with drone deployed. Photo: Concord PD
During the early morning hours on Thursday, March 16th, 2023, Concord Police officers were dispatched to the area of Revere Drive and Grant Street in Concord for a report of a shooting. Officers arrived on scene and located several spent shell casings, as well as a single victim. The victim was not hit by gunfire, but the evidence at the scene suggested at least 12 shots from a rifle were fired at the victim.
Later that morning, the Concord Police Department’s Investigations Division began working the case and within hours, identified three Suspects responsible for the shooting. The suspects were seen at a residence in the City of Antioch and the investigation revealed the firearm used was an AK-47 style rifle. Arrest warrants for the Suspects were sought, granted and that evening, the Concord Police Department activated the SWAT and CNT (Crisis Negotiations Team) to serve the arrest warrant. The SWAT team is only activated during incidents involving a high threat to the public and officers when attempting to make an arrest.
The Crisis Negotiations Team was able to deploy a negotiator, who has received extensive training in peacefully resolving volatile situations, inside the SWAT’s armored vehicle. This vehicle allowed us to take a negotiator and place them into a position to optimize negotiations and the safety of the negotiator.
The Antioch Police Department assisted Concord PD by providing an armored rescue vehicle, as well as the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, who assisted us in providing their Bearcat for the operation.
Additionally, the Concord Police Department’s drone team deployed and was able to observe the residence to ensure the safety of approaching officers and negotiators. During this time, with the drone overhead, the operator observed two of the suspects fleeing the area in a vehicle. Additional Concord Police Officers were able to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle and safely arrest the occupants. A loaded handgun was located in that vehicle. Moments later, a suspect was seen, via the drone, placing a rifle into a secondary vehicle and fleeing the scene in that vehicle. Concord Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on that vehicle and located an AK-47 style rifle, the one suspected of being used in the shooting.
SWAT and CNT was able to approach the residence safely and secure any evidence inside. The incident concluded without further incident.
The case will be forwarded to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for filing considerations.
Take care and stay safe! If you need us, we’re one call away!
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Source: STraffic
$90 million Next Generation Fare Gate project
BART is moving forward with a historic purchase of brand-new fare gates to be installed systemwide as part of its latest effort to win riders back and overhaul safety in the system. The new fare gates will bring a new look and improved experience, offering state-of-the-art technology that will boost safety by reducing fare evasion, enhancing access for people in wheelchairs and those who bring bikes and strollers on BART, and optimizing the reliability and maintenance needs of the fare gates.
At the March 23, 2023, BART Board of Directors meeting, staff recommended the Board move forward with the first purchase of the $90 million Next Generation Fare Gate project. Staff recommended awarding up to $47 million to STraffic America to implement the project. BART staff will develop an installation timeline with STraffic and will stress-test the new fare gate design at a yet-to-be-determined station later this year. The project calls for all stations to have new fare gates by 2026.
“We want to deter fare evasion, modernize our aesthetic and reduce maintenance,” explained Sylvia Lamb, BART’s assistant general manager of infrastructure delivery, at Thursday’s BART Board of Directors meeting.
The transit agency’s board of directors received an update Thursday on the fare-reliant agency’s long quest to implement new gates that prove harder to jump and prove more reliable.
“There’s an appetite out there to go ahead and get this thing done,” said Bob Powers, BART’s general manager, adding the agency will soon be on a “path that’s going to get us to a systemwide replacement very, very quickly.”
Thursday’s presentation was informational only. At the second presentation, to be made on April 13, BART directors will seek the board’s approval for the $47 million fare gate contract.
“This is a very happy day, and I can’t wait to vote next month,” said BART Director Bevan Dufty.
Source: STraffic
To inform the endeavor, BART built and installed prototypes that it deployed in several stations in its system beginning in 2020, particularly around elevators, in an effort to make it easier for elevator users to tag in and out of the system. It has also retrofitted some of the older gates in an attempt to make them more resistant to fare evasion.
The agency has estimated that fare evasion could cost as much as $15-25 million in lost revenue every year, although the exact figure is difficult to pin down.
The new fare gates will look unlike any other of the current 700 fare gates in the BART system. While the new design has not yet been finalized, the gates will have clear swing barriers that will be very difficult to be pushed through, jumped over, or maneuvered under.
The next generation fare gates will not have the orange fins riders have become accustomed to. They will also be different than the new swing-style fare gates designed by BART staff and recently installed to enclose elevators into the paid area.
The new gates will be able to handle large crowds without slowing people down as they move in and out of stations while processing their Clipper cards. The gates will have advanced 3D sensors that are able to detect if someone is in a wheelchair or has a bike, stroller, or luggage with them, allowing for more time before the swing barrier closes. The gates will have LED lighting on the swing barriers and the pathway through the gate to help visually impaired riders. STraffic has worked extensively with members of the ADA community and is committed to continue this work while designing the BART gates.
“New fare gates will transform the rider experience and will deliver immediate improvements to safety and reliability,” said BART Board President Janice Li. “BART researched world-wide best practices in fare gate designs to help guide this pivotal purchase. I want to thank the local, state, and federal funding sources who have stepped up to support this impactful project. I am committed to seeing this project fully funded and fully implemented without delay.”
To date, BART has secured $73 million of the $90 million project, with funding from:
- BART Funds (Operating-to-Capital Allocations and Measure RR) $23M
- County Transportation Agency Funds $28M
- Federal Funds $15M
- State Funds $6.5M
In recommending the vendor, BART staff evaluated proposals from industry leaders and scored each proposal on their technical approach, qualifications, experience in delivering similar projects, and price. STraffic America, LLC offered the best value to BART and committed to subcontracting 11% of the work to Disadvantage Business Enterprises.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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By Oakley Police Department
Your Oakley Police Department has been busy lately with several key arrests being made and several investigations either coming to fruition or developing into other things.
“The arrests and investigations that are listed here embody the spirit of the Oakley Police Department and what we have become,” said Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard. “I truly believe we have become a better police department for the community of Oakley by recruiting and hiring the best police officers that have been available on the market and by making internal appointments into key positions that allow us to do more work, make more arrests and file more cases for the people we serve. It is my goal to hold onto the great officers we have recruited and continue this trend of making us better and better with every new hire, every promotion and every internal appointment we make. I salute and truly appreciate all of the men and women who wear the Oakley Police patch. As always, I urge the maximum allowable amount of accountability in these cases so we can start turning back the tide of criminal behaviors.”
Juvenile, Brentwood man arrested for robbery
Adult with history of arrest also charged with child cruelty; Antioch, Brentwood police assist
On March 7, 2023, Oakley Police Officers responded to the ARCO station at 5540 Bridgehead Road for the report of a robbery. The male suspect passed a note which demanded money and then fled on foot. City cameras captured the suspect running into the adjacent Sandy Point Mobile home park. Oakley Detectives Dombrouski, Locke and Soares collaborated together and located additional footage from a mobile home which showed the suspect enter the passenger side of a blue SUV. The SUV had been seen on Wilbur Avenue at Bridgehead Road just prior to the robbery. Detectives developed leads on potential suspects. Brentwood Police detectives and the Oakley Detectives started working together on the case and they were able to link a juvenile suspect to robberies in their respective cities. On March 8, 2023, Brentwood PD placed the juvenile under arrest. Oakley and Brentwood Detectives served search warrants at a residence where they located clothing items believed to be involved in many of the robberies.
The joint investigation led to the identification of the specific blue SUV that was used during the robbery on March 7th. On March 8th the Antioch Police Department located the vehicle and Oakley PD Officers responded to their location. 25-year-old Jorge Lara of Brentwood was identified as the driver, Lara is also on parole for robbery. The vehicle was towed to Oakley PD lot and a search warrant was written, and the vehicle was searched. The search turned up stolen property from the robbery, identifying information, and a note pad matching the shape and color of notes collected from the multiple robberies.
On March 22, 2023, the Oakley Police Department coordinated with the Brentwood Police department to take Lara into custody. Lara was subsequently taken into custody and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on a warrant for PC 211 – Robbery, PC 459 – Burglary, PC 273(A)(a) – Child Cruelty, and PC 182 – Conspiracy.
The joint investigation led Oakley and Brentwood detectives to be able to link the juvenile and Lara to several robberies in East Contra Costa County. The agencies worked with the District Attorney’s Office and several formal charges were filed against Lara, he remains incarcerated with a $1.9 million bail.
According to localcrimenews.com he has a history of arrests dating to Sept. 7, 2016 by Concord Police for conspiracy to commit a crime; by Antioch Police on June 12, 2017 for revocation of probation, resisting arrest, vehicle theft; and on Aug. 15, 2018 by San Mateo County Sheriff’s Deputies for lying to a peace officer, conspiracy to commit a crime, assault with firearm, burglary, robbery, addict in possession of firearm, possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm with a previous felony conviction and carrying a concealed firearm. Lara was also arrested by Concord Police last month on Valentine’s Day for grand theft.
Two men arrested for repeated burglaries, drugs
On March 18, 2023 Oakley Police Officers Hernandez, Fielding and M. Jackson were on routine patrol at the business complex, located at 4100 Wilbur Avenue. Our officers were specifically checking the area due to a pattern of repeated thefts and burglaries, and they wanted to bring the trend to a stop. While checking the area our officers found a Blue Chevrolet Pickup and Silver BMW sedan parked at the rollup doors of one of the businesses. Our officers saw two suspects attempting to duck out of sight. Our officers successfully detained 32-year-old Ronald Stephens of Concord and 45-year-old Darren Lawson of Oakley/Concord. Our officers saw a drill near the tire of a nearby semi-truck and the door to the warehouse had been drilled out in an attempt to make entry. Our officers also located additional burglary tools. Stephens and Lawson both have a history of committing thefts and are believed to be associated with other burglaries in Oakley.
Stephens was arrested and booked for PC459- Burglary, PC182- Conspiracy and PC647(h)- Prowling to commit a crime. Lawson was arrested and booked for PC459- Burglary, PC182- Conspiracy, PC647(h)- Prowling to commit a crime, PC 466- Possession of burglary tools and H&S 11364- Possession of paraphernalia.
According to localcrimenews.com, Stephens has a history of arrests dating back to March 22, 2016 by multiple agencies for drug possession, attempted vehicle theft, burglary, vehicle theft, manufacturing an illegal weapon such as a billy club, vandalism, trespassing, resisting arrest, receiving or concealing stolen property, possession of burglar’s tools, and cargo theft of over $950. Most recently he was arrested by Antioch Police on Jan. 10 for conspiracy to commit a crime, grand theft and receiving or concealing stolen property.
Antioch man arrested with loaded “ghost” gun
On March 20, 2023, Officer M. Jackson observed a silver Nissan vehicle, lacking a license plate, at Live Oak Road and Laurel Road. Officer M. Jackson stopped the vehicle and made contact with the driver who lied about his name. At the time of this contact (1130PM) it was 52 degrees outside, yet the driver was nervously shaking and sweating profusely. Officer Jackson believed the driver was nervous about being contacted by law enforcement and believed the driver had a reason to be evasive about his identity. The driver was detained, and the vehicle was searched.
Oakley Police Officers Hernandez and Fielding arrived to assist Officer Jackson and collectively they continued to investigate the situation. The investigation revealed the true identity of the driver 25-year-old Jahsaun Brown of Antioch and a fully loaded handgun under the driver’s seat. The handgun is described as a semi-automatic 9mm, but with no manufacturer markings or serial number. A firearm lacking this key information is considered a “ghost gun” because it is not trackable in the DOJ system. The handgun also had a full capacity magazine with twelve rounds loaded into it. Further investigation revealed Brown had a warrant for his arrest charging him with carrying a loaded weapon. Even further investigation revealed Brown was the subject of a criminal protective order, which stated he was not allowed to be in possession of any firearms.
Brown was arrested for: PC25400- Carrying a concealed weapon, PC32310- Possession of large capacity magazine, PC25850- possession of loaded weapon, PC29180- possession of un-serialized firearm “ghost gun”, PC 148.9- Providing false identification to an officer and PC 166- Violation of a court order. Brown was booked for these crimes.
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The Contra Costa County Superior Court is accepting applications for jurors to serve on our 2023-2024 Civil Grand Jury. The application deadline is March 24, 2023. Application for Grand Jury
Contra Costa County’s Grand Jury consists of 19 citizens. A new Grand Jury is impaneled each year. Grand Jurors are officers of the court, and function as an independent body under the guidance of a Superior Court judge.
Every year, in each of California’s 58 counties, a group of ordinary citizens takes an oath to serve as grand jurors. Its function is to investigate the operations of the various officers, departments and agencies of local government. Each Civil Grand Jury determines which officers, departments and agencies it will investigate during its term of office.
Apart from the investigations mandated by the California Penal Code, each county’s Grand Jury decides what it will investigate. Investigations may be initiated in response to letters from citizens, newspaper articles and personal knowledge.
For more information about the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury visit Civil Grand Jury: Contra Costa Superior Court (cc-courts.org) and Civil Grand Jury – jury_service (ca.gov).
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Late night, early morning, one-direction at a time, except Saturday night
Caltrans is scheduled to install the Mokelumne Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing span over State Route 4 (“SR4”) in Brentwood beginning Friday night, March 24 through early Wednesday morning, March 29, 2023. Expect State Route 4 closures between Sand Creek Road and Lone Tree Way.
Weather permitting, Caltrans will be closing the highway one-direction at a time as described below:
March 24th: Eastbound SR4 closure from midnight Friday until 6:00 a.m. Saturday.
March 25th: No closure on Saturday night.
March 26th: Westbound SR4 closure on Sunday from 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
March 26th-27th: Westbound SR4 closure on Sunday from 11:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. Monday.
March 27th: Eastbound SR4 closure on Monday from 11:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. Tuesday.
March 28th: Eastbound or westbound SR4 closure on Tuesday from 11:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. Wednesday, if needed to complete any remaining work.
Detour Route:
Westbound traffic will exit Sand Creek Road and proceed eastbound on Sand Creek Road to Shady Willow Lane, proceed northbound on Shady Willow Lane to Lone Tree Way, and proceed westbound on Lone Tree Way to the westbound SR4 on-ramp.
Eastbound traffic will exit Lone Tree Way, proceed eastbound on Lone Tree Way to Shady Willow Lane, proceed southbound on Shady Willow Lane to Sand Creek Road, and proceed westbound on Sand Creek Road to the eastbound SR4 on-ramp.
Funding for the $13 million project is provided through Measure J taxpayer dollars from the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation, the State Route 4 Bypass Authority, and bridge toll funds. The overcrossing is expected to be completed early this year.
For updates and detailed information, please visit https://brentwood.info/SR4_Closure. To learn more about the project visit Mokelumne Trail Bicycle/Pedestrian Overcrossing.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Suspects Gregory Rossignon and Jessica Russo. Photos: Pittsburg PD
Third suspect arrested; GoFundMe page set up for 44-year-old father of five victim
By Pittsburg Police Department
On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, shortly after 9:00 PM, Pittsburg Police Officers responded to a residence on the 100 block of Bruno Avenue after receiving reports of gunshots heard. While on scene and attempting to determine what had occurred, officers heard gunshots coming from the 1000 block of Power Avenue. Shortly after, a call was received that a clerk had been shot at a convenience store on Power Avenue. At 9:41 PM, officers responded to the 1000 block of Power Avenue. Officers arrived on scene and found a male subject had been shot. Officers provided medical aid, but unfortunately the victim succumbed to his injuries on scene.
Through the investigation, it was learned that 37-year-old Gregory Rossignon and 34-year-old Jessica Russo, both from Pittsburg, were involved in an altercation on Bruno Avenue. During this time, several shots from a handgun were fired into the air. No one was injured as a result, and both immediately fled the area. As officers investigated this incident, additional officers responded to the convenience store.
Store clerk Abdul Raouf and his children. Source: GoFundMe
There, officers found and began life-saving efforts on the clerk who had been shot. Unfortunately, the clerk, 44-year-old Abdul Raouf, did not survive these injuries. During the investigation at the convenience store, it was determined that Gregory Rossignon and Jessica Russo were involved in this fatal incident after a confrontation with the store employees. Following the shooting, both fled from the store. Additionally, another man was identified as having been involved in this incident and later arrested at a residence in Pittsburg. This man was identified as 43-year-old Alan Agloro from Pittsburg.
Detectives have obtained arrest warrants for Gregory Rossignon and Jessica Russo and are asking anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact the local police.
This is still an active investigation, and we ask anyone with information about these two incidents to contact Detective Elmore at 925-252-4875 or the Pittsburg Police Department Tip Line at 925-252-4040. This is Pittsburg’s first homicide for the year 2023.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Raouf’s wife and five children.
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Ryniqueka Dowell, Jeffrey, Jamari and Jamani Humble. Source: GoFundMe
During police chase; suspect arrested, expected to face murder charges
Hit-and-run suspect Ralph White III. Source: KTVU
By Hercules Police Department
On March 23, 2023, at about 7:27 pm, the Hercules Police Department received information from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office regarding a stolen 2021 Mazda SUV, possibly heading toward the City of Hercules on eastbound I-80. A Hercules Police Officer saw the Mazda exit I-80 eastbound onto northbound Willow Avenue. As the Officer caught up to the Mazda, the driver immediately began to accelerate. The Officer initiated a short pursuit of the SUV, before it collided into a 2017 Nissan passenger vehicle in the area of Parker Avenue and 4th Street in the City of Rodeo. The driver of the Mazda immediately got out of the vehicle and ran northbound onto Parker Ave. A perimeter was established, and the suspect was found, at a nearby liquor store. He was placed under arrest, and later transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.
The driver of the Nissan passenger vehicle was a 31-year-old, mother of twin boys, age six. All were inside the vehicle and sadly, the mother passed away at the scene. The children were taken to Children’s Hospital in Oakland. One of the boys was in critical condition. He unfortunately passed away.
We will be filing the case with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office tomorrow, Tuesday, March 28, and we will be seeking additional murder charges.
This incident is still an active investigation, and any additional information will be released as the investigation continues. Anybody with any additional information is encouraged to contact Hercules Police Department at (510) 724-1111.
Our thoughts are with the family of the victims and the community during this difficult time. We ask that you please respect the family’s privacy, and that you keep them in your prayers.
According to KTVU News reporter Henry K. Lee, 20-year-old the suspect is Ralph White III and is being held on suspicion of vehicle manslaughter, auto theft and evading police. A tweet of a surveillance video shows the stolen Mazda crashing into the Nissan at 4th and Parker (Viewer discretion). In addition, according to a further tweet by Lee, a GoFundMe page has been set up for the family which identified the mother as Ryniqueka Dowell and the one son as, Jamari Humble and the surviving son as Jamani Humble.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Officers approach hotel room door. Gun, drugs and cash seized on March 25, 2023. Photos: PHPD
By Pleasant Hill Police Department
Saturday afternoon, March 25, 2023, patrol officers learned a wanted subject might be associated with a room at a local hotel. The wanted subject had a warrant related to a residential burglary in Pleasant Hill. Officers safely served the warrant and arrested the subject without incident. Another person in the hotel room also had felony warrants and was on probation.
During a probation search of the hotel room, Officers uncovered a hidden firearm, nearly a pound of methamphetamine, evidence of drug sales and a large amount of cash. Both subjects were booked into county jail for multiple felonies including the warrants. The drugs, firearm and cash were all seized.
PHPD investigators will work closely with the District Attorney to review this case. We want to thank our local community for your continued support.
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The Physicians’ and Dentists’ Organization of Contra Costa (PDOCC), a labor union representing more than 240 doctors in Contra Costa County’s public health system, announced a contract agreement with county management.
The agreement was supported by 90 percent of voting PDOCC members and approved by the County Board Supervisors on Tuesday, May 21. It avoids a historic strike which would have impacted operations throughout the county health system.
The contract enhances the time doctors have to manage their panels of patients and also makes the compensation package more competitive in the Bay Area market.
The contract addresses many issues PDOCC members raised in their negotiations. During the negotiations county doctors and dentists pointed to high patient caseloads, insufficient time for administrative tasks, long waits for primary care appointments and specialty referrals, chronic short staffing and high turnover – all of which combine to negatively impact patient care and health impacts.
“Our new contract advances our goal of improving the ability of Contra Costa County to recruit and retain top medical and dental talent to best serve our communities,” said Dr. David MacDonald, PDOCC President. “We will continue advocating for the patient care issues we called attention to in our negotiations, but we are optimistic about our progress and path forward.”
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Join us this Saturday to celebrate WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD at the East County First 5 Center. We have an entire morning of events planned to celebrate families with young children – arts and crafts, story time, face painting, and a wildlife presentation.
Bring the whole family!
See you Saturday!
Read MoreAK-47-style rifle and bullets seized. Photos: Concord PD
AK-47-style rifle used in shooting, loaded handgun seized
Concord PD SWAT, Crisis Negotiations Team, drone activation plus assistance by Antioch PD
By Concord Police Department
Concord Police Sgt. Sansen with drone deployed. Photo: Concord PD
During the early morning hours on Thursday, March 16th, 2023, Concord Police officers were dispatched to the area of Revere Drive and Grant Street in Concord for a report of a shooting. Officers arrived on scene and located several spent shell casings, as well as a single victim. The victim was not hit by gunfire, but the evidence at the scene suggested at least 12 shots from a rifle were fired at the victim.
Later that morning, the Concord Police Department’s Investigations Division began working the case and within hours, identified three Suspects responsible for the shooting. The suspects were seen at a residence in the City of Antioch and the investigation revealed the firearm used was an AK-47 style rifle. Arrest warrants for the Suspects were sought, granted and that evening, the Concord Police Department activated the SWAT and CNT (Crisis Negotiations Team) to serve the arrest warrant. The SWAT team is only activated during incidents involving a high threat to the public and officers when attempting to make an arrest.
The Crisis Negotiations Team was able to deploy a negotiator, who has received extensive training in peacefully resolving volatile situations, inside the SWAT’s armored vehicle. This vehicle allowed us to take a negotiator and place them into a position to optimize negotiations and the safety of the negotiator.
The Antioch Police Department assisted Concord PD by providing an armored rescue vehicle, as well as the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, who assisted us in providing their Bearcat for the operation.
Additionally, the Concord Police Department’s drone team deployed and was able to observe the residence to ensure the safety of approaching officers and negotiators. During this time, with the drone overhead, the operator observed two of the suspects fleeing the area in a vehicle. Additional Concord Police Officers were able to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle and safely arrest the occupants. A loaded handgun was located in that vehicle. Moments later, a suspect was seen, via the drone, placing a rifle into a secondary vehicle and fleeing the scene in that vehicle. Concord Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on that vehicle and located an AK-47 style rifle, the one suspected of being used in the shooting.
SWAT and CNT was able to approach the residence safely and secure any evidence inside. The incident concluded without further incident.
The case will be forwarded to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for filing considerations.
Take care and stay safe! If you need us, we’re one call away!
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Source: STraffic
$90 million Next Generation Fare Gate project
BART is moving forward with a historic purchase of brand-new fare gates to be installed systemwide as part of its latest effort to win riders back and overhaul safety in the system. The new fare gates will bring a new look and improved experience, offering state-of-the-art technology that will boost safety by reducing fare evasion, enhancing access for people in wheelchairs and those who bring bikes and strollers on BART, and optimizing the reliability and maintenance needs of the fare gates.
At the March 23, 2023, BART Board of Directors meeting, staff recommended the Board move forward with the first purchase of the $90 million Next Generation Fare Gate project. Staff recommended awarding up to $47 million to STraffic America to implement the project. BART staff will develop an installation timeline with STraffic and will stress-test the new fare gate design at a yet-to-be-determined station later this year. The project calls for all stations to have new fare gates by 2026.
“We want to deter fare evasion, modernize our aesthetic and reduce maintenance,” explained Sylvia Lamb, BART’s assistant general manager of infrastructure delivery, at Thursday’s BART Board of Directors meeting.
The transit agency’s board of directors received an update Thursday on the fare-reliant agency’s long quest to implement new gates that prove harder to jump and prove more reliable.
“There’s an appetite out there to go ahead and get this thing done,” said Bob Powers, BART’s general manager, adding the agency will soon be on a “path that’s going to get us to a systemwide replacement very, very quickly.”
Thursday’s presentation was informational only. At the second presentation, to be made on April 13, BART directors will seek the board’s approval for the $47 million fare gate contract.
“This is a very happy day, and I can’t wait to vote next month,” said BART Director Bevan Dufty.
Source: STraffic
To inform the endeavor, BART built and installed prototypes that it deployed in several stations in its system beginning in 2020, particularly around elevators, in an effort to make it easier for elevator users to tag in and out of the system. It has also retrofitted some of the older gates in an attempt to make them more resistant to fare evasion.
The agency has estimated that fare evasion could cost as much as $15-25 million in lost revenue every year, although the exact figure is difficult to pin down.
The new fare gates will look unlike any other of the current 700 fare gates in the BART system. While the new design has not yet been finalized, the gates will have clear swing barriers that will be very difficult to be pushed through, jumped over, or maneuvered under.
The next generation fare gates will not have the orange fins riders have become accustomed to. They will also be different than the new swing-style fare gates designed by BART staff and recently installed to enclose elevators into the paid area.
The new gates will be able to handle large crowds without slowing people down as they move in and out of stations while processing their Clipper cards. The gates will have advanced 3D sensors that are able to detect if someone is in a wheelchair or has a bike, stroller, or luggage with them, allowing for more time before the swing barrier closes. The gates will have LED lighting on the swing barriers and the pathway through the gate to help visually impaired riders. STraffic has worked extensively with members of the ADA community and is committed to continue this work while designing the BART gates.
“New fare gates will transform the rider experience and will deliver immediate improvements to safety and reliability,” said BART Board President Janice Li. “BART researched world-wide best practices in fare gate designs to help guide this pivotal purchase. I want to thank the local, state, and federal funding sources who have stepped up to support this impactful project. I am committed to seeing this project fully funded and fully implemented without delay.”
To date, BART has secured $73 million of the $90 million project, with funding from:
- BART Funds (Operating-to-Capital Allocations and Measure RR) $23M
- County Transportation Agency Funds $28M
- Federal Funds $15M
- State Funds $6.5M
In recommending the vendor, BART staff evaluated proposals from industry leaders and scored each proposal on their technical approach, qualifications, experience in delivering similar projects, and price. STraffic America, LLC offered the best value to BART and committed to subcontracting 11% of the work to Disadvantage Business Enterprises.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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By Oakley Police Department
Your Oakley Police Department has been busy lately with several key arrests being made and several investigations either coming to fruition or developing into other things.
“The arrests and investigations that are listed here embody the spirit of the Oakley Police Department and what we have become,” said Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard. “I truly believe we have become a better police department for the community of Oakley by recruiting and hiring the best police officers that have been available on the market and by making internal appointments into key positions that allow us to do more work, make more arrests and file more cases for the people we serve. It is my goal to hold onto the great officers we have recruited and continue this trend of making us better and better with every new hire, every promotion and every internal appointment we make. I salute and truly appreciate all of the men and women who wear the Oakley Police patch. As always, I urge the maximum allowable amount of accountability in these cases so we can start turning back the tide of criminal behaviors.”
Juvenile, Brentwood man arrested for robbery
Adult with history of arrest also charged with child cruelty; Antioch, Brentwood police assist
On March 7, 2023, Oakley Police Officers responded to the ARCO station at 5540 Bridgehead Road for the report of a robbery. The male suspect passed a note which demanded money and then fled on foot. City cameras captured the suspect running into the adjacent Sandy Point Mobile home park. Oakley Detectives Dombrouski, Locke and Soares collaborated together and located additional footage from a mobile home which showed the suspect enter the passenger side of a blue SUV. The SUV had been seen on Wilbur Avenue at Bridgehead Road just prior to the robbery. Detectives developed leads on potential suspects. Brentwood Police detectives and the Oakley Detectives started working together on the case and they were able to link a juvenile suspect to robberies in their respective cities. On March 8, 2023, Brentwood PD placed the juvenile under arrest. Oakley and Brentwood Detectives served search warrants at a residence where they located clothing items believed to be involved in many of the robberies.
The joint investigation led to the identification of the specific blue SUV that was used during the robbery on March 7th. On March 8th the Antioch Police Department located the vehicle and Oakley PD Officers responded to their location. 25-year-old Jorge Lara of Brentwood was identified as the driver, Lara is also on parole for robbery. The vehicle was towed to Oakley PD lot and a search warrant was written, and the vehicle was searched. The search turned up stolen property from the robbery, identifying information, and a note pad matching the shape and color of notes collected from the multiple robberies.
On March 22, 2023, the Oakley Police Department coordinated with the Brentwood Police department to take Lara into custody. Lara was subsequently taken into custody and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on a warrant for PC 211 – Robbery, PC 459 – Burglary, PC 273(A)(a) – Child Cruelty, and PC 182 – Conspiracy.
The joint investigation led Oakley and Brentwood detectives to be able to link the juvenile and Lara to several robberies in East Contra Costa County. The agencies worked with the District Attorney’s Office and several formal charges were filed against Lara, he remains incarcerated with a $1.9 million bail.
According to localcrimenews.com he has a history of arrests dating to Sept. 7, 2016 by Concord Police for conspiracy to commit a crime; by Antioch Police on June 12, 2017 for revocation of probation, resisting arrest, vehicle theft; and on Aug. 15, 2018 by San Mateo County Sheriff’s Deputies for lying to a peace officer, conspiracy to commit a crime, assault with firearm, burglary, robbery, addict in possession of firearm, possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm with a previous felony conviction and carrying a concealed firearm. Lara was also arrested by Concord Police last month on Valentine’s Day for grand theft.
Two men arrested for repeated burglaries, drugs
On March 18, 2023 Oakley Police Officers Hernandez, Fielding and M. Jackson were on routine patrol at the business complex, located at 4100 Wilbur Avenue. Our officers were specifically checking the area due to a pattern of repeated thefts and burglaries, and they wanted to bring the trend to a stop. While checking the area our officers found a Blue Chevrolet Pickup and Silver BMW sedan parked at the rollup doors of one of the businesses. Our officers saw two suspects attempting to duck out of sight. Our officers successfully detained 32-year-old Ronald Stephens of Concord and 45-year-old Darren Lawson of Oakley/Concord. Our officers saw a drill near the tire of a nearby semi-truck and the door to the warehouse had been drilled out in an attempt to make entry. Our officers also located additional burglary tools. Stephens and Lawson both have a history of committing thefts and are believed to be associated with other burglaries in Oakley.
Stephens was arrested and booked for PC459- Burglary, PC182- Conspiracy and PC647(h)- Prowling to commit a crime. Lawson was arrested and booked for PC459- Burglary, PC182- Conspiracy, PC647(h)- Prowling to commit a crime, PC 466- Possession of burglary tools and H&S 11364- Possession of paraphernalia.
According to localcrimenews.com, Stephens has a history of arrests dating back to March 22, 2016 by multiple agencies for drug possession, attempted vehicle theft, burglary, vehicle theft, manufacturing an illegal weapon such as a billy club, vandalism, trespassing, resisting arrest, receiving or concealing stolen property, possession of burglar’s tools, and cargo theft of over $950. Most recently he was arrested by Antioch Police on Jan. 10 for conspiracy to commit a crime, grand theft and receiving or concealing stolen property.
Antioch man arrested with loaded “ghost” gun
On March 20, 2023, Officer M. Jackson observed a silver Nissan vehicle, lacking a license plate, at Live Oak Road and Laurel Road. Officer M. Jackson stopped the vehicle and made contact with the driver who lied about his name. At the time of this contact (1130PM) it was 52 degrees outside, yet the driver was nervously shaking and sweating profusely. Officer Jackson believed the driver was nervous about being contacted by law enforcement and believed the driver had a reason to be evasive about his identity. The driver was detained, and the vehicle was searched.
Oakley Police Officers Hernandez and Fielding arrived to assist Officer Jackson and collectively they continued to investigate the situation. The investigation revealed the true identity of the driver 25-year-old Jahsaun Brown of Antioch and a fully loaded handgun under the driver’s seat. The handgun is described as a semi-automatic 9mm, but with no manufacturer markings or serial number. A firearm lacking this key information is considered a “ghost gun” because it is not trackable in the DOJ system. The handgun also had a full capacity magazine with twelve rounds loaded into it. Further investigation revealed Brown had a warrant for his arrest charging him with carrying a loaded weapon. Even further investigation revealed Brown was the subject of a criminal protective order, which stated he was not allowed to be in possession of any firearms.
Brown was arrested for: PC25400- Carrying a concealed weapon, PC32310- Possession of large capacity magazine, PC25850- possession of loaded weapon, PC29180- possession of un-serialized firearm “ghost gun”, PC 148.9- Providing false identification to an officer and PC 166- Violation of a court order. Brown was booked for these crimes.
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The Contra Costa County Superior Court is accepting applications for jurors to serve on our 2023-2024 Civil Grand Jury. The application deadline is March 24, 2023. Application for Grand Jury
Contra Costa County’s Grand Jury consists of 19 citizens. A new Grand Jury is impaneled each year. Grand Jurors are officers of the court, and function as an independent body under the guidance of a Superior Court judge.
Every year, in each of California’s 58 counties, a group of ordinary citizens takes an oath to serve as grand jurors. Its function is to investigate the operations of the various officers, departments and agencies of local government. Each Civil Grand Jury determines which officers, departments and agencies it will investigate during its term of office.
Apart from the investigations mandated by the California Penal Code, each county’s Grand Jury decides what it will investigate. Investigations may be initiated in response to letters from citizens, newspaper articles and personal knowledge.
For more information about the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury visit Civil Grand Jury: Contra Costa Superior Court (cc-courts.org) and Civil Grand Jury – jury_service (ca.gov).
Read MoreLate night, early morning, one-direction at a time, except Saturday night
Caltrans is scheduled to install the Mokelumne Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing span over State Route 4 (“SR4”) in Brentwood beginning Friday night, March 24 through early Wednesday morning, March 29, 2023. Expect State Route 4 closures between Sand Creek Road and Lone Tree Way.
Weather permitting, Caltrans will be closing the highway one-direction at a time as described below:
March 24th: Eastbound SR4 closure from midnight Friday until 6:00 a.m. Saturday.
March 25th: No closure on Saturday night.
March 26th: Westbound SR4 closure on Sunday from 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
March 26th-27th: Westbound SR4 closure on Sunday from 11:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. Monday.
March 27th: Eastbound SR4 closure on Monday from 11:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. Tuesday.
March 28th: Eastbound or westbound SR4 closure on Tuesday from 11:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. Wednesday, if needed to complete any remaining work.
Detour Route:
Westbound traffic will exit Sand Creek Road and proceed eastbound on Sand Creek Road to Shady Willow Lane, proceed northbound on Shady Willow Lane to Lone Tree Way, and proceed westbound on Lone Tree Way to the westbound SR4 on-ramp.
Eastbound traffic will exit Lone Tree Way, proceed eastbound on Lone Tree Way to Shady Willow Lane, proceed southbound on Shady Willow Lane to Sand Creek Road, and proceed westbound on Sand Creek Road to the eastbound SR4 on-ramp.
Funding for the $13 million project is provided through Measure J taxpayer dollars from the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation, the State Route 4 Bypass Authority, and bridge toll funds. The overcrossing is expected to be completed early this year.
For updates and detailed information, please visit https://brentwood.info/SR4_Closure. To learn more about the project visit Mokelumne Trail Bicycle/Pedestrian Overcrossing.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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