Contra Costa Herald

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Murder suspect Gregory Rossignon arrested on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Photos: Pittsburg PD

Subject of hours-long standoff in Antioch, last week in which pregnant girlfriend was arrested

Jessica Russo. Photo: Pittsburg PD

By Pittsburg Police Department

On March 22, shortly after 9:00 PM, officers responded to a convenience store on the 1000 block of Power Avenue.  There, 44-year-old Abdul Raouf, a store clerk, was found suffering from gunshot wounds and unfortunately did not survive.  Through the investigation, it was learned that while in the store, Jessica Russo had a disagreement with another store clerk.  Shortly after the disagreement, Gregory Rossignon entered the store and shot Abdul for no apparent reason.  Both Rossignon and Russo fled after the shooting.

As the investigation progressed and detectives searched for the suspects, on March 29, Jessica Russo. was located and arrested during the service of a search warrant at a residence in Antioch. According to Rossignon’s father, Russo is the son’s girlfriend and pregnant with the son’s child. (See related article)

Tuesday night, April 4, detectives received information that Gregory Rossignon had fled to Modesto and was hiding in an apartment.  Working with the Modesto Police Department and their Tactical Team, a search warrant was served shortly after 7:00 AM Wednesday.  During the service of the warrant, it was determined that Rossignon was in the apartment but refused to come outside.  After several hours of negotiating with the Modesto Police Departments Crisis Response Unit, Rossignon peacefully surrendered.  Rossignon was brought back to Pittsburg and will be booked into Contra Costa County jail for murder.

We would again like to thank community members in Pittsburg, Antioch, and now Modesto for their cooperation and patience while pursuing these suspects.  We would also like to thank the U.S. Marshals Service, the Modesto Police Department and all their staff for the dedication and resources that led to Rossignon’s arrest.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By California Office of Traffic Safety

In the smartphone age, people are more connected than ever before, but also attempting to stay connected when they shouldn’t: behind the wheel. And it is not just cell phones. Distracted driving is anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road or hands off the steering wheel – especially when texting or using your phone.

Using your cell phone while driving is not only dangerous, but also illegal. In California, you cannot use a cell phone or similar electronic communication device while holding it in your hand. You can only use it in a hands-free manner, such as speaker phone or voice commands, but never while holding it. Any driver under the age of 18 is prohibited from using a cell phone for any reason.

Because engaging in distracting behaviors with a phone like dialing, talking, or texting is so dangerous (it increases the risk of getting into a crash by three times), The California Office of Traffic Safety started the “Put Your Phone Down. Just Drive” public awareness and education campaign. Like the “Silence the Distraction” campaign that started in 2015, it is intended to appeal to the smartphone culture and younger audiences – specifically those between the ages of 16 to 24. The youngest and most inexperienced drivers are most at risk when driving distracted. The campaign emphasizes that all functions of a phone can be distracting: using an app, shuffling through music or playing videos, looking at social media, maps or photos. They are all dangerous and illegal when you are driving, and the safest thing drivers can do is put down the phone and just drive.

And remember. Other serious driver distractions such as eating, grooming, reading, reaching for objects on the floor, changing clothes or talking with passengers are just as dangerous and can result in a “reckless driving” or “speed unsafe for conditions” ticket.

The “Put Your Phone Down. Just Drive.” PSA, along with tips, facts and other information about distracted driving laws and prevention, can be found at gosafelyca.org.

Additional information, programs and resources on distracted driving:

• OTS Distracted Driving Fact Sheet:For additional statistics and facts.
• National Safety Council:Studies and helpful reminders.
• Impact Teen Drivers:Helpful information for parents and teen drivers on distracted driving.

California’s Cell Phone Laws

Focus on the road, not your status. That phone call, text or email can wait. Put down the phone and just drive. Our roads are safer when they are distraction-free.

• California has a hands-free cell phone law, which prohibits drivers from holding a phone or other electronic device while behind the wheel.
• Drivers under the age of 18 may not use any mobile communications device at all, whether hands-free or hand-held.
• Starting July 1, 2021, violations that occur within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same electronic device violation is subject to a point against a driver’s record.
• If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over and park at a safe location.
• Avoid the temptation of using the phone while driving altogether! Put the phone in the glove box, trunk, or back seat; anywhere you cannot reach.
• Other distractions: deep conversations with passengers or fussy children in the back seat. If you find yourself in any of these situations, find a quiet, safe place to park and address the distraction!

#justdriveCA

Public meeting for all churches: Traditional Seder feast in true Jewish style

Join with members of East Bay churches at a Jewish-style Seder on Good Friday, April 7, 2023 from 5:00 – 8:30pm.at Campos Family Vineyards located at 3501 Byer Road in Byron.

The traditional Passover meal includes reading, drinking four cups of wine, telling stories, eating special foods, singing, and other Passover traditions.

It is held after nightfall on the first night of Passover (and the second night if you live outside of Israel), the anniversary of the Jewish nation’s miraculous exodus from Egyptian slavery more than 3,000 years ago, as per Biblical command. In 2023, the Seder meal will be held after nightfall on April 5 (and 6 in the Diaspora).

Former pastor Ralph Rechnitz (a messianic Jew) and pastor Saed Awwad (a Palestinian by birth) will host the Good Friday Seder event. It will include a meal as well as a time of fellowship and community centered on Jesus’ message in the Passover.

For tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.