Contra Costa Herald

Suspect Antonio Neely arrested and stolen SUV on Saturday April 18, 2020. Photos by Concord PD.

By Concord Police Department

In case you weren’t aware, social distancing is not an excuse to run from the police!

On Saturday, April 18, 2020 several callers reported a black SUV driving recklessly while exiting southbound HWY 242 at Solano Way and Grant St. The left front tire completely came off of its wheel, but that didn’t stop the suspect from continuing to drive while dwindling down the rim.

Once the SUV reached the city streets of Concord it came to its resting point on the center median. The suspect frantically exited, but not before grabbing a backpack and a few boxes of tools. He then ran into a nearby neighborhood where several callers witnessed him jumping fences into various backyards.

At this point, our Dispatch received information from Martinez PD that the SUV was involved in a hit-and-run collision in their city after the driver stole tools from the Martinez Home Depot. Minutes later, Concord Dispatch got a call from a Concord resident wanting to report their SUV stolen. Turns out, the license plate number provided by the registered owner matched the one that the suspect used in his crime spree.

While Concord Officers were searching the area, another caller reported seeing the suspect jumping fences. Officers arrived at the address within seconds and found the suspect, who continued on his path of poor decisions, and ran. Officers gave chase and after a brief foot pursuit were able to apprehend the suspect without incident. Additionally, the suspect attempted to discard a backpack he was carrying while running, which was discovered to contain the stolen tools from Martinez.

The suspect in this case was identified as 24-year-old Martinez resident, Antonio Neely. A records check revealed he is on felony probation for robbery and evading police. For his actions, Concord PD placed Neely under arrest for a surfeit of criminal violations and provided him with a ride to County Jail.

A big thanks to all of the amazing witnesses who called and helped us apprehend Mr. Neely. As we repeatedly say, we couldn’t do this without you! ~454

#stolenvehicle #criminal #teamwork #concordpd #incustody

Adam Ortega with machete on Brentwood residents’ porch, Sat. morning April 11, 2020. Sheriff Livingston’s badge. Herald file photos.

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

35-year-old Adam Ortega, a transient in Brentwood, was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility at about 10 AM on Friday, April 17, 2020. He was booked for the offenses requested by the Brentwood police, possession of a dangerous weapon and probation violation. (See related articles, here, here and here)

Because of the Judicial Council of California’s mandatory emergency rule of zero bail for misdemeanors and non-violent/non-serious felonies, both of the alleged offenses committed by Ortega were zero bail. He was later cite released. (See related article)

“I like most California Sheriffs believe the Judicial Council’s decision to implement $0 bail for a wide range of criminal offenses was irresponsible, unnecessary and an overreaction,” said Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston. “A state-wide solution to local issues is almost never good policy – that is certainly the case here. People who commit offenses against others should be held accountable, COVID-19 or not.”

Amazon van theft suspects with their car and packages inside on Saturday, April 18, 2020. Photos by APD.

By Antioch Police Department

Be a good neighbor that you can always count on.

You wanna know what makes East county strong? Read below and I’ll tell you…

Just before 2 pm on Saturday, April 18, 2020, APD was notified that an Amazon delivery van had been stolen on West 9th and B Streets. Our awesome dispatchers put out a quick alert to all surrounding police departments to be-on-the-lookout. A short time later, an observant Pittsburg Police Department, Pittsburg, CA Police Officer found the van and began recovering it. While doing so, an equally observant Pittsburg resident approached the officer and said they saw some suspicious characters removing packages from the van, placing them into a silver Mitsubishi with Colorado plates.

The witness took a picture of the plate and gave it to the officer, which was relayed back to us. At about 3:30 pm, Officer Angelini (pictured upper left fitting the first crook with new bracelets) spotted said Mitsubishi on the south side of our fine city and halted this criminal spree. Officers found several stolen packages in the back of the vehicle and will be working with Amazon to get them back to their intended destinations.

Note to criminals: Stealing vehicles and packages are not essential activities. Your failure to #StayAtHome and your decision to mess with Antioch and Pittsburg resulted in an express trip to the County Motel (AKA jail).

Amazon packages APD Officer Angelini on April 18, 2020.

This incident is the classic example of “See Something, Say Something! This was a collaborative effort between two cities, two police departments, and a very alert citizen. Please continue to report suspicious incidents to our Dispatch at (925) 778-2441, or 9-1-1 if you think it’s an emergency.

A special thanks to the Pittsburg resident and Pittsburg PD for continuing to show they are a great neighbor!!! #EastCountyStrong #AntiochPD #PittsburgPD

Some of you have asked more about Officer Angelini after his good bust yesterday from the Amazon package theft caper. Here’s a picture of him taking a moment away from his investigation to proudly pose next to his find. Did you know Officer Angelini is originally from Brazil, speaks three languages, loves riding dirt bikes, and (sorry ladies!) is happily married! #OfficerAngelini #DontStealPackages

Seniors, public invited to listen – must register, first

SAN FRANCISCO – Prosecutors from the four United States Attorney’s Offices in California, along with representatives from the FBI, will participate in a telephonic town hall to help California residents identify and avoid fraudulent schemes related to Coronavirus and COVID-19.  The event is being coordinated by the American Association of Retired Persons (“AARP”).

The telephonic town hall will happen on Monday, April 20 from 10 to 11 a.m. PDT. During the event, a special agent from the FBI and a federal prosecutor will make presentations, and participants from across California will be allowed to ask questions to a panel of Assistant United States Attorneys from the four offices that serve California.

AARP’s Fraud Watch Network is providing the infrastructure for the event. Approximately 100,000 AARP members will receive a phone call Monday morning inviting them to participate in the town hall. Those who wish to receive an invitation may sign up here (https://vekeo.com/aarpcalifornia/).

During the current health crisis, federal investigators and prosecutors continue to fulfill their critical mission of protecting public safety. Federal officials have prioritized the disruption, investigation and prosecution of crimes related to Coronavirus and COVID-19, including fraudulent schemes, unapproved treatments, and scams related to stimulus money. During the town hall, federal officials will discuss the types of schemes currently being seen, along with tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.

Soon after the town hall event, a recording will be available at https://vekeo.com/aarpcalifornia/.

REPORT COVID-19 CRIME.  Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline: 866-720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov.

Screenshot of CC Health Services Coronavirus Dashboard.

By Allen Payton

As of Saturday, April 18, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) is reporting a total of 685 cases of COVID-19/coronavirus, and a total of 19 deaths in the county, three more than yesterday. There are 37 people diagnosed with the virus currently hospitalized.

A total of 8,944 people have been tested for the virus in the county.

The county’s coronavirus dashboard also offers hospital information. It shows the daily Intensive Care Unit Occupancy Rate and Ventilator Utilization for all hospitals in the county.

The largest category of those who have been diagnosed with the virus continue to be people ages 41-60 with 251 cases.

To see the all the statistics provided by CCHS, click here.

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

Tuesday, April 21, 2020 UPDATE: Further investigation of this incident by the Danville Police Department has determined that the COVID-19 notice was put on the door by a member of the household as a prank.

ORIGINAL POST: The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff would like to call your attention to a phony “cease and desist” letter that appears to have originated from the Sheriff’s Office.

A Danville resident on Lakefield Ct. notified the Danville Police Department that she found the warning letter on her door this morning. The letter is titled, ‘Notice to Cease and Desist for Specific Activity.’ The letter mentioned the reason was ‘non-essential construction activity,’ a reference to activities (or businesses) that are not allowed during the Health Officer order to shelter at home because of COVID-19. The letter included a Sheriff’s Office badge and warned of civil penalties for violations.

The Sheriff’s Office has not issued any such letters. Anyone who receives one should ignore it and notify the Office of the Sheriff at (925) 646-2441.

The Danville Police Department is looking into this fake letter. Any resident who might have received a similar letter or has any information is asked to contact Sergeant S. Stapleton of Danville PD at (925) 314-3700.

Driver was traveling over 100 MPH.

By CHP – Contra Costa

Friday morning at approximately 1:35 AM, Contra Costa CHP was advised of an overturned solo vehicle collision on HWY-4 westbound, east of Franklin Canyon road. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, the male driver (John Doe at this time as he has not yet been identified) had been ejected from a silver Volvo and was lying in the roadway. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency personnel. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity once known of the deceased male driver.

While at the scene and conducting the investigation, a registration/vehicle check was conducted on the Volvo and it was determined that it had been recently stolen from a residence in Martinez just prior to the time of the collision. In the initial investigation, it appears that the driver of the Volvo was traveling on HWY-4 westbound at a high rate of speed, in excess of 100 MPH. The driver veered into the center dirt median and collided with the center metal guardrail, causing the Volvo to spin out of control. It then hurled back across the lanes of traffic, overturned, and came to rest on the right shoulder. The driver was ejected through the closed sunroof and landed in the roadway, where he was located and pronounced deceased.

This incident is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980.

“But, it’s problematic because going to church still isn’t considered essential” – Attorney Harmeet Dhillon

By Allen Payton

A victory, Friday in a lawsuit on freedom of worship is forcing California to allow drive-in church services.

The lawsuit against the State of California naming Governor Gavin Newsom over his executive order, was filed by San Francisco attorney Harmeet Dhillon, founder of the non-profit Center for American Liberty and co-counsel Mark Meuser, on behalf of three southern California churches and one parishioner. (See related article)

According to twitter posts by Dhillon, a government brief filed late (Friday) morning claimed that “drive in” is a “technology” like streaming video, and now OK. In response to this executive order “clarification” by opposition brief, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties update(d) their health decrees to allow drive-in worship.

“This development is a partial victory in our lawsuit, but it still does not allow in-building services – meaning people seeking spiritual guidance and fellowship safely, are given no right to do so but the same people can visit wine, pot, food, laundry shops with a mask legally,” she tweeted.

“We continue to wait for ruling on TRO (temporary restraining order),” Dhillon continued. “People of faith may be treated no less favorably than any other people in California. Reporters, termite guys, tree trimmers, baristas, stir-fry chefs, grocery workers, and customers of all have rights – so do religious leaders & followers!”

She was asked why this applies to the entire state, when she was only representing the three churches and one parishioner in Southern California.

“But I sued the State of California over the statewide order, and the counties,” she explained.

The place where the so-called policy changes were announced are hidden in the ruling, with the state agreeing that “of course drive-in churches are a technology like streaming video,” Dhillon shared. “You and I both know that’s absurd. But, it’s problematic, because going to church still isn’t considered essential.”

There’s no requirement for the state to publicize the court’s decision.

“It’s sneaky,” she said.

Asked about her clients Dhillon said, “I’m only representing those who are socially responsible, like anyone else.”

According to their website, “The Center for American Liberty defends the Free Speech rights and Civil Liberties of Americans.”

“The non-profit hired my firm to represent the plaintiffs,” she explained.

The decision was handed down by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles, which also includes Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

“I’m glad we were able to do this. This is a small thing,” Dhillon added. “You’re probably not going to see a lot of drive-in churches in the next week or two. But, it’s better than nothing, dressing up, driving in and seeing your friends.”

Adam Ortega with machete on residents’ porch Saturday morning April 11, 2020 and the machete, knives and billy club he was arrested with on Friday, April 17, 2020. Left photo – screenshot from resident’s security camera video. Right photo by Brentwood PD.

“It’s ridiculous. Common sense seems to have been tossed out the window.” – Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor

By Allen Payton

According to Brentwood Police Chief Tom Hansen, the man arrested with a billy club, machete and other knives Friday morning, after also being arrested for menacing a family twice – and once caught on security camera video holding the machete, last Saturday morning – was released from jail later in the day, Friday. (See related article)

“Yes, $0 bail as a result of the Judicial Council of California Emergency Bail Schedule,” he wrote in response to a question if the man, Adam Ortega, a 35-year-old resident of Brentwood, was released.

He was arrested with the machete, knives and billy club Friday morning and taken to county jail. (See related article).

However, those items were not returned to Ortega, Hansen shared.

“It’s ridiculous,” said Mayor Bob Taylor in frustration after learning the news. “It’s absurd. Safety is no longer a factor. Common sense seems to have been tossed out the door. I guess you have to kill somebody, first.”

At its meeting on Monday, April 6, 2020, the Judicial Council of California approved 11 temporary emergency rules, including setting bail statewide at $0 for misdemeanors and lower-level felonies to “safely reduce jail populations” and staying eviction and foreclosure proceedings to protect Californians from losing their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. (See related article).

“First of all, and we have given these instructions to all the law enforcement officers….we still have the same system available to us,” Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said when asked about the case. “Law enforcement officers can, if the person is a danger to the community, there is a declaration that can be filled out, I’m not saying it will be approved, for the court to decide to set bail.”

“The agency has to bring the case into our office for us to review it and decide what to charge him with,” she explained. “I don’t know what stage this case is in if it hasn’t been walked into us, and we have a chance for a filing deputy to review it.”

“Even though the photos are pretty frightening, if he’s still being charged with the same vandalism misdemeanor, then he will be released on no bail,” Becton added. “At this point we have to wait to evaluate the case once it is brought into our office. The bail issue is a bit more nuanced.”

Asked if the case had been submitted to the District Attorney’s office, yet, Chief Hansen responded, “We have not submitted them, yet. Hopefully, next week.”

There is a process the police have to go through including reports, evidence, approvals, records processing, records data entry and appointments, he shared. Until that’s completed and the DA’s office decides what to charge him with and until the court decides bail can be set in Ortega’s case, he will remain free.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Suspect’s van rams Oakland Police car on April 16, 2020 injuring two officers. Richmond PD video screenshot.

Suspect rammed Oakland Police cars injuring two officers

By Richmond and Vallejo Police Departments

Deceased kidnapping suspect Juan Ayon-Barraza. Photo by Vallejo PD.

On Thursday, April 16th, 2020, at approximately 8:08 AM, the Vallejo Police Department received a call from concerned family members about a missing 29-year-old female.

Family members last saw the victim at approximately 7:35 AM, in the 900 block of Kentucky Street in the City of Vallejo with suspect Juan Ayon-Barraza, a 24-year-old Vallejo resident.

The victim told family members that she was leaving to get breakfast with him and would return. A short time later, Barraza, made contact with a family member of the victim via telephone, where he made an unsettling comment – causing them to be extremely concerned for her well-being.

At approximately 8:00 AM, the victim’s family contacted Barraza in person and confronted him in an attempt to determine the victim’s whereabouts. Barraza was evasive with the family and then fled from them.

Utilizing every resource available, the Vallejo Police Department Detective Division worked this case diligently as an at-risk missing person case.

According to a KTVU Fox 2 report, the man was suspected of kidnapping and beating the woman, then leaving her in the Oakland hills.

At 6:45 PM the Oakland Police Department Communications Division received a report from a concerned citizen in the city limits of Moraga after observing a subject discarding what appeared to be a body on the side of the road from a white van.

The body reported in Moraga was found to be a female victim abandoned on the side of the road in the area of Pinehurst Road and Skyline Boulevard, in unincorporated Contra Costa County, which at the time was believed to be related to Vallejo’s investigation. She was later confirmed to be the at-risk missing person from Vallejo. She was still alive but unresponsive and transported to a local hospital, where she was treated for at least one gunshot wound. The victim is presently in critical condition.

Due to the location of the incident Oakland and Moraga Police, and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the area as it is a remote, rural area along the border of Alameda and Contra Costa counties. A witness provided of the suspect vehicle as a white Chevy Astro van.

As officers responded to the area, a Moraga Police officer located the suspect vehicle and attempted a traffic enforcement stop. The suspect vehicle failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued. As the pursuit went toward Oakland, Oakland PD officers joined in and ultimately became lead as it entered their jurisdiction.

The suspect vehicle led Oakland PD officers on a pursuit via the freeways to the city of Richmond. During the pursuit, officers could see Barraza was armed with a handgun as he was driving at high speeds. The pursuit went through multiple streets in Richmond to the area of South 37th Street and Stege Avenue. The pursuit lasted for approximately twenty minutes in length.

While making a U-turn on S. 37th Street at Carlson Boulevard, the suspect pointed his firearm at pursuing officers. Multiple Oakland police officers and a Richmond police officer fired their weapons in defense of their and/or other lives, simultaneously, the suspect vehicle crossed over into traffic on South 37th Street and Stege Ave. and collided with an Oakland police vehicle. (See Richmond PD video)

Oakland PD officer on ground after he and one other officer were struck by suspect’s van. RPD video screenshot

Two Oakland police officers were injured during the collision, both considered moderate and non-life threatening. One officer has been treated and released while the other officer remains in a local hospital. The suspect sustained a fatal gunshot wound during this incident. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The female victim sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The female victim is currently listed in critical condition and is on life support.

This is an ongoing investigation that involved multiple agencies including Oakland Police Department, Richmond Police Department, Vallejo Police Department, Moraga Police Department, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, Contra Costa County Crime Lab and Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. This incident is being investigated as a part of the Contra Costa County Law Enforcement Incident Fatality (LEIF) protocol.

If you have any additional information regarding this investigation, please contact the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office at 925-957-2200 or Sergeant Pomeroy with the Richmond Police Department at 510-620-6616 or Vallejo Police Detective Craig Long at (707) 648-4514 or Detective Josh Caitham at (707) 648-4342.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.