Contra Costa Herald

Demetrius Chafford in a photo posted on his Facebook page on Dec. 27, 2023.

UPDATE: 21-year-old Fairfield man on pre-trial release with history of arrests charged with attempted homicide, robbery and attempted carjacking; two Good Samaritans shot

By Allen D. Payton

On Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 27, 2023, Pinole Police Officers responded to and investigated a reported robbery with shots fired at the Chevron station at 2695 Pinole Valley Road. By 4:30 p.m. the suspect was detained, in-custody and a firearm recovered.

Police determined there was no continued threat to the public and officers concluded their investigation at the scene.

UPDATE: On Thursday, Dec. 28, Pinole Police Commander Matt Avery issued the following press release about the incident:

On December 27, 2023, at approximately 12:20 PM, Pinole Police dispatch received a 911 call from the Chevron, 2965 Pinole Valley Road, with a loud argument heard in the background, and then the call disconnected. While officers responded, several callers reported that a robbery had just occurred, and two subjects had been shot. The callers described the suspect and said the suspect fled north toward Jack in the Box

Officers arrived in the area, found the suspect on Pinole Valley Road under Interstate 80, and safely took him into custody. Additional officers responded to the Chevron and found two victims with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Pinole Fire and AMR medics treated them as the scene and transported them to the hospital, where they were treated and later released.

Through interviews and reviewing video surveillance, officers determined that the suspect entered the convenience store and tried to make a purchase, but the transaction was declined. The suspect argued with the clerk and walked around the sales counter, where he tried to open the cash register but was unsuccessful. The suspect then ripped the register off the counter and the cables from the business telephone and exited the store.

The suspect attempted to carjack a vehicle in the Chevron lot, but the victim was able to get away. The suspect then walked over to a car parked at one of the pumps, broke out the passenger door window and stole a purse from the front seat. The suspect and victim struggled over the bag, and the suspect hit the victim several times, knocking her to the ground.

Two Good Samaritans saw the victim struggling with the suspect and intervened. The suspect then pulled out a firearm and fired multiple bullets at the Good Samaritans. Both sustained gunshot wounds but were able to retreat. The suspect fled on foot through the Jack in the Box lot and threw the firearm into the bushes. He attempted to carjack two additional vehicles as he ran and continued on foot north on Pinole Valley Road, where he was taken into custody by responding officers.

The firearm was later located and recovered with the assistance of a Concord Police Canine. The stolen purse and property belonging to the woman were recovered at the scene.

Our Criminal Investigation Division responded and assumed the investigation and is continuing to interview the victims and witnesses. The suspect, Demetrius Chafford, a 21-year-old male out of Fairfield, was found to be on pre-trial release for evading an officer and weapons violations out of Solano County.

Chafford was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on multiple charged including two counts of attempted murder (Penal Code 664/187), two counts of assault with a deadly weapon (Penal Code 245(a)(2)), robbery (Penal Code 211), attempted robbery (Penal Code 664/211), three counts of attempted carjacking (Penal Code 664/215) and carrying a concealed firearm (Penal Coe 25850(a)).

This is an ongoing investigation and we ask anyone with information to contact Detective Dean at 510-724-1111.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Chafford is being held on $1.55 million bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating to 2021 by multiple agencies including Solano County Sheriff’s Department, Vallejo Police Department and for various crimes of assault with a firearm on a person, trespassing by driving on private property, carrying a concealed firearm – pistol / revolver / other firearm, carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner, manufacture / import / sale of large-capacity magazine, change/alter/remove/obliterate ID marks on a firearm, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, assault with a deadly weapon – no firearm/likely great bodily injury of a peace officer or fireman, carrying a loaded firearm on a person or in a vehicle while in a public place, evasion – wanton disregard for safety, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, and large capacity magazine.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Source: Hercules PD

By Hercules Police Department

In order to promote public safety Hercules Police Department is planning on conducting a Sobriety/driver’s license checkpoint on December 29th, 2023 from 8:00PM to 1:00AM

The checkpoint location will be chosen based on the amount of traffic coming into the city, history of DUI related traffic collisions and arrests. The purpose of this checkpoint is to promote awareness by preventing drivers from driving under the influence of alcohol, or drugs and driving without a valid driver’s license.

Just a reminder although medicinal and recreational Marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of Marijuana is illegal

The Hercules Police Department encourages everyone to please order an Uber/Lyft/Taxi or to have a designated driver to help you get home after the holiday festivities. Remember to stay safe and stay sober. Don’t drink and drive and face $13,500 in fines and a suspended driver’s license

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Police officers affected by fentanyl exposure taken to hospital

By Chief Denton Carlson, San Ramon Police Department

On Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, at approximately 11:00 am, San Ramon Police Department Officers responded to the parking lot of 2505 San Ramon Valley Blvd. in response to reports of an individual who appeared to be passed out inside a vehicle. While contacting the individual, suspected narcotics were observed, and the occupants were detained. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers located additional suspected narcotics and a loaded firearm without a serial number (ghost gun).

The two officers who were conducting the vehicle search began to feel the effects of what was suspected to be fentanyl in the suspect’s vehicle. Both officers were transported to the San Ramon Regional Medical Center for precautionary reasons due to their elevated heart rates, dizziness, and weakness. We are happy to report both officers were released after being observed for roughly four hours by medical personnel.

The two suspects, a 19-year-old male from Vacaville and a 27-year-old female from Cottonwood, were arrested for multiple charges, including possession of a loaded firearm without a serial number, possession of narcotics, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

For a few hours, the parking lot surrounding the vehicle was closed to the public while San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District’s Hazardous Materials Response Team members decontaminated the vehicle and the surrounding area. The parking lot has been reopened, and we thank you for your patience while our public safety partners worked to ensure it was again safe for the San Ramon community.

Soul Boxes on display at the Multnomah Arts Center in Portland, OR. Photo credit: The Soul Box Project

Nationwide, community art project, to raise awareness of gunfire, remember victims

Public invited to participate Jan. 12

By Lisa Dell’Anno

The Contra Costa Library system is showcasing the Soul Box Project, a nationwide, community art project, to raise awareness about the scale of gunfire in the U.S. The project displays thousands of Soul Boxes in public spaces to illustrate the number of victims of gun violence, defense, accidents and suicides.

Every day, Americans must confront the impact of gun violence in their communities. The statistics are mind-numbing: gunfire in 2022 alone killed over 44,000 people in the U.S.  In an average year, 3,253 people die and 7,293 are wounded by guns in California.  (state’s statistics: EveryStat.org)

Soul Boxes can bring solace to individuals and encourage sharing and healing within our community.  A box-making gathering is scheduled to honor Martin Luther King, and to make boxes to honor lives lost to gunfire in Antioch and elsewhere. Anybody can make a Soul Box and have it included in the display.

The Antioch Library showcase installation will include over 1,000 origami Soul Boxes, hand-folded and personalized. Each 3-inch-by-3-inch Soul Box holds space for a gunfire victim with a name, an image or a message of protest or hope.  Admission is free and open to the public.

WHEN: Showcase exhibit can be seen during Library open hours during the month of January.

MLK box-making gathering will be Sunday, January 14, 2:00 – 4:00 in the Library Community Room.

Visitors can fold a Soul Box and add it to the exhibit.

To make a Soul Box: download folding instructions and watch an instructional video.

WHERE: Antioch Library, 501 W. 18th Street, Antioch

Artist and Soul Box Project founder, Leslie Lee, surveys Washington, D.C., installation of This Loss We Carry, October 2021. Photo Credit: Lancer Photography. All rights reserved.

Artist Leslie Lee, from Portland, Oregon, created the Soul Box Project after the mass shooting in Las Vegas in October 2017. It became a nationwide community art project designed to reveal the growing number of gunfire victims. The Project displays thousands of Soul Boxes in public spaces, illustrating the staggering number of victims of gunfire violence, defense, accidents and suicides. By raising awareness of the number of victims, the Project aims to empower people to choose actions regarding responsible gun use that reflect their values, priorities and beliefs. These actions may span a wide range – gun safety, education, legislation, mental health. Together those actions will help cause a shift in our nation’s culture.

The Project displayed 200,000 Soul Boxes on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in 2021. The exhibit, titled This Loss We Carry, vividly illustrated the staggering number of U.S. victims of gunfire violence, defense, accidents, and suicides in less than 3 years.

Portions of the D.C. exhibit are now being distributed – by request and free of charge – to any individual, group or organization who can use this dramatic visual to bolster their work to end gun violence. View a video clip about the Soul Box Project.

For more information visit SoulBoxProject.org.

Dell’Anno is a former leader of the Diablo Valley chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and now volunteers with The Soul Box Project.

Suspect’s truck used in Oakley UPS Store package burglaries on Dec. 25 and 26, 2023. Surveillance video screenshot source: Oakley PD

By Oakley Police Department

Surveillance video screenshot source: Oakley PD

Oakley Police Department seeks information on vehicle and person(s) Involved in back-to-back Christmas time UPS Store package burglaries

On Monday, December 25, 2023, at 3:45AM, a solo suspect arrived at the UPS store, located at 2063 Main Street, Oakley. The suspect arrived in a white lifted Ford Super Duty truck with a “super cab” (extended cab) body. The Ford truck additionally had aftermarket black wheels and the license plates had been removed. The suspect was wearing a bright orange shirt or vest, dark colored pants, gloves and a mask. The suspect was seen on surveillance footage going straight to the front door of the business and breaking into it. The suspect stole several packages from behind the counter area and left with them.

On Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at 4:05AM, a suspect wearing gloves and all dark clothing arrived to the UPS store and entered via the compromised front door. The suspect took additional packages from behind the counter and a small safe.

We are awaiting surveillance footage from the interior of the store and parking lot footage from the 26th, but we are able to share a couple of pictures of the truck that was used on the 25th. On that night, the truck left the UPS store by travelling westbound on Main Street and then turning northbound onto Bridgehead Road. We do not know where the truck went from that point, but we are seeking the assistance of the public to help us locate the truck and any information about the stolen packages and suspect. If additional surveillance photos are developed in this case, we will be sure to share them.

Please call us at (925) 625-8060 if you have any information regarding this case.

If you suspect your package has been stolen, please contact the UPS store manager at (925) 625-0221. You will receive information about your package and additional information on what to do about it.

Tracey W., (right) hugs SVdP Vincentian Henrietta, (left) thanking her for the gifts, food and clothing for her family. Photos: SVdP

PINOLE, CA – December, 2023 – On Monday, December 18th, dedicated volunteers from St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County (SVdP) gathered at St. Joseph’s Church in Pinole to spread holiday cheer in their community. Undeterred by the pouring rain, compassionate volunteers organized a heartwarming event to provide essential items and festive gifts to their neighbors in need for Christmas.

The day was a testament to the spirit of giving, as families were greeted with smiles and warmth while receiving personalized gifts and choosing from a selection of generously donated clothing items – including shirts, sweaters, jackets, and pants.

Tracey W. of Pinole, expressing her gratitude, said, “I’m just humbled. The volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul have been a part of my family since my daughter was born. One of the volunteers made her a quilt that I still have to this day. Their help means so much to me, and I’m just so thankful to have them in my life.”

Volunteers started their day at 9 A.M. in the St. Joseph rectory by wrapping and labeling gifts. Gifts were donated by the St. Joseph Parish members, local supporters, local businesses, and SVdP volunteers. Gift cards for groceries, stuffed animals for young children, Target gift cards for Christmas presents, and boxes of cookies were distributed to every family in attendance.

Vincentian Charisse Wan, an SVdP Vincentian volunteer, shared, “We have about 63 families we are able to help out of our Conference, (branch). It’s just wonderful to see how happy the families are during the Holidays.”

Thodias D. said he is incredibly thankful for the help the SVdP volunteers at St. Joseph provide his family.

Thodias D., a single father of two young boys from Pinole, expressed his deep appreciation for the support provided by SVdP volunteers at St. Joseph’s Church.

“I just feel so blessed to be part of the SVdP family,” Thodias said. “They’ve helped me with food, clothing, just too much to name. I just feel so thankful.”

Families, arriving at St. Joseph’s in Pinole, had their gifts brought to their cars by SVdP volunteers. For those who preferred, an opportunity to find the right-sized clothing for their families was available inside the church. The event fostered a sense of friendship, camaraderie, and charity, creating a memorable day for those in need.

SVdP volunteers helped families in need with gifts, clothing and gift cards for food.

St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County has provided safety-net services in the county for over 59 years, serving 100,000 people annually and distributing over $1.9 million in direct financial assistance and over $3 million of in-kind aid. More than 700 SVdP volunteers and a small staff lead operations in Contra Costa including the SVdP Family Resource Center in Pittsburg, 28 branches, and 3 Thrift Stores. One of the largest charitable organizations in the world, St. Vincent de Paul is an international, nonprofit, Catholic lay organization of more than 900,000 men and women who voluntarily join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to the needy and suffering in 155 countries on five continents.

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Will hold Maximum Enforcement Period Friday, Dec. 29 – Monday night, Jan. 1, 2024

909 DUI arrests during Christmas weekend MEP

As we prepare to usher in a new year, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is ramping up efforts to help ensure the safety of all road users, while reducing the number of deadly crashes on the state’s roadways.

Beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, the CHP will implement a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), which will continue through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

The CHP conducted a similar enforcement effort during the recent Christmas holiday.  Tragically, 20 people were killed in crashes within CHP jurisdiction between 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 25.  Additionally, CHP officers made more than 900 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) – an average of one every five minutes.

“Our personnel work through the holidays to help ensure people arrive safely at their destinations,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.  “The goal is to maintain a safe environment on California’s roads, which is achievable when all motorists make responsible decisions behind the wheel.”

In addition to assisting drivers and looking for traffic violations, such as failure to wear a seat belt, speeding, and distracted driving, CHP officers will be paying close attention to people suspected of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.  During the last New Year’s Day MEP, CHP officers made 570 DUI arrests statewide.

As we close out 2023, avoid becoming a statistic.  Have a plan and designate a sober driver or use ride-share services, avoid distractions while driving, and always wear your seat belt.  If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately.  Be prepared to provide the dispatcher a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location, and direction of travel. Your phone call may save someone’s life.

Christmas Weekend MEP Results

Over the past Christmas weekend, the CHP took decisive action to keep our roads safe! Here are the results from the maximum enforcement period:

CHP arrested 909 individuals for driving under the influence, a 42% increase from the year prior. Sadly, there were 19 fatal crashes resulting in 20 fatalities. Although this is a 23% decrease from last year, there is more work to be done to continue to reduce the mileage death rate.

Safety Reminder: Slow down, always designate a sober driver, and wear your seatbelt. These simple actions can save lives and prevent injuries.

Thank you to all who prioritize road safety. Stay safe!

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Former Kensington Police Sergeant and Interim Chief Ricky Hull. Source: Kensington PD

Services in Fairfield, Dixon Jan. 3, 2024

By Mike Gancasz, Chief of Police, Kensington

It is with deep regret and sadness that I inform you of the passing of former Kensington Police Sergeant Ricky Hull who passed away at his home in Fairfield this week.

Ricky Hull, a Fairfield native, joined the Kensington Police Force in October 1997 and served with dedication until his retirement in December 2020. Throughout his career, Ricky rose through the ranks, from Officer to Master Sergeant to Interim Chief.

His contributions to the Kensington Police Department were significant, and he will be remembered for his commitment to public service.

Ricky grew up in Fairfield and had an extended family in Richmond and West Oakland. His journey in law enforcement began in the city of Concord, where he initially worked as a civilian jailer. He attended the police academy in Pittsburg and eventually found a home in Kensington.

This news comes as a shock to all of us, and we extend our deepest condolences to Ricky’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. We will keep you informed about any memorial arrangements or services.

Please join us in remembering Ricky Hull and the positive impact he had on our community.

Flowers and cards can be sent to:

C. Hull

561 E. Tennessee Street

Fairfield, CA 94533

The Hull family requested donations in honor of Ricky can be sent to the Mount Calvary Baptist Church Scholarship Fund c/o Vallie Jean Hull. Flowers should be substituted for potted plants due to allergies.

The service information is:

Service: January 3, 2024, 10:00 AM, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 1735 Enterprise Drive, Bldg #3, Fairfield.

Viewing: 9 o’clock to 9:50 AM

Internment immediately following service: Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon.

The family thanks the community for all the love and support they have provided.

Drugs, cash and cell phones confiscated during traffic stop and arrest on Dec. 12, 2023. Photo: Hercules PD

By Hercules Police Department

On Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at 11:12 AM an officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a sliver Infiniti G35 for multiple vehicle code violations. The driver immediately exited the Infiniti and attempted to walk away. The driver was ordered to remain seated in the vehicle. As the officer spoke to the driver, he began to make furtive movements in the vehicle by reaching toward his waistband and the driver’s side floorboard. The officer observed a large, clear plastic bag containing dozens of pills near the driver’s feet. The officer asked the driver to stop reaching around the vehicle, but the driver did not comply. The officer held the driver at gunpoint until other officers arrived on scene to detain the driver and passenger.

A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, and the officer located suspected marijuana, a suspected LSD sheet, suspected Percocet pills, suspected morphine laced with fentanyl, and suspected fentanyl. The driver was placed under arrest and booked into jail.