Source: Richmond PD
CA DOJ investigating under AB 1506
By Allen D. Payton
According to the Richmond Police Department PIO, Lt. Don Patchin, on January 22, 2026, a Richmond Police detective was involved in a critical incident on westbound Interstate 80 near Highway 4.
Earlier that morning, CHP received multiple reports of a gold or gray Nissan sedan driving recklessly, striking vehicles, and obstructing traffic. The vehicle was later encountered stopped and blocking a lane of westbound I-80 by an RPD detective who stopped to render aid.
The detective contacted an individual standing near the vehicle who was holding a metal object. Unconfirmed information indicates the individual may have been swinging the object at passing vehicles prior to the detective’s arrival. During the encounter, an altercation occurred, and the detective discharged their service weapon.
The individual was transported to a local trauma center, where he later died from his injuries. The detective sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.
Because it is currently unclear whether the individual had a weapon in his possession at the exact moment the shooting occurred, California law requires the California Department of Justice to assume the lead investigation. DOJ’s involvement does not imply wrongdoing and is mandated under these circumstances.
This investigation is in its early stages. We are committed to transparency and will provide updates as information becomes available and legally releasable.
Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information is urged to contact the Department of Justice at 916-210-2871.
CA Attorney General Investigates Under AB 1506
According to the Attorney General’s Press Office, the information provided below is based on preliminary details regarding an ongoing investigation, which may continue to evolve.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred on January 22, 2026, in Hercules, California. The OIS incident which resulted in the death of one individual occurred around 7:20 a.m. and involved the Richmond Police Department.
Following notification of this incident, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review. Anyone who has information related to either OIS incident and wishes to report it may do so by calling (916) 210-2871.
More information on DOJ’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.
As previously reported, according to Ted Asregadoo, PIO for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, because the incident took place on an interstate highway, the California Highway Patrol has primary jurisdiction over the investigation. The California Attorney General’s Office will lead the legal investigation based on the specific circumstances of the incident. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office’s participation in the investigation is in accordance with the County’s Law Enforcement-Involved Fatal Incident protocol.
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