Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Suspect in 20-year-old cold case Pittsburg murder arrested in Elk Grove Wednesday

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By CCCSheriff.

Being held on $10 million bail; victim was 22-year-old Danny Guyse

By Pittsburg Police Department

It was September 27th, 2000, when Pittsburg Police Officers received a call about a man who had been shot while sitting in his car at 1605 Railroad Avenue. The victim was 22-year-old Danny Guyse of Pittsburg. Sadly, after he arrived at the hospital, Mr. Guyse died of his injuries.

Pittsburg Police Detectives had very little to work with in building a homicide case. There were no viable leads at the time. The only worthwhile information was that the person responsible possibly fled the scene in a light-colored Ford Mustang.

As with all homicide investigations, detectives continually worked the case over the following year. Ultimately, the investigation was assigned to the department’s Cold Case Unit in a continued effort to determine Mr. Guyse’s killer.

Over the next two decades, numerous suspects and persons of interest were developed and investigated.

In 2019 detectives got a break in this case and identified 44-year-old Paea Tasini as possibly involved in this homicide. As a result of the newly learned information, detectives authored a search warrant where detectives obtained additional information critical to the case.

Based on the newly obtained information and continued work by detectives, this case was taken to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for review. On February 17, 2021, the District Attorney’s Office filed a criminal complaint charging Tasini for the murder of Danny Guyse. Tasini was additionally charged with another count of attempt murder related to a separate shooting that also occurred in 2000. Late Wednesday evening, with the assistance of the Elk Grove Police Department, detectives located Tasini at his residence in the city of Elk Grove and placed him under arrest. Tasini is currently being held at the Martinez Detention Facility on a $10 million bail.

 

Vehicle fire damages Pleasant Hill gas station Thursday night

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Photos: PHPD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Thursday night, Feb. 18, 2021 at about 10:45pm, Officers were sent to the Chevron Gas Station on Morello Avenue for a vehicle on fire. The fire destroyed the vehicle and damaged the gas pumps and overhang. Everyone got out safely.

The fire was likely caused by an electrical issue in the SUV and was put out by ConFire.

Stolen car pursuit in San Pablo ends in fatal accident Tuesday morning

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Driver from Richmond died at the scene

By San Pablo Police Department

On Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, at 8:00 a.m., officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a reported stolen vehicle driving in the 14500 block of San Pablo Avenue. The driver failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated north-bound on San Pablo Avenue. Officers subsequently canceled the pursuit due to the unsafe reckless driving of the stolen vehicle. Within a short time, officers discovered the stolen vehicle was involved in a collision with another vehicle traveling south-bound on San Pablo Avenue just north of the Richmond Parkway.

Officers located the driver of the stolen vehicle, a 25-year-old Richmond resident, at the scene of the collision site and began administering life-saving measures. Tragically the subject succumbed to his injuries on scene.

The occupant of the second involved vehicle, a 34-year-old Hayward resident, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The roadway for north and south-bound traffic of San Pablo Avenue remained closed in the area for the investigation.

Per Contra Costa County protocol, San Pablo Police Department is jointly investigating this incident with the District Attorney’s Office and the assistance of the California Highway Patrol. The identities of the involved parties are being withheld pending family notifications. This is an active investigation and anyone with information in this case is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Department at 510-215-3150. All callers can remain anonymous.

 

Public’s help needed to ID suspect in Walnut Creek purse snatching

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Artist’s sketch and photo of truck of purse snatcher suspect. By WCPD

By Walnut Creek Police Department

On Jan. 25, 2021 at about 5:20 pm, a female victim was sitting on the sidewalk in front of her apartment complex smoking a cigarette with her purse next to her. A male suspect came up behind her and grabbed her purse. The victim tried to prevent the suspect from taking her purse by holding onto it, but the suspect was eventually able to rip it from her hands and flee. The suspect got into a gold Toyota Tacoma driven by an unknown subject and left the scene.

The victim described the male suspect as follows: Tall, heavyset, Hispanic male, in his early 30’s, with long, black, wavy hair. He had thick lips and his lower lip hung down when he spoke. He had a thick Spanish accent and/or a lisp.

Suspect Vehicle Description: Gold Toyota Tacoma half cab, model year possibly 2010.

Attached is a sketch of the Suspect and a photo of the back of the Suspect Vehicle.

If you recognize this Suspect, please contact Det. Gerstner at 925-256-3578 or Gerstner@walnutcreekpd.com. Thank you.

Suspect wanted for multiple bank robberies in Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Concord arrested in Novato

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Bank surveillance camera photo (left) and mugshots of William Mulligan. Photos courtesy of PHPD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Jan. 25, 2021, a subject entered the Bank of America in Pleasant Hill and attempted to rob the teller by passing a note demanding money. When the teller refused, the subject left and was not immediately apprehended.

He went on to rob two other banks in Walnut Creek and Concord that day. Through a coordinated investigation with several other agencies around the Bay Area, William Mulligan was identified and eventually arrested by Novato PD.

He will be tried at the federal level. Great job by all the agencies involved to make this arrest!

Man arrested for entering Brentwood apartment with sawed-off shotgun Tuesday

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Sawed-off shotgun and shells. Photo: BPD. Luis Martinezortiz. Photo: CCCSheriff

Drone, K9 used to apprehend suspect

By Brentwood Police Department

Tuesday afternoon residents were startled when a man entered their apartment through an unlocked slider door carrying a sawed-off shotgun. Fortunately, the quick actions of the residents allowed them to safely flee the apartment and dial 9-1-1. Officers quickly responded to the apartment complex and attempted to communicate with the unknown man, speaking to him in English and in Spanish, in an attempt to peacefully disarm him.

Luis Martinezortiz of Brentwood (55 years old) did not comply with officers’ commands and instead fled the apartment, shotgun in hand, running to the rear of the complex. Due to the nature of the situation and the location, a drone had been deployed above the apartment complex, giving officers an aerial view of the apartment complex grounds.

Drone shot of apartment complex and K9 Marco. Photos: BPD

The drone tracked Martinezortiz through the complex giving officers updated information on his location. K9 Marco arrived on scene and immediately began searching for Martinezortiz. Thanks to the extensive training our K9’s receive, K9 Marco located Martinezortiz effecting a successful arrest. Martinezortiz was transported to county jail and booked on burglary, possessing a loaded sawed-off shotgun, carrying a loaded firearm in public and carrying a loaded firearm and not being the registered owner.

The use of a drone and the assistance of K9 Marco were key components of a safe conclusion, perhaps sparing the public and our officers serious injury.

 

Pleasant Hill T-Mobile store burglars caught while driving away

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Pleasant Hill Police Officers pull over the suspects in the car as they were fleeing the T-Mobile store. Photo: PHPD

Second Pleasant Hill cell phone store robbed this month

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Earlier this week, our graveyard team was dispatched to an alarm at T-Mobile (552 Contra Costa Blvd). Several officers went directly to the business and found the back door had been cut off and the business burglarized. Another officer stopped a suspicious vehicle leaving the area of the business and it turned out the occupants of the car were the burglars!

This is the second cell phone store in Pleasant Hill to be robbed, this month. Another was hit on Sunday morning, Feb. 7 and the suspects were arrested. (See related article)

That’s team work! We work together as a unit to resolve conflicts, solve crimes, apprehend suspects, and manage dangerous situations. #teamwork

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Oakley, Pleasant Hill men arrested in Brentwood for driving stolen car, illegal gun, identity theft

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Suspects Kevin Herman (left) from his Facebook page posted on Oct. 4, 2019 and Taylor Michelson (right) by CCCSheriff. Note: No arrest photo of Herman was available.

By Brentwood Police Department

We couldn’t let this go by without sharing it with you.

While most were sleeping soundly early Friday morning, Feb. 12, 2021 our graveyard officers were busy at work. While patrolling our city they located a stolen vehicle driving through town.

The vehicle eventually pulled into a residential driveway, but our officers weren’t too keen on letting the occupants go any further.

The driver, 30-year-old Kevin Herman (Pleasant Hill) and passenger, 29-year-old Taylor Michelson (Oakley), were safely taken into custody. During the arrest, officers found a concealed loaded pistol, a collapsible baton, and property related to identity theft inside the vehicle.

Illegal gun and baton in stolen car. Photos: Brentwood PD

Michelson had an outstanding felony warrant, and both males were given a ride to county jail on several charges including possession of a stolen vehicle and firearm related charges. According to LocalCrimeNews.com he has a history of arrests dating back to 2012 for such things as possession of drug paraphernalia, identity theft, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle and forgery.

Also according to the same website, Herman has a history of arrests by multiple agencies in Contra Costa County and the Bay Area dating back to 2013 for such things as drug possession, residential robbery, burglary, shoplifting and petty theft.

Criminals never stop ……. and neither do we!

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa extends COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to essential workers

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Teachers, grocery workers and other frontline essential workers who live in Contra Costa County can now sign up to receive safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to them.

Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) today updated its eligibility policy for COVID-19 vaccine to extend vaccination eligibility to residents who work in the education and childcare sector, food and agriculture workers, and emergency services workers as defined by Phase 1B of California’s vaccination plan.

“We are committed to protecting all of our educators by ensuring they can access the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Diane Burgis, chair of the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors. “It is critical that we prioritize the health and well-being of all the essential workers who have cared for us and our families throughout the pandemic.”

Residents in these groups, as well as county residents who are 65 years and older who have not yet been vaccinated, can sign up to access state and federal sites through MyTurn (myturn.ca.gov) or by calling 1-833-422-4255.

Essential workers and residents 65 years and older can also request immunization appointments through CCHS and join the county waiting list for COVID-19 vaccine. However, due to a temporary reduction in vaccine supply from the state, all appointments at county sites are filled through the next two weeks at least.

People who need to cancel an existing appointment or who received a first dose of vaccine through CCHS and need to make a second-dose appointment should call 1-833-829-2626.

When more appointments do become available, CCHS will continue to prioritize county residents who are 65 or older as well as eligible essential workers, particularly those who live or work in the local communities most heavily affected by the pandemic.

CCHS continues to move forward with a workplace-based outreach effort to immunize essential workers in high-risk jobs in the county’s hardest-hit communities, including food and agriculture workers. Workers at sites selected for the program will be contacted by their employers.

For more information about Contra Costa’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic including information about COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and appointments, visit cchealth.org/coronavirus.

 

Public’s help needed in search for Richmond teen missing since last Wednesday

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Multiple agencies assist, $10,000 reward offered

By Richmond Police Department

Antoine Whittley

On Wednesday, February 10th just prior to 8:30 pm, 17-year-old Antoine Whittley was visiting a friend’s house in the 300 block of Marina Way South. He obtained a ride share to return home in the Point Richmond area. Approximately ten minutes after being picked up by the ride share driver, our investigation revealed that Antoine was last seen on the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge. He has not been seen since then.

Antoine is 5’9” and approximately 130 pounds; he was last seen wearing a black Covid-19 mask, hooded Reebok sweatshirt and black/green pants with an orange/green/gray camouflage stripe on both legs. He was carrying a backpack with personal belongings inside of it.

The City of Richmond Police Department is committed to investigating incidents that occur in our city. We ask that any person, who may have any information related to this crime please contact Detective Kris Palma at (510) 621-1276, email him at kpalma@richmondpd.net or they can contact Richmond’s anonymous tip line at (510) 307-T1PS (8177).

Comments have circulated online indicating that Antoine returned home. As of 11:00 am on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2021, Antoine has not been located and RPD is actively seeking information from anyone who may know his whereabouts.

Comments have also been critical of the rideshare driver and his possible involvement with Antoine’s disappearance. Detectives have interviewed the driver and are confident the driver did not have anything to do with his disappearance. Our investigation also shows that Antoine voluntarily left the rideshare vehicle.

Photos by RPD.

The Richmond Police Marine Patrol Unit has been actively searching the vicinity of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge for missing 17-year-old Antione Whittley. Allied agencies, which include the Richmond Fire Department, San Rafael Police Department, San Rafael Fire Department, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Marin County Sheriff’s Office, Solano County Sheriff’s Office, CHP Air Support, and the US Coast Guard Air Support have joined in on the search. In a coordinated effort led by Richmond Police Sergeant Joe England, searches of all waterways and shorelines are being conducted. The Solano County Sheriff’s Office has utilized their underwater sonar capabilities in order to search underneath the water. The US Coast Guard and CHP Air Support have been conducting daily fly overs in this vicinity. Richmond Police Officers have also been walking the shorelines and utilizing UAS (Drone) in areas that are hard to get by vessel.

The focus of the search is from the Angel Island area in the SF Bay to the area of East Brothers Island, in the San Pablo Bay. This area is vastly large and numerous miles of shoreline, long wharfs, islands, obstacles in the water, and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge are being searched on a daily basis. Our goal is to continue daily searches and bring Antione home.

It has not been confirmed if Antione actually went into the water, but Richmond Police Marine Unit want to ensure all areas in the vicinity of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge have and will be checked. We encourage any boaters in this vicinity to be observant and report any activity to the Richmond Police Department or the US Coast Guard.

$10,000 Reward

As the search continues, we are offering a $10,000 reward for information regarding Antoine Whittley’s whereabouts. If you have information, we encourage you to call Detective K. Palma at (510)-621-1276 or email kpalma@richmondpd.net. Thanks for your help in finding Antoine!