Suspect Eric Clausen placed in the back of a police vehicle on August 16, 2023. WCPD video screenshot.
By Lt. Holley Connors, Walnut Creek Police Department
On August 16, 2023, at about 9:13pm, Walnut Creek Police Department received a call of a vehicle driving recklessly on N. Main Street traveling toward the City of Pleasant Hill, and the driver was reportedly holding a gun. A short time later, a witness called Dispatch to report a male crashed his vehicle in a shopping center located at 2900 N. Main Street, then discharged a gun in the air several times after exiting the vehicle. A Walnut Creek Police Officer in the area heard the gunfire and was on scene within seconds, but the suspect fled the area on foot. Officers set up a perimeter and began a search, which included the use of drones and assistance from a CHP helicopter.
At approximately 10:21pm, a WCPD Officer located the suspect behind a nearby business and the suspect was safely taken into custody without incident. The firearm involved in this case was later located by officers. There were no reported injuries to the suspect, officers, or anyone in the area.
Eric Ross Clausen, a 30-year-old Hispanic male from Brentwood (born 5/21/93), was arrested for various weapons violations and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of August 31 the 5-foot-11-inch, 160-lb suspect was still in custody at the West County Detention Center being held on $100,000 bail.
On August 18th, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed the following charges against Clausen:
PC 29800(a)(1) – Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
PC 246.3(a) – Willful Discharge of a Firearm with Gross Negligence
PC 25850(a) – Carrying a Loaded Firearm in a Public Place
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-943-5844 or call the Anonymous Tip Line at 925-943-5865.
Interesting that this is still showing as a “pending” charge. Knowing some witnesses to this event, I’ve been told that Mr. Clausen was sentenced this week for his crimes.
Good to see that the justice system here in CoCo County still works now and then…