Contra Costa Herald

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

68-year-old Martinez man stabbed to death by man labeled “criminal illegal alien”

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Suspect Marcos Eduardo Iriarte-Valdez in surveillance video footage next to his vehicle and victim Todd Stewart. Photo sources: Top right – Blue Lives Matter Facebook page, bottom two, Martinez Police

One day after suspect released from custody on other charges

By Martinez Police Department

On Thursday, August 6, 2026, at approximately 5:09 pm, the Martinez Police Department received multiple 9-1-1 calls regarding a subject who was reportedly stabbed on Francis Court in front of a residence.

Officers responded and upon their arrival they located a 68-year-old male, identified as Todd Stewart, on the ground with injuries consistent with being stabbed. Fire and medical responded, but the subject was declared deceased at the scene.

Detectives from the Martinez Police Department Investigations Bureau responded to the scene along with crime scene investigators from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect fled the scene in a Cadillac SUV vehicle pictured above.

He was later apprehended and identified as 36-year-old Marcos Eduardo Iriarte-Valdez (born 4/25/1990)

According to a Facebook post by Blue Lives Matter, Iriarte-Valdez is a “criminal released the day before” Stewart was killed. “Surveillance video shows 68-year-old Todd Stewart screaming for help as he is stabbed to death on his front lawn. The attack happened while Stewart was working in his open garage.

“Iriarte-Valdez…was already on pre-trial release for residential burglaries committed in Orinda in April. On August 4 he was taken back into custody for violating the terms of his home detention. The very next day a judge ordered him released on his own recognizance and referred him back to monitoring.”

“Authorities say the ankle monitor was not placed back on him until Friday morning, after Stewart had already been killed.”

According to an Aug. 12th FOXNews report, “The Department of Homeland Security told Fox News Digital it placed an immigration detainer on Iriarte-Valdez Sept. 23, 2025. The DHS said that Valdez was from Venezuela with citizenship in Spain.”  He “had a prior criminal record and was facing burglary charges stemming from at least two incidents elsewhere in Contra Costa County…when a judge…ordered him released.”

According to an Aug. 12th ABC7 Eyewitness News report, “Investigators say the video shows him wearing a tactical vest before putting on a mask.” Iriarte-Valdez “appeared in court Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to murder charges” and “now, the Department of Homeland Security [is] involved and has labeled the suspect a ‘criminal illegal alien’.”

According to the California Globe, “On August 8, 2026, ICE placed a detainer on him with the Contra Costa County Jail” and the judge “is Nichelle Holmes, a Contra Costa County Superior Court judge. Governor Gavin Newsom appointed her in March 2024.”

According to localcrimenews.com, he was also arrested on April 29, 2026, for burglary, receiving or concealing stolen property, aggravated trespass, trespassing by driving on private property and loitering, prowling, wandering upon the private property of another.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Iriarte-Valdez is listed as White and was booked on May 15th then released on his own recognizance on Aug. 5th at 7:03 PM.

Also, according to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, two-inch tall, 175-pound suspect is Hispanic and being held in the West Re-Entry Treatment and Housing facility in Richmond on no bail. He has another court appearance scheduled for Sept. 9th at 8:30 AM in Martinez Superior Court Dept. 5.

But according to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, the case returns to court September 1st at 8:30 am before Judge Michael Nieto in Richmond to set a preliminary hearing date.

The investigation is active and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Dominguez at (925) 372-3451 or at cdominguez1@cityofmartinez.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Immigrant Rights Alliance to hold press conference in support of ICE non-cooperation ordinance Tuesday

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Source: Contra Costa Immigrant Rights Alliance

By Jess Jollett

On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the Contra Costa Immigrant Rights Alliance (CCIRA) is hosting a press event to urge the Board of Supervisors to pass a strong countywide ordinance creating the necessary barriers to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies from pillaging and looting Contra Costa County resources.

For over a year, immigration attorneys, advocates, and community members have worked to propose language and advocate for a strong ordinance. Contra Costa is one of the few Bay Area counties without this protection. Neighboring counties of Alameda, San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma all have non-cooperation ordinances in effect. And the draft proposed by county counsel is insufficient to protect our residents and not in compliance with the recent guidance issued by the CA Attorney General.

Inspired by the Summer 2025 TRUTH Act and ICE’s expanding presence in Contra Costa, the Contra Costa Immigrant Rights Alliance, Lift Up Contra Costa, and its allies have been advocating for a non-cooperation ordinance that:

  • Prohibits the usage of our county’s resources and funds for ICE operations.
  • Calls for the creation of county-wide policies to protect county workers.
  • Safeguards our county data from being raided by ICE agents.
  • Ensures that county contractors do not comply or cooperate with ICE agents.
  • Demands that the Sheriff Department report its contact with federal agencies.

Since January, over 50 people have died in ICE custody. We have also witnessed ICE’s rogue extrajudicial killings in Minnesota, Houston and Biddeford. Local ordinances are one answer to these deadly federal immigration enforcement tactics. These unprecedented times require brave leadership and action. We’re calling on the Board of Supervisors to do their duty and to stop delaying. Contra Costa deserves better.

What: Press Event Demanding the Passage of a Strong ICE Non-Cooperation Ordinance in Contra Costa County

Confirmed Speakers: 

Danny Espinoza, Director, Lift Up Contra Costa

Rev. Deborah Lee, Executive Director of Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity

Brandon Dawkins, VP of Organizing, SEIU 1021

Cameron Sasai, Mayor of the City of Pinole

Miosotti Tenecora, Staff Attorney, Immigrant Legal Resource Center

Betty Gabaldon, Concord Organizer Manager, East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy

Tony Bravo, Executive Director, United Latino Voices

Devin Williams, 3rd Vice President, East Contra Costa County NAACP Executive Committee and Vice Chairperson, Antioch Police Oversight Commission

Marifer Marina, Organizer, Monument Impact

Katie Ricklefs, Chair, Democratic Party of Contra Costa

Where: 1025 Escobar Street, Martinez

When: 9:30 am on Tuesday, August 11th

By law California is already a sanctuary state as, according to iceoutofca.org, “California has long enacted laws that restrict state and local law enforcement from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in immigration enforcement actions. The most significant of these is the California Values Act (SB 54), which took effect on January 1, 2018,” which “protects the safety and wellbeing of all Californians by limiting use of state and local resources for mass deportations and ensures that important institutions such as schools, health facilities, and courthouses remain accessible to everyone. SB 54 remains legally binding state law, and states and localities continue to have the constitutional right to opt out of federal immigration enforcement.

In addition, the County complies with other state laws regarding law enforcement dealing with undocumented immigrants illegally residing in the U.S. They include:

  • “TRUTH Act (AB 2792, 2017) – Requires local law enforcement to provide “Know Your Rights” information and copies of ICE holds, notifications, or transfer requests to individuals affected.
  • “TRUST Act (AB 4, 2014) – Prohibits local jails from holding individuals beyond the time ICE requests, with some exceptions.”

As previously reported, the Board of Supervisors will hold its annual state TRUTH Act Community Forum to discuss civil immigration enforcement activities during their regular meeting at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Oakland man charged in Concord burglaries, theft ring

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The Contra Costa DA charged Wuillian Heriberto Cordova-Cubias with five felonies following his arrest in Oakland by Concord Police on Aug. 5, 2026. Video screenshots source: Concord PD

Has history of arrests; released from custody Thursday back in custody Friday

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – An Oakland resident faces five felony charges for his role in an organized theft ring connected to a series of burglaries in Concord.

The charges stem from a series of burglaries that occurred in Concord between April and July 2026 located in the Ygnacio and Clayton Valley region. Concord Police found that an organized group of juveniles carried out around 37 burglaries in that area. Richmond Police arrested the juvenile suspects for vehicle theft in May, and a subsequent investigation revealed they were part of a fencing operation led by 37-year-old Wuillian Heriberto Cordova-Cubias. Fencing operations are a hallmark of organized theft rings, which buy stolen goods from thieves and resell them to the public.

On August 5th law enforcement officers from the Concord Police Department, Oakland Police Department, and U.S. Marshals Service executed a search warrant at Cordova-Cubias’s Oakland residence. When officers entered the home, they located numerous items of suspected stolen property, including at least 500 power tools.  (See related article)

After law enforcement referred the case for review, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office today filed a complaint in Superior Court against Cordova-Cubias. He faces the following charges:

  • Receiving stolen property, including power tools, survey equipment, motor vehicles, and pipe inspection equipment
  • Two counts of receiving stolen motor vehicles (a utility ATV and a forklift)
  • Unlawful firearm activity
  • Conspiracy to commit a crime with juvenile conspirators

All charges include enhancements that increase the potential penalties.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “As organized theft offenses have increased, my office has responded by building an effective Organized Theft Unit that works closely with law enforcement to file strong cases we believe we can prove beyond a reasonable doubt in court. Concord Police Department’s thorough investigation into these burglaries and the fencing operation reflects the kind of collaboration that holds individuals accountable.”

Cordova-Cubias was in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility and will appear for arraignment in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez on August 10th at 1:30 pm. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, as of Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at 09:28 AM he had bonded out of custody. UPDATE: However, according to Asregadoo, he’s “not out of custody anymore. He was brought back in earlier today.”

According to localcrimenews.com, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 240-pound Cordova-Cubias is Hispanic and has been arrested at least five other times for guns, drugs and violent crimes including battery and threats of violence, and receiving or concealing stolen property.

According to the Oakland Police, he was arrested in February 2020 “after a month-long investigation…charged…with possession of a firearm, possession of controlled substance, and possession of roughly 250 stolen power tools, worth an estimated $300,000. The suspect sold some of the items at flea markets in Oakland and San Jose.” (See video)

Case No. 01-26-04086 | The People of the State of California v. Wuillian Cordova-Cubias

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Oakland man, 3 juveniles arrested for 37 Concord vehicle and residential burglaries

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Concord burglary suspects in action and the arrest of one. Video screenshots source: Concord PD

4th juvenile already in jail

Also responsible for approximately 40 more burglaries in other cities; property valued at over $250,000

Multi-agency effort

By Concord Police Department

In May of 2026, the Concord Police Department’s Major Case Unit initiated an investigation into a vehicle and residential burglary series that occurred between late April and June. The suspects in these cases broke into vehicles, typically during the early morning hours, and would often use garage door openers located inside the vehicles to enter the associated garages in search of additional power tools.

In May of 2026, surveillance video captured the same suspects, armed with firearms, pointing a firearm at the interior door leading from the garage into a residence, in apparent anticipation of a homeowner exiting the residence. The suspects stole various power tools and, during one burglary, stole 14 firearms from a residential garage.

Also in May, a Concord Police officer located a possible suspect vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed, and a pursuit was initiated but later terminated due to public safety concerns.

During a subsequent burglary series in June, Concord PD officers located a different suspect vehicle, which fled from pursuing officers and eluded capture.

Items recovered of those stolen valued at over $250,000. Video screenshots source: Concord PD

In an additional, separate burglary series in June, the juveniles fled the scene of a burglary, became involved in a vehicle collision and fled on foot. The juveniles again eluded capture; however, another firearm was recovered.

In late June of 2026, working in conjunction with the Richmond Police Department, Concord PD detectives identified four juveniles believed to be involved in the burglaries. One of the juveniles was already in custody at Juvenile Hall for an unrelated incident that did not occur in the City of Concord. Arrest and search warrants were granted for the three remaining juveniles.

In July of 2026, simultaneous arrest and search warrants were executed by the Concord Police Department SWAT Team, with assistance from the Antioch Police Department, Pittsburg Police Department, Central County SWAT and the U.S. Marshals Service. All three outstanding suspects were arrested during the operation. During searches of their residences, two firearms stolen during a Concord burglary were recovered. A third stolen firearm was previously recovered by the Richmond Police Department during its investigation.

Ultimately, the suspects were identified as being responsible for 37 vehicle and residential burglaries in the City of Concord, as well as approximately 40 additional burglaries in various other cities throughout Contra Costa and Solano counties. The crimes also included multiple vehicle thefts, with the suspects using stolen vehicles to commit additional crimes.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed complaints against the three juveniles. Their names are not being released, consistent with state law.

Further investigation by Concord PD detectives showed the suspects communicated with 37-year-old Wuillian Cordova-Cubias of Oakland. Cordova-Cubias was identified as purchasing tools from the suspects on multiple occasions, often immediately following the burglaries.

Stolen firearms recovered. Video screenshots source: Concord PD

An arrest warrant for Cordova-Cubias and a search warrant for his residence were sought and granted. With assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and the Oakland Police Department, Concord PD detectives arrested Cordova-Cubias at his residence in Oakland. During a search of the residence, detectives located an extremely large quantity of power tools, a stolen ATV, a stolen forklift, an unregistered firearm, and numerous other high-value items. The property was valued at approximately $250,000.

On Friday, August 7, 2026, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office Organized Retail Theft Unit filed criminal charges against Cordova-Cubias for the following:

Penal Code § 496(a) – Receiving Stolen Property

Penal Code § 496d(a) – Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle

Penal Code § 182(a) – Conspiracy to Commit a Crime

Penal Code § 29805(c) – Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm

Cordova-Cubias was booked into the Concord Police Department Jail and transferred to the Martinez Detention Facility. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, as of Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at 09:28 AM he had bonded out of custody. UPDATE: However, according to Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office PIO Ted Asregadoo, Cordova-Cubias “not out of custody anymore. He was brought back in earlier today,” Friday, Aug. 7.

The Concord Police Department remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to combat crime throughout our region. Multiple agencies assisted with this investigation, including:

Richmond, Antioch, Pittsburg and Oakland Police Departments, Central County SWAT, U.S. Marshals Service, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

According to localcrimenews.com, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 240-pound Cordova-Cubias is Hispanic and has been arrested at least five other times for guns, drugs and violent crimes including battery and threats of violence, as well as receiving or concealing stolen property.

For additional information, please visit the Concord Police Department’s social media platforms for a video overview of the investigation. (Instagram: @ConcordPD).

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Concord man sentenced to 18 years in prison for violent extortion scheme, shooting at federal officers

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Suspect mailed and made other threats, also conspired with co-defendant to distribute controlled substances, maintain drug lab in Richmond

By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California

OAKLAND – Joel Rowland Dowen was sentenced today, Friday, August 7, 2026, to eighteen years in federal prison, for engaging in a violent extortion scheme, shooting at a federal officer, drug dealing and bank fraud.  Co-defendant Micah-Luc Almeida was sentenced to three years in federal prison for conspiring to deal drugs with Dowen.  United States District Judge Jon S. Tigar handed down the sentence. He faced a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison on each of the three charges against him.

Dowen, 46, of Concord, California, and Almeida, 47, of San Francisco, California were indicted in a superseding indictment by a federal grand jury on March 26, 2024.  As previously reported, Dowen was charged with mailing threatening communications with intent to extort, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 376(b) and assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 111(b); both Dowen and Almeida were charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA); and Almeida was additionally charged with possession with intent to distribute MDA, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1).  Dowen was separately charged in 2025 with bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1344.  The defendants pleaded guilty to all counts.

In their plea agreements, Dowen and Almeida admitted that from 2020 to 2024 they conspired to manufacture and distribute large quantities of federally controlled substances, including MDA and psilocin.  Dowen and Almeida maintained a drug manufacturing laboratory in Richmond, California, from where law enforcement seized hundreds of kilograms of waste material from attempted drug manufacturing.

Dowen also admitted to engaging in a pattern of threats and violence against a victim and their family to extort the victim for millions of dollars and a drug-manufacturing recipe.  Dowen arranged for three individuals to violently assault the victim’s elderly father (then 80 years old) in his home, causing life-threatening injuries.  After the assault, Dowen continued to threaten the victim and other members of the victim’s family and set the victim’s home on fire. When law enforcement came to arrest Dowen in 2024, he shot at them with a handgun through the front door as they were breaching the entrance, hitting one DEA agent’s protective shield.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and DEA Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris made the announcement.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Tigar sentenced both Dowen and Almeida to a 3-year period of supervised release.

The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Organized Crime Section.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Lina Peng and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Karmel handled the case, with assistance from Legal Administrative Specialist Sara Slattery and Legal Assistant Freya Picciotto. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DEA, IRS-CI (Criminal Investigations), ATF, FBI, HIS (Homeland Security Investigations) and U.S. Postal Inspectors, with the assistance of the Concord Police Department.

According to localcrimenews.com, Dowen is white, five-foot, seven-inches tall and weighs 280-pounds.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Martinez man arrested in Pleasant Hill for residential burglary

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Burglary suspect Vincent J Delgado was arrested on Aug. 5. 2026. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

37-year-old Vincent Jeremy Delgado has a history of arrests

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Wednesday afternoon, August 5, 2026, Pleasant Hill Police Patrol officers responded to the report of a possible residential burglary in progress in the area of Gail Drive and Bridgewater Way. The homeowner advised they were seeing an unknown subject and animal inside their residence via a surveillance camera. Officers responded to the area and while setting up a perimeter, they contacted a male suspect and his dog fleeing the residence from the rear yard.

Vincent Jeremy Delgado, 37 years old of Martinez (born 10/26/1988) was quickly detained while officers conducted their investigation. With the help of our Patrol Drone Team as well as a Pittsburg PD K-9, the residence was cleared and officers confirmed Delgado had forced his way into the residence. Delgado was later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on Burglary charges!

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 185-pound Delgado is Hispanic and is being held in the West County Detention Facility with bail set at $50,000 but on a no bail Parole Hold.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has history of arrests dating back to 2015 for burglary, drug charges, receiving or concealing stolen property, vandalism of $5,000 or more, the manufacture, import or sale of Nunchucks and carrying a concealed dirk or dagger.

This investigation was a great example of collaboration between our residents, patrol teams, and outside agencies. Thanks for the assist, Pittsburg Police!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

County Clerk-Recorder’s Office offers destination wedding event at Cobra Experience Museum Aug. 7

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Photos: Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder’s Office

By Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department 

Martinez, CA – Love is hitting the fast lane this summer. The Contra Costa County Clerk‑Recorder’s Office is excited to announce a special Destination Wedding Event at the iconic Cobra Experience Museum in Martinez on Friday, August 7, 2026. Ride into forever at this very special location.

The Cobra Experience Museum, known for its stunning collection of Shelby American classics—offers a bold, elegant automotive backdrop for couples ready to begin their journey together. Amid beautifully restored cars and the museum’s dynamic atmosphere, couples will exchange vows in a venue that blends romance with horsepower.

Event Details

  • Date: Friday, August 7, 2026
  • Location: Cobra Experience Museum, Martinez, CA
  • Appointments: Limited appointments available — call 925‑335‑7900 to reserve.

“Weddings mark the beginning of a lifelong adventure, and this year’s event at the Cobra Experience Museum captures that spirit perfectly,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk‑Recorder and Commissioner of Marriages. “Our team is excited to partner with this very special location in our county to provide an affordable, unique wedding experience.”

Whether planning an intimate elopement or a vow renewal, the Clerk‑Recorder’s staff will ensure a seamless, memorable experience for couples and up to 20 of their friends and family. Spaces are limited and filling quickly, so don’t wait to reserve your appointment.

How to Reserve

To schedule your wedding or vow renewal, contact the Contra Costa County Clerk‑Recorder’s Office at 925‑335‑7900. Staff will assist with appointment scheduling and answer any questions.

Couples must purchase a license before their ceremony appointment at the County Clerk‑Recorder’s office in Martinez.

Fees

  • Public Marriage License: $95
  • Confidential Marriage License: $100
  • Destination Wedding Ceremony Fee: $120

Pleasant Hill Police make 57 arrests in June, three for DUI

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Source: PHPD

Provide more stats

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

The Pleasant Hill Police Department is back to provide you with a look at some of the police activity that took place in our city in June 2026.

A total of 2,032 calls for service were received. That makes 14,329 total incidents or calls for service in 2026. That’s 17.8% more calls for service, compared to this time last year.

A total of 263 cases were taken resulting in 57 arrests with three for DUI. 100% of the arrests involved adults and 30% were felonies.

Pleasant Hill Property & Personal Crimes June 2026. Source: PHPD

There were 80 larcenies, eight auto thefts, two robberies, two business burglaries and one residential burglary. Larcenies include shoplifting, theft from a car, bike theft, purse snatch, etc.

A total of 173 citations were issued, 46% were hazardous, 54% non-hazardous.

We’ll continue sharing this information monthly on social media, but for a more extensive look at our crime stats, please visit our website at www.phillca.gov/1384/Crime-Statistics.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

SFPD’s Violence Reduction Team releases video of multiple arrests in Contra Costa

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Items were seen being tossed from the second suspect vehicle believed to be evidence from the robbery before being stopped. Video screenshots. Source: SFPD

Following gang-related armed jewelry store robbery

By San Francisco Police Department

San Francisco, CA — An investigation by the San Francisco Police Department’s Violence Reduction Team (VRT) into a series of gang-related homicides led to the arrest of multiple suspects and the recovery of firearms after investigators coordinated with regional law enforcement agencies following an alleged armed jewelry store robbery in Contra Costa County.

During June 2026, VRT investigators were conducting surveillance as part of an ongoing investigation into multiple gang-related homicides and efforts to prevent additional acts of violence. During the investigation, officers observed several armed individuals exit a vehicle in San Francisco carrying firearms, including assault-style rifles. Based on their observations, investigators believed the group was preparing to target rival gang members. Detectives continued monitoring the suspects and identified several individuals known to investigators.

On June 28, 2026, investigators observed the group travel to Concord, where they allegedly committed an armed jewelry store robbery inside the Sunvalley mall. As previously reported, according to Concord Police, “Officers arrived on scene and learned that at least four suspects had smashed display cases at the Banter jewelry kiosk and pepper sprayed a patron during the commission of the robbery. The suspects fled the area prior to officers’ arrival.”

Following the robbery, the suspects switched vehicles in an apparent attempt to evade law enforcement. Investigators coordinated a regional enforcement operation to safely apprehend those involved.

The suspect in Richmond fled on foot but was quickly apprehended. Video screenshot. Source: SFPD

In Richmond, California, during the surveillance, one suspect was seen exiting a vehicle and entered a second SUV. When officers attempted to detain him, he fled on foot before being quickly taken into custody. A subsequent search of the SUV resulted in the recovery of a handgun, an assault-style rifle, ammunition, and additional evidence believed to be connected to the investigation.

Meanwhile, investigators continued tracking a second vehicle with the assistance of law enforcement drones. Officers observed occupants allegedly discarding items from the vehicle that investigators believe were evidence from the robbery. The vehicle was ultimately stopped, and officers conducted a felony stop, safely taking the occupants into custody without further incident.

In total, multiple suspects were arrested during the coordinated operation.

As the investigation continued, detectives served search warrants at residences in Richmond and Oakland associated with the suspects, recovering additional evidence.

An assault-style weapon discovered during searches of one of the homes following the arrests. Video screenshot. Source: SFPD

The case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration on the following arrested individuals, who were charged:

  • Cameron Haynes, 21-year-old, San Francsico
  • Terry Franklin, 29-year-old, San Francisco / Daly City
  • Lavar Kent, 18-year-old, San Francisco
  • Eric Howard, 18-year-old, San Francisco
  • Teric Howard, 20-year-old, San Francisco

Concord Police posted on their Facebook page, “Once again, the Concord Police Department remains committed to partnering with our allied law enforcement agencies to bring those who come into our community and commit crime to justice. We are thankful for SFPD’s partnership!”

See related video.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the San Francisco Police Department at 415-575-4444 or submit tips anonymously through the SFPD Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or by texting TIP411 and beginning the message with “SFPD.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Two juveniles arrested for June robbery inside Sun Valley mall near Macy’s

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By Concord Police Department

As previously reported, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at approximately 3:12 p.m., Concord Police Department officers responded to a report of a robbery at Sunvalley Shopping Center.

The incident occurred inside the mall near Macy’s Women’s store. Two masked male suspects approached the victim and grabbed his necklaces. A physical struggle occurred, and the suspects fled from the mall with the victim’s necklaces.

The victim sustained minor injuries as a result of the confrontation.

July 2, 2026 – Two suspects were identified in this case and arrested by the Concord Police Department. The suspects were juveniles and as such their names are not being released at this time.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed felony charges against the two juveniles.

This incident is not related to the recent press release regarding the jewelry store robbery inside Sun Valley mall on June 28.