Contra Costa Herald

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

Central Contra Costa serial burglary suspect in custody

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Merced County man being held on $250,000 bail

By Jimmy Lee, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

Gilbert Ramirez. Photo: Merced County Sheriff’s Department

In the past few months, several homes in Central Contra Costa County were burglarized resulting in losses in excess of $300,000 of property that included jewelry, purses, and weapons.

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff investigating the burglaries identified a suspect. They obtained an arrest warrant for him, and search warrants for his residence and vehicles associated with the burglaries. Other law enforcement agencies in the Bay Area are also determining if the same suspect is connected to burglaries in their jurisdictions.

On January 25, 2024, as part of the continuing investigation, detectives found the suspect driving north on I-5 near Corning, California. They requested the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office to attempt a traffic stop on the vehicle, which did not yield and led them on a pursuit. The California Highway Patrol assisted during the pursuit. The vehicle eventually crashed, and the suspect fled on foot. He was subsequently located and arrested.

The suspect is identified as 26-year-old Gilberto Ramirez of Merced, CA. He is currently being held in Merced County jail on charges that include burglary, felony evasion and weapons violations. A juvenile who was in the vehicle was also taken into custody. She is not being identified.

According to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, the 5-foot, 7-inch, 130 lb. Ramirez, who also uses the last name Cruz, is being held on $250,000 bail and was also charged with hit-and-run. The weapons violations include two counts of felon or addict in possession of a firearm and prohibited person owning or possessing ammunition.

Search warrants were served at various locations where property believed to be taken from the Contra Costa County burglaries was found. Detectives are identifying the property and working to return it to their rightful owners. The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff would like to thank the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office and CHP for their assistance in apprehending the suspect.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Martinez: Main Street Arts presents new member’s work of SF Bay Area coastal areas, towns Feb. 2

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Sonoma Coast and Trinidad Bluffs by Dean Evans.

Dean Evans

Main Street Arts welcomes its newest member Dean Evans. His work focuses on the coastal areas and towns that surround the San Francisco Bay. Evans seeks out the parts of the Bay that haven’t been affected too much and still retain some of the area’s uniqueness.

“Making paintings of these places is the best way I have to share my interest in their disappearing character and also preserves something of my past,” Evans said. “I grew up in the area and have seen many dramatic changes there. Now, I find myself seeking out the parts that haven’t been affected too much and still retain some of the area’s uniqueness. Making paintings of these places is the best way I have to share my interest in their disappearing character and also preserve something of my past.”

We will be open on February 2 from 6 to 9pm during Martinez First Fridays so you can be the first to view these beautiful and outstanding expressions of the Bay. A preview of the show is available at www.mainstreetarts.net.

The California Watercolor Association exhibit continues to February 25. After that we will have Assemblage Artist, Dave Kwinter’s work on our guest wall, and we invite the public to his reception on March 1 from 6 to 9pm during the Martinez First Fridays event

Hope Valley and Black Steer by Dean Evans.

While you are visiting the gallery don’t forget to sign up for our monthly drawing for a free piece of work from one of our eleven members. December’s drawing offered an original abstract by Mimi Wirth. January’s drawing is offering a gorgeous Asian themed painting by Eric Carlstrom. February will highlight an original work by Bonnie Fry.

February is the month for Valentines Day! How about giving a gift that will last forever? Make it something so special like an original piece of art.

Main Street Arts is located at 613 Main Street in Martinez. We are open Wednesday through Saturday from 1:00am to 4:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

From all of us at Main Street Arts, have a great 2024!

 

Felony vehicle alert results in stolen gun recovered in Concord

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Photos: Concord PD

By Concord Police Department

Responding to a felony vehicle alert, a graveyard officer located the suspect’s vehicle near our downtown area. Following a high-risk stop, the driver was taken into custody.

But the story doesn’t end there! During the arrest, officers uncovered a stolen, loaded firearm with extended magazines. This quick and decisive action undoubtedly prevented a potential threat to our community.

Brentwood man arrested for vandalizing same Pleasant Hill store twice

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Damage to front door of the Pleasant Hill Ace store. Photo: PHPD

Upset about return policy; has history of arrests since 2018 including 3 times in 2023

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Ace isn’t the place for this crook.

On Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, and Wednesday, Jan, 3, 2024, our officers discovered the front door glass of Ace Hardware (on Contra Costa Blvd.) shattered, causing thousands of dollars of damage to the business. On both occasions, further examination showed that it was due to a BB gun being shot at the business.

After an investigation, we identified and arrested Joseph Alan Gardemeyer, age 40 of Brentwood, on Jan. 3, 2024, who was apparently upset about Ace’s return policy. Gardemeyer was booked into county jail on felony vandalism charges.

Joe Gardemeyer from his Facebook page posted on July 31, 2022, and from his LinkedIn profile.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the 6’2”, 175-lb. Hispanic man (born Feb. 18, 2023) is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail and his next Superior Court appearance is scheduled for January 8, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.

According to localcrimenews.com, Gardemeyer has a history of arrests dating back to 2018 by San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department in Sept. 2023 for theft of an $8,000 electric mountain bike, Antioch PD and Pleasant Hill PD, including two more times last year, for crimes including possession of a controlled substance, possession of burglar’s tools, petty theft, receiving or concealing stolen property, resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer, attempted robbery, burglary, grand theft and revocation of probation.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

One driver dies in 3-car crash on I-680 near Concord Avenue Friday night

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CHP seeks help from any witnesses

By CHP – Contra Costa

Last night (Friday, Jan. 5, 2024) at 9:52pm, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a crash on southbound I-680 near Concord Avenue. Our preliminary investigation indicates a black Honda Pilot was traveling southbound on I-680 when it collided with the concrete center divide and became disabled in the lanes of traffic. A white Chevrolet 2500 was traveling southbound and was unable to avoid the disabled Honda and collided with the vehicle. A third vehicle, a Tesla, was also involved in the crash.

The driver of the Honda sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The passenger was not injured. The drivers of the Chevrolet and the Tesla were not injured. This crash is still under investigation.

If anyone witnessed this or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.

 

Clayton woman arrested for domestic violence New Year’s Eve

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Mozelle Cherwin in a photo posted on her Facebook page on Aug. 2, 2023.

Second time since Oct. 2022

By Allen D. Payton

According to the Clayton Police Department’s weekly report, on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, at 7:48 p.m., officers responded to a call for service on Frank Place and arrested 50-year-old Mozelle Hasselfeld Cherwin, born 06/01/73, for battery of a spouse, ex-spouse, cohabitant or date (243(E)(1) PC).

She was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking. According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Cherwin bonded out of custody on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024.

According to information on Cherwin’s Facebook page, she is married and according to localcrimenews.com, Cherwin was also arrested by Clayton Police on Oct. 16, 2022, for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant (273.5 PC).

Arrests for drug possession, DUI, warrant in Clayton

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Transient man arrested 21 times since 2017 for multiple crimes; Concord man arrested 8 times since 2021 including 4 times this year

By Sandy Johnson, Police Office Coordinator, Clayton Police Department

Clayton Police Department Activity Report Dec. 22-28, 2023

The dates and times shown indicate when the incident was reported to the Police Department.

ARRESTS:

5400 Clayton Roard.  Trespass: Obstruct Business Operation; Possess Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia.  A 38-year-old transient male was arrested after officers responded to a call for service.  He was transported to Concord Police Department for booking.  (12/24/23 – 9:49 AM) (Kelly, Jason; 12/12/85; 602.1 PC; 11364 H&S)

According to localcrimenews.com, Kelly has been arrested 21 times since Nov. 2017 by Clayton PD, Concord PD and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for multiple drug crimes, grand theft, burglary, vandalism, receiving or concealing stolen property and resisting arrest.

Jacob Hupe in a photo posted on his Facebook page on April 29, 2023.

Oakhurst Drive/Yolanda Circle.  Driving Under the Influence – Alcohol.  A 37-year-old Concord male was arrested after officers responded to a call for service.  He was transported to Concord Police Department for booking.  (12/26/23 – 2:27 AM) (Penero, Joenar; 03/03/86; 23152(A) VC)

5400 Clayton Road.  Warrant.  A 33-year-old Concord male was arrested after being contacted by officers.  He was transported to Martinez Detention Facility for booking.  (12/27/23 – 3:32 AM) (Hupe, Jacob Dylan; 10/14/90; Warrant)

According to localcrimenews.com, Hupe has been arrested eight times since Sept. 2021, including four times this year, by Concord PD, Citrus Heights PD, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department and Placer County Sheriff’s Department on drug charges, auto theft, possession of burglar’s tools, illegal possession of ammunition and carrying a concealed dirk or dagger. According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Dep’t. he was cite released and out of custody.

VANDALISM:

Golden Eagle Place.  (12/26/23 – 6:44 PM)

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Vallejo man arrested for shoplifting in Pleasant Hill

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Jared Michael Theobald arrested and the gun tossed in the bushes on Dec. 18, 2023. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

Driving stolen car, had felony warrant, meth and heroin, loaded gun with hollow point rounds

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Nice catch by our graveyard officers!

Last night, Dec. 18, 2023, our officers responded to Kohl’s to assist loss prevention employees in deterring a couple of shoplifters. It was also determined that the suspects drove up in a stolen car. As our officers went to contact the male suspect, he took off running and tried to hide and disguise his appearance. Unfortunately for him, he was quickly located in a business pretending to order a pizza.

He was identified as Jared Michael Theobald of Vallejo, age 41. Theobald was discovered to have a felony warrant as well and was in possession of a substantial amount of methamphetamine and heroin. Officers scoured the area for a Nike bag Theobald was seen carrying earlier. It was eventually located dumped in a planter and contained a 9mm pistol loaded with hollow point rounds. Theobald was booked into county jail on multiple felonies. His female companion cooperated with officers and was eventually release from the scene.

We work closely with retail loss prevention, many times resulting in arrests for crimes that go beyond shoplifting. Good work by all involved!

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Theobald was transferred to another facility and according to the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, he is out of custody on general release as of Dec. 22.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Pittsburg man arrested for Walnut Creek burglaries

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Source: Walnut Creek PD

Suspect has history of arrests dating to 2017

By Walnut Creek Police Department

Darrell Lipston in a photo posted on his Facebook page on Feb. 28, 2023.

On December 14th, 2023, Walnut Creek Police arrested 41-year-old Darrell Demone Lipston (born Dec. 2, 1982) for residential burglary, conspiracy, possession of stolen property and violation of probation after committing several burglaries in the 100 block of Pringle Avenue.

Patrol Officers (Patrol Team 5) immediately obtained leads and, with the assistance of the Investigations Bureau, conducted a probation search of Lipston’s residence in Pittsburg. The search revealed that Lipston was in possession of all the stolen property connected to these burglaries. WCPD arrested Lipston, transported him, and booked him at the Martinez Detention Facility. WCPD Patrol officers returned the stolen property to the grateful victims.

On December 18th, 2023, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed the following charges against Lipston for the burglaries:

PC 459: Residential Burglary (six counts), PC 487(a): Grand Theft (three counts) and PC 594(a): Vandalism (four counts).

The employees of the Walnut Creek Police Department are committed to ensuring the safety of our community through proactive enforcement of the law, the use of technology, and relentless investigation of crimes.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Lipston is being held on no bail and his next court hearing is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2024, at 8:30 a.m.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to January 2, 2017, by multiple agencies including Antioch PD, Concord PD, Walnut Creek PD and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for receiving or concealing stolen property, burglary, possession of ammunition, possession of narcotic controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and receiving stolen property – motor vehicle.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Richmond woman’s fatal DUI crash on Hwy 4 near Martinez takes life of her 5-year-old

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Shakela Janey Dominick and her daughter in photos posted to her Facebook page on (left) Jan. 16, 2022, and (right) Nov. 1, 2018.

Also injured another passenger, an 11-year-old boy; driver also arrested for manslaughter, charged with 5 felonies

By Allen D. Payton

According to CHP – Contra Costa, early Sunday morning, Dec. 17 ,2023, at 12:06 am, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a solo vehicle traffic crash on westbound Hwy 4 near Morello Avenue. Our preliminary investigation indicates a grey Honda CR-V was occupied by one adult driver and two children and traveling westbound on Hwy 4. The driver lost control of the vehicle and the Honda left the roadway and collided with a tree.

The driver, identified in court records as Shakela Janey Dominick, 32, of Richmond, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to the hospital. An 11-year-old passenger sustained major, life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital. A 5-year-old passenger, Dearri Shula of Richmond, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

During the on-scene investigation, it was determined Dearri was not properly restrained in a child seat. Furthermore, Officers arrived at the hospital to conduct a DUI investigation and Dominick, who earlier was reported to be the mother of both children, was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence and manslaughter. But it was later learned the 11-year-old is a boy and not her son.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, she is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $400,000 bail.

According to Contra Costa DA spokesman Ted Asregadoo, Dominick was arraigned Thursday afternoon, Dec. 21 and during the court hearing, a bail reduction request by the defense from $400,000 to $100,000 was denied by the judge and that her blood alcohol level was 0.16 to 0.17 percent.

She was charged with five felonies for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated with one enhancement for bodily injury to more than one victim; driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury with three enhancements, two for great bodily injury and one for bodily injury to more than one victim; driving with a .08% Blood Alcohol Content causing injury with the same three enhancements; and two counts of child abuse. Dominick faces up to three years in state prison for each charge. 01-23-03987 – Shakela Janey Dominick Charging Document

A preliminary hearing was set for Dec. 29 at 8:30 am with Judge Jennifer Lee in Department 25 in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Dominick was arrested by Vacaville Police in October 2020 for shoplifting.

This crash is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to mailto:320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.