Contra Costa Herald

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

Antioch teen, two men charged with March murder near Pleasant Hill are Tre-4 gang members

By 1 Comment

Also charged by DA for armed robbery, conspiracy

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney

Members of the Tre-4 street gang are being prosecuted by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office on murder, armed robbery, and conspiracy charges. Jalin Washington of San Francisco, Don Juan Defore Watson, Jr. of Antioch, and Amir Anderson-Roof (city unknown) all face charges for a series of crimes that include the killing of 20-year-old Basel Jilani of Lafayette on March 23, 2022. (See related articles here and here)

In that incident, the victim Jilani was chased by Washington and Watson after they spotted him driving a high-end Mercedes on the freeway in Concord. Jilani tried to elude his pursuers but crashed his vehicle on Taylor Boulevard near the border between Pleasant Hill and Lafayette. He was shot, killed, and robbed of his Rolex watch.

Washington, Watson, and Anderson-Roof are also at the center of several crimes in Bay Area in 2022 that include automobile thefts and armed robbery.

The People of the State of California v. Jalin Washington, Case Number: 01-22-01088

The People of the State of California v. Don Juan Defore Watson, Jr., Case Number: 01-22-01086

The People of the State of California v. Amir Anderson-Roof, Case Number: 01-22-01087

Antioch teen, SF man arrested for March murder near Pleasant Hill

By 1 Comment

Older suspect arrested in 2021 and last month on multiple gun, drug charges

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

On Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at about 10:45 AM, Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs served arrest warrants at a home on the 4800 block of Vinewood Way in Antioch. They arrested, without incident, 19-year-old Don-Juan Defore Watson of Antioch/San Francisco and 20-year-old Jalin Washington of San Francisco.

The two are suspects in the March 23, 2022, killing of 20-year-old Basel Jilani in the unincorporated area of Taylor Road and Gloria Terrace. (See related article)

Homicide detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division have worked continuously on the case identifying the two, who are also suspects in robberies in the Bay Area.

Watson was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility (MDF) on the following charges: murder, two counts of robbery, and conspiracy. He is being held without bail.

Washington was booked into MDF on the following charges: murder, two counts of robbery, conspiracy, burglary, felon in possession of a firearm, and allowing someone to discharge a firearm from his vehicle. He is being held without bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was previously arrested in March 2021 by San Francisco County Sheriff’s Department for being armed with a firearm during a felony, resisting / obstructing / delaying a Peace Officer, conspiracy to commit a crime, burglary, possession of burglar’s tools, receiving or concealing stolen property, carrying a loaded firearm on person or In a vehicle while in a public place, and carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle.

Washington was arrested again last month by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for possession of a narcotic controlled substance, possession of 28.5 grams or less of marijuana,
discharging a firearm in a negligent manner, possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm, concealed firearm – unregistered gun with ammunition, and
carrying a loaded concealed weapon.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Antioch teen charged for armed robberies in Walnut Creek, Danville

By 1 Comment

Part of street gang

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

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed three felony counts with enhancements against an Antioch man in connection with armed robberies in Walnut Creek and Danville. He was previously listed as a resident of San Jose. (See related article)

18-year-old Leon Cathay Fountain was arraigned in Martinez on July 7th. Fountain entered a plea of not guilty to one felony count with an enhancement for armed robbery on June 24, 2022, in Walnut Creek. Fountain also pleaded not guilty to two felony counts with three enhancements – which includes one gang enhancement – for armed robbery on July 1st at a Trader Joe’s parking lot in Danville. In both incidents, Fountain and a minor used an illegal AR-style assault firearm and other guns to steal Rolex watches. The robbery in Danville was carried out at the direction of the Klap street gang, who also told Fountain where to sell the watch. Authorities say the estimated value of the luxury timepieces is between 30-thousand and 40-thousand-dollars.

In both robberies, the perpetrators followed their victims in vehicles. When the victim reached a location and exited their vehicle, Fountain and one of the minors would surround them at gunpoint and demand they hand over their watches. In the Danville robbery, a Black Acura was used that witnesses said had a distinctive marking.

After detectives with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office got a description of the suspects and their vehicle from witnesses, they were apprehended by police at a residence in Antioch approximately two hours after the robbery at Trader Joe’s.

Fountain is currently in the Martinez Detention Facility. The minors are in Juvenile Hall and have been charged with Second-Degree Armed Robbery.

The People of the State of California v. Leon Cathay Fountain, Case Number: 01-22-00977

Contra Costa Deputy Sheriffs help save arrested man’s life Tuesday morning

By Leave a Comment

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

Narcan. Photo: CCCSO

Tuesday morning, July 19, 2022, at about 7:10, Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs at Martinez Detention Facility (MDF) intake were notified about an unconscious and unresponsive arrestee in the sally-port area.

The person, who was arrested by the San Pablo Police Department, was transported to MDF by a jailer, who attempted to revive the 40-year-old man before notifying deputies.

Deputies responded to the sally-port and provided two doses of Narcan, which is used in cases of suspected opioid overdose. Contra Cos-ta Health Services medical staff at MDF arrived and provided additional doses of Narcan.

The fire department and an ambulance responded to MDF. The arrestee was taken to Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez. The man later recovered and was dis-charged from the hospital this afternoon.

Concord Jazz Festival August 3-7

By Leave a Comment

Four days of free admission!

Don’t miss the 2022 Concord Jazz Festival! Celebrate Concord’s 50+ year jazz legacy with ‘Take 5’ – five days of special jazz performances and events at different locations around town from Wednesday, August 3 through Sunday, August 7.

RSVP NOW: https://bit.ly/3xmSLZP

Weds, Aug 3 – Jinx Jones at 2022 Concord Jazz Festival: The Veranda Unplugged. 6:30-8:00 pm, FREE ADMISSION

Thurs, Aug 4 – Carlos Reyes Music and Market, Todos Santos Plaza. 6:30-8:00 pm, FREE ADMISSION

Fri, Aug 5 – KJ Focus & Glib Rig at Concord Tap House. 5:00-7:00 pm, FREE ADMISSION

Sat, Aug 6 – Howard Wiley, Brian Ho Trio & Chaz Gunter at Jazz In the Park, Todos Santos Plaza. Marketplace and food trucks open at 12pm, and music starts at 1pm, FREE ADMISSION.

Sun, Aug 7 – Stratify & KJ Focus at Java and Jazz, Concord Museum & Event Center, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Admission: $15

Get your ticket: https://bit.ly/3ahvcZX

Each attendee gets a souvenir Concord Jazz Fest cup with unlimited iced coffee and iced tea (while supplies last). Proceeds goes to the Concord Historical Society.

Martinez man arrested, charged in sexual assaults in Central Contra Costa

By 1 Comment

Also charged with elder abuse; bail set at $8 million

By Jimmy Lee, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

Christopher David Owens. Photo: CCC Sheriff’s Office

Detectives from the Investigation Division of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff served a search warrant on July 7, 2022, at a residence in Martinez. At that time, they arrested 39-year-old Christopher David Owens of Martinez. Detectives identified Owens as the suspect in sexual assaults that occurred in the Pacheco area this year. During the investigation, detectives worked with other local law enforcement agencies, which identified Owens as a suspect in their cases. These include:

-A rape that occurred in Walnut Creek in March 2017

-A rape in Concord in August 2017

-An attempted rape in Pleasant Hill in October 2020

Owens was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on numerous sexual assault and other felony charges. He is currently being held in lieu of $8 million bail.

Detectives presented the case to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office on Monday, July 11, 2022. He was charged with numerous felonies to include three counts of rape, assault with intent to commit rape, forced oral copulation, sexual penetration by a foreign object, elder abuse, and sexual battery.

The cases remain under investigation. Detectives believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division. Detective A. Kotchevar can be reached at (925) 313-2623 or by email at: akotc@so.cccounty.us. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

According to localcrimenews.com, Owens was arrested by Walnut Creek Police in 2018 for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, and again, later that year by Martinez Police on an outstanding warrant.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Concord man charged with multiple felonies for attempted sex with minor

By Leave a Comment

Arrested in Danville park

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Office of the Contra Costa County District Attorney

A 43-year-old resident of Concord has been charged with nine felony counts related to arranging to meet a minor for sex.

On July 1, 2022, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Phillip Soliman Moussa. Police arrested Moussa in Danville on June 29, 2022, after he engaged in online communications with an individual he believed was a 14-year-old child. During the course of their communications, Moussa allegedly sent the minor a text requesting to meet at a park in Danville to engage in prohibited sex acts. When Moussa arrived at a park, he was arrested by police. He remains in the custody of the Contra Costa County Sheriff. His bail has been set at $675,000.

Moussa is scheduled to be arraigned on July 5, 2022, on the following charges: three counts of arranging to meet a minor for sex, three counts of online enticement of a minor, and three counts of attempted lewd acts with a child.

The case was investigated by the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. In Contra Costa County, detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Concord, and Moraga Police Departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, United States Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Contra Costa County Probation Department, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office participate in the task force.

Anyone with information about this case should contact Sheriff’s Detective Andreas Gianopoulos at 925-313-2621.

Parents are encouraged to discuss online safety with their children and can visit the website www.kidsmartz.org or the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s website for further information.

Case information: People v. Moussa Docket # 01-22-00955

Travis Credit Union to offer free youth financial education at Diablo Valley College July 8

By 4 Comments

Source: Travis Credit Union

Mad City Money Youth Financial Boot Camp

Adulting can be challenging when it comes to finances. That’s why Travis Credit Union (TCU) is offering an in-person Mad City Money Youth Financial Boot Camp, designed to prepare the next generation with personal finance skills for the workforce. All young adults between the ages of 12 – 18 are encouraged to attend and learn these financial skills that will last a lifetime.

Mad City Money is a three-and-a-half-hour simulation that gives young adults the chance to make decisions regarding budgeting, spending, and saving in an assigned-life scenario. For example, each participant will be given a temporary identity that includes an occupation, salary, debt, marital status, children, etc. The goal is to show the reality of financial responsibilities and equip them with the skills needed to make better financial decisions.

Travis Credit Union is offering a free Mad City Money event in Pleasant Hill.

July 8, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road.

Students will learn how to practice budgeting as an adult under realistic circumstances. They will be able to distinguish between good and poor financial decisions. and begin making good judgments regarding spending.

Admission to this event is free. To register, please visit traviscu.org/mad-city-money.

 

TreVista Senior Living and Memory Care welcomes author Jolene Brackey for a Zoom Event on June 28, 2022

By Leave a Comment

Brackey will offer tips to caregivers, friends and family of individuals with dementia

Antioch and Concord…Although it’s impossible to create a perfectly wonderful day, caregivers for those with dementia can create perfectly wonderful moments for those with memory loss. In an effort to assist caregivers as well as anyone who loves someone with dementia, TreVista Senior Living and Memory Care in Antioch and Concord are pleased to welcome Jolene Brackey, author of Creating Moments of Joy, for a special event. Brackey will discuss fun and simple ways to bring joy into every day for those with dementia. She will also answer questions from event attendees.

The zoom event will be held on June 28, 2022, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. (pacific). Those interested in attending should either Tamsen Meierdierck at TreVista Antioch at tmeierdierck@trevista-antioch.com or 925-470-3395 or Mike Bonifay at TreVista Concord at mbonifay@trevista-concord.com or 925-798-3900. Those who contact either individual will be added to the RSVP list and get a personalized zoom link. Those who attend the event live on zoom will get a free copy of Brackey’s book.

Brackey has shared her message of joy and inspiration with families and caregivers across North America for more than twenty years. A sought-after voice in the health care community, Brackey maintains an active speaking calendar. Passing on all she has learned from her travels and from her work with families and loved ones, her passion is to change the way people see people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. More information can be found at Jolene’s website, enhancedmoments.com.

For more information on TreVista, please visit trevistaseniorliving.com.

About TreVista

TreVista Senior Living and Memory Care provides expert, loving care for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. TreVista believes that the quality of life for those with memory loss can be enhanced in the right environment with their support. There are two TreVista communities, located in Antioch and Concord, CA. TreVista is a member of the Agemark Senior Living family of companies. Agemark has been an industry leader in creating home-like senior communities for more than three decades and has been named a Great Place to Work in Aging Services by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE magazine, three years running. For more information on TreVista, visit trevistaseniorliving.com. For more information on Agemark, visit www.agemark.com.

 

CHP helicopter rescues injured mountain biker on Mt. Diablo on Monday

By 2 Comments

CHP helicopter H-30 locates injured ATV rider on Mt. Diablo Monday morning, May 30, 2022. Photo: CHP-Golden Gate Division Air Operations

After rescuing another injured mountain biker in Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa

According to a post on the CHP-Golden Gate Division Air Operations’ Facebook page, Monday afternoon

“Earlier today, H-30 responded with CAL FIRE/Napa County Fire Department and AMR Napa County to report of an injured mountain biker in Skyline Park. H-30 located the patient and transported him to the trailhead for transport by ground ambulance.

H-30 departed that rescue and assisted Con Fire and San Ramon Valley Fire with an injured mountain biker on Mount Diablo. H-30 was able to locate the rider who was ejected off trail. H-30 landed near the rider and assisted until firefighters arrived at the scene. H-30 departed that rescue and headed to Milpitas for a third pending rescue.”