Contra Costa Herald

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

Nearly 50 gunshots at Pleasant Hill hotel early Sunday morning

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Residence Inn Pleasant Hill. From their website.

By Sgt. Janayla Pierson, Pleasant Hill Police Department

On June 2nd at 01:00 AM, officers were dispatched to a report of shots fired at the Residence Inn located at 700 Ellinwood Way. A large number of people were leaving the area when officers arrived. Nearly fifty casings were located in the parking lot where numerous vehicles were struck and a round was fired into an occupied room. There were no injuries reported. The investigation is ongoing.

According to a KRON4 news report a party was going on in the room. But authorities do not know yet if there was a connection between the party and the shooting.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Department at (925) 288-4600.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Fatal crash on I-680 in Walnut Creek takes life of San Ramon man Monday morning

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By CHP-Contra Costa

At just about noon today, approximately 11:53am, Contra Costa CHP received a call of a two-vehicle collision on I-680, just north of the North Main Street off ramp in Walnut Creek. Upon CHP and emergency personnel arrival, a black 1974 Porsche was involved in a collision with a black Jeep SUV. The driver of the Porsche (63-year-old man from San Ramon) was unresponsive and quickly transported to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek.

Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The Contra Costa County Sheriffs Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased man.

The two occupants of the Jeep sustained only minor injuries, complaints of pain, and were not transported. The cause of the collision is still under investigation. There was a SigAlert issued and the #1, 2, & 3 lanes of I-680 at this location were closed but the roadway has been completely reopened as of 2:00 pm.

Alcohol or drugs were not involved in this collision. If anyone has information regarding this collision or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP at (925) 646-4980.

Construction to begin on Marsh Creek Road Monday

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The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will begin construction of the Marsh Creek Road Traffic Safety Improvements project. The project will consist of installing a centerline rumble strip, restriping of the centerline, and traffic sign replacement and upgrades along the 14-mile stretch of Marsh Creek Road between the Cities of Clayton and Brentwood. Improvements will also include a streetlight installation on a wooden pole, and two solar flashing beacons at the intersection of Marsh Creek Road and Deer Valley Road.

Construction will begin on Monday, May 20, 2019, with completion by July 1, 2019, barring unforeseen circumstances. Drivers can expect traffic delays up to 30 minutes. Work hours will be 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to minimize impacts to commute traffic.

Funding for this project is gas tax revenues provided by the SB1 Road Repair and Accountability Act and the Highway Safety Improvement Program funds. More information for this project can be found at http://www.cccounty.us/pwdmap.

Construction on Kirker Pass Road truck climbing lane project to begin May 13

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Kirker Pass Road truck climbing lane project. By CCC Public Works.

Contra Costa County Public Works will begin construction on the Kirker Pass Road Northbound Truck Climbing Lane Project. The project will improve safety and reduce congestion along Kirker Pass Road from the Concord Pavilion to the northern Hess Road intersection by constructing a truck climbing lane in the northbound direction. Pavement widening will occur on the east side of the roadway to provide a 12-foot truck lane and eight-foot paved shoulder. Widening will require construction of six retaining walls adjacent to the roadway. The project also includes paving both the north and southbound lanes between the City of Concord/County limits to approximately 4,200 feet north of North Hess Road.

Construction will begin on Monday, May 13, 2019, with completion in the Spring of 2020, barring unforeseen circumstances. Construction operations will be scheduled to minimize impacts to commute traffic.

Funding for this project is provided by Measure J, State Transportation Improvement Program, State Match, Local Streets and Road Program, and gas tax revenues provided by the SB1 Road Repair and Accountability Act. More information for this project can be found at http://www.cccounty.us/pwdmap.

Concord man found with 10 dogs in wire crates, one dead arrested for felony animal cruelty

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One of the dogs in a wire crate, Jeremiah Weberling and the trailer that housed the 10 dogs. Photos: Concord PD

By Concord Police Department

On Thursday, a concerned community member called the Concord Police Department reporting that there were three or four dogs “going crazy” inside of a travel trailer that was parked on the street. When Officers arrived on scene, they saw a small dog standing inside by the open trailer door. The dog was barking, panting heavily, and its fur appeared matted and wet. From outside, the officer was able to see that the trailer was filthy and stacked with various items that were almost touching the ceiling in some places.

Shortly after arriving on scene, Officers were able to find the registered owner of the trailer, Jeremiah Weberling, who admitted the dogs belonged to him and that he used the trailer as a mobile “dog house.” Concerned for the well-being of the other dogs inside, an officer stepped in the trailer and saw five more dogs in wire crates. None of the pups appeared to have any water or food and looked to be in poor health. The condition of the trailer was so bad that the officer was only able to take a couple steps before having to go back outside. After seeing the poor condition of the trailer and the dogs, the investigating Officer placed Weberling under arrest for animal cruelty and requested Contra Costa County Animal Services respond to the scene.

Animal Services arrived at the location and a total of ten dogs were found; one of whom was dead. Since all of the other nine dogs were in such poor health, Animal Control brought them to a local emergency vet for treatment. Unfortunately, two of the dogs were so sick and injured they had to be euthanized; the remaining seven are expected to survive.

We know that these cases are extremely sad and difficult to even read. This is a reminder that animal abuse is a very serious crime. Today, the District Attorney’s Office filed ten charges of felony animal cruelty against Weberling and he will remain in jail on a $100,000 bail. There is no word yet on if or when the other seven dogs can be adopted, but we will let you know as soon as we hear.

Man arrested for breaking into Concord City Hall, stealing suit Wednesday

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Jesse Maron arrested in the suit he allegedly stole from Concord City Hall on Wednesday, April 24, 2019. Photo by CPD

From Concord Police Department Facebook page

On April 24th, Concord Police Officer’s responded to an alarm activation call at City Hall at 5:00 am. It was determined that a break in and burglary just occurred. Officers searched the area and found the suspect, later identified as Jesse Marron, near the Library. When officers tried to detain Marron, he assaulted several PD personnel. He was arrested and found to be in possession of stolen property from the building. He was also in possession of drug paraphernalia.

Images of Marron breaking into the building were captured on the surveillance system. The District Attorney’s Office has charged Marron with several crimes, including Burglary, Possession of Stolen Property, Obstructing an Officer in the Performance of Their Duties, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Marron remains in county jail.

Since many of our followers are commenting on how well Mr. Marron is dressed, we just wanted to let you know that the suit he is wearing was also stolen during the burglary.

Man pleads guilty for pandering from 2018 Concord human trafficking sting operation

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By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County District Attorney

On April 24, 2019, Lawrence Taylor pleaded guilty to pandering and agreed to accept a sentence of four years state prison. The Hon. Judge Patricia Scanlon accepted his guilty plea and will impose sentence on May 1, along with a criminal court protective order barring Taylor from having contact with the victim for a period of 10 years.

On March 10, 2018, Taylor was arrested as part of a law enforcement operation conducted by the Concord Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigations’ Safe Streets Task Force and the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. The operation was designed to identify and apprehend individuals using online dating sites to exploit women for purposes of prostitution and also to connect the women to services and support.

Taylor, who was on parole for armed robbery, was apprehended after driving with the victim to a hotel where she had a pre-arranged “date” with an undercover officer. He was found to be in possession of two cell phones. The victim was immediately connected to a Human Trafficking Advocate from the District Attorney’s Office and offered services and support.

Forensic analysis of cell phones seized in the case showed that Taylor had been encouraging the victim to work as a street prostitute and also to prostitute through posting internet ads like the one involved on this night.

“Collaborative enforcement operations such as these are key to identifying exploiters in our community, holding them accountable for their crimes, and giving victims an opportunity to connect to services and support,” said Human Trafficking Unit Supervisor Dana Filkowski. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Jay Melaas and Filkowski.

“The Concord Police Department is committed to working with our justice and victim-service providers to end sex trafficking and exploitation in our community,” added Concord Police Sergeant Jeff Ross, who participated in the enforcement event. “We will continue to organize and implement investigative strategies such as this.”

If you or someone you know is being pressured to engage in prostitution to benefit or help support another person, help is only a phone call away. Contact Community Violence Solutions at 800-670-7273 to speak to a confidential counselor. Or visit the Contra Costa Family Justice Centers in Richmond or Concord to talk to a Navigator about a variety of services and support available right here in Contra Costa County. The Family Justice Centers are a family-friendly one-stop center serving victims of human trafficking, domestic violence and other types of interpersonal violence. No appointment is needed, and the centers are located at 256 24th Street in Richmond or 2151 Salvio St., Suite. 201 in Concord.

To learn more about human trafficking in Contra Costa County, visit the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Coalition’s webpage at www.contracostacoalition.org

Case information: People v. Lawrence Laquontia Taylor, Docket 05-182046-3

El Cerrito woman identified as inmate who died at Martinez Detention Facility Saturday

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Arrested for domestic violence by El Cerrito Police Friday night

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

The investigation into yesterday’s in custody death is ongoing. Per the in custody fatal incident protocol, the investigation is being conducted by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Sheriff.

The inmate is identified as 36-year old Maria Barraza of El Cerrito. She was arrested by the El Cerrito Police Department for domestic violence and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility at about 10:39 PM on April 12, 2019.

The next morning at about 3:31 A.M., Deputy Sheriffs responded to the women’s holding area in Intake and found that a female inmate, later identified as Barraza, had apparently hanged herself inside the bathroom

Medical staff at the jail responded immediately and began life saving measures. The fire department and an ambulance also responded. Barraza was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An autopsy is planned for tomorrow, Monday, April 15.

Pepper spray fight in Concord affects dozens of people Saturday night

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Emergency personnel at The Jungle in Concord to treat customers affected by a pepper spray fight Saturday evening, April 13, 2019. Photo by Concord PD.

By Concord Police Department

On Saturday, April 12, 2019 at 7:08 PM officers were sent to The Jungle (located in the Willows Shopping Center) for a report of a fight involving “5-10 young males and females”. Our Dispatch center then started receiving additional calls that pepper spray had also been used during the fight.

When we arrived, we learned that all of the involved parties in the fight had already left the scene. Approximately 25-30 customers (infants/minors and adults) came out after being exposed to the pepper spray, with some vomiting and complaining of difficulty breathing. Contra Costa Fire was immediately dispatched to check on the customers. Everyone affected at the scene was treated and released by medical personnel.

At this time we are still reviewing surveillance footage and talking to the patrons that were on scene. We do not have any suspect information to release at this time.

If you have any additional information about this altercation please contact our Dispatch Center at (925) 671-3241, or our anonymous tip line at (925) 603-5836.

Three arrested for stabbing 15-year-old boy while he tried to get cell phone back in Concord Thursday

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By Concord Police Department

On April 11th, 2019 at 2:47 P.M., Concord Police officers responded to a reported stabbing of a fifteen-year-old juvenile subject on Salvio Street. Investigation revealed that the victim had been approached by three adult males, one of whom asked to use the victim’s cell phone. After the victim gave his phone to this adult, all three walked away, having not returned the phone to the victim. The victim followed the three adults to a nearby parking garage, begging for his phone to be returned. As the adults entered a stairwell in the parking garage with the victim still following, the adults battered and stabbed the victim, causing significant injuries that were later determined not to be life threatening. The adults also stole the victim’s shoes and personal belongings before fleeing the area. The victim contacted the Concord Police Department and was transported to a nearby hospital.

Within a few hours, all three suspects were located by CPD officers and positively identified by the victim. Most of the victim’s personal property was recovered. Each suspect was charged with kidnapping, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and enhancements for participating in a street gang. All three suspects remain in county jail on nearly $300,000.00 bail.

As this investigation is ongoing, no additional information is being released at this time. CPD case #19-4869