Contra Costa Herald

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

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West County: El Sobrante man arrested with $190K of stolen retail merchandise

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Stolen merchandise recovered at a home in El Sobrante on August 31, 2023. Photos: CHP

By CHP – Golden Gate Division

Investigators assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Golden Gate Division (GGD) Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) have recovered approximately $190,000 in stolen retail merchandise and approximately $24,000 in cash after serving a search warrant on a house in El Sobrante, Calif.

In July of 2023, ORCTF investigators were provided with information regarding a possible illegal fencing operation within the city of El Sobrante. It was alleged that after the theft of retail merchandise, the products were stored at a residence before being sold at various locations. An investigation was launched, and investigators soon had enough information to obtain a search warrant for the residence.

On Thursday, August 31, 2023, ORCTF and GGD Investigative Services Unit personnel executed the search warrant at the residence. Once inside, officers located stolen retail merchandise from Lululemon, CVS, Walgreens, Target, Rite Aid, Express, TJX, Ross, and Victoria’s Secret, among others. A preliminary estimate put the value of the recovered merchandise at over $190,000 and investigators also recovered over $24,000 in cash proceeds from the sale of the stolen merchandise.

The suspect, 52-year-old Ngoc Bui Bach of El Sobrante was booked into Contra Costa County jail on charges of 490.4 PC – Organized Retail Crime, 487(a) PC – Grand Theft, 496(a) PC – Possession of Stolen Property, and 182 PC – Conspiracy to Commit a Crime.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

 

CHP to participate in tri-state Labor Day Maximum Enforcement effort

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California, Nevada and Arizona form partnership ahead of holiday travel

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In a collaborative effort to help ensure the safety of all road users as they travel this Labor Day weekend, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP), and Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) are joining forces for a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP).  The tri-state enforcement initiative begins at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1, and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4.

As Labor Day weekend approaches, marking the traditional end of summer celebrations, many people are gearing up for holiday gatherings and road trips.  The CHP, NHP, and Arizona DPS are dedicated to ensuring everyone reaches their destinations safely, especially given the surge in traffic that typically accompanies holiday weekends.

Throughout the holiday weekend, while law enforcement will be looking for traffic violations and assisting motorists, a special emphasis will be placed on identifying and apprehending those suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs and/or alcohol.

“Alcohol-and drug-impaired driving continues to be a leading cause of traffic fatalities and injuries.  An impaired driver behind the wheel puts themselves and everyone on the road in great danger,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.  “The CHP, along with our partners in Nevada and Arizona are committed to proactive enforcement throughout the holiday weekend.  We will deploy all available personnel to ensure the highest level of safety for everyone traveling.”

Last year during the Labor Day MEP, CHP officers made more than 900 arrests for DUI, in addition to issuing nearly 5,700 speeding citations.  Sadly, 52 people were killed in crashes on California’s roads.

Avoid becoming a statistic and always designate a sober driver, utilize ride-share services, and always wear your seat belt.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

 

16-year-old suspect arrested after chase from Contra Costa to SF and back, striking CHP K9

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Photo by CHP.

By CHP – Golden Gate Division

A 16-year-old male is in custody after fleeing from a Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Deputy and striking a California Highway Patrol (CHP) canine.

On Friday, August 25, 2023, at approximately 3:20 p.m., officers assigned to the CHP’s Oakland Area Office were advised of a white Infinity sedan that had fled from CCSO Deputies.  The deputy had attempted to stop the vehicle on Hwy 4 in Hercules for a vehicle code violation, but the driver refused to stop and fled from the deputy.  After a brief pursuit, a CCSO helicopter arrived overhead, and the deputy discontinued his pursuit. Despite having no law enforcement pursuing him, the suspect continued driving recklessly, now traveling westbound on I-80 toward Oakland.  After crossing the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, the suspect exited into San Francisco and began driving recklessly on city streets.

A CHP helicopter arrived overhead shortly after the vehicle entered San Francisco and was able to provide updates to officers in the area.  At one point, the Infinity collided with other vehicles and came to a stop.  CHP officers nearby were on scene soon after and believed the suspect was now boxed in.  Believing the suspect might run from officers, a CHP officer retrieved his canine partner, Champ, from his vehicle.  As the officer prepared Champ for deployment, the suspect drove toward them, striking Champ and another vehicle.

The suspect re-entered the SFOBB and began traveling eastbound on I-80 toward Oakland.  Two CHP officers briefly attempted to stop the suspect vehicle as it traveled across the bridge but discontinued due to the suspect’s reckless disregard for the safety of others on the roadway.  A CHP helicopter continued following the suspect as he traveled into Richmond and eventually abandoned his vehicle near Booker T. Anderson Jr. Park.  The suspect ran into a nearby apartment complex where he hid from pursuing officers.

Law enforcement from the CHP, CCSO, and the Richmond Police Department (RPD) quickly responded to the scene and formed a perimeter around the building.  Law enforcement initially provided numerous commands for the suspect to surrender, however he refused to come out.  Shortly after 9 p.m., officers utilized vehicle loud speakers to call out for the suspect to surrender or they would begin entering apartments to locate him.  Soon after, the suspect emerged from the apartment and surrendered.  The suspect, a 16-year-old male, was taken into custody without incident.  Following his arrest, the juvenile was booked into a local juvenile hall on numerous misdemeanor and felony charges.

After being struck by the suspect on city streets in San Francisco, K9 Champ was transported to an emergency vet where he received excellent care.  We are pleased to say that Champ sustained no major injuries and is expected to recover.  We would like to thank the incredible staff who made sure Champ was well taken care of after this incident. Even though he doesn’t want to, Champ will be taking a little time off to recover and make sure he’s back to 100% before he’s back out on the streets doing what he does best (the last photo shows Champ recovering at home today).

We would like to thank our law enforcement partners from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and Richmond Police Department as well as the Richmond Fire Department for their assistance in bringing this incident to a successful and uneventful conclusion.  We would also like to thank the residents who were evacuated from their homes for their patience as we did everything we could to bring this incident to a peaceful resolution.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Vallejo man arrested for attempted murder, gun charges in Lafayette freeway shooting

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Guns confiscated during arrest of Lafayette shooting suspect on August 22, 2023. Photo: CHP

Has history of arrests

By CHP – Golden Gate Division

Detectives assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Golden Gate Division (GGD) Special Investigations Unit (SIU), with the assistance of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), arrested 24-year-old Damari Monice Calvin of Vallejo on Tuesday for his involvement in a freeway shooting that occurred in Contra Costa County. (See related article)

On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at approximately 11 a.m., officers assigned to the CHP’s Contra Costa Area office responded to a report of shots fired on westbound Hwy 24 near Pleasant Hill Road. As officers were responding, witnesses called 9-1-1 to report two vehicles near the Central Lafayette off ramp that appeared to be involved in a shooting. As the vehicles were slowing to exit, one of the vehicles collided with an uninvolved Ford that was also exiting. The occupants of both involved vehicles subsequently fled the scene. The occupants of the uninvolved Ford were not injured.

Detectives assigned to the GGD SIU responded to the scene of the shooting and assumed investigative responsibility. The subsequent investigation identified Calvin as a suspect in the shooting, and a warrant was obtained for his arrest.

On Tuesday, August 22, at approximately 5 a.m., a CHP Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, accompanied by CHP canine teams, CHP detectives, and members of the ACSO investigations unit successfully executed a search and arrest warrant on Calvin and his residence in Vallejo, CA. Five additional people inside the apartment were detained and later arrested in connection with a separate investigation into numerous robberies and stolen vehicles. A search of the premises lead to the discovery of numerous illegal firearms, including two ghost gun assault rifles, high-capacity magazines, and a stolen vehicle.

Following his arrest, Calvin was booked into Contra Costa County Jail on charges of 664/187 PC – attempted murder, 246 PC – discharging a firearm at an occupied vehicle, and 245(a)(2) PC – assault with a firearm.

According to localcrimenews.com, the 5’10”, 150 lb. Calvin has a history of arrests dating back to 2017 by multiple agencies for crimes including concealing a weapon in a vehicle, kidnapping, assault with a firearm, child endangerment, burglary, addict in possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, and drug possession.

The CHP would like to thank the witnesses who provided detectives with critical information that lead to the identification and subsequent arrest of Calvin for these brazen and dangerous crimes. We would also like to thank the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance and support in bringing Calvin to justice.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

22-year-old Oakley man dies from shooting on Hwy 24 in Orinda

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By CHP – Golden Gate Division

Detectives assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Golden Gate Division Special Investigations Unit are investigating a freeway shooting that occurred on westbound State Route 24 (SR-24), east of St. Stephens Drive in Orinda.

On Friday, July 28, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m., officers assigned to the CHP’s Contra Costa Area office were notified by local police officials that an individual had been transported to a local hospital after being struck by gunfire on westbound SR-24, east of St. Stephens Drive in Orinda.

The CHP’s preliminary investigation indicates the suspect vehicle pulled in behind and then alongside the victim vehicle on westbound SR-24, when several gunshots were heard, and the driver and front passenger quickly realized the rear passenger was struck by gunfire. The injured passenger was driven to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning.

The Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Brandon Valencia, age 22 from Oakley.

CHP detectives are actively attempting to determine a motive and identify the suspect(s) and vehicle(s) involved. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to call the CHP Investigations Tipline at (707) 917-4491.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Freeway shooting on westbound Highway 24 in Lafayette

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By CHP Contra Costa

On Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 11:00 am, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a freeway shooting which occurred on Hwy 24 westbound near Pleasant Hill Road in Lafayette.

CHP responded to the scene where witnesses described hearing gunshots coming from two vehicles traveling westbound. As this occurred, one of the suspect vehicles collided with a previously uninvolved Ford. The original vehicles fled the scene, and the Ford exited the freeway where they were contacted by CHP. The driver of the Ford was not injured.

This incident 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 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.

Three vehicle fatal crash on Vasco Road Monday morning

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Two drivers in head-on crash die at the scene

By CHP – Contra Costa

This morning, Monday, July 10, 2023, at approximately 6:37 am, CHP Contra Costa responded to a three-vehicle crash on Vasco Road south of Walnut Boulevard.

Our preliminary investigation indicates a silver Honda Fit, with one occupant, and a silver Nissan Altima, with one occupant, were traveling southbound on Vasco Road while a grey Acura Integra, with one occupant, was traveling northbound on Vasco Road. The Nissan collided into the rear of the Honda then traveled into the northbound lane and collided head on with the Acura.

The driver of the Nissan and the driver of the Acura were pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the Honda sustained suspected minor injuries and was transported to the hospital.

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 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov.

 

68 people killed in crashes, 9,700 speed citations issued during CHP’s Independence Day Max Enforcement Period

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Poor choices behind the wheel result in tragedy on California’s roadways

By Jaime Coffee, CHP Media Relations

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The results of the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) recent Independence Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) are a sobering reminder of the consequences resulting from unsafe driving behaviors.

Sixty-eight people were killed in crashes throughout the state during the Independence Day MEP, which began at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, June 30, and concluded at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4.  Tragically, nearly half of the total number of vehicle occupants who died within CHP jurisdiction were not wearing a seat belt.

With unsafe speed being the number one contributor to crashes in California, the CHP placed a special emphasis on its enforcement during the recent MEP.  CHP officers issued more than 9,700 speed citations throughout the long Independence Day weekend.

Additionally, impaired drivers were removed from California’s roadways at an alarming rate during the holiday enforcement effort.  CHP officers made 1,224 arrests for driving under the influence, which is an average of one DUI arrest every five minutes.

“The results of this MEP are concerning and reinforce the need for responsible behavior behind the wheel,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.  “All of these deaths were preventable, and the loved ones they leave behind will be forever impacted.  Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility, and these statistics show us how much work there is still to be done.  The CHP is committed to making California’s roadways safer for all who use them.”

To help protect those who are traveling on California’s roadways during the holidays, the CHP implements six MEPs per year.  The next MEP is scheduled for Labor Day weekend.  Throughout the holiday weekend, all available uniformed members of the Department will be on patrol to enhance public safety, deter unsafe driving behavior, and, when necessary, take appropriate enforcement action.

Keep yourself and others who are on the road safe by buckling up, driving at a speed safe for conditions, avoid distractions behind the wheel, and always designating a sober driver.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

CHP Maximum Enforcement Period through midnight July 4

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To help people arrive safely at their destination, the CHP will implement a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) throughout the weekend and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4. Throughout the extended holiday weekend, all available uniformed members of the Department will be on patrol to enhance public safety, deter unsafe driving behavior, and, when necessary, take appropriate enforcement action.

Two-vehicle fatal crash on Hwy 4 near Bay Point Friday night

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By CHP – Contra Costa

Last night (6/30/23) around 8:16pm, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a two-vehicle crash on eastbound SR-4, west of Bailey Road. A GMC pickup, with two occupants, and a Volkswagen Sedan, with one occupant, were traveling eastbound on Hwy 4. Our preliminary investigation indicates the GMC collided into the Volkswagen which caused the GMC to leave the roadway and overturn. During the crash sequence, both occupants of the GMC were ejected from the vehicle.

Emergency personnel arrived on scene to render aid. Both occupants of the GMC were transported to the hospital and were later pronounced deceased. The driver of the Volkswagen was not injured.

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 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov.