Contra Costa Herald

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

CHP Commissioner asks Californians to “self-regulate” during governor’s curfew order

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By Fran Clader, Director of Communications, California Highway Patrol

California Highway Patrol Commissioner Amanda Ray today issued the following statement regarding the Governor’s limited stay at home order: 

“The health and safety of our employees and the public we serve is our highest priority. In an effort to preserve public health and safety of all Californians and stop the surge of COVID-19 cases, the Governor has instituted a limited stay at home order from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. with the goal that people will self-regulate their behavior, protect themselves, and go about only the ‘essential’ activities during those hours.

“The mission of the CHP is unchanged.  CHP officers will continue to patrol throughout California and use their sound professional judgment to conduct enforcement stops for violations of the law based upon probable cause.  The CHP does not make arrests based on race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or for any reason other than violations of the law based on probable cause.  As always, CHP officers will have the discretion to take appropriate action when a violation is observed.”

 

 

CHP stops speeders at 131, 121 and 110 MPH and Contra Costa roads

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Photos by CHP-Contra Costa.

By CHP – Contra Costa

Wednesday, November 11

NO EXCUSE

And you ask for a ‘Break?’, C’mon. Your speed of 131MPH combined with the fact you have NO LICENSE just earned you a car jail impound for 30 days. Sign here for you citation.

#instantkarma #nobreaks #slowdown #chp

And a close second today is this violator, at 121 MPH on you guessed it, #hwy4. But fortunately, this driver receives similar treatment as the last.

In all seriousness, these types of speeds are truly dangerous to all motorists on the road. We are out enforcing all laws on all roads, especially Hwy-4, to take these dangerous drivers off the roadway. Whether you see us out and about or not, we are always out there working, 24/7, no days off. #slowdown #1stistheworst #2ndisjustasbad

Friday, November 13

BACK AT IT AGAIN

110MPH… and then car unregistered for 2 years?!

That results in a citation for the 110 MPH and vehicle impounded until the registration is taken care of. Sign here please.#instantkarma #slowdown #allroadsallcodes #chp

Car goes to jail for 30 days following reckless driving by owner multiple times in Contra Costa

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Photos by CHP – Contra Costa.

By CHP – Contra Costa

CAR JAIL

Recently this vehicle and its driver had been reported numerous times driving recklessly within Contra Costa County. We located it while the driver was in the act and filming a video for an online/social media video channel . The driver was issued a citation on scene for reckless driving. Then a warrant was later issued to impound the vehicle for 30 DAYS due to the totality of the circumstances that were discovered.

Long story short; we do respond to these types of incidents around the county, we do conduct follow up investigation, and there are repercussions for reckless driving acts. This incident was a citation and 30 impound. Now you know. #instantkarma #dontdoit #chp

 

Body of Lafayette woman struck by vehicle found near Concord airport early Saturday morning

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

Saturday morning at about 1:14 am, Deputy Sheriffs, along with the California Highway Patrol, were dispatched to a report of a body found at the 5000 block of Marsh Drive in an unincorporated area north of Buchanan Field Airport in Concord.

Upon arrival, Deputies and CHP Officers located a deceased female on the road.

The CHP started the initial investigation due to evidence that the female was struck by a vehicle.

During an area check, a Deputy Sheriff found the suspect vehicle nearby. Based on initial findings and evidence, this incident was later classified as a vehicular homicide and the Office of the Sheriff took over the primary investigation.

The victim is identified as 35-year-old Shelly Stevens of Lafayette.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the 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.

Pittsburg girl who died in fatal crash on Highway 4 in West County Monday night identified

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By CHP – Contra Costa

   Monday night, July 7, 2020 at approximately 9:41pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a solo vehicle collision on HWY-4 eastbound, just east of Cummings Skyway between Martinez and Hercules. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, the passenger (an 18-year-old female) was tragically declared deceased and the driver (a 28-year-old male) suffered minor injuries only.

   The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office identified the deceased passenger as Alma Olivares from Pittsburg.

  In our initial investigation, it appears the male driver of the silver 2014 Jeep Laredo was traveling on HWY-4 eastbound, just east of Cummings Skyway when he allowed the Jeep to veer to the right and completely off the roadway, subsequently colliding into a tree. The collision caused fatal injuries to the female passenger and the male driver suffered minor injuries.

  Alcohol or drugs are not suspected in this collision, but this incident is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980.

  Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Two pedestrians struck, killed in separate collisions in Bay Point, Rodeo Saturday night

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Driver arrested for DUI in Bay Point fatality

By CHP – Contra Costa

Yesterday, July 4, 2020 at about 9:55pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a collision involving a vehicle versus a pedestrian at Seaview Drive and Shore Road in Bay Point. An Audi sedan struck a pedestrian in the roadway while traveling at a high rate of speed, tragically killing the pedestrian, and then fled the scene into the city of Pittsburg. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene and the driver of the Audi was later located and arrested on multiple felony charges. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased pedestrian.

In our initial investigation, it appears the driver of the Audi was traveling at a high rate of speed on the residential street of Seaview and approaching Shore Road, while the pedestrian was in the roadway with fireworks. The driver of the Audi struck the pedestrian, causing the pedestrian to be thrown into a parked vehicle on Seaview and subsequently killing the pedestrian. And then the driver of the Audi fled the scene. That driver was later found at a location in Pittsburg (from statements and witness tips) and arrested. The driver was also suspected of being under the influence/impaired and arrested and booked for the following charges: -23153(a)VC-DUI causing major injury or death, and -191.5 PC Gross Vehicular Manslaughter while intoxicated.

This incident is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980. Thank you.

Rodeo Pedestrian Fatality

Early this morning at about 12:20am, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a collision involving a vehicle versus pedestrian on I-80 westbound, just east of Willow Avenue. The driver of a Dodge Ram collided with a Buick sedan stopped in the #1 lane on I-80, with the driver out of the Buick and standing within the road, subsequently killing the pedestrian. The driver of the Dodge was transported to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek for moderate injuries. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased pedestrian.

It is still unclear as to why the driver of the Buick was stopped within the #1 lane of I-80.
At this time, it is unknown if alcohol or drugs were a contributing factor, but this incident is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980.

Martinez hit and run causes major injuries to 7-year-old boy, CHP asks for public’s help

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White van is vehicle of suspect in Martinez hit and run, Thursday. Photos by CHP.

By CHP – Contra Costa

Late Thursday afternoon, July 2, 2020 at approximately 4:09pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a hit and run with major injuries to a 7-year-old child that was riding his scooter. This occurred on Vine Avenue between Leslie Avenue and Merle Avenue in the city of Martinez, sometime between 3:48pm-3:56pm. This white van (in black and white photo) was captured on home surveillance traveling south on Vine Avenue, struck the boy on the scooter, and fled the scene. The boy was airlifted by helicopter to Oakland Children’s Hospital and we’ve learned although he suffered major injuries, thankfully he is in stable condition.

Security camera screenshot of suspect’s van.

The black and white photo is the actual suspect vehicle caught on surveillance and the second color photo is a very similar looking van also captured on surveillance video within the area.

We are seeking the public’s assistance with information regarding this incident. If anyone witnessed this event, or the suspect vehicle in the area or vicinity during the time of the incident, please contact Contra Costa CHP at (925)646-4980 and leave your information for investigating Officer Garduno. Or if after hours, please DM (direct message) our FB page here with your contact info.

CHP July 4th Maximum Enforcement Period begins 6 p.m. Friday, July 3

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Maintain your independence – drive safe, drive sober

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Wherever people choose to observe Independence Day, they can expect the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to be out in force for a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) from 6 p.m. on Friday, July 3, to midnight, Sunday, July 5.

As California gradually reopens, many people will be eager to celebrate the holiday weekend with family and friends. To help reduce the risk and slow the spread of COVID-19, the California Department of Public Health is urging the public to avoid traveling long distances for vacations or pleasure as much as possible. However, if you decide to leave home, take steps to keep everyone safe like wearing face coverings, physical distancing, and washing hands frequently.

“Should the upcoming weekend include a road trip, stay safe and healthy with a few additional precautions,” said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley. “Obeying speed limits, buckling up, and not driving impaired or distracted will be more important than ever.”

Traffic has been lighter on California roadways the past few months, which has resulted in an increase in citations for excessive speed. Motorists are encouraged to take their time this holiday weekend and arrive safely at their destination. During the recent Memorial Day MEP, CHP officers issued 458 citations for speeding in excess of 100 mph, which is a 173 percent increase from the same period in 2019.

The 2019 Independence Day MEP was 4 ¼ days, which was two days longer than the upcoming MEP. During that 102-hour enforcement effort, 36 people lost their lives in traffic crashes, 21 within CHP jurisdiction. Of those 21 individuals, 11 were not wearing seat belts. Additionally, CHP officers made 1,317 arrests for driving under the influence.

“However you choose to celebrate the weekend, do it without putting yourself or others at risk,” added Commissioner Stanley.

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

100 MPH fatal, two-car, head-on crash on Hwy 4 in Discovery Bay Thursday afternoon

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By CHP – Contra Costa

This afternoon at approximately 12:28pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a two-vehicle, head-on collision on HWY-4 westbound, just west of Discovery Bay Blvd in Discovery Bay. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, the solo male driver (unidentified adult male at this time) of a 2006 Pontiac sedan was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency personnel. The solo adult male driver of the other vehicle involved, a Jeep, thankfully only suffered minor injuries and was not transported. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased male.

In our initial investigation, it appears the male driver of the Pontiac was traveling westbound on HWY-4, just west of Discovery Bay Blvd. According to witnesses, the driver of the Pontiac began driving within the right shoulder of westbound HWY-4 at excessive speeds reported at approximately 100 mph. Witnesses related the Pontiac lost control along the right shoulder dirt area and then veered across the westbound lanes of traffic and into the oncoming eastbound lane where the Jeep driver was traveling. Subsequently the driver of the Pontiac collided head-on into the Jeep, resulting in the death of the Pontiac driver. Thankfully, the male driver of the Jeep only suffered very minor injuries and was not transported. Avoid the area if possible and seek alternate routes as traffic is heavy due to intermittent traffic lanes blocked for this investigation.

At this time, it is unknown if alcohol or drugs were a factor in this collision, but this incident is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980.

Bay Area rap legend from East County dies in car crash Monday morning

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Curtis “Young Curt” Denton. Photos from Twitter

By Luke Johnson

East County rapper Young Curt has died at 27 years old. According to the Contra Costa County Coroner’s office and the Eastern Contra Costa Fire Protection District he was killed in a solo-car crash on Byron Highway, early Monday morning. ‘

When California Highway Patrol arrived to the scene at Clifton Court Road in Byron a little after 2:39 a.m., officers said they found Curtis Denton’s (Young Curt) body on the side of the road and his 2019 Dodge Charger flipped upside down.

According to CHP, Denton was speeding southbound when “he drove off the roadway and collided into the dirt shoulder causing the vehicle to roll over several times.” Officers believe Denton wasn’t wearing a seat belt and was subsequently ejected through the sunroof of his car.

“He suffered major injuries and was transported by ambulance to Kaiser Medical center in Antioch but was unfortunately pronounced deceased at the hospital by emergency personnel,” the CHP reported.

Denton was from Antioch and Pittsburg. He rose to fame with his song “It’s the Mobb” — which was released in 2008 while he was attending Deer Valley High School.

His single “No B****” from 2009 regained traction earlier this year on viral video-sharing app Tik Tok.

Many musicians and entertainers — such as Tyga, Kehlani and Iamsu! — took to social media to pay tribute to the fallen rapper.

“The era of music birthed from Curt, and the industry at that moment, created a pinnacle in not only the 925, but the entire Bay Area music scene,” said rapper Pok’Chop. “Curt played an integral part in my career. I recorded my first song in Curt’s studio back in 2006. We challenged each other to the point of success — it was healthy competition.”

The CHP report said it is unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash, but it is being investigated. On Denton’s Instagram page Sunday night, he posted on his story of what appeared to be a video of himself holding a bottle of prescription cough syrup.

If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it, they are asked to contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980.