Contra Costa Herald

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

Two shot on I-80 in San Pablo early Monday morning, CHP asks public’s help

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By CHP – Golden Gate Division

Early this morning, Monday, June 22, 2020, at approximately 4:35 AM, a shooting occurred on eastbound I-80, west of San Pablo Dam Road. Two occupants traveling in a gold color, Ford Fusion sedan were struck by gunfire from an unknown vehicle by an unknown suspect. As a result, both occupants, a male and female, suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.

See video of possible vehicle of victims in KTVU FOX2 news report.

Detectives assigned to CHP – Golden Gate Division Investigative Services Unit (ISU) are actively investigating this shooting. Our detectives are requesting assistance from the public in gathering details surrounding this incident. If you or anyone you know have any information that might be helpful, please call the CHP Investigation Tipline at 707.917.4491.

Three arrested during protest that blocked Carquinez Bridge traffic Friday

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Protest on the Alfred Zampa Memorial – Carquinez Bridge Friday afternoon, June 19, 2020. Photo by CHP.

CHP officer assaulted by one protester

By CHP – Golden Gate Division

Friday afternoon at approximately 1:29 PM, a group of approximately 55 protesters proceeded onto the Alfred Zampa Memorial – Carquinez Bridge pedestrian walkway between Vallejo and Crockett in Western Contra Costa County. At approximately 1:40 PM, protestors crossed over the concrete barrier between the pedestrian walkway and right hand shoulder of Westbound I-80. Protesters subsequently entered the Westbound I-80 lanes of traffic. Westbound I-80 was shutdown, with one lane of traffic intermittently open by CHP officers on scene to relieve congestion. At approximately 3:00 PM all lanes of traffic were opened.

Protest blocking the southbound lanes on the Carquinez Bridge between Crockett and Vallejo, today.

Posted by Contra Costa Herald on Friday, June 19, 2020

Three arrests were made during this incident:

Princess Hodges (20 years old) out of Benicia was arrested and booked for: 243(C) PC (Felony) – Battery on a Peace/Police Officer with Injury, 69 PC (Felony) – Resisting an Executive Officer, 148 (A)(1) PC (Misd) – Resist, Obstruct, Delay Peace Officer, and 21960A VC (Infraction) – Pedestrian On Freeway.

Jeremy Christian Smith-Batha (27 years old) out of Sacramento was arrested and booked for: 69 PC (Felony) – Resisting an Executive Officer, 836.6(A) PC (Felony) – Escape or Attempt to Escape With Force/ETC, 243(B) PC (Misd) – Battery on a Peace/Police Officer, 148(A)(1) PC (Misd) – Resist, Obstruct, Delay Peace Officer, 148(B) PC (Misd) – Take Peace Officer’s Weapon, 22210 PC (Misd) – Manufacture/Possess Leaded Cane/ETC, and 21960A VC (Infraction) – Pedestrian On Freeway.

Michael Joshua Alonso (22 years old) out of Vallejo was arrested and booked for: 148(A)(1) PC (Misd) – Resist, Obstruct, Delay Peace Officer and 21960A VC (Infraction) – Pedestrian On Freeway.

One CHP officer was assaulted by a protester and the protester was later arrested. The CHP officer sustained minor injuries.

Allen Payton contributed to this report. Special thanks to the person who provided the video but chose to not be identified.

 

Two from Antioch die in crash on 680 in Danville by wrong-way DUI driver from Concord Sunday

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By CHP – Contra Costa

Early yesterday morning, Sunday, June 7, 2020, at about 3:45am, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a wrong way driver traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-680 near El Pintado road, in the Danville area. The wrong way vehicle then collided head on into a vehicle traveling in the northbound lanes of I-680. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, the solo female driver of the wrong way vehicle was located and detained and had suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Tragically the female driver and male passenger of the victim vehicle that was hit by the wrong way driver, were both declared deceased at the scene. A secondary non-injury collision occurred with the victim fatality vehicle shortly after the original wrong way collision. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased female driver and deceased male passenger.

In our initial investigation, it appears the female driver of the wrong way vehicle (Camille Veraanne Kimball, 27 years old from Concord, driving a 2020 Ford Fusion) was driving southbound in the northbound lanes of I-680, north of El Pintado road. The victim vehicle (2012 Honda Civic) driven by a 46-year-old female from Antioch with her 26-year-old male front passenger also from Antioch, was traveling in the northbound lanes of I-680 at El Pintado road. Kimball continued to drive her Ford wrong way on I-680 and crashed head on into the victim’s Honda, just north of El Pintado. Tragically the driver and the passenger of the Honda did not survive and were both pronounced deceased at the scene.

Kimball suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to John Muir hospital. Kimball was also suspected of driving under the influence/impaired. While at the hospital, Kimball was investigated and arrested for felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter. Due to her injuries, she was admitted to the hospital and will remain there until discharged into police custody for booking into the county jail.

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

CHP asks public’s help finding driver in March 6 hit and run fatality on 680 in Martinez

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Fatal hit and run victim’s car and the railroad overpass in Martinez on March 3, 2020. Photos by CHP.

By CHP – Contra Costa

On the morning of Friday March 6, 2020, at approximately 5:25am, Contra Costa CHP responded to a collision on I-680 southbound, north of Highway 4 in Martinez. The victim of the collision was driving a 1990’s blue Toyota Corolla, that had spun out across the lanes of traffic and collided with a light pole and tree on the right shoulder area, sustaining major damage. The driver of the Toyota was not responsive and transported to John Muir Hospital. Tragically the man died days later due to his injuries from the collision.

A witness related they saw a vehicle bump into the Toyota, which caused it to go out of control resulting in the crash, and then fled the scene. They described the second vehicle as being a dark colored lowered sedan with oversized rims. They were unable to see the make or model. They also related they saw it approaching quickly through their rearview mirror and moving in and out of the traffic lanes just before the crash.

CHP is asking for your HELP to locate the second vehicle described by the witness above. If you were traveling on I-680 southbound in this location on the morning of March 6 between about 5:20am to 5:30am, and may have witnessed this collision (either just before, at the moment of the crash, or just after) or think you remember seeing a dark colored lowered sedan with oversized rims in the same location, or any information that could help in this investigation, please contact the Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980. Ask for Investigating Officer Lane and leave your contact info for him.

Pinole man struck, killed by Bethel Island woman on Highway 4 in Antioch Friday night

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By CHP – Contra Costa

Friday evening, May 8, 2020 at approximately 9:20 pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a vehicle collision vs. a pedestrian on HWY 4 westbound, east of Laurel Road. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, a 29-year-old male pedestrian from Pinole, had been struck by a vehicle and was lying in the roadway. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency personnel. The driver of the Nissan sedan that hit the pedestrian suffered major injuries and she was transported to the hospital. The Contra Costa County Sheriff Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identify of the deceased male pedestrian.

In the initial investigation, the 23-year-old female driver from Bethel Island was traveling westbound on HWY 4 in a 2012 Nissan Versa, east of Laurel road. For unknown reasons, the male pedestrian was in the roadway and directly in the path of the approaching Nissan. The driver of the Nissan was unable to avoid the pedestrian and collided into him, causing fatal injuries. The driver suffered non-life-threatening but major injuries and was transported to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek. Her two passengers in the Nissan were not injured.

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.

CHP citations jump by 87% in one month for violators speeding over 100 mph

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Less highway congestion during stay-at-home orders not a license to speed

Another excessive speeding citation on I-80. Driver stopped on Thursday, April 23, 2020. Photo by CHP – Contra Costa.

SACRAMENTO — Caltrans announced on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 a joint effort with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to urge drivers in the state to slow down given a recent 87% increase in citations for speeding in excess of 100 mph that coincides with decreased traffic volumes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From March 19 when the state’s stay-at-home order began to April 19, the CHP reports issuing 2,493 citations statewide for speeding more than 100 mph, as compared to 1,335 during the same period last year. This increase in citations occurred as Caltrans has measured an average decline in traffic volume on state roads of approximately 35% as compared to this time last year.

“Excessive speed and unsafe driving threaten everyone using our highway system,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “Viewing less congested roads as an invitation to drive dangerously jeopardizes the safety of construction and maintenance crews who are working to maintain reliable access to our highways when people need it most.”

“It is alarming to see the number of citations officers are writing for excessive speeds on California roadways,” said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley. “Higher speeds can lead to much more serious injuries and significantly increase the chance of death should a crash occur. Keep yourself and those on the road around you safe. Slow down and drive at a safe, legal speed.”

California’s “Move Over” law continues to be in effect and requires all drivers to move over a lane or, if unable to do so safely, slow down when they see amber flashing lights on Caltrans vehicles, law enforcement and emergency vehicles, and tow trucks.

“Fewer cars on the road doesn’t give drivers the green light to travel over the speed limit,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “Driving at a safe speed when you must go out is one way to keep you and your family safe during this pandemic.”

California’s more than 700 electronic highway signs will also soon display the following types of safety-related messages:

IF YOU MUST TRAVEL DO NOT SPEED

KEEP ESSENTIAL WORKERS SAFE DO NOT SPEED

During the COVID-19 emergency, Caltrans continues to provide the general public with a safe and reliable transportation system. The department is maintaining all critical functions during this crisis, including ensuring roadway access to medical facilities and the convenient transport of essential goods and services throughout the state. Some non-essential work has been deferred to limit spread of the COVID-19 virus, but maintenance and construction crews are still addressing hazards, safety concerns and other critical functions on the highways.

Please slow down and Be Work Zone Alert.

For more information about COVID-19 https://covid19.ca.gov/

 

Driver of stolen car dies in Highway 4 rollover crash near Martinez, Friday morning

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Driver was traveling over 100 MPH.

By CHP – Contra Costa

Friday morning at approximately 1:35 AM, Contra Costa CHP was advised of an overturned solo vehicle collision on HWY-4 westbound, east of Franklin Canyon road. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, the male driver (John Doe at this time as he has not yet been identified) had been ejected from a silver Volvo and was lying in the roadway. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency personnel. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity once known of the deceased male driver.

While at the scene and conducting the investigation, a registration/vehicle check was conducted on the Volvo and it was determined that it had been recently stolen from a residence in Martinez just prior to the time of the collision. In the initial investigation, it appears that the driver of the Volvo was traveling on HWY-4 westbound at a high rate of speed, in excess of 100 MPH. The driver veered into the center dirt median and collided with the center metal guardrail, causing the Volvo to spin out of control. It then hurled back across the lanes of traffic, overturned, and came to rest on the right shoulder. The driver was ejected through the closed sunroof and landed in the roadway, where he was located and pronounced deceased.

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.

DUI driver crashes through Walnut Creek area home Saturday evening

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Photo by CHP Contra Costa.

By CHP – Contra Costa

On Saturday evening at approximately 5:30 pm, this happened. You know the saying, “a picture paints a thousand words?” that would apply here. (We’ll stick with this, but you can caption it any way you’d like)

A 68-year-old male driver from Walnut Creek crashed his Dodge Ram pickup truck into this house at 956 Hawthorne Drive in an unincorporated area of Walnut Creek. He also struck the parked vehicle in the driveway before driving into the house. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, thankfully no one was inside the house and nobody else was injured other than the driver, who sustained only minor injuries. And would you believe he was arrested on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence/DUI.

We are thankful this did not turn out worse and produce severe injuries. Impaired driving is 100% preventable, 100% of the time, there are no excuses. Plan ahead, designate a sober driver, and make smart choices.

Antioch woman killed by heavy object through car window on Hwy 242 in Concord Friday night

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By CHP – Contra Costa

Last night, April 10, 2020, at approximately 9:32 pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a solo vehicle collision on SR-242 northbound at SR-4. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, a 63-year-old female passenger of the vehicle was unconscious and unresponsive. Life-saving procedures were attempted but unsuccessful and tragically the female passenger was declared deceased at the scene. The 20-year-old driver and two children in the backseat, 11- and 13-year-old girls, all family from Antioch, were not injured.

The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased female.

Upon further investigation at the scene, it was determined that this was not a collision. While the 20-year-old male driver was proceeding northbound on SR-242 and approaching SR-4 in a grey 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, it was determined that a heavy object (“brick”) came crashing through a window of the vehicle and struck the 63-year-old female passenger seated in the right front seat. The male driver realized the woman was injured and pulled off the freeway and called 911. Tragically the female passenger died at the scene. At this point, it is unknown where the “brick” came from and/or how it ended up in the Volkswagen.

The cause of this incident is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this incident, the events leading up to it, or saw anyone within the immediate area, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980.

DUI driver crashes off Highway 4 in Martinez Sunday afternoon

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Photo by Martinez Police Department.

By CHP – Contra Costa

Today at about 4:50pm, Contra Costa CHP units were advised of a solo vehicle collision off the roadway on Hwy-4 westbound just east of Pine Street in Martinez. Upon CHP and emergency personnel arrival, a solo white Toyota Corolla had crashed completely off Hwy-4, overturned and landed on its roof and into a fire hydrant on Arnold Drive (north of Hwy-4).

The 26-year-old male driver of the Toyota suffered major injuries. He was also suspected of driving under the influence.

The driver, Michael Moore from Martinez, was transported to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek for his injuries. While at the hospital, Moore was investigated and arrested for DUI. Due to his injuries, he was admitted to the hospital and will remain there for an unknown amount of time.

There is no reason to drive impaired and risk injuries to yourself or others. There are many responsible choices available to get home safely. Please utilize them and never drive impaired.