Contra Costa Herald

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

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.

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.