Contra Costa Herald

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

CHP investigates shooting in Caldecott Tunnel Sunday night

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By CHP – Oakland

At around 7:50 pm, Sunday, June 16, a vehicle was traveling westbound Highway 24 within Bore #4 of the Caldecott Tunnel when a freeway shooting took place. The driver was struck in the head. The driver’s passenger was also injured. This appears to be an isolated incident. Preliminary reports indicate the suspect vehicle may be white in color.

Both victims were transported to the hospital for non-lethal injuries.

While evidence was obtained CHP – Oakland personnel secured the scene and closed down the fourth bore, which was later reopened.

CHP – Golden Gate Division Investigative Services Unit will lead the investigation. If you have any information that can assist with this investigation please call CHP’s help line, 707-917-4491.

Oakland driver ejected, dies in crash on Highway 4 in Concord Sunday night

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By CHP-Contra Costa

Sunday night at about 8:27 pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a two vehicle collision on HWY-4 westbound, just east of Port Chicago Highway, in the city of Concord. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, it was determined that a blue BMW M3 and a silver Toyota Camry collided and then the BMW subsequently went off the roadway and plummeted down onto the Railroad tracks at Kinne Blvd. (which is below the highway and next to the old Concord Naval Weapons Station). The solo male driver (35 years old from Oakland) was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroners Office will be handling the release of his identity.

In the initial investigation, it appears that the solo male driver of the BMW was traveling on westbound HWY-4 at a reported high rate of speed and for unknown reasons drove into the dirt center median and lost control of the BMW. Then veered across all lanes of traffic towards the right shoulder and subsequently drove off HWY-4 and plummeted down to the railroad tracks below on Kinne Blvd., causing major damage. The driver was ejected and found a distance away from the BMW and was pronounced deceased on scene. The solo male driver of the Toyota Camry was not injured and remained on scene for the investigation.

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

Female passenger dies, male driver arrested for DUI in fatal crash in Brentwood Sunday morning

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By CHP-Contra Costa

Sunday morning at about 5:12 A.M., Contra Costa CHP was advised of a solo vehicle collision (with two occupants) off the roadway at Lone Tree Way, just east of Adams Lane, in the Brentwood area. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, a Nissan Sentra had veered off the roadway and into a utility pole, causing major damage. Tragically the 23yr old female passenger (from Vallejo) was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 25yr old male driver (from Vallejo) sustained only minor injuries and is suspected of driving under the influence. He was transported to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroners Office will be handling the release of identity of the 23-year-old deceased female.

In the initial investigation, it appears the male driver of the Nissan crossed over the solid double yellow lines and then veered back across the lane and drove the Nissan off the roadway to the right shoulder area where he crashed into a large utility pole, causing major damage, and killing his female girlfriend passenger. Officers on scene began a DUI investigation. The male driver was transported to the hospital where Officers followed and while at the hospital, placed the driver (Joseph John Martinez, DOB-8/13/1993) under arrest for suspicion of felony DUI, resulting in the death of his passenger.

This incident is another tragic loss of life from ultimately a preventable crash as all suspected driving under the influence crashes are. Driving impaired is always a choice made by the driver, not an accident. This incident is still under investigation and if anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.

Multi-county police pursuit starting in Pittsburg ends with driver’s arrest in Sonoma County Tuesday

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Screenshot from Contra Costa Sheriff’s helicopter video of suspect surrendering at end of pursuit on Tues., June 4, 2019.

By CHP-Golden Gate Division

Tuesday afternoon shortly before 1:30 pm, the Pittsburg Police Department, Pittsburg, CA attempted to stop a Toyota truck within their jurisdiction. The driver fled from officers at a high rate of speed. Pittsburg officers deployed a Starchase, LLC tracking device and discontinued the pursuit.
A Contra Costa Sheriff’s helicopter and CHP Airplane Air-37 arrived over the suspect vehicle and followed it from above. The suspect continued to flee through Contra Costa, Solano, Napa and Sonoma Counties. After the Contra Costa Sheriff Helicopter discontinued their involvement, CHP H-32 arrived overhead.

Due to law enforcement monitoring from overhead, it allowed ground units to get into position and deploy spike strips. Once the vehicle became disabled by the spike strips, the suspect pulled to the shoulder and surrendered.

The CHP – Napa Office and the Sonoma Sheriff is jointly investigating this incident.

To see video of the pursuit, click here.

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.

Suspected DUI driver from Concord kills Ripon man on Hwy 4 in Brentwood Monday afternoon

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Photo of crash scene by NBC Bay Area.

By CHP-Contra Costa

This afternoon, at about 4:34pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a head on collision involving two vehicles on HWY-4 eastbound, east of Balfour Road. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, it was determined that a 2018 Honda SUV was driven across the solid double yellow lines, into oncoming traffic, and collided head on into a 2013 Toyota Corolla. The solo male driver of the Toyota (51-year-old man from Ripon) was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of his identity. The solo male driver of the Honda was ultimately arrested for suspicion of felony DUI.

In the initial investigation, it appears that the solo male driver of the Honda was traveling on HWY-4 westbound (in that area HWY-4 is a two lane undivided highway) and then veered to the left and across the solid double yellow lines and directly head on into the Toyota traveling in the eastbound lane. Upon emergency personnel arrival, the driver of the Toyota was pronounced deceased. The driver of the Honda, a 46-year-old man from Concord, was not injured and investigated for driving under the influence of alcohol and was subsequently arrested for suspicion of felony DUI.

If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it (that did not remain at the scene to speak with CHP) please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980. HWY-4 was completely reopened at 6:25 pm.

Impaired DUI driving is 100% preventable 100% of the time. There is never an excuse for it, and it cannot ever be tolerated. In this situation it tragically cost the life of an innocent person. When will we all learn… #neverdriveimpaired?

Man struck, killed by car while running across Hwy 4 in Pittsburg Wednesday night

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By CHP-Contra Costa

Wednesday night, April 10, 2019 at about 9:01 pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a solo vehicle collision with a pedestrian on HWY-4 eastbound, just west of Loveridge Road in Pittsburg. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, it was determined an adult male pedestrian (unknown identity and age) was struck by a vehicle within the #4 lane of the roadway and pronounced deceased. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased male once he has been officially identified.

A solo male driver of a White Nissan sedan was traveling eastbound on HWY-4 and approaching Loveridge Road, when the pedestrian, that was reported walking in the center divide ran across the roadway and directly in the Nissan’s path. The driver of the Nissan was unable to avoid the pedestrian in the roadway and struck him. Unfortunately, the pedestrian did not survive and was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the Nissan remained on scene and was cooperative throughout the investigation.

It is unclear if drugs or alcohol are a factor in this collision as it pertains to the pedestrian and is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.

CHP investigates another Highway 4 shooting, in Martinez Saturday night, no injuries

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Descriptions of shooter and driver provided by victims

By Brandon Correia, Public Information Officer, CHP-Contra Costa

Late last night on Saturday, March 30 just before midnight at 11:57pm, CHP was advised of a possible freeway shooting that occurred on HWY-4 W/B between Franklin Canyon and McEwen Road, just outside of Martinez.

Upon CHP arrival, the victim vehicle, a silver Nissan Maxima, was parked on the right shoulder with two apparent bullet holes in the windshield. The two victims in the Nissan, an adult male driver and an adult female passenger, we’re thankfully not injured and awaiting CHP‘s arrival and were cooperative throughout the entire investigation. The suspect vehicle fled the area.
We have learned through the victims the following; They were traveling on HWY-4 W/B when possibly a newer model white Toyota Corolla (or a similar style vehicle) quickly approached the back of the Nissan, began tailgating them, and then moved to pass on the left side, as the Nissan began to slow.

The victim driver related the passenger of the suspect Toyota began yelling and screaming at them. The male victim then slowed and parked the Nissan on the right shoulder in an attempt to allow the suspect to pass but the suspect vehicle also stopped on the right shoulder & parked in front of the Nissan. Then the male victim related bullets were fired at them from the passenger side window of the suspect Toyota, striking the Nissan windshield. Luckily the male and female victim both ducked below the dash and we’re not injured. Then the suspect vehicle fled the area.
The suspect passenger is described as a white male adult between 35-40 years old, bald, w/ tattoos on his face and right arm. The driver is described as possibly a mixed ethnicity adult male between 30-35 years old, with short black hair.

This incident is still under investigation and we do not have any further details or information to release.
We cannot predict when criminals are going to commit these crimes but what we can do, is a thorough investigation in which you can possibly assist us. We’d like to advise the public of these TIPS if you witness or have information regarding any freeway shooting;
1 – Know which freeway you’re on with your direction of travel, and nearest offramp
2 – Try to get a make, model and color of the suspect vehicle, and a full license plate if possible
3 – Try to get a description of the suspect or suspects, male or female, approximate age, ethnicity, clothing description, identifying marks or tattoos, etc.

If you have any information regarding this incident on HWY-4 from last night, please contact Contra Costa CHP at 925-646-4980. Or you can also call our 24-hr Tip Line at 707-917-4491.

Three Hwy 4 shooting suspects from 2016 each sentenced to 13 years in prison

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One each from Concord, Pittsburg and Antioch

By CHP-Contra Costa

Recently, three HWY-4 shooting suspects from 2016, were found guilty in a Contra Costa County Courtroom; two suspects received 13 years and the third received 12 years and 8 months in state prison. These were the results after a long and thorough investigation process and additionally long and thorough judicial process until final adjudication.

It takes quite a while for these shooting suspects to be brought to justice and finally sentenced but the effort and long hours are worth it, for the public to know that these criminals were tried and convicted and also for the families of the victims of these freeway shootings.

This specific case occurred on Feb. 1, 2016 and involved the three suspects traveling in a Nissan sedan on westbound HWY-4 when they shot their firearm out of their moving vehicle at the victim’s vehicle, which was all witnessed by an off-duty police officer. Then the suspects’ vehicle drove at a high rate of speed off the freeway to the Port Chicago Hwy off-ramp and subsequently was involved in a major collision within the intersection and caused injuries to all parties involved.

All three suspects were charged and convicted of the following:

-246 PC – Shooting at an occupied vehicle.

-186.22(a) PC – Participation in Criminal Street Gang

-29800 PC – Possession of Firearm by a Felon. (Oscar Torres)

– 11359 H&S – Possession for Sale of Marijuana

SENTENCES
-Zachery Paul Lopez (24 years old from Concord) was sentenced to 12 years and 8 months in State Prison.

-Oscar Osbaldo Torres (25 years old from Pittsburg) was sentenced to 13 years in State Prison.

-Antonio Ramirez Navarro (22 years old from Antioch) was also sentenced to 13 years in State Prison.

Public Safety and the preservation of life is always our #1 goal and although we cannot predict when criminals are going to commit these heinous crimes, what we can do is put together our very best investigation that will bring these criminals to justice and have them answer for their crimes.

75-year-old El Sobrante man dies in single car crash Sunday evening

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By CHP-Contra Costa

On Sunday, March 17, 2019, at about 6:13 pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of an overturned solo vehicle collision on a private maintained road near 5499 Sobrante Avenue. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, it was determined that a green Jeep was driven into an embankment and overturned. The solo male driver (75-year-old male from El Sobrante) was unresponsive, was extricated from the Jeep, and lifesaving efforts were performed but unsuccessful. The driver was pronounced deceased on scene. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of his identity.

In the initial investigation, it appears that the solo male driver of the Jeep was traveling south on the private road at an undetermined speed and then for reasons unknown at this time, accelerated into the dirt embankment, causing the Jeep to overturn. Upon emergency personnel arrival, the driver was unresponsive and ultimately pronounced deceased on scene.

Alcohol and/or drugs are believed to be a factor at this time in this collision but is still under investigation. Witnesses did stay on scene and were cooperative. If anyone else witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980. Thank you.