CHP | Contra Costa Herald

CHP investigating 3 East Bay freeway shootings in 3 days, believe they were gang related

March 18, 2019 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Screenshot of CHP Golden Gate Division Officer John Fransen speaks at news conference Monday, March 18, 2019.

On Saturday, March 16th, 2019 at approximately 2:25 PM, a 25-year-old female (Destinee Shaharisha – Jenae Hillery) from Antioch was found shot to death while driving her vehicle on eastbound Highway 4 near Willow Pass Road off-ramp. This appears to have been targeted in this shooting and Investigators believe it was gang related.

On Sunday, March 17th, 2019 at 5:49 PM CHP – Dublin Area units responded to a freeway shooting which Investigators believe occurred on I-580 eastbound at Airway Boulevard. This appears to be a targeted shooting involving road rage and the suspects are described as two black male adults in a 2019 Honda Accord. One of the victims suffered a gunshot wound that is not life-threatening.

Today, at approximately 10:00 AM, a freeway shooting occurred on I-80 westbound, east of McDonald Avenue. In this incident a suspect fired one round and fled the scene. The victim pulled off the freeway and upon discovering the bullet hole and notified Richmond Police Department. After they determined it occurred on the freeway they notified us. There were no injuries and the suspect and vehicle are unknown at this point. Golden Gate Division Investigative Services Unit is assisting the CHP – Oakland Area in their investigation.

At this time none of these shootings appear to be related. CHP Investigators will look to see if Shot Spotter and Video Cameras along Highway 4 and on I-80 were able to provide any evidence regarding the March 16th and today’s shooting respectively.

Since November 1, 2015 there have been a total of 185 freeway shootings within CHP – Golden Gate Divisions jurisdiction, resulting in 65 injuries, 9 of which were fatal. The CHP has made 34 arrests for individuals connected to one or more of these shootings.

We want to assure the public that not only will these incidents be fully investigated using all available resources and technology, but that we will also continue to actively patrol highways from the air and on the ground in an effort to keep all motorists safe.

CHP – Golden Gate Division Special Investigations Unit is asking any witnesses with information regarding these separate incidents to contact them at their 24-hour tip line 707-917-4491 (callers must press # twice at the end of the call).”

Antioch woman dies in Highway 4 crash in Concord, bullet holes found in driver side door Saturday afternoon

March 17, 2019 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Destinee Hillery from her Facebook page posted on June 8, 2017.

By CHP-Golden Gate Division

At approximately 2:25 PM on Saturday, March 16, 2019, CHP – Contra Costa Area was advised of a silver Honda that collided into the guard rail on Highway 4 eastbound at Port Chicago Highway. While units were in route another caller advised the vehicle ended up on the Willow Pass Road off-ramp from eastbound Highway 4.

Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, it was determined the vehicle drove off the roadway and collided with the guardrail. The solo 25-year-old female driver, Destinee Shaharisha – Jenae Hillery, a resident of Antioch was pronounced deceased on scene.

While units were investigating the scene, bullet holes were located on the driver side door. This investigation is ongoing, any further details will be released at a later time.

If anyone has information regarding this incident or witnessed it take place, they are encouraged to contact CHP investigators at 707-917-449.

Fatal Discovery Bay hit and run driver surrenders to court Monday

March 12, 2019 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Suspect: Crystal Diane Lia of Discovery Bay

By CHP-Contra Costa

On May 4, 2018, Contra Costa CHP began an investigation of a fatal hit and run on Hwy 4 at Bixler Road in Discovery Bay. In brief summary, the deceased was located the next day just off the roadway with no real leads that were presented early on, which compounded the tragic loss of life for the family of the deceased because we were unable to provide any clear details of what really happened at that time.

Our CHP Officers began the investigation and followed many leads, including working along side our special investigations unit, but were unfortunately unsuccessful in locating the suspect or suspect vehicle.

Then in late 2018, CHP received a tip with information regarding the investigation. This led to locating the vehicle involved, and a possible suspect as well. But many more hours of hard work were put into the case to obtain solid evidence, records, interviews, warrants, etc.

Then just last Friday, March 8, 2019, all the long hours and hard work of the investigation finally produced the fruits of the Officers labor. CHP was successful in filing a criminal complaint for Vehicular Manslaughter (DUI) and Felony Hit & Run with enhancements. The judge set bail at $300,000.

The suspect was not immediately located. But later a peaceful & successful surrender was negotiated with the suspects attorney and the suspect, Crystal Diane Lia, 36yr old from Discovery Bay, surrendered to the court Monday, March 11, 2019.

If you have any information regarding this incident from May 4, 2018, or the morning of May 5 2018, and would like to come forward to provide that, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980.

Although the life that the suspect took cannot be replaced, we hope that this will begin to bring some closure to the family that lost their loved one nearly one year ago.

Woman crashes car, runs across Highway 4 in Martinez, hit and killed Thursday night

February 22, 2019 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By CHP-Contra Costa

Thursday evening at about 8:26 pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a solo vehicle collision on Highway 4 eastbound, west of Pacheco Blvd. in Martinez. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, a blue Saturn sedan was found crashed into the center divider of eastbound Hwy 4, several witnesses that stopped along the right shoulder of eastbound Hwy 4, and the adult female driver of the Saturn was lying in the westbound lanes of traffic and unresponsive. The driver of a white Dodge pickup truck was also stopped along the right shoulder but on the westbound side. Unfortunately, the female driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. She has not yet been identified. The Contra Costa County Sheriff Coroner,s Office will be handling the release of her identity.

In the initial investigation, it appears that the solo female driver of the Saturn sedan was traveling on Hwy 4 eastbound approaching Pacheco Blvd at an unknown speed, veered off the roadway and into the center metal guardrail. Witnesses related the female driver then exited her vehicle, climbed over the center metal guardrail, and began to run across the westbound lanes of traffic of Hwy 4. She was then struck by an oncoming white Dodge pickup. Once emergency personnel and CHP arrived on scene, they located the female driver lying in the westbound lanes and unresponsive. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. The male driver of the Dodge pickup remained on scene, was not injured, and cooperative throughout the investigation. Witnesses also remained on scene to provide information.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs are 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.

El Sobrante man dies in car crash on I-80 near Pinole Wednesday morning

January 30, 2019 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By CHP-Contra Costa

Early this morning at about 1:10am, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a solo vehicle rollover collision on I-80 westbound just east of Pinole Valley Road. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, the 59-year-old male driver from El Sobrante was extricated and life-saving procedures were administered but unsuccessful and the driver was pronounced deceased. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased party.

In the initial investigation, it appears that the solo male driver of the 2000 Audi was traveling at a high rate of speed on I-80 westbound approaching Pinole Valley Road and veered off the roadway and into the concrete sound wall, and subsequently overturned and slid across the lanes and came to rest blocking the #2 & #3 lanes. Once emergency personnel arrived and extricated the driver, they began life-saving procedures but were unsuccessful and unfortunately the driver was pronounced deceased. A Sig-Alert was issued at 1:37 A.M. (w/ the #1 lane remaining open the entire time) and lifted at 3:02 A.M. when all lanes of traffic were opened.

West County: Fatal collision on Cummings Skyway north of Hwy 4 Christmas morning

December 27, 2018 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By CHP Contra Costa

At approximately 10:43 this morning, CHP units responded to a collision on Cummings Skyway, north of Highway 4. Upon arrival, officers located a two-vehicle collision involving a Nissan X-Terra and a Ford sedan. The driver of the Nissan suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced as deceased on scene. The driver of the Ford suffered major, but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Our preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the Ford appeared to have drifted off the roadway and onto a dirt shoulder. The driver of the Ford then appears to have overcorrected and crossed into oncoming traffic, causing the Nissan to collide with the passenger side of the Ford.

At this time this is still an active scene and Cummings Skyway remains closed. We are still investigating whether drugs or alcohol were a factor in this collision, and are asking any witnesses to call the CHP at 925-646-4980.

DUI crash on Highway 4 Monday night results in fatality

November 20, 2018 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By CHP-Contra Costa

Monday night at about 9:28pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a three-vehicle collision at Highway 4 eastbound at Willow Pass Road in Concord. Upon CHP and emergency personnel arrival, three vehicles were located at the scene (a Chevrolet Chevelle, a Nissan Sedan, and a Mitsubishi Lancer) and tragically the driver of the Mitsubishi (19-year-old male) was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet sustained major injuries and was determined to be under the influence and later arrested. The driver of the Nissan had only minor injuries and did not go to the hospital. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased driver. Please direct inquires to them.

In the initial investigation, it appears that the driver of the Chevrolet (Willie David Hamlin, DOB-12/25/1971, from Antioch) was traveling eastbound on SR-4 at a high rate of speed approaching Willow Pass Road in Concord. He veered his vehicle to the right and crashed into the metal guard rail to the right of the roadway. Then he allowed his vehicle to veer back into the lanes of traffic and collided with the Nissan, but only caused minor damage. He then continued across the lanes towards the #1 lane where he collided in a broadside manner into the Mitsubishi with the 19-year-old driver, subsequently killing him. The 44-year-old driver of the Nissan only sustained minor injuries and was able to walk away. Hamlin suffered major injuries (but not life threatening) and was transported to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek. While there, CHP conducted a DUI investigation and he was subsequently placed under arrest for FELONY DUI and GROSS VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER. Due to Hamlin’s injuries, he remains at the hospital for treatment but upon his release, CHP will take him into custody and book him into the county jail. His release from the hospital at this time is unknown.

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

Unfortunately, this is another reminder of the carnage and impact that DUI driving can cause and to know that impaired driving is 100% preventable, 100% of the time is even more disastrous. Please never drive impaired.

Two teens killed, three teens injured in Walnut Creek crash off Highway 24, Sunday morning

August 13, 2018 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Screenshot of crashed Honda on Boulevard Circle in Walnut Creek, Sunday morning, Aug. 12, 2018. Screenshot from NBC Bay Area news report.

Female driver charged with multiple counts of felony manslaughter, DUI

By CHP – Contra Costa

The driver, Ramya Ramey. Photo from screenshot of KPIX5 news report.

Sunday morning, Aug. 12, 2018 at about 4:01am, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a solo vehicle collision that came off SR-24 and onto Boulevard Circle at Boulevard Way in Walnut Creek. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, two passengers from the 2000 Silver Honda Civic were declared deceased, the driver was still alive but with major injuries, and two other passengers had also suffered major injuries. All parties were transported to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of the identities of the deceased parties, please refer to them for that information.

In the initial investigation, it appears that the 18-year-old female driver from Antioch was driving the Honda on eastbound SR-24 and approaching the I-680 interchange. For reasons unknown that are still under investigation, she allowed the Honda to veer completely off SR-24 and overturned and crashed onto Boulevard Circle, which is below SR-24, causing major damage. Two male passengers, one 17 and the other 18 years old, both from Antioch, were immediately pronounced deceased upon emergency personal arrival. Two other female 18-year-old passengers from Antioch and Oakley suffered major injuries and transported to the hospital. The driver, Ramya Ramey, (DOB-1/30/2000) from Antioch, suffered major injuries as well and was also transported to the hospital where she was placed under arrest for multiple counts of felony manslaughter for killing two of her passengers and multiple counts of felony DUI causing major injuries to her other passengers.

UPDATE: The Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office released the identities of the two victims on Monday afternoon. They are 17-year-old Dakarai Rishon Fagorala a former varsity basketball player at and 2018 graduate of Deer Valley High School, and 18-year-old John Hamed Walizada, a 2017 graduate also of Deer Valley.

This is a tragic incident where alcohol and underage drinking & driving was involved. This investigation 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 or 1-(800)-TELL-CHP. Thank you.

Update on investigation into Saturday’s fatal Hwy 24 collision after suspects flee from officer

July 24, 2018 By Publisher Leave a Comment

The burned suspect’s vehicle following CHP chase and collision on Highway 24 in Orinda, Saturday, July 21, 2018. Photo by KTVU Fox2 News.

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

The investigation into a fatal single vehicle collision after two suspects fled from an Orinda Police Officer on Saturday is ongoing. The investigation is being conducted by the District Attorney’s Office, Office of the Sheriff and CHP per the county fatal incident protocol.

On Saturday, July 21, 2018, at about 9:02 AM, an Orinda Police Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Nissan Altima for vehicle code violations in the area of St. Stephens Drive and Tahos Road in Orinda. As the officer approached the vehicle, it fled at a high rate of speed leading the officer on a pursuit. The suspect vehicle entered westbound Highway 24. The officer lost sight of the suspect vehicle and later came upon a single vehicle collision involving the car on Highway 24 near the BART station.

First aid was rendered to the two occupants of the vehicle. They were taken to a local hospital, where one was pronounced deceased. He is identified as 20-year-old Lawrence Mar-tin of Oakland.

The other occupant of the vehicle, 20-year-old Danny Lockett of San Francisco, was arrested for felony evading causing death and a probation violation. He is being held without bail at the Martinez Detention Facility.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

CHP investigating Monday night shooting on Highway 4 in Bay Point

April 4, 2018 By Publisher Leave a Comment

From CHP-Contra Costa Facebook Page

Monday night, at approximately 10:00 PM, a shooting occurred on westbound Highway 4 at Bailey Road. While the victim’s vehicle was struck several times, the solo occupant was not injured.

CHP – Contra Costa is actively investigating this shooting with the assistance of Golden Gate Division – Investigative Services Unit.

If you have any information or may have witnessed this event call 1-800-TELL-CHP. We wish to thank the public for contacting us with information in tragic cases such as this.