Contra Costa Herald

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

Single-car fatal collision on Highway 4 in Martinez Friday morning

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Friday morning, March 16 at about 8:29 A.M., Contra Costa CHP was advised of a solo vehicle, solo occupant, vehicle vs. a tree collision on Highway 4 westbound at the Alhambra Road off ramp. Upon CHP and emergency personnel arrival, the driver (unknown age male from Walnut Creek) was trapped within the Honda sedan and unresponsive. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.

In the initial investigation, it appears that the driver was driving the 1994 Black Honda Civic Highway 4 westbound approaching the Alhambra Road off ramp at an unknown speed. At the time it was raining and the roadway was wet. For unknown reasons, the driver veered from his lane to the right and off the roadway, down the embankment towards the off ramp located below. His Honda’s left driver side impacted directly into a large tree and came to rest with the tree fully crushing into the driver seat and male. He was pronounced deceased on scene. While the vehicle was being recovered the off ramps and #1 lane were partially shut down to recover the Honda.

It is unknown if alcohol or drugs are a factor in this collision. It 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.

Concord man arrested for felony DUI, manslaughter in fatal Bay Point crash early Thursday morning

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Passenger in one car died, Bay Point man and woman in other car in critical condition

By CHP-Contra Costa

On Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, at about 12:51 AM, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a two-vehicle traffic collision at Port Chicago Highway and Wharf Drive in Bay Point. Upon Officers and emergency personnel arrival, they located a 1997 Chevrolet Camaro and 2008 Dodge Ram in the side yard of a residence at 1 Wharf Drive, Bay Point, both with major collision damage. An unidentified male passenger from the Chevy Camaro was pronounced deceased on scene. In total, one male passenger died at the scene, the male driver and female passenger of the Dodge both suffered major life-threatening injuries and are in critical condition at a local John Muir Hospital. The male driver of the Chevy also sustained major injuries but non-life-threatening and he was arrested for suspicion of felony DUI driving and manslaughter for killing his passenger. He too is at a local John Muir Hospital.

In the initial investigation, it appears that the driver of the Chevy Camaro, Raul Moreno Ochoa, Jr., – born 12/12/1991 – from Concord, was driving the Camaro westbound on Port Chicago Highway approaching Wharf Drive at a high rate of speed. The male driver of the Dodge Ram, 51-year-old male from Bay Point, was traveling northbound on Wharf Drive and came to a stop at the stop sign at Port Chicago Highway. Then he made a right turn onto eastbound Port Chicago Highway. As Ochoa drove the Camaro westbound at a high rate of speed, for unknown reasons he veered across the center line, driving wrong way in the eastbound lane, and directly in the path of the Dodge. Ochoa crashed the Camaro head on with the Dodge. The impact was so great, both vehicles were catapulted back and into the side yard of the residence at 1 Wharf Drive.

The 51-year-old male driver of the Dodge and his 46-year-old female passenger, both from Bay Point, sustained major life-threatening injuries and are currently listed in critical condition at John Muir Hospital. Ochoa’s male passenger died at the scene. Ochoa sustained major injuries but non-life-threatening and is also at John Muir Hospital. He was placed under arrest for the following charges: FELONY DUI DRIVING – 23153(a)VC and MANSLAUGHTER – 192(5)PC. Alcohol and drugs are a factor in this collision.

This collision is still under investigation but if you witnessed either one of these vehicles prior to the collision, or have any information regarding this collision, please contact Contra Costa CHP at (925) 646-4980.

CHP Super Bowl Rreminder: Fans don’t let fans drive drunk

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On Sunday, February 4, football fans across the country will gather with friends and family to watch Super Bowl LII.  The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind motorists to designate a sober driver before the game begins.

“Drunk driving is completely avoidable, but continues to be a serious problem,” CHP Acting Commissioner Warren Stanley said.  “We want motorists to remember that drinking and driving is a choice that can have catastrophic results.  If you choose to drink, do not drive.”

According to preliminary data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, during last year’s Super Bowl, one person was killed in an alcohol-involved collision and 41 others were injured on California’s roadways.  That same day, there were 247 arrests made by the CHP for driving under the influence (DUI).  Consequences of a DUI arrest are jail time, the loss of a driver license, higher insurance rates, court fees, car towing and repair, and lost wages from time off work.

“There are no excuses when it comes to driving under the influence,” Acting Commissioner Stanley added.  “Have a game plan ready to avoid a tragedy.  Leave your car keys at home if you will be consuming alcoholic beverages, and use public transportation, a designated driver, or a ride-hailing service to stay safe.”

If you are hosting a Super Bowl party, be a team player and help keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel.  Make proper arrangements and designate your sober driver before the big game begins.  And remember:  Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

The public can help by calling 9-1-1 if they suspect a drunk driver.  Callers should be prepared to give the vehicle’s description, location, license plate number, and direction of travel.

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

 

Brentwood man dies in three-car collision on Deer Valley Road, Thursday morning

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Two of the three cars involved in the fatal accident on Deer Valley Road near Empire Mine Road, Thursday morning, Jan. 25, 2018. Photos by East Contra Costa Fire Protection District

By CHP-Contra Costa

Today, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018 at about 7:01 am, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a three-vehicle traffic collision on Deer Valley Road, just north of Empire Mine Road. Upon CHP and emergency personnel arrival, it was determined that a Honda Civic collided with a Honda Accord, and then into a Toyota Camry. The male driver of the Honda Civic was pronounced deceased at the scene. The other two drivers only suffered minor injuries and complaints of pain.

At 7:50 am, East Contra Costa Fire units responded, according to Interim Battalion Chief-Public Information Officer Ross Macumber. He also stated that Antioch Police personnel responded to the scene, as well. According to the report by Interim Battalion Chief for Operations Craig Auzeene, there was major damage to two of the vehicles but only minor damage to the third and that Deer Valley Road was closed from Balfour Road to the Kaiser hospital.

In the initial investigation, it appears that the solo male driver (38-year-old from Brentwood) of the Honda Civic was traveling northbound on Deer Valley Road and for unknown reasons, he veered across the solid double yellow lines and into oncoming southbound traffic on Deer Valley Road, directly into the path of the oncoming Honda Accord and collided with the Accord. Then the Civic spun out of control, continuing in the southbound lane and collided with the oncoming Toyota.

The solo female driver from the Accord was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries only and the solo female driver from the Toyota was privately taken to a local hospital for only minor complaints of pain only.

Tragically the 38-year-old male driver of the Honda Civic was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Contra Costa County Coroner was dispatched to the scene to identify the deceased male and recover his body. The Coroner’s office will be the lead agency regarding the release of the deceased male identity.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs are a factor in this collision. 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.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

CHP Motorcycle Officer injured by DUI driver on Monday recovering from surgery on legs

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Officer Martin Lendway following surgery on his legs. Photo by CHP-Contra Costa

Pittsburg woman arrested on multiple counts

By CHP – Contra Costa

In a post on the CHP – Contra Costa Facebook page on Wednesday it states, “Officer Martin Lendway is a true CHP MOTOR with Blue & Gold running through his veins!! He had successful surgery on both legs and has started his long road to recovery. We truly appreciate everyone’s warm wishes and thoughts & prayers. We are grateful for such a supportive community.”  In a previous post on Tuesday, it states, “THOUGHTS & PRAYERS FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY Join us in our thoughts and prayers as Officer Lendway goes into surgery today for his injuries and wishing him a safe & speedy recovery. Thank you for all your support, we greatly appreciate it.”

On Monday, January 15, 2018 at about 6:15 pm, a Contra Costa CHP Motorcycle Officer, Officer Lendway #19914, was on scene assisting citizens involved in a non-injury two vehicle traffic collision at SR-4 eastbound and Port Chicago Highway.

Officer Lendway assisted the vehicles involved (a black 2013 Ford F-150 and a silver 2014 Lexus ES350) off the roadway and to the center median area where information could be exchanged. Officer Lendway then parked his CHP Motorcycle behind the vehicles with its rear emergency red and blue lights activated to warn traffic and then walked up to help the motorists.

CHP Officer Lendway and a friend. Photo by CHP-Contra Costa.

Officer Lendway stood next to the Lexus while helping the motorist, which was parked just in front of the Ford F-150. Meanwhile, the driver of a black 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer was driving off the roadway and within the center median passing all traffic, and approaching Officer Lendway’s parked motorcycle. But the driver of the Chevrolet continued and collided into the CHP motorcycle, launching it to the right into the lanes of traffic. The driver continued and drove the Chevrolet directly into the back of the parked Ford F-150, catapulting it forward into Officer Lendway and the Lexus. The Ford partially landed on top of Officer Lendway, causing major injuries.

Then in an attempt to avoid the CHP motorcycle that was launched into the lanes of traffic, a blue 2005 Subaru Legacy and a silver 2001 Dodge Ram both swerved to avoid it and collided with each other. Six vehicles in total were involved.

CHP personnel and emergency personnel quickly arrived on scene and began treating Officer Lendway for his injuries. He was then transported to a local Hospital for major injuries but thankfully non-life threatening.

The female driver of the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer, Tammy Peggy Louise Walker of Pittsburg, DOB 10-29-1965, was investigated by CHP Officers while on scene for DUI and subsequently arrested for suspicion of FELONY DUI causing great bodily injury to another person while driving under the influence. Walker was taken to a local hospital, treated and released. Then Walker was taken to the Martinez Detention Facility where she was booked for the following charges;

Tammy Peggy Louise Walker arrest photo. Courtesy of KRON4.

-2 counts of FELONY DUI causing great bodily injury to another person while driving under the influence

-Vehicular reckless driving causing bodily injury

-Assault on a peace officer causing great bodily injury

-Driving on a SUSPENDED driver license for a PRIOR DUI conviction and causing great bodily injury to another person

Alcohol and DUI driving are factors in this collision. It is still under investigation. And if there are more people that witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it or the Chevrolet Trailblazer just prior to the collision, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980, Thank you and thank you to those citizens that stopped and help render aid to Officer Lendway.

 

Oakley man fatally struck by car in Knightsen Wednesday evening

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By CHP – Contra Costa

On Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at about 7:37pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a vehicle vs. pedestrian traffic collision at Delta Road and Curlew Connex in Knightsen. Upon CHP and emergency personnel arrival, it was determined that a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo hit a pedestrian that was in the roadway. The 56-year-old male pedestrian of Oakley was pronounced deceased at the scene and the driver of the Isuzu remained on scene.

In the initial investigation, it appears that the solo male driver of the Isuzu was traveling westbound on Delta Road just west of Curlew Connex at 40 mph. The area has low visibility and is dark without any streetlights. The pedestrian was in the roadway as the Isuzu approached and by the time the driver of the Isuzu saw the pedestrian, it was too late and collided into him. The male pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. The 28yr old male driver from Georgia remained on scene and was cooperative in the investigation.

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

CHP Officer struck by vehicle during traffic stop on eastbound Hwy 4, Monday night

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The damaged motorcycle of a CHP Officer who was injured in a crash on eastbound Hwy 4, Monday night, Jan. 15, 2018. Screenshots from NBC Bay Area News report.

Three of the eight vehicles damaged by the three, chain-reaction crashes.

According to the CHP – Contra Costa Facebook page, “This evening at about 6:15 pm, one of our CHP Officers was involved in a traffic collision at SR-4 eastbound and Port Chicago Highway (in Concord). He suffered major injuries, non-life threatening, and was transported to a local hospital. The scene is still active for the investigation. We have no further details at this time, but we will advise when we do. Thank you.”

Further reports on NBC Bay Area TV Channel 3 News and ABC7 News he was a motorcycle officer, and an SUV flipped an landed on the officer including a broken leg. It set off a chain reaction including at least eight cars and three separate crashes. It backed up traffic on Highway 4 for miles.

School bus collides with three cars causing numerous injuries in El Sobrante Tuesday morning

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CHP vehicles block San Pablo Dam Road near Lois Lane in El Sobrante following a collision involving a school bus and three other vehicles, Tuesday morning, Jan. 9, 2017. Photo by CHP-Contra Costa

Today, Tuesday, January 9, 2018, at about 8:11 am, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a four-vehicle traffic collision in El Sobrante on San Pablo Dam Road at Lois Lane involving a School Bus with children on board. Upon CHP and emergency personnel arrival, it was determined that a school bus, a white Chevrolet Silverado, a black Volkswagen Bug, and a white Ford F-150 were involved in the collision. In total, 13 people were transported for a variety of injuries. The entire roadway was shut down for numerous hours for the investigation and clean up but has since been reopened.

In the initial investigation, it appears the Volkswagen was northbound on San Pablo Dam road in the #1 lane and the Chevrolet truck was directly behind it traveling the same direction and approaching the intersection of Lois Lane. At the same location but on the southbound side, the School bus was traveling in the #1 lane and the Ford truck was next to it in the #2 lane. For unknown reasons the driver of the Volkswagen suddenly slowed nearly to a stop and the approaching Chevrolet truck was unable to slow and avoid the Volkswagen. The Chevrolet collided with the rear of the Volkswagen pushing it to the left and into the southbound lanes, directly in front of the oncoming Ford truck. The Ford impacted the Volkswagen in a “T-bone” manner pushing it out of the roadway and subsequently causing the driver of the Ford to lose control and spin into the southbound #1 lane facing wrong way, directly in front of the School bus. Then the school bus collided head on with the wrong way facing Ford truck.

Here are the number of injured parties transported to local hospitals from each vehicle;

-Solo driver of Volkswagen transported for major injuries

-Solo driver of Chevrolet transported for minor injuries

-3 occupants of the Ford transported. 2 with minor injuries and one classified as major injuries.

-7 children from the School bus all transported for minor/precautionary reasons

-School bus driver, who is 34 weeks pregnant, transported for precautionary reasons only due to the pregnancy

Alcohol or drugs do not seem to be a factor in this collission but it is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, and contact Officer Mendoza. (925) 646-4980. Thank you.

And please be aware of the wet roadway conditions from all this rain and give yourself enough space to safely stop, SLOW DOWN, and give yourself ample time to get to your destination. Drive safe.

Emergency crews rescue man who crashed car down deep embankment in Byron Tuesday evening

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The driver’s vehicle where it ended down the deep embankment off the Byron Highway, Tuesday evening. Photos by ECCFPD.

Transported to trauma center by medical helicopter

By Allen Payton

A man was able to extricate himself from his heavily damaged car after driving it off the Byron Highway and down a 25-foot, steep embankment Tuesday evening about 5:36 p.m. Seven East Contra Costa Fire personnel arrived on the scene and located the man near his car, near Holey Road in Byron.

East Contra Costa Fire personnel prepare driver for transport by helicopter to the trauma center.

According to the report by Battalion Chief Jack Gonzales, the rescue crew “secured the scene with the use of fire apparatus” and the driver “was provided medical aid and packaged in a stokes basket for a low-angle rescue.”

“AMR provided ALS care” to the man who was then “brought up to the roadway and was transferred to REACH3 (helicopter) for transport,” the report further states.

The driver was by himself in the vehicle and sustained “head and chest trauma” and “was transported…to John Muir Trauma Center in Walnut Creek.”

The accident, which backed up traffic on the Byron Highway, is under investigation by the CHP.

Brentwood man dies in motorcycle accident on Antioch freeway Saturday night

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Fellow motorcyclists leave scene before CHP arrives

Saturday night, August 26, 2017 at about 8:28 pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a traffic collision on the southbound lanes of SR-160 at the Wilbur Avenue on-ramp. Upon CHP and emergency personnel arrival, the male rider of the motorcycle had been ejected into the lanes of traffic on SR-160 and hit by another vehicle. The male rider was pronounced deceased at the scene. The southbound lanes of SR-160 were closed for approximately two hours for the collision investigation while traffic was diverted to the Wilbur Avenue off-ramp.

In the initial investigation and with the help of several witnesses, it appears that the solo male driver of the motorcycle (a 54-year-old male from Brentwood) was traveling on the Wilbur Avenue on-ramp and entering southbound SR-160 with several other motorcyclists. It appears the male rider drove over the gore point on the on-ramp to enter SR-160 and collided with the curb, subsequently ejecting him from his motorcycle. He was catapulted into the lanes of southbound traffic where he was struck by another vehicle, while his motorcycle continued into the lanes of traffic as well and was also struck by another vehicle. The rider was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The other vehicles that were involved in this collision stopped and remained at the scene. But the reported other motorcyclists riding with the 54-year-old man left the scene prior to CHP and emergency personnel arrival and have not been located.

At this time, it is unknown if alcohol or drugs were a factor in this collision but it’s still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it on Wilbur Avenue, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980, and Investigating Officer T. Johnson.