Contra Costa Herald

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

Richmond man sworn in as new CHP Officer

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DeAnza High grad, Carlos Ibarra will work in Marin Area office

New Officer Carlos Ibarra. Photo courtesy of the CHP

By CHP Media Relations

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Carlos Ibarra of Richmond, Calif., has successfully completed cadet training at the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy. He is assigned to duty at the CHP’s Marin Area office.

Officer Ibarra graduated from De Anza High School in 2017.  He also attended the University of California, Merced earning a bachelor’s degree in political science. Prior to attending the CHP Academy, he worked as a field technician for Technical Safety Service in Berkeley, Calif.

At the CHP Academy, cadet training starts with nobility in policing, leadership, professionalism and ethics, and cultural diversity. Training also includes mental illness response and crisis intervention techniques. Cadet instruction covers patrol operations, crash investigation, first aid, and the arrest of suspected violators, including those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The cadets also receive training in traffic control, report writing, recovery of stolen vehicles, assisting the motoring public, issuing citations, emergency scene management, and knowledge of various codes including the Vehicle Code, Penal Code, and Health and Safety Code.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

One driver dies in 3-car crash on I-680 near Concord Avenue Friday night

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CHP seeks help from any witnesses

By CHP – Contra Costa

Last night (Friday, Jan. 5, 2024) at 9:52pm, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a crash on southbound I-680 near Concord Avenue. Our preliminary investigation indicates a black Honda Pilot was traveling southbound on I-680 when it collided with the concrete center divide and became disabled in the lanes of traffic. A white Chevrolet 2500 was traveling southbound and was unable to avoid the disabled Honda and collided with the vehicle. A third vehicle, a Tesla, was also involved in the crash.

The driver of the Honda sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The passenger was not injured. The drivers of the Chevrolet and the Tesla were not injured. This crash is still under investigation.

If anyone witnessed this or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.

 

One driver dies in 4 vehicle fatal crash on Byron Highway

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South of Clifton Court Road

By CHP – Contra Costa

On December 30, 2023, at approximately 6:25 PM a white Chevrolet Silverado was traveling northbound on Byron Highway south of Clifton Court Road at an unknown speed. The white Chevrolet went into oncoming traffic. A grey Kia sedan traveling southbound on Byron Highway at an unknown speed was struck head on by the Chevrolet. After the crash the Kia left the roadway onto the right shoulder area and came to a rest. The Chevrolet continued out of control and eventually came to rest facing northbound over the center lane line blocking both lanes.

The driver of the Chevrolet was airlifted to John Muir Walnut Creek for their injuries. The passenger was transported via Ambulance to John Muir Walnut Creek for their injuries. The solo Kia driver was pronounced deceased on scene.

A Hyundai Elantra traveling southbound on Byron Highway behind the Kia struck debris in the road causing minor damage with no injuries to the driver or passenger. A Hummer traveling northbound behind the Chevrolet also struck debris and possibly struck the Chevrolet after the initial crash causing minor damage to the Hummer with no injuries to the driver or minor passenger.

During the on-scene investigation, it was determined the driver of the Kia was not properly wearing their seatbelt. DUI was not a factor in this collision.

This crash is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.

 

CHP urges motorists to drive in the New Year safely

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Will hold Maximum Enforcement Period Friday, Dec. 29 – Monday night, Jan. 1, 2024

909 DUI arrests during Christmas weekend MEP

As we prepare to usher in a new year, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is ramping up efforts to help ensure the safety of all road users, while reducing the number of deadly crashes on the state’s roadways.

Beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, the CHP will implement a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), which will continue through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

The CHP conducted a similar enforcement effort during the recent Christmas holiday.  Tragically, 20 people were killed in crashes within CHP jurisdiction between 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 25.  Additionally, CHP officers made more than 900 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) – an average of one every five minutes.

“Our personnel work through the holidays to help ensure people arrive safely at their destinations,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.  “The goal is to maintain a safe environment on California’s roads, which is achievable when all motorists make responsible decisions behind the wheel.”

In addition to assisting drivers and looking for traffic violations, such as failure to wear a seat belt, speeding, and distracted driving, CHP officers will be paying close attention to people suspected of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.  During the last New Year’s Day MEP, CHP officers made 570 DUI arrests statewide.

As we close out 2023, avoid becoming a statistic.  Have a plan and designate a sober driver or use ride-share services, avoid distractions while driving, and always wear your seat belt.  If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately.  Be prepared to provide the dispatcher a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location, and direction of travel. Your phone call may save someone’s life.

Christmas Weekend MEP Results

Over the past Christmas weekend, the CHP took decisive action to keep our roads safe! Here are the results from the maximum enforcement period:

CHP arrested 909 individuals for driving under the influence, a 42% increase from the year prior. Sadly, there were 19 fatal crashes resulting in 20 fatalities. Although this is a 23% decrease from last year, there is more work to be done to continue to reduce the mileage death rate.

Safety Reminder: Slow down, always designate a sober driver, and wear your seatbelt. These simple actions can save lives and prevent injuries.

Thank you to all who prioritize road safety. Stay safe!

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

Richmond woman’s fatal DUI crash on Hwy 4 near Martinez takes life of her 5-year-old

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Shakela Janey Dominick and her daughter in photos posted to her Facebook page on (left) Jan. 16, 2022, and (right) Nov. 1, 2018.

Also injured another passenger, an 11-year-old boy; driver also arrested for manslaughter, charged with 5 felonies

By Allen D. Payton

According to CHP – Contra Costa, early Sunday morning, Dec. 17 ,2023, at 12:06 am, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a solo vehicle traffic crash on westbound Hwy 4 near Morello Avenue. Our preliminary investigation indicates a grey Honda CR-V was occupied by one adult driver and two children and traveling westbound on Hwy 4. The driver lost control of the vehicle and the Honda left the roadway and collided with a tree.

The driver, identified in court records as Shakela Janey Dominick, 32, of Richmond, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to the hospital. An 11-year-old passenger sustained major, life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital. A 5-year-old passenger, Dearri Shula of Richmond, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

During the on-scene investigation, it was determined Dearri was not properly restrained in a child seat. Furthermore, Officers arrived at the hospital to conduct a DUI investigation and Dominick, who earlier was reported to be the mother of both children, was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence and manslaughter. But it was later learned the 11-year-old is a boy and not her son.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, she is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $400,000 bail.

According to Contra Costa DA spokesman Ted Asregadoo, Dominick was arraigned Thursday afternoon, Dec. 21 and during the court hearing, a bail reduction request by the defense from $400,000 to $100,000 was denied by the judge and that her blood alcohol level was 0.16 to 0.17 percent.

She was charged with five felonies for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated with one enhancement for bodily injury to more than one victim; driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury with three enhancements, two for great bodily injury and one for bodily injury to more than one victim; driving with a .08% Blood Alcohol Content causing injury with the same three enhancements; and two counts of child abuse. Dominick faces up to three years in state prison for each charge. 01-23-03987 – Shakela Janey Dominick Charging Document

A preliminary hearing was set for Dec. 29 at 8:30 am with Judge Jennifer Lee in Department 25 in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Dominick was arrested by Vacaville Police in October 2020 for shoplifting.

This crash is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to mailto:320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.

 

Victim in Dec. 5 two-vehicle fatal crash on I-680 near Martinez identified as Novato man

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By CHP – Contra Costa

On Tuesday morning Dec. 5, 2023, at approximately 9:33am, CHP Contra Costa responded to a two-vehicle crash on I-680, south of Pacheco Boulevard. Our preliminary investigation indicates a Ford F-550, with one occupant, and a Ford Escape, with one occupant, was traveling northbound on I-680. The driver of the F-550 was experiencing suspected mechanical issues and brought the vehicle to a stop in the number one lane. The driver of the Escape was unable to avoid the F-550 and collided into the rear of the F-550.

The driver of the Escape sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the F-550 was not injured.

According to Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department spokesman Jimmy Lee, the victim was identified as Jimmy Thai, age 39 of Novato.

This crash is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.

 

CHP pursuit from San Francisco to Bay Point ends in crash, arrests of five

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One of the five suspects from the overturned car surrenders to CHP officers on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. Video screenshot

Speeds reached in excess of 120 MPH

By CHP – Golden Gate Division Air Operations

Early Saturday morning, Dec. 9, 2023, CHP helicopter H30 was requested by San Francisco CHP units to assist in pursuing a vehicle wanted for reckless driving.

The crew of H30 arrived overhead as the vehicle crossed the Oakland Bay Bridge as speeds in excess of 120 mph. The suspect vehicle led officers on a 45-minute pursuit through three counties. (See video)

With H30 overhead, ground units were able to back off to a safe distance and set up spike strips.

After hitting the spike strips, the vehicle lost multiple tires and the driver eventually lost control and crashed. Five occupants in the vehicle were subsequently taken into custody.

CHP Contra Costa is handling the investigation.

Concord shopping center theft suspect arrested on freeway

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Theft suspect Jesse Leonardo Otero arrested on I-680 forcing CHP to block traffic on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Photos: Concord PD

Walnut Creek man arrested 86 times since 2017, 41 times in 2023

By Concord Police Department

On Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 22, 2023, one of our swing shift patrol officers was conducting extra patrols in the area of the Veranda (2001 Diamond Blvd.) when she was notified of a theft that had just occurred. The suspect fled on foot from our officer onto Willow Pass Road and into the parking lot of the Sun Valley Mall. A CPD motor officer attempted to stop the subject, who fled onto I-680. The California Highway Patrol was contacted and momentarily blocked traffic to allow our Officers to enter the freeway and safely detain the male.

The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Jesse Leonardo Otero of Walnut Creek, was arrested on the freeway. Mr. Ortero was transported to the Concord PD jail and later to the Martinez Detention Facility for theft and resisting/delaying a peace officer. This case will be forwarded to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for filing considerations.

Thank you to the California Highway Patrol and the Pleasant Hill Police Department for their assistance!

According to localcrimenews.com, Otero has been arrested 86 times since 2017 including 41 arrests in 2023 – sometimes twice in the same day – by multiple Contra Costa and Alameda County law enforcement agencies for a variety of crimes including trespassing, petty theft, public nuisance, possession of a controlled substance, shoplifting of less than $950, receiving or concealing stolen property, resisting arrest, robbery, vandalism and giving false information to a police officer. His arrests include three times in 2017; 10 in 2018; twice in 2019; five in 2020; 12 in 2021; and 13 times in 2022.

An email was sent to Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton asking how someone with Otero’s record hasn’t been sentenced to multiple years in jail or prison.

11/29/23 UPDATE: In response, Contra Costa DA’s Office PIO Ted Asregadoo provided the following statement:

“44-year-old Jesse Leonardo Otero is currently on felony probation for commercial burglary [PC 460(b)]. He was convicted on June 13, 2022, of a felony and was sentenced to 150 days in county jail and placed on two years of formal probation. On the same day, Otero was convicted of a misdemeanor shoplifting offense [PC 459.5] after stealing a gaming controller from a GameStop store. In October 2021, Otero was prosecuted and convicted of two separate counts of misdemeanor vandalism [PC 594(a)]. He was sentenced to 28 days in county jail and a year of probation for the vandalism offenses.

Many of the violations Mr. Otero was cited for in Contra Costa County were low-level, misdemeanor offenses such as trespassing, public nuisance, petty theft, and possession of controlled substances or paraphernalia. Otero’s misdemeanor thefts, for example, include taking a soft drink and candy at a Target store, stealing $27 worth of cosmetics, or shoplifting $50 worth of razor blades.

Our office is working with law enforcement agencies to merge a number of seemingly minor cases for prosecution to seek justice, ensure accountability, and protect our communities. Misdemeanor complaints filed with the court will have multiple incidents that we believe can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

CHP Contra Costa receives state grant to reduce DUI-related crashes

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Source: CHP

By CHP – Contra Costa

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Contra Costa Area will use grant funding to start a regional campaign in Contra Costa County aimed at stopping drivers suspected of driving under the influence and reducing impaired driving-related crashes. This one-year project ends on September 30, 2024.

The CHP Contra Costa Area will deploy officers to conduct enforcement operations on Interstates 80 and 680, State Routes 4, 24, and 242; and unincorporated roadways within Contra Costa County.

“We are taking a proactive approach to keep our roadways safe,” said CHP Captain Ben Moser, Commander of the Contra Costa Area office. “This campaign will use of combination of education and enforcement to help make Contra Costa County roadways a safer place to travel.”

Source: CHP

According to the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, there were nine people killed and 170 people injured in traffic crashes involving impaired drivers within the CHP Contra Costa Area’s jurisdiction between October 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021. This CHP traffic safety effort also includes a community-based task force and public awareness and education to help reinforce the dangers of driving while impaired.

The CHP would like to take this opportunity to remind the public, “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Alcohol, cannabis, prescription medication, illegal drugs, and some over-the-counter drugs can affect a person’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Remember to always plan ahead, designate a sober driver, or arrange for other safe alternative transportation, such as public transit or taxi/ride-hailing service.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

Antioch man arrested for felony hit-and-run death in Discovery Bay

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By CHP Contra Costa

On Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at 11:42pm, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a vehicle vs. pedestrian crash on Highway 4 near Newport Drive in Discovery Bay. An unknown vehicle traveling westbound on Highway 4 struck a pedestrian and the driver of the suspect vehicle did not stop and fled the scene. The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel.

On Thursday, November 22, 2023, at 3:03pm, CHP Contra Costa Officers arrested Javier Dominguez Ramirez (32-year-old from Antioch) in connection with the vehicle that struck and killed a pedestrian on Nov. 16. This crash occurred on westbound SR-4, west of Newport Drive. He is currently being held on a $50k bail at the Martinez Detention Facility for Felony Hit and Run.