Contra Costa Herald

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

7 arrested in Concord mall smash and grab burglary, one with assault weapon

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A glass entry door to the Sun Valley Mall in Concord was broken through in the attempted smash and grab burglary and gun seized from one of the suspects on Sunday morning, Oct. 5, 2025. Photos: Concord PD

4 following early Sunday morning police pursuit, collision

18-year-old from Richmond, 6 juveniles

By Concord Police Department

On Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at 3:52am, Concord PD Dispatchers received a call from Sun Valley Shopping Center Security regarding a burglary in progress. A large group of suspects had forced entry through glass doors. Officers quickly arrived at the mall and located the suspects exiting.

Four suspects entered a vehicle and fled, leading officers on a short pursuit. The driver lost control, was involved in a solo vehicle collision and then fled on foot. The three he left behind in the car were immediately taken into custody. There were no injuries as a result of the vehicle collision.

The driver was located a short distance away, hiding in bushes and taken into custody. The other three subjects that had been left behind at the mall were also immediately taken into custody. One of them was found to be in possession of a firearm with modifications that made it an assault weapon.

There are no outstanding suspects, and all are facing an extensive list of charges. The six male juveniles, all from San Pablo and Richmond, were booked at the Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall. Marcos Ramirez-Castro, 18, from Richmond, was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility.

Concord issues Request for Proposals for rehabilitation, adaptive reuse of Don Fernando Pacheco Adobe

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Don Fernando Pacheco Adobe. Photo: City of Concord

Rare opportunity to restore historic building, develop 3.7 acres

Due November 7

By Colleen Awad, Community Relations Manager, City of Concord

Concord, CA –The City of Concord has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified partners to rehabilitate, adaptively reuse and manage the historic Don Fernando Pacheco Adobe and its surrounding property. This unique opportunity invites visionary teams to restore one of Concord’s most significant landmarks while activating several acres of land for new community-oriented development.

“The Adobe is one of Concord’s most treasured historic resources,” said Justin Ezell, Assistant City Manager. “Our vision is to find a partner who can breathe new life into the building, respect its history, and create a destination where the public can once again gather and experience this piece of our community’s story.”

Photo: City of Concord

Constructed in 1844, the Don Fernando Pacheco Adobe, located at 3119 Grant Street, is among the oldest surviving structures in Concord and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built by Don Fernando Pacheco, son of the grantee of Rancho Monte del Diablo, the adobe is a rare physical link to California’s Rancho Period and an enduring symbol of the region’s cultural heritage. The City has prioritized preserving this landmark and ensuring it remains publicly accessible for future generations.

In addition to the 1.4-acre site containing the Adobe, the City is offering an adjacent 3.7 acres for new development. Together, the property represents a rare opportunity for a creative partner to combine historic preservation with new facilities that can deliver cultural, recreational, or community benefits. Potential land uses include performance space, meeting facilities, early childhood education, recreation, or other compatible uses.

A non-mandatory walkthrough and pre-submittal meeting will be held at the Adobe on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Interested parties are encouraged to attend to learn more about the site and the City’s goals for the project.

Proposals are due by Friday, November 7, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. to:

Justin Ezell, Assistant City Manager

City of Concord

1950 Parkside Drive

Concord, CA 94519

For more information and to download the full RFP, visit www.cityofconcord.org/adobe.

Bay Point, Concord men arrested, charged with attempted murder for shooting of 3 in Concord parking garage

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31-year-old Justino Lopez-Perez held on $2.3 million bail, 23-year-old Erickson Melendez arrested last year for violent crimes held on $750K bail; third suspect also arrested

By Concord Police Department

As previously reported, on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, shortly after 10:20 PM, three gunshot wound victims arrived at John Muir Medical Center in Concord and reported they were shot while in a parking garage in the 2000 block of Salvio Street in downtown Concord. Patrol officers responded and descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle were developed. These descriptions were shared with area law enforcement agencies. Just over an hour later, deputies from the Contra Costa County, Office of the Sheriff located the suspect vehicle. From that stop, two occupants were detained and arrested. Detectives from the Investigations Division were called to take over the investigation and continue following up on leads throughout the night and the next day.

On Wednesday, at about 6:30 PM, a third suspect was arrested in relation to the shooting. During the arrest and subsequent search, evidence related to the shooting was found. On Thursday, the Contra Costa County, District Attorney’s Office filed charges related to the shooting.

The following two men were charged with the shooting: Justino Lopez-Perez (31 years old, resident of Bay Point, born 11/16/1993) was charged with 664/187 PC- Attempted murder, 182(a)(1) PC- Conspiracy, 26100(c) PC- Discharge a firearm from a vehicle, 245(b) PC-Assault with a firearm, and use of a firearm enhancements. Erickson Adoni Melendez (23 years old, resident of Concord, born 6/2/2002) was charged with 182(a)(1) PC – Conspiracy and 26100(c) PC- Discharge a firearm from a vehicle.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, eight-inch tall, 143-pound Lopez-Perez is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $2.3 million bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 1:35 p.m. in Dept. 5, Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Melendez was also arrested on Sept. 15, 2024, by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies for kidnapping, battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse and assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, 10-inch tall, 175-pound suspect is also being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $750,000 bail. He has the same court appearance date, time and location as Lopez-Perez.

We would like to thank the deputies from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, staff at John Muir Hospital, and community members who supported and assisted in this investigation. The three men who were shot were treated at area hospitals and are expected to survive. If you have any information about this incident, please contact Detective Enrique Espino at (925) 671-3426.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Police investigate shooting of three males in Concord city garage

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By Concord Police Department

Last night, Tuesday, September 16, 2025, around 10:20 pm, Concord Police Department officers were dispatched to John Muir Concord Medical Center when three males arrived with gunshot wounds after being driven there by friends. CPD determined that a shooting had just occurred in the municipal parking garage on Salvio Street.

A suspect vehicle was quickly identified and the information shared with other law enforcement partners. Deputies from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office located the suspect vehicle driving in Bay Point where they conducted a traffic stop and detained the occupants.

The three shooting victims are all in stable condition and expected to survive. Concord Police Department detectives are still investigating the incident and trying to determine motives behind the shooting and if there are any other persons involved. Anyone with more information is encouraged to contact Concord Police Department Major Crimes Unit Detective Espino at (925) 671-3426.

Concord man arrested for sexual battery, false imprisonment over several months

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Daniel Alejandro Acosta-Montiel. Photo by Concord PD

Police seek additional victims; also had connections to East Contra Costa County

By Concord Police Department

The Concord Police Department has arrested 24-year-old Daniel Alejandro Acosta-Montiel for a series of sexual battery and false imprisonment incidents that occurred over the past several months.

  • The first incident occurred on January 13, 2025, where Acosta-Montiel reportedly followed a woman, grabbed her from behind, and sexually assaulted her.
  • A second incident occurred the following night, where Acosta-Montiel allegedly used a stun gun on a female victim and sexually assaulted her.
  • Approximately one month later, Acosta-Montiel was identified as the suspect in an incident where he followed a female home and assaulted her in the front yard of her residence in Concord.
  • After his arrest, a juvenile female came forward and reported that Acosta-Montiel had sexually assaulted her in October 2024.

Once identified in April 2025, Concord PD Detectives arrested Acosta-Montiel on numerous felony charges, which were subsequently filed by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

Acosta-Montiel, born 12/01/2001, is described as a male, 24 years old approximately 4 feet 11 inches tall and approximately 120 pounds.

Given the circumstances of this case, the Concord Police Department believes there may be additional victims. Acosta-Montiel lived in Concord during these incidents, but also had connections to East Contra Costa County.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Special Victims Unit Detective Huffmaster at 925-671-5080 or Concord PD Dispatch at 925-671-3333.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, Acosta-Montiel is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail, and his next court appearance is on Friday, August 8 in Superior Court in Martinez at 8:30 A.M.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Antioch man arrested for Concord, East Bay freeway shootings

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David Milburn was arrested by the CHP for two shootings. He tossed his gun during the pursuit which was later recovered by officers. Photos: CHP

33-year-old David Milburn held on $1 million bail; one victim in hospital

By CHP – Contra Costa

VALLEJO, Calif. – California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers arrested a 33-year-old Antioch man early Wednesday, July 23, 2025, after two freeway shootings spanning Contra Costa, Alameda, and Solano counties.

Officers took David Milburn (born 1/25/92) into custody around 1:35 AM. after spotting his white Chrysler Crossfire on eastbound Interstate 80 near Midway Road between Vacaville and Dixon. Milburn refused to stop, leading officers on a short pursuit before being arrested without incident. During the chase, officers saw him throw a firearm and two high-capacity magazines from the vehicle.

The arrest came after two other shootings just hours earlier. Around 8:07 P.M. Tuesday, a man was admitted to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek with a gunshot wound, stating he was shot while driving westbound on Highway 4 near Willow Pass Road. About five hours later, at 12:52 A.M. Wednesday, another driver reported his vehicle had been hit by gunfire on eastbound Highway 24 near Highway 13.

Detectives from CHP’s Golden Gate Division Special Investigations Unit linked all three incidents to Milburn with help from the Traffic Management Center, Communications Center, and Flock Safety data.

Milburn was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, shooting at a vehicle, and multiple counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

“Swift work by CHP personnel across the Bay Area directly led to the apprehension of another dangerous criminal who chose to endanger the general public with his reckless and careless behavior,” said CHP Golden Gate Division Chief Don Goodbrand. “From officers in the field to detectives and dispatchers, incredible teamwork is the key to successful outcomes in these investigations, and I applaud all of them for their hard work.”

This investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information or who may have been involved in incidents with a white Chrysler Crossfire is asked to call the CHP investigative tip line at (707) 917-4491.

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

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 180-pound Milburn is listed as Non-Hispanic but also as Black and is being held on $1 million bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Country music stars help raise funds for Concord organization’s affordable housing efforts

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Country music stars Lee Brice, Michael Ray and David Tolliver perform during the Yellow Roof Foundation’s “Raise the Roof” fundraiser on June 22, 2025. Photo: Yellow Roof Foundation

Lee Brice, Michael Ray, David Tolliver help bring in more than $1 million at “Raise the Roof” for Yellow Roof Foundation

By Mike Hoye

CONCORD, CA – Yellow Roof Foundation’s annual “Raise the Roof” fundraiser was once again an overwhelming success, generating more than $1 million to advance the non-profit organization’s mission to create affordable, income-based rental housing for families and individuals at risk of homelessness.

Yellow Roof Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Concord, Calif. The organization was founded by Dave and Lori Sanson, owners of DeNova Homes, also headquartered in Concord. Yellow Roof has built several communities in the greater Bay Area to provide affordable housing to those who are hardworking, contributing members of society but are experiencing hard times due to circumstances beyond their control and are at risk of becoming unhoused. As the serious housing crisis continues to grow in California, especially in the affordable housing arena, so has the population who may be on the verge of homelessness.

The sold-out “Raise the Roof” was held on June 22, 2025, at The CIA at Copia in Napa, where sponsors and special guests gathered for an evening of giving and celebration. Attendees enjoyed a beautifully prepared dinner and heartwarming presentations that showcased the life-changing impact of Yellow Roof’s work.

During the program, Yellow Roof announced its next new project in the East Bay town of Pittsburg, made possible a land donation from The Sanson Family. The land is approved for 81 multi-family units, which will make it the largest Yellow Roof community to date. In addition, local businessman and philanthropist, Steve Gonsalves, for whom two of Yellow Roof’s communities are named, shared that because 100% of donations go directly to projects and that accountability is instilled in residents are key factors as to why he believes so strongly in and is committed to Yellow Roof’s mission.

Among the evening’s other highlights was the presentation of the 2025 Champion Award to Valerie Sanders, Homeless Liaison for the Pittsburg Unified School District, in recognition of her remarkable partnership in helping to place deserving families into stable housing.

One of those families was represented on stage by resident Araceli Solis, who, joined by her three daughters, shared her powerful story of resilience following the sudden loss of her husband and how Yellow Roof’s income-based rental housing and financial education programs have restored her family’s hope.

Jasmine Strange, a recent graduate from Yellow Roof housing, also moved the audience, describing how the three years she and her family spent with the non-profit prepared them for a brighter future and helped them secure permanent affordable housing.

The concert portion of the evening featured an unforgettable singer-songwriter performance donated by Lee Brice, Michael Ray, and David Tolliver. A special moment came when Lee and Sara Brice’s two youngest children, Ryker and Trulee, took the stage, with Ryker returning for an encore to rally the crowd to bid generously on an autographed guitar signed by all the artists.

“Raise the Roof has become a beacon of hope and a testament to what is possible when compassionate people come together,” said Lori Sanson, President and Director of Yellow Roof Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, guests, artists, and volunteers whose commitment makes it possible for us to provide families with a foundation of safety, dignity, and opportunity. The funds raised this year will help us build more homes and change more lives.”

For more information about Yellow Roof Foundation, to stay updated on its communities and events, or to make a valuable donation to support its efforts, please visit YellowRoofFoundation.org.

Raise the Roof 2025 Sponsors

Diamond Sponsors: BIA Bay Area, California Retaining Walls, Cemcon, Inc., Covenant Technical Solutions, DeNova Homes, Inc., Rescue Electric, RPM, Sanco Pipelines, SDG Architects, The Conco Companies, The Garaventa & Colvis Families, The Graham Family and The Resmark Companies

Platinum Sponsors: Brookfield Residential, Calex Drywall, California Bank & Trust, cbg Civil Engineers – Surveyors – Planners, Discovery Wall Systems, DPAE Structural, Independent Construction, Legacy Risk & Insurance Services, Lew and Sara Carpenter, Miller Starr Regalia, OAG Architects, Pacific Coast Landscape Management, UBS, Waymark Development and Weber Christensen & Heinrichs, LLP

Gold Sponsors: Blazona Concrete Construction, Inc., California Building Industry Association, Gately Family Foundation, J&M, Inc., Meridian Associates, OJ Insulation, Silvermark Construction Services and vanderToolen Associates

FBI offers $25K reward for help ID’ing female suspect in Concord assault, theft

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Source: FBI

By Federal Bureau of Investigation

The unknown suspect wanted for assault on a federal officer in Concord, CA June 10, 2025. Photo: FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s San Francisco Field Office is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individual responsible for assaulting federal officers and the theft of government property on June 10, 2025, in Concord, California. The individual is described as a female who was wearing a black hoodie at the time.  She is believed to be the individual who took the FBI Special Agent’s badge. The FBI offers a reward of up to $25,000.

Submit a Tip:

If you have any information concerning this case, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

See video that depicts an unknown female wearing a black hoodie and black mask assaulting a federal officer in Concord, California, on June 10, 2025.

CHP investigating fatal Tuesday crash in Concord

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By CHP-Contra Costa

CONCORD, CA – On Tuesday May 20th, 2025, at approximately, 5:24 p.m., officers assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Contra Costa Area office responded to a two-vehicle crash which occurred at the northernmost intersection of northbound Kirker Pass Road and Hess Road in Concord.

A Ford Fusion stopped at the westbound Hess Road intersection attempted to make a left turn onto southbound Kirker Pass Road. While turning, it pulled into the path of a Toyota Sienna traveling northbound on Kirker Pass Road, resulting in the Toyota crashing into the Ford’s driver side.

The Ford was occupied by an adult female driver and a 14-year-old male passenger in the front right seat. The Toyota was solely occupied by an adult female driver. Tragically, the driver of the Ford sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 14-year-old sustained suspected major injuries and was airlifted to the hospital. The driver of the Toyota sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Both the 14-year-old and Toyota driver are expected to recover from their injuries.

An impaired driving investigation was also conducted, and DUI was ruled out as a factor in this crash.

Both northbound and southbound lanes of Kirker Pass Road were closed at approximately 5:35 p.m., for on-scene investigation, and were re-opened at approximately 8:40 p.m.

This crash remains under investigation.

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

With help of U.S. Marshals Concord man arrested for attempted murder in March shooting

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Being held on over $1.5 million bail

Has history of arrests for other gun-related crimes dating back to 2016

By Concord Police Department

On March 18, 2025, at approximately 4:30 P.M., the Concord Police Department’s Communications Center was notified that a gunshot victim had come into the John Muir Emergency Department. Patrol Officers arrived at the hospital and learned that a single victim had been shot. The victim’s injuries were not life threatening, and the Victim was treated and released.

Officers located the scene of the shooting, which occurred in the area of Esperanza Drive and Huron Drive. Detectives from various CPD Investigative Units were called to the scene to further investigate. Through a variety of investigative methods, Devante Lucas Watson, age 27 (born 8/6/97) of Concord, was identified as the suspected shooter in this case.

An arrest warrant for Watson was sought and approved. With the assistance of the United States Marshal’s Service, Watson was located at a location in Richmond where he was arrested and transported to the Concord Jail. Detectives conducted multiple search warrants and located a loaded firearm.

Further investigation has led to the conclusion this was a targeted attack and not a random act of violence.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed a five-count felony criminal complaint on Watson for:

PC245(a)(2) – Assault with a semi-automatic firearm (two counts)

PC246 – Discharging a firearm at an occupied motor vehicle

PC29800(a) – Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

PC626.9(d) – Discharging a firearm in a school zone

Watson is being held in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on $1.5 million bail.

The Concord Police Department continues to take a zero-tolerance approach to violence in all areas of the City, with an extremely high emphasis on violence in school zones. Violence in school zones is simply unacceptable, and the Concord Police Department will dedicate all available resources to investigating and solving these crimes.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting can reach out to Detective Luciano at 925-603-5831.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot, three-inch tall, 170-pound Watson is Black, and being held on $1,521,000 bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for May 21, 2025, in Superior Court, Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to 2016 by multiple agencies including Concord and Pleasant Hill Police Departments and the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department for crimes, such as gun and drug charges, assault, battery, robbery and receiving or concealing stolen property.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.