Contra Costa Herald

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

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

By Leave a Comment

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

By Leave a Comment

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

By Leave a Comment

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

By 3 Comments

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

By 2 Comments

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

By Leave a Comment

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.

Concord credit union armed robbery suspects arrested following chase to San Jose, carjackings along the way, shooting by cops

By Leave a Comment

Officer involved shooting occurred with one of the armed suspects.

By Concord Police Department

On Monday, April 21, 2025, shortly before 10 am, two suspects committed an armed robbery at a credit union in Concord. Concord Police Officers located the suspect vehicle, which immediately began to flee, and a police pursuit was initiated.

The suspect vehicle became disabled on SB 680 in Sunol and the suspects carjacked two vehicles at gunpoint, ultimately fleeing again in one of them.

Concord Police Officers pursued the suspects in the carjacked vehicle to San Jose where that vehicle became disabled. An officer involved shooting involving Concord Police officers occurred with one of the armed suspects. That suspect was transported to a local area hospital for treatment. The other suspect was located in the area a short time later by San Jose Police Department officers.

There are no suspects still outstanding.

The Concord Police Department is investigating the bank robbery, pursuit, and carjacking and the San Jose Police Department is investigating the officer involved shooting that occurred in their jurisdiction. No further details are being released at this time.

Anyone with further information regarding this case is asked to contact Concord Police Department Major Crimes Unit Detective J. Riche at (925) 603-5922 or the Concord Police Department tip line at (925) 603-5836.

Pittsburg man arrested for murder following shooting in Concord

By Leave a Comment

Held on $4.2 million bail

Search warrants served in Antioch, Pleasant Hill

Multiple arrests since 2021

By Concord Police Department

On Monday morning, April 14, 2025, around 3:00 A.M., Concord Police Department patrol officers, working in the area of Monument Blvd. near Meadow Lane, heard gunshots being fired. At the same time, CPD dispatch received several 911 calls regarding gunshots being heard in the vicinity. Officers responded to investigate and located a forty-year-old male gunshot victim, later identified as Omar Gonzalez, lying on the ground near the intersection of Monument Blvd. and Reganti Drive. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Concord Police Department Major Crimes Unit detectives responded.

Detectives were able to identify Chance Martin, a 27-year-old (born 4/14/98) male resident of Pittsburg, as the suspect in the murder. It is believed that Martin had been involved in a dispute in the parking lot of 1500 Monument Blvd. with a group of males, had left in a vehicle, and then returned a short time later and shot multiple times, from the window of his vehicle, at the group of people with whom he had previously been arguing. One the bullets he fired struck and killed Gonzalez. A warrant was obtained for Martin’s arrest.

On Wednesday, April 16, Concord Police Department detectives, with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Apprehension Task Force, Pleasant Hill Police Department, and Antioch Police Department, served search warrants in Pleasant Hill and Antioch. Martin was located, arrested, and later booked at the Martinez Detention Facility.

Today, Concord Police Department detectives presented their case to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, who filed murder charges (187 PC) against Martin, who will remain in custody.

Anyone with further information regarding this case is asked to contact Concord Police Department Major Crimes Unit Detective Justin Wilson at (925) 603-5859 or the Concord Police Department tip line at (925) 603-5836.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 135-pound Chance is being held on $4.2 million bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for May 6 at 8:30 AM in Superior Court, Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests since 2021 by Antioch, Pleasant Hill and san Pablo Police Departments and CHP-Contra Costa, including for gun charges and driving on a suspended license.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Domestic disturbance in Concord leads to arrest for illegal gun of man who fled scene

By Leave a Comment

Photos source: Concord PD

With assistance by U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force

By Concord Police Department

On December 9, 2024, Concord Police responded to a domestic disturbance where a domestic violence incident was confirmed. During a protective sweep of the residence, officers discovered a loaded, illegally modified short-barrel rifle with a high-capacity magazine.

The suspect, who had prior felony convictions, fled the scene. Detectives secured a warrant and worked with federal agencies to track him down. With help from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, the suspect was located in another city and taken into custody without incident.

Concord Police remain dedicated to ensuring community safety and working with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and partner agencies to seek justice for victims.

Four Alamo residential burglary suspects arrested following pursuit from Concord

By Leave a Comment

On of the stolen vehicles used in the Alamo residential burglary was located. Photo: CCCSheriff

Stolen vehicles used found in Bay Point, Orinda

Multi-agency effort

By Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office

This morning at about 1:40, Valley Station deputy sheriffs responded to a residential burglary on the 100 block of La Sonoma Way in Alamo. The suspects fled after stealing two vehicles.

With the assistance of Sheriff’s Office dispatch, deputies located them in Concord. The suspects fled at a high rate of speed. Deputies terminated their pursuit, but Sheriff’s Office dispatch later found one of the stolen vehicles in Bay Point and another in Orinda. The suspects fled on foot.

With the assistance of Muir Station deputies, CHP air support, and Orinda, Lafayette and Pittsburg police, all four suspects were located and arrested.

Both recovered vehicles, along with personal property, were returned to the owner. All four suspects were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on multiple charges that include burglary, felony evading and vehicle theft.