Contra Costa Herald

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

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Wrong way driver of stolen vehicle arrested following chase from Oakley to Bay Point, crash

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During multi-agency traffic enforcement in morning commute hours

28-year-old Dejon Brandy already out of custody with no charges filed

By Oakley Police Department

On April 15, 2025, Oakley PD’s Traffic Unit participated in a multi-agency traffic enforcement campaign on Highway 4 with officers from Antioch Police, Brentwood Police, Hercules Police, Pittsburg Police and Richmond Police Departments.

At 7:35AM Oakley Officer B. Jackson saw a GMC Yukon with no rear license plate on Westbound 4 approaching Bailey Road, Officer Jackson tried to stop the driver via his lights and siren, but the driver failed to yield; a pursuit was started. The Yukon’s driver fled on the shoulder of Highway 4 and took the Bailey Road offramp. The driver ran a red light at Bailey Road and Canal Road in Bay Point and collided with an occupied vehicle. The Yukon driver continued to flee towards Willow Pass Road where he went eastbound towards Pittsburg. The driver turned onto southbound Railroad Avenue and entered the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 going westbound. Pursuit of the driver came to an end there due to the dangers associated with wrong way driving.

The Yukon’s driver exited at Bailey Road going the wrong way. The driver was seen getting out of the SUV and running to a nearby Burger King. Several traffic enforcement campaign officers, along with  CHP – Contra Costa officers and Contra Costa Sheriff’s deputies, converged on the area and detained the driver, identified as Dejon Brandy (male, 28) of San Francisco. The occupants of the vehicle Brandy collided with were treated for injuries sustained from the collision. Officers determined the Yukon was stolen.

Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard said, “The officers participating in the multi-agency traffic enforcement campaign were primarily focusing on safety issues related to commute driving to ensure our local commuters exercise safe driving habits.

“This case goes to show crime, and criminals, exist everywhere (even when people are just trying to get to work to support their families) and it is a sad part of our everyday life. I am grateful to all of the officers who took part in this arrest, as they clearly removed a dangerous criminal from society and incarcerated him where he cannot steal from people or hurt innocent people just conducting daily life matters. I hope the people who were injured in this incident receive the care they need and make a full recovery.

Stay safe Oakley.”

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of  8:14 PM on Thursday, April 17, Brandy was out of custody with no charges filed.

According to localcrimenews.com Brandy was also arrested for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle theft in San Francisco on April 4, 2025.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Oregon felon arrested in Brentwood with stolen firearm, drugs

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Photo: Brentwood PD

Has history of arrests dating back to 2014

By Brentwood Police Department

On April 8, 2025, at approximately 2:30 AM, a Brentwood officer was patrolling the area of Lone Tree Way and Jeffrey Way when he observed a vehicle driving with expired registration.

The driver and passenger were identified as 48-year-old Michael G. Silence of Oregon and 35-year-old Amber Silence of Olivehurst. While speaking with the driver, another officer on scene noticed a gun case in the front passenger area of the vehicle.

A loaded firearm was located inside the vehicle, which was later confirmed to be stolen from another county.

Michael, a convicted felon, was arrested for being in possession of a stolen firearm and other related charges. Amber was also arrested for possession of drugs and additional related offenses. Both were transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

This arrest highlights the vigilance and proactive efforts of our patrol officers, who continue working day and night to keep illegal firearms and drugs off our streets.

According to localcrimenews.com, Silence has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by the Sheriff’s Departments of Yuba and Shasta counties for crimes including gun, ammunition and drug possession.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Jury convicts man for kidnapping, robbery, more in 2022 Lafayette home invasion case

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Kenneth David McIsaac mugshot. Source: Lafayette PD

Kenneth McIsaac used replica gun to rob neighbors, hold captive for five hours until subdued

Referred to mental health treatment facility in 2023 but fled, rearrested

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

On March 27, 2025, a Contra Costa County jury convicted 34-year-old Kenneth David McIsaac (born 12/20/90) on multiple felony charges, related to a home invasion incident involving a Lafayette family.

The conviction stems from a September 24, 2022, incident in Lafayette. As a mother and her children returned from the community pool in their apartment complex, McIsaac, who was also a resident at the same complex, followed them into their unit, shut the door and announced he was there to rob them. He lifted his shirt to reveal what appeared to be a firearm, later found to be a replica.

The mother called for her husband, who entered the living room. McIsaac forced the family to sit on the floor, retrieved kitchen knives, and handed the mother duct tape to bind her husband and children before binding her himself. For over five hours, he held the family captive and threatened to kill the parents in front of the children.

Through will and determination, the husband was able to free himself from his bindings. When McIsaac returned to the living room, the husband fought back, ultimately subduing the intruder long enough for the rest of the family to escape and seek help.

In August 2023, McIsaac was referred to Mental Health Court for diversion — despite objections from the District Attorney’s Office. He was accepted and released to a treatment facility — but fled in October.

Law enforcement apprehended him on November 14th.

McIsaac was convicted by a jury on multiple felony charges, including:

  • Two counts of kidnap to commit robbery
  • Two counts of kidnapping for ransom
  • Multiple counts of first-degree residential robbery
  • Felony child abuse
  • False imprisonment
  • Criminal threats

Additionally, the jury found true enhancements for the use of a deadly weapon in 12 of the 13 charges.

District Attorney Diana Becton stated: “This verdict holds Kenneth McIsaac accountable for the harm he caused this family. His conviction sends a strong message that violent crimes of this nature will not be tolerated in Contra Costa County.”

McIsaac is scheduled to be sentenced on June 6th by Judge Mary Ann O’Malley in Martinez. He faces a potential life sentence.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-foot, three-inch tall, 190-pound McIsaac was also arrested in October 2020 by Oakland Police for battery with serious Bodily injury and elder or dependent adult abuse.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, he is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail.

Case # 01-22-01678 | The People of the State of California vs. McIsaac, Kenneth David

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CA seizes over $316 million of unlicensed cannabis products in in first 3 months of 2025

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Source: CA Dept of Cannabis Control video screenshots

Enforcement efforts continue to focus on operations that ultimately support the licensed market and community safety

By Moorea Warren, Information Officer, California Department of Cannabis Control

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that over $316M worth of illegal cannabis was seized in the first quarter of 2025 through the combined efforts of the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF), the Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW), and the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). The continued success of California’s enforcement operations demonstrate the state’s commitment to public safety and the integrity of the legal cannabis market.

Combined key highlights from January 1 to March 31, 2025 include:

  • 212,681 illegal cannabis plants eradicated
  • 120,307 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
  • 99 warrants served
  • 35 firearms seized
  • 29 arrests
  • $474,462 cash seized

“This task force continues to make impressive progress disrupting illegal cannabis operators and their supply chain,” said Nathaniel Arnold, Chief of the Law Enforcement Division for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). “UCETF’s accomplishments demonstrate the dedication of all agencies involved in the taskforce.”

UCETF seized a total of $67,258,232 worth of unlicensed cannabis during the first quarter of the year. The taskforce’s enforcement efforts also included:

  • 19 search warrants served
  • 77,923 illegal cannabis plants eradicated
  • 40,747 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
  • $330,808 cash seized

Agencies involved in UCETF’s first quarter enforcement actions include Department of Cannabis Control, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Park, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, Employment Development Department, California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, Oakland Fire Department, City of Oakland Police Department, Torrance Police Department, Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, and California Air National Guard.

DFW’s enforcement efforts for Q1 2025 include:

  • $97,476,308 worth of illegal cannabis seized
  • 47 search warrants served
  • 101,473 illegal plants eradicated
  • 8,340 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
  • 11 firearms seized
  • 9 arrests
  • $27,073 in cash seized

DCC’s enforcement efforts for Q1 2025 include:

  • $151,752,966 worth of illegal cannabis seized
  • 33 warrants served
  • 33,285 illegal plants eradicated
  • 71,220 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
  • 24 firearms seized
  • 20 arrests
  • $116,581 in cash seized

“We remain unwavering in our aggressive, strategic approach to reducing illicit cannabis activity,” stated Bill Jones, Chief of DCC’s Law Enforcement Division. “By staying ahead of the threats and swiftly dismantling illegal operations, we are driving up the cost of doing business for bad actors and delivering on our commitment to protect California’s communities and the legitimate industry.”

4 Pleasant Hill convenience store robbery suspects arrested in Antioch following police chase, crash

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The suspects crashed their stolen getaway car into a fence. Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies and other emergency personnel with one of the suspects in the back of a Sheriff’s vehicle on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Photos by and courtesy of Mike Burkholder, ContraCosta.news

3 males, 1 female fled in stolen vehicle; police helicopter, Antioch & Pittsburg PD, CCC Sheriff’s Office assist

See 4/1/25 Update: Suspects identified; all four are from Antioch, one was arrested for similar charges in December and January

By Allen D. Payton

According to Pleasant Hill Police Lt. Jason Kleven, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, “The Pleasant Hill Police Department responded to a report of a possible robbery in progress at the 7-Eleven store parking lot located at 601 Patterson Blvd. Two delivery truck drivers were making a scheduled delivery when several suspects stole multiple cartons of cigarettes from the truck’s cargo area. No weapons or injuries were reported during the theft.

The suspects fled the scene in a stolen vehicle. Pleasant Hill Police Detectives later located the vehicle traveling on Highway 4 near Concord. With the help of a police helicopter, the vehicle led authorities to the city of Antioch, where the vehicle stopped near Fremont Elementary School. Four suspects then fled on foot from the vehicle.

With the support of Antioch Police, Pittsburg Police, the Sheriff’s Office, and the helicopter, officers set up a perimeter. All four adult suspects were apprehended and arrested.

The investigation remains active, and authorities are asking anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Investigations Bureau at (925) 288-4630.

According to a press release by Lt. Joe Njoroge of the Antioch Police Field Services Bureau, “At approximately 2:57 p.m., APD Dispatch received a report about a suspect vehicle involved in a previous incident in Pleasant Hill. APD was requested to assist in locating the vehicle, which was quickly found in the area.

While driving near the intersection of F Street and W. 13th, the suspect vehicle collided with a fence. The suspects then fled the scene on foot. Pleasant Hill PD arrived shortly after, and with the assistance of the Contra Costa Office of the Sheriff and APD, all suspects were apprehended.”

Njoroge later said the four suspects included three males and one female.

Antioch Police issued a Community Alert on Facebook Thursday afternoon that they were “working in the area of Antioch Middle School and the surrounding area of F Street from W. 13th to W. 18th. Expect heavy police presence in the area. If you see anything suspicious, please call 911 or (925) 778-2441 immediately.”

Later APD provided an update, writing, “We have now cleared the area. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. There is no danger to the community, and the subjects we were looking for have been arrested. Stay safe, and as always, report any suspicious activity to 911 or (925) 778-2441.

4/1/25 UPDATE: According to Pleasant Hill Police, the four suspects were 20-year-old Robert Lee Crawford (born 12/9/04), a six-foot tall, 165-pound Black male from Antioch, 19-year-old Robert Samule Garcia-Scrape of Antioch (born 7/22/05), a five-foot, 11-inch tall, 200-pound White male with blond hair, 21-year-old Jailen Emani Scales of Antioch (born 2/3/04), a six-foot tall, 200-pound Black male and 24-year-old Marieilacqua Bartholomew, a five-foot, one-inch tall, 130-pound Black female, also from Antioch. 

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Crawford is being held in the West County Detention Center on no bail; Garcia-Scrape is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail and his next court appearance is on April 15 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 03, Superior Court, Mt. Diablo; and Scales is also being held in the West County Detention Center on no bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, Scales was arrested last year, on Dec. 6th by San Francisco Police for burglary, conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor, carrying a loaded firearm on a person or in a vehicle while in a public place, receiving or concealing stolen property, and resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer. He was arrested again on Jan. 15, this year by Fremont PD for robbery, carrying a loaded firearm and with intent to commit a felony, carrying a concealed weapon with a large capacity magazine, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, and elder or dependent adult abuse.

No additional information could be found through online searches for Bartholomew. However, according to Pleasant Hill Police Lt. Jason Kleven, she is also still in custody. 

Concord man arrested with stolen mail from Brentwood apartment complex

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Photos: Brentwood PD

6th arrest in less than 4 years

By Brentwood Police Department

On March 15th in the early afternoon, one of our day shift officers located a vehicle, stolen out of Concord four days earlier, parked in a parking lot in one of our apartment complexes.

The driver of the vehicle, 35-year-old Gustavo Montano-Razo from Concord (born 6/8/1989), ran from the vehicle but after a short foot pursuit the officer apprehended him safely. A search of Montano-Razo, who was also on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS), revealed suspected narcotics on his person. Stolen mail, including tax documents from a different apartment complex in Brentwood, were also found in the vehicle. Montano-Razo was booked into jail.

Especially during tax season, criminals are often looking for confidential and personal information that they can use to steal someone’s identity. We would like to remind our residents to keep an eye out for anyone suspicious or loitering around mailboxes. Together we can make Brentwood safer for everyone.

According to localcrimenews.com, this is the sixth time Montano-Razo has been arrested since 2021. His other arrests include assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, vehicle theft, grand theft, burglary and drug possession.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 210-pound Hispanic man is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa DA, four others reach settlement with telecommunications provider over environmental violations

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Company provides services in Concord

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announces, in conjunction with five other District Attorneys in California, a $1.275 million settlement with WaveDivision Holdings, LLC — which operates under the brand name “Astound Broadband” within California – over environmental violations. Concord is the only city in Contra Costa County in which Astound provides internet, television and phone services.

WaveDivision Holdings, which provides telecommunication services including cable and internet, was jointly investigated by five District Attorneys’ Offices and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Waste inspections at Astound facilities in Contra Costa, San Francisco, Yolo and Placer counties revealed the unlawful disposal of hazardous waste generated by WaveDivision Holdings including electronic equipment, silicone gels, sealants and batteries. The hazardous waste was improperly being directed to municipal landfills instead of authorized hazardous waste disposal facilities.

Hazardous waste can cause serious harm to the environment and the public if not properly disposed. For example, splitters and power taps found in the inspections contained lead as well as lithium and alkaline batteries were recovered.

“Businesses must be held accountable for conduct that harms the environment,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “WaveDivision Holdings cooperated with the investigation and has since implemented training programs to properly manage and dispose of hazardous waste, ensuring future compliance.”

Under the settlement agreement, WaveDivision will pay:
• $875,000 in civil penalties
• $300,000 for reimbursement of investigative costs
• $100,000 for Supplemental Environmental Projects

Additionally, the company is subject to an injunction requiring strict compliance with hazardous waste laws and implementation of compliance measures to prevent future violations.

The complaint was filed in Contra Costa Superior Court on March 18, 2025, by Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe, San Luis Obispo District Attorney Dan Dow, Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, and Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire. Judge Danielle K. Douglas signed the order on the same day the complaint was filed.

Case No. C25-00758 | The People of the State of California v. WaveDivision Holdings, LLC

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

21-year-old Brentwood man arrested for possession of 3D-printed machine gun conversion device

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Faces up to 10 years in prison, $250,000 fine; detention hearing on St. Patrick’s Day

By U.S. Attorney – Northern District of California

OAKLAND – A Brentwood man has been charged with unlawful possession of a machine gun conversion device. Noah Kanaye Bauer, 21 (born 12/13/2003), was arrested yesterday and made his initial appearance in federal district court in Oakland this morning.

According to the criminal complaint and court documents unsealed on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, on Sept. 6, 2024, officers with the Brentwood Police Department (BPD) responded to a call regarding an individual with a firearm at a grocery store in Brentwood and found Bauer with a 3D printed Glock style firearm. Officers allegedly removed the firearm from the front of Bauer’s waistband and saw that there was no serial number on it. In a search of Bauer’s home after his arrest for carrying a concealed weapon, BPD officers found a 3D printing machine, three 3D printed pistol frames, and a 3D printed machine gun conversion device in Bauer’s room.

The complaint describes that machine gun conversion devices, also known as “switches” or “auto sears,” are designed and created for the purpose of converting a semi-automatic Glock type pistol into a fully automatic machine gun. When BPD officers questioned Bauer on what the conversion devices were used for, Bauer allegedly stated, “to make it shoot faster.”

Bauer is next scheduled to appear in court on March 17, 2025, for a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kandis A. Westmore.

Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.

Bauer is charged with one count of 18 U.S.C. § 922(o). A complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

The National Security and Special Prosecutions Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting this case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI with assistance from the BPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

According to a report by crimevoice.com, the incident occurred at the Raley’s grocery store on
Sand Creek Road. Bauer’s arrest in September 2024 prompted an FBI investigation of him conducted
by the domestic terrorism squad of the San Francisco field office.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, nine-inch tall, 145-pound Bauer is Hispanic and being held on no bail in the West County Detention Facility.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pleasant Hill man arrested for attempted residential burglary

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Burglary suspect Lacy William Ball was arrested on March 7, 2025. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

Arrested again on March 12 for first-degree burglary by Concord PD

45-year-old Lacy Ball has some ‘splaining’ to do!

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Great investigation by our Patrol Officers!

This past Friday night (March 7, 2025), our officers responded to a residential burglary in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood. Thanks to quick action and surveillance footage, they were able to identify the suspect as 45-year-old Lacy William Ball (born 8/1/79) of Pleasant Hill.

Ball was located in Pleasant Hill and arrested for burglary in the 1400 block of Contra Costa Blvd. Officers also recovered stolen property, which was returned to the victim.

A big thank you to our Patrol Officers and the watchful neighbors who helped bring this case to a swift resolution!

According to the Pleasant Hill PD website, the five-feet, 10-inch tall, 205-pound Ball is White with blonde hair and blue eyes and is unemployed.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he is Hispanic, five-feet, nine inches tall, 170 pounds with blue eyes and grey hair, was arrested again by Concord Police on March 12 at 9:42 AM and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail. Ball faces two counts of first-degree burglary and his next court date is scheduled for 8:30 AM on April 17, 2025, in Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Ball was also arrested four previous times, twice for burglary in 2023 by Concord Police and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch, Concord men found guilty of Brentwood armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon

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Following the crash of the suspects’ car, Orey Douglas was arrested car and a gun was recovered on August 4, 2024. Photos: Brentwood PD

Orey Douglas has history of over 20 arrests since 2014 including for murder, multiple gun and sex crimes

By Brentwood Police Department

Around 1:00 AM Sunday morning August 4th, 2024, Brentwood officers responded to an armed robbery at 50 Sand Creek Road. While officers were interviewing the victim, Oakley PD spotted the suspects’ vehicle in their jurisdiction and attempted a traffic stop. The driver fled at a high rate of speed, leading to a pursuit. The suspect vehicle eventually crashed into an embankment off Highway 160.

Brentwood officers arrived at the crash scene and confirmed that the vehicle matched the description of the suspects’ car. Both occupants were detained, and a loaded handgun, along with the stolen property from the victim, was found in the vehicle. The suspect, 28-year-old Orey Azniam Douglas of Antioch, was positively identified and placed under arrest. Douglas was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

This quick and coordinated response not only led to the arrest of the suspect but also likely prevented further crimes.

According to a report by crimevoice.com, they robbed Los Mexicanos Market and the second suspect Sam Donte Gray, 38 (born 11-10-85), of Concord, remained at large until he was arrested on August 8. Douglas was charged with second-degree robbery and three firearms-related charges and was held in the West County Detention Facility on $160,000 bail pending his Oct. 7th court hearing.

On March 3rd, 2025, the suspects, Douglas and Gray, were found guilty of armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, along with numerous firearm charges and enhancements.

This case highlights the collective efforts of everyone involved, including patrol officers from both Brentwood PD and Oakley PD, along with our Detectives. Their dedication and teamwork played a critical role in this successful conviction while also ensuring the safety of our community.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-feet, three-inch tall, 215-pound Douglas is Black and has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by multiple agencies including police departments in Antioch, Hayward, Fremont, BART, Oakland, San Jose, Vacaville, as well as Sheriff’s Departments in Contra Costa, Alameda and Solano counties, and Contra Costa CHP. Charges include murder, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, multiple gun crimes, sex with a minor and unlawfully causing a minor to engage in a commercial sex act by force, carjacking, vehicle theft, receiving stolen property, false imprisonment, threatening a witness, evading police and resisting arrest.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, nine-inch tall, 217-pound Gray is Black and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $140,0000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 9, 2025, at 8:30 AM in Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was arrested for conspiracy to commit a crime, robbery, assault with a firearm on a person, felony parole violation and addict in possession of a firearm. Gray was previously arrested on Sept. 8, 2023, by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department on order for a person’s removal from prison to appear in court.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.