Contra Costa Herald

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

Pleasant Hill Police make 57 arrests in June, three for DUI

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Source: PHPD

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By Pleasant Hill Police Department

The Pleasant Hill Police Department is back to provide you with a look at some of the police activity that took place in our city in June 2026.

A total of 2,032 calls for service were received. That makes 14,329 total incidents or calls for service in 2026. That’s 17.8% more calls for service, compared to this time last year.

A total of 263 cases were taken resulting in 57 arrests with three for DUI. 100% of the arrests involved adults and 30% were felonies.

Pleasant Hill Property & Personal Crimes June 2026. Source: PHPD

There were 80 larcenies, eight auto thefts, two robberies, two business burglaries and one residential burglary. Larcenies include shoplifting, theft from a car, bike theft, purse snatch, etc.

A total of 173 citations were issued, 46% were hazardous, 54% non-hazardous.

We’ll continue sharing this information monthly on social media, but for a more extensive look at our crime stats, please visit our website at www.phillca.gov/1384/Crime-Statistics.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

SFPD’s Violence Reduction Team releases video of multiple arrests in Contra Costa

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Items were seen being tossed from the second suspect vehicle believed to be evidence from the robbery before being stopped. Video screenshots. Source: SFPD

Following gang-related armed jewelry store robbery

By San Francisco Police Department

San Francisco, CA — An investigation by the San Francisco Police Department’s Violence Reduction Team (VRT) into a series of gang-related homicides led to the arrest of multiple suspects and the recovery of firearms after investigators coordinated with regional law enforcement agencies following an alleged armed jewelry store robbery in Contra Costa County.

During June 2026, VRT investigators were conducting surveillance as part of an ongoing investigation into multiple gang-related homicides and efforts to prevent additional acts of violence. During the investigation, officers observed several armed individuals exit a vehicle in San Francisco carrying firearms, including assault-style rifles. Based on their observations, investigators believed the group was preparing to target rival gang members. Detectives continued monitoring the suspects and identified several individuals known to investigators.

On June 28, 2026, investigators observed the group travel to Concord, where they allegedly committed an armed jewelry store robbery inside the Sunvalley mall. As previously reported, according to Concord Police, “Officers arrived on scene and learned that at least four suspects had smashed display cases at the Banter jewelry kiosk and pepper sprayed a patron during the commission of the robbery. The suspects fled the area prior to officers’ arrival.”

Following the robbery, the suspects switched vehicles in an apparent attempt to evade law enforcement. Investigators coordinated a regional enforcement operation to safely apprehend those involved.

The suspect in Richmond fled on foot but was quickly apprehended. Video screenshot. Source: SFPD

In Richmond, California, during the surveillance, one suspect was seen exiting a vehicle and entered a second SUV. When officers attempted to detain him, he fled on foot before being quickly taken into custody. A subsequent search of the SUV resulted in the recovery of a handgun, an assault-style rifle, ammunition, and additional evidence believed to be connected to the investigation.

Meanwhile, investigators continued tracking a second vehicle with the assistance of law enforcement drones. Officers observed occupants allegedly discarding items from the vehicle that investigators believe were evidence from the robbery. The vehicle was ultimately stopped, and officers conducted a felony stop, safely taking the occupants into custody without further incident.

In total, multiple suspects were arrested during the coordinated operation.

As the investigation continued, detectives served search warrants at residences in Richmond and Oakland associated with the suspects, recovering additional evidence.

An assault-style weapon discovered during searches of one of the homes following the arrests. Video screenshot. Source: SFPD

The case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration on the following arrested individuals, who were charged:

  • Cameron Haynes, 21-year-old, San Francsico
  • Terry Franklin, 29-year-old, San Francisco / Daly City
  • Lavar Kent, 18-year-old, San Francisco
  • Eric Howard, 18-year-old, San Francisco
  • Teric Howard, 20-year-old, San Francisco

Concord Police posted on their Facebook page, “Once again, the Concord Police Department remains committed to partnering with our allied law enforcement agencies to bring those who come into our community and commit crime to justice. We are thankful for SFPD’s partnership!”

See related video.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the San Francisco Police Department at 415-575-4444 or submit tips anonymously through the SFPD Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or by texting TIP411 and beginning the message with “SFPD.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Two juveniles arrested for June robbery inside Sun Valley mall near Macy’s

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By Concord Police Department

As previously reported, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at approximately 3:12 p.m., Concord Police Department officers responded to a report of a robbery at Sunvalley Shopping Center.

The incident occurred inside the mall near Macy’s Women’s store. Two masked male suspects approached the victim and grabbed his necklaces. A physical struggle occurred, and the suspects fled from the mall with the victim’s necklaces.

The victim sustained minor injuries as a result of the confrontation.

July 2, 2026 – Two suspects were identified in this case and arrested by the Concord Police Department. The suspects were juveniles and as such their names are not being released at this time.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed felony charges against the two juveniles.

This incident is not related to the recent press release regarding the jewelry store robbery inside Sun Valley mall on June 28.

Five suspects from San Francisco arrested for San Valley mall jewelry store robbery

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Stolen jewelry and price tags recovered from suspects. Photos: Concord PD

By Concord Police Department

On June 28, 2026, at approximately 1:24 PM, the Concord Police Department Communications Center received multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a robbery in progress at the Sun Valley Mall.

Officers arrived on scene and learned that at least four suspects had smashed display cases at the Banter jewelry kiosk and pepper sprayed a patron during the commission of the robbery.

The suspects fled the area prior to officers’ arrival.

Through investigative efforts and coordination with the San Francisco Police Department, the suspects were quickly identified and ultimately located in the City of Richmond. All five suspects were taken into custody on charges related to the robbery, as well as various additional offenses. Stolen jewelry from the business was recovered. Multiple firearms were located as well.

The swift identification and arrest of the suspects highlights the strong partnership between the Concord Police Department and the San Francisco Police Department. Continued collaboration and real-time intelligence sharing between agencies remain critical in investigating and disrupting organized retail crime throughout the Bay Area.

This case was jointly investigated by the San Francisco Police Department and the Concord Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit. The case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration on the following arrested individuals, who were charged:

  • Cameron Haynes, 21-year-old, San Francsico
  • Terry Franklin, 29-year-old, San Francisco / Daly City
  • Lavar Kent, 18-year-old, San Francisco
  • Eric Howard, 18-year-old, San Francisco
  • Teric Howard, 20-year-old, San Francisco

No further information is being released at this time.

This robbery is in addition to the robbery on June 23rd inside the mall near Macy’s Women’s store.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Contra Costa County-wide protocol invoked for in-custody death of Rio Vista woman

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Arrested for outstanding DUI warrant July 9th by Antioch Police

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

On Friday, July 10, 2026, at about 12:24 AM, a deputy sheriff at the West County Detention Facility was conducting safety checks when she saw an unresponsive inmate who had a ligature around her neck.

Deputies immediately began life-saving measures while Health Services medical staff at the facility responded and continued life-saving efforts. The fire department and an ambulance also responded. The inmate was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

The inmate is identified as 59-year-old Robi Lynn Perley, a white female, of Rio Vista. Perley, who had an outstanding arrest warrant for driving under the influence and probation violation, was taken into custody yesterday by the Antioch Police Department. She was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility at about 1:30 PM.

According to Antioch Police CitizenRIMS, Perley was five-feet nine inches tall, 135 pounds and was arrested at 12:05 p.m. in the 5700 Block of Lone Tree Way on the misdemeanor outside warrant. Case Number: 26-6379.

The county-wide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol was invoked and the investigation into this in-custody death is being conducted by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and the Contra Costa D.A.’s Office.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us  or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood Police to hold DUI Checkpoint July 17th

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By Brentwood Police Department

The Brentwood Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, July 17th from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at Balfour Road and Griffith Lane.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Brentwood PD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

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

 

Bay Point homicide under investigation, Sheriff seeks 35-year-old suspect

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Avery Alexander Gibbs is wanted for the Bay Point homicide on Friday, July 3, 2026. Photo: CCC Sheriff

Transient Avery Alexander Gibbs shot “several individuals”, “should not be approached”; has history of arrests

By Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

This morning, Friday, July 3, 2026, at about 1:30, Muir Station deputy sheriffs were dispatched to an unknown problem on Olivia Lane in Bay Point. The call was later reported to be ‘shots fired.’

While enroute to the location, deputies were flagged down by several individuals who were injured at the location.

Deputies arrived at the scene and located an unresponsive person who was later transported to a local hospital. The victim was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. He is not being identified pending next of kin notification. One other person was transported to the hospital.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit and Crime Lab personnel responded to the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

Detectives have identified the suspect as 35-year-old Avery Alexander Gibbs, a transient. Gibbs should not be approached and anyone seeing him should call 9-1-1.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

According to localcrimenews.com, Gibbs is Black, from San Pablo and has a history of arrests dating back to at least 2016. He was arrested by multiple agencies for crimes including human trafficking of a victim under 18, derive income from earnings or proceeds of a minor prostitute, pandering: other of a person 16+ and threats of violence.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

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Photo: NHTSA

By CHP – Golden Gate Division

Every year, thousands of vehicles are stolen across California. July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a motor vehicle was stolen every 48 seconds in the United States in 2025.

Use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle:

  • Take your vehicle’s key; do not leave it in or on your vehicle.
  • Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
  • Park in well-lit areas if possible.
  • Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.

Thieves want vehicle parts and valuable items, too.

Radios and wheel covers aren’t the only popular stolen vehicle parts thieves take. They want whatever sells, from the mandated labeled parts to those that aren’t. Some of the most popular items stolen from vehicles include air bags, GPS units, cell phones, iPads, laptops, and purses. Parts like doors, engines and transmissions are stripped and sold.

While thefts declined last year, prevention starts with simple habits:

  • Keep valuables out of sight.
  • Lock your doors and roll up all windows.
  • Park in well-lit, visible areas.
  • Install a GPS tracker or recovery system
  • Use anti-theft tools
  • (steering wheel locks, alarms)
  • Always turn off your car and take your keys.

NEVER leave it running unattended.

A few seconds of prevention can save you the time, expense, and frustration of having your vehicle stolen.

Help protect your vehicle and don’t make it an easy target.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Merced man arrested for attempted murder in 2025 Hercules shooting

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Daniel Avery Glass, Jr. was arrested on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Photo: Hercules PD

By Hercules Police Department

The Hercules Police Department has made an arrest in connection with an August 2025 shooting that endangered a local resident. On August 2, 2025, a man sitting in his parked vehicle near Bayfront Blvd. and Earnest Street was allegedly approached on foot by an armed suspect who concealed his face and opened fire, striking the victim’s vehicle as he fled.

Through the diligent work of our Criminal Investigations Division — including Flock ALPR data, cellular records, surveillance video, and ballistic testing — detectives identified 32-year-old Daniel Avery Glass, Jr. as the primary suspect. On July 1, 2026, Glass was arrested on an attempted murder warrant with bail set at $1.4 million. The case has been forwarded to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

HPD is fully committed to solving crimes and holding accountable those who threaten our community. We extend our sincere gratitude to California Department of Corrections Parole, the FBI, and our neighboring agencies for their invaluable assistance.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, three-inch tall, 215-pound Glass was born on Aug. 13, 1993, has a bail amount of $140,000 but his being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, July 6 at 8:30 am in Martinez Superior Court.

According to localcrimenews.com, Glass is Black, from Merced and was previously arrested on Feb. 13th by Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputies for giving false information to a peace officer and felony parole violation, and in 2014 by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies for burglary and drug possession.

Public safety is a shared responsibility. If you see something, say something — report suspicious activity to HPD, or call 911 in an emergency. Anonymous tips are welcome. Stay alert when parking in dark or rural areas. Whenever possible, park in well-lit locations, keep your doors locked, and remain aware of your surroundings.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Brentwood traffic stop leads to fraud, drug charges

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Police seized items purchased through fraud, a crack pipe and drugs from the suspects’ vehicle. Photos: Brentwood PD

Three women from Bay Point, Pittsburg, Antioch arrested

By Brentwood Police Department

During a recent proactive patrol, Brentwood Police Day Shift officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle displaying expired registration. The front passenger was known by the officer to be on searchable probation for identity theft-related offenses.

During a probation search of the vehicle, which was determined to belong to the passenger, officers located suspected narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia. Several items in the trunk appeared to have been recently purchased from Home Depot, but the occupants were unable to produce a receipt or provide the credit that was used.

Two occupants were cited for narcotics-related violations and released at the scene.

The investigation did not end there. Officers followed up with Home Depot regarding the recently purchased merchandise and discovered the items had been obtained through fraudulent transactions. Officers later contacted the victim, who confirmed she had not authorized anyone to make purchases using her personal information.

As a result of the investigation, several felony charges related to identity theft and fraudulent purchases are being submitted to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for review.

According to Community Engagement Officer Chris Bollinger, who said, “I am not able to release names at this point but I can tell you the suspects age and location,” those arrested were a 47-year-old female from Bay Point, 31-year-old female from Pittsburg and a 28-year-old female from Antioch.

Great work by our Day Shift officers for their thorough investigation and commitment to protecting our community from fraud and identity theft.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.