Contra Costa Herald

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

40-year-old man shot in Oakley Friday morning

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Victim expected to recover; multiple bullet holes in nearby homes; police seek suspect

By Danielle Navarro, Assistant City Manager, City of Oakley

On Friday August 1, 2025, at 10:30 AM the Oakley Police Department was dispatched to the area of Macadamia Lane for a reported shooting. Oakley Officers found the victim at the AM/PM gas station at Main Street and Cypress Road. Additional officers responded to Macadamia Lane.

Officers found the victim to be a 40-year-old male with a gunshot wound to his back. Oakley Officers treated the victim until relieved by Contra Costa County Fire Protection District personnel. The victim was transported to a local trauma center via ambulance and he is expected to recover.

The crime scene was located in the 4400 block of Macadamia Lane, and it was marked by numerous spent shell casings. During an area search, Oakley Officers discovered two nearby residences that had been struck by bullets. At one residence a bullet went through the fireplace; the other residence had at least three bullets go through a sliding glass door. A woman inside that residence sustained a minor cut from the broken glass.

This is an active investigation with Oakley Police Detectives on the scene. Detectives are specifically looking into any relationships between the involved parties.

“This investigation is our top priority right now and the safety of the Oakley community is of paramount importance to us,” Chief Paul Beard stated. “We are utilizing all of our resources to identify a suspect in this case. I will update the community as developments occur.”

Contra Costa DA charges Florida man, ex-girlfriend – the child’s mother with sexual abuse of a minor

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Rustom Bhagwager. Source: CCC Sheriff. Graphic: CCDA

He faces 24 felony charges, now held on $15 million bail; both face 15 years to life in state prison

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

Martinez, California – Today, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed a 24-count felony complaint in Superior Court against a Florida man related to the sexual abuse of a minor between 2018 and 2023 in Contra Costa County.

34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar is currently in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on a $15 million and will be arraigned on 24 felony charges that include: engaging in a sexual act with a child 10 years old or younger, oral copulation with a child, forceable lewd acts upon a child, and aggravated sexual assault of a child.

This internationally covered case was originally brought to light by local media reporting after the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office arrested Bhagwagar at SFO on Saturday.

Additionally, 45-year-old Jennifer Powell has also been charged in a related felony complaint and has been booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.  The charges in both complaints carry terms of 15 years to life in state prison. (See related article)

Due to the victim’s age and the nature of the allegations, the victim will not be named by the District Attorney’s Office in order to protect her identity.

Bhagwagar, who worked as a co-pilot with a commercial airline, was arrested on July 26th, around 9:40 pm at San Francisco International Airport by deputies with the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office – with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security. (See related article)

Once Bhagwagar enters a plea to the charges in court, his case will proceed to a preliminary hearing of the evidence by a judge. Bahgwagar’s arraignment on the charges is scheduled for 1:35 pm in Martinez on July 30th.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “Our office stands firmly committed to protecting children and holding those who cause harm accountable. Every child deserves to feel safe, protected, and heard when an injustice like this occurs. By pursuing these cases vigorously, we not only seek justice for victims but also work to safeguard our entire community from those who would prey on children.”

Case No. 01-25-02241 | The People of the State of California v. Rustom Bhagwagar

Case No. 01-25-02242 | The People of the State of California v. Jennifer Powell

Asregadoo was asked for Powell’s city of residence and where the crimes occurred. He later responded, “We’re not going to disclose any additional information about the defendant you’re asking about. For now, we’re hoping media outlets won’t disclose information that could negatively affect the victim. She’s listed as a Jane Doe in the complaint and is a minor.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Additional suspect arrested in sex crimes against a child case

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Suspect Jennifer Powell, the child’s mother and ex-girlfriend of Rustom Bhagwagar. Photo: Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department

45-year-old mother of child & ex-girlfriend of Florida pilot

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

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division have made an additional arrest in connection with an ongoing investigation into sex crimes against a child.

On Sat., July 26, 2025, Sheriff’s Office detectives, with the assistance of HSI, boarded a plane at San Francisco International Airport to arrest 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar of Florida. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on sex crimes against a child charges. (See related article)

Detectives this afternoon, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, arrested 45-year-old Jennifer Powell. She was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on numerous charges involving sex crimes against a child.

Questions were sent to Jimmy Lee and Ted Asregadoo, PIO for the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office asking for Powell’s city of residence and where the crimes occurred, but no response was received prior to publication time. Asregadoo later responded, “We’re not going to disclose any additional information about the defendant you’re asking about. For now, we’re hoping media outlets won’t disclose information that could negatively affect the victim. She’s listed as a Jane Doe in the complaint and is a minor.”

According to a KTVU FOX2 news report, Powell is the ex-gifrlfiend of Bhagwagar and “According to court documents, Powell was aware that her daughter was being sexually abused by her then-boyfriend. The court documents said she watched and even participated in the alleged sex crimes against her daughter.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Police seek help identifying suspects in downtown Walnut Creek pickpocketing incident

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Pickpocket suspects were caught on store surveillance video. Source: Walnut Creek PD

By Walnut Creek Police Department

We shared a video last week of pickpocketing thieves. We are asking again for the community’s assistance in identifying the suspects in this crime. If you have any information please contact 925-935-6400 or email Detective Matt Smith at MSmith@walnutcreekpd.com.

Incident Synopsis:

During the week of July 13th, a visitor of the downtown Safeway reported having their wallet stolen without knowing what happened until it was too late. The victim was approached by two individuals – within seconds, the wallet was gone. Surveillance footage later revealed the two individuals working together—one acting as a “Lookout”, the other swiftly removing the wallet from the Victim’s purse. A third subject then walks past and gets handed off the wallet.

Pickpocketing is a crime of opportunity. Thieves often operate in busy areas such as our downtown shopping area. Their goal is to go unnoticed until it’s too late.

How to Protect Yourself: Best Practices
1. Stay Alert
Be especially cautious in crowded places. Trust your instincts—if someone is getting too close, move away.
2. Secure Your Belongings
Use bags with zippers and wear them across your body. Keep them in front of you, not behind your back.
3. Avoid Easy Targets
Don’t carry wallets or phones in your back pocket. Use inside or zippered pockets instead.
4. Split Up Your Valuables
Carry only what you need and keep money, cards, and IDs in separate places. Consider a money belt when traveling.
5. Be Aware of Distractions
Pickpockets often work in teams using distractions like fake arguments, spills, or questions to divert your attention.
6. Limit Display of Valuables
Keep your phone, jewelry, or expensive items out of sight when not in use.
⸻
Stay safe, stay aware. Pickpocketing is preventable when you stay one step ahead.
If you suspect suspicious activity or have been a victim, report it immediately to the Walnut Creek Police Department or security personnel.

 

Sex crimes suspect arrested at SFO by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies

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Rustom Bhagwager. Photo: CCC Sheriff’s Department

Florida airline pilot was flying in; held on $5 million bail

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

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division have been conducting an investigation since April 2025 after receiving a report of sex crimes against a child. A Ramey arrest warrant was later secured for the suspect.

Through the investigation, it was learned that the suspect was an airline pilot and that he was due to fly into San Francisco

International Airport on the evening of Saturday, July 26, 2025.

At about 9:35 PM, Sheriff’s Office detectives, with the

assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, boarded the plane to arrest the suspect who is identified as 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar of Florida, born 12/15/1990. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on five counts of oral copulation with a child under 10 years of age. He is being held in lieu of $5 million bail.

An inquiry of where the incidents occurred in the county was made. Please check back later for the response and any other updates to this report.

According to a San Francisco Chronicle report, Bhagwagar is a co-pilot for Delta Airlines. According to the Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot, three-inch tall, 220-pound is being held in the West County Detention Center

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: mailto:tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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.

 

Motorcyclist struck by suspected drugged driver in Brentwood early Sunday

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By Brentwood Police Police Department

July 27, 2025 – At approximately 2:08 a.m., Brentwood Police officers responded to a reported vehicle-versus-motorcycle collision at the intersection of Sellers Avenue and Chestnut Street.

Upon arrival, officers determined that a male motorcyclist had come to a stop at the intersection while traveling northbound on Sellers Avenue. Moments later, his motorcycle was struck from behind by a vehicle also traveling northbound. The motorcyclist sustained life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Due to the collision, both directions of Sellers Avenue and Chestnut Street were closed for approximately five hours to allow for investigation.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation. However, the driver of the involved vehicle was arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence. Drugs are being considered a possible contributing factor.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is urged to contact the Brentwood Police Department at (925) 634-6911. Callers may remain anonymous.

IED used in early morning San Ramon Target store ATM burglary

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FBI called in, suspect(s) sought

By San Ramon Police Department

On Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 2:19 AM, Officers from the San Ramon Police Department responded to a commercial burglary at Target, 2610 Bishop Drive. Upon their arrival, they discovered an improvised explosive device had been used to gain entry to an ATM machine.  No one was injured due to the explosion, but damage was sustained to a portion of the store’s interiors near the eastern public entrance.

Due to the nature of this investigation, the FBI was contacted, and they responded to the crime scene. The FBI processed the crime scene for the remainder of the day.

There was no immediate danger to the community, and we are thankful no innocent bystanders were injured. The San Ramon Police Department is working with the FBI on this investigation, and we ask anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Detective Hugh Cotton at mailto:hcotton@sanramon.ca.gov.

The San Ramon Police Department would like to formally thank the San Francisco FBI office for their assistance with this investigation.

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.

Brentwood shooting leads to 3 arrests: 2 from Oakley, 1 from Antioch

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Aniya Henry, Gus Wayne arrested for shooting, Daezhara Little for obstruction; Oakley PD assists

3rd arrest for violence in 3 years for 43-year-old Henry

By Brentwood Police Department

On Sunday, July 6, 2025, just before 11:30 PM, Brentwood officers responded to the area of Lone Tree Way and Jeffery Way for a report of a shooting.

The adult male victim told officers he was driving when the vehicle in front of him brandished a handgun and fired a shot. Thankfully, the victim was not hit or injured.

Shortly after the incident, an Oakley Police Officer located the suspect vehicle and detained both occupants:

  • 43-year-old Aniya Sharee Henry of Oakley
  • 21-year-old Gus Antwon Wayne of Oakley

Both Henry and Wayne were arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, and other related charges.

While officers were actively investigating the incident, a third person 24-year-old Daezhara Makaylabetty Little of Antioch was arrested for obstructing and delaying officers on scene. Little was determined to be uninvolved in the original shooting.

All three individuals were transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, Henry is Black and out of custody with no charges filed; Wayne is Black and bonded out of custody on Tuesday, July 8; and Little is Black was cite released and out of custody.

According to localcrimenews.com, Henry was also arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department in 2023 for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and in 2024 for battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse.

We want to thank the Oakley Police Department for their assistance in locating and detaining the suspects. Their support played a key role in bringing a quick resolution to this dangerous situation.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.