Contra Costa Herald

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

DUI crash on Highway 4 Monday night results in fatality

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By CHP-Contra Costa

Monday night at about 9:28pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a three-vehicle collision at Highway 4 eastbound at Willow Pass Road in Concord. Upon CHP and emergency personnel arrival, three vehicles were located at the scene (a Chevrolet Chevelle, a Nissan Sedan, and a Mitsubishi Lancer) and tragically the driver of the Mitsubishi (19-year-old male) was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet sustained major injuries and was determined to be under the influence and later arrested. The driver of the Nissan had only minor injuries and did not go to the hospital. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased driver. Please direct inquires to them.

In the initial investigation, it appears that the driver of the Chevrolet (Willie David Hamlin, DOB-12/25/1971, from Antioch) was traveling eastbound on SR-4 at a high rate of speed approaching Willow Pass Road in Concord. He veered his vehicle to the right and crashed into the metal guard rail to the right of the roadway. Then he allowed his vehicle to veer back into the lanes of traffic and collided with the Nissan, but only caused minor damage. He then continued across the lanes towards the #1 lane where he collided in a broadside manner into the Mitsubishi with the 19-year-old driver, subsequently killing him. The 44-year-old driver of the Nissan only sustained minor injuries and was able to walk away. Hamlin suffered major injuries (but not life threatening) and was transported to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek. While there, CHP conducted a DUI investigation and he was subsequently placed under arrest for FELONY DUI and GROSS VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER. Due to Hamlin’s injuries, he remains at the hospital for treatment but upon his release, CHP will take him into custody and book him into the county jail. His release from the hospital at this time is unknown.

This collision is still under investigation and if anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980. Thank you.

Unfortunately, this is another reminder of the carnage and impact that DUI driving can cause and to know that impaired driving is 100% preventable, 100% of the time is even more disastrous. Please never drive impaired.

San Mateo man arrested as Sheriff’s Office shuts down illegal gaming operation in Pacheco

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Illegal casino operation in Pacheco shut down. Photos by CCC Sheriff.

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

Detectives from the Special Investigation Unit of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff launched an investigation into an alleged illegal gaming operation on the 5000 block of Pacheco Boulevard after receiving a tip from a citizen regarding a casino at that location.

Through their investigation, Detectives were able to corroborate the information provided by the citizen. Detectives later secured a search warrant for the location, which was served last night. Inside the establishment, they found 37 computer terminals, which offered slot machines, video poker, and other games of chance.

The computers were seized along with some cash. Detectives arrested 48-year-old Vinson Anies of San Mateo. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or call the anonymous tip line at (866) 846-3592. Tips can also be emailed to: tips@so.cccounty.us.

Deputy Sheriffs arrest Livermore man in Danville following stolen car chase that began in Pittsburg, Tuesday afternoon

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Driver Darryl Maiale in a photo from his Facebook profile posted on July 11, 2017.

Chase began on Highway 4 at Bailey Road in Pittsburg

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

On Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 6, 2018 at about 2:55 PM, a Deputy Sheriff located a stolen vehicle on westbound Highway 4 at Bailey Road. The Deputy started following the vehicle but, did not attempt to stop it.

The vehicle suddenly sped away, leading the Deputy on a pursuit. The Deputy terminated the pursuit because of the suspect’s wreckless driving and the successful deployment of the StarChase GPS tracking technology.

The vehicle traveled at high speeds on Highway 4, Highway 242 and I-680 for approximately 15 miles before being located a second time by Deputy Sheriffs in the area of I-680 and Stone Valley Road.

The vehicle exited Stone Valley Road leading deputies on a pursuit again. The suspect vehicle crashed at the intersection of Danville Boulevard and Orchard Court, where it struck a Sheriff’s Office radar trailer and came to rest in the parking lot of a business.

The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody at that time. He is identified as 24-year-old Darryl Maiale, the only occupant in the vehicle. According to his Facebook profile, he is a resident of Livermore and attended Granada High School.

He was transported to a local hospital as a precaution. He will be booked at the Martinez Detention Facility for charges that include vehicle theft, felony evading, possession of stolen property, and resisting arrest.

Suspect identified in fatal officer involved shooting in Danville Saturday morning as Newark man

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

The investigation into yesterday’s officer involved shooting in Danville continues. Per the county officer-involved protocol, this incident is being jointly investigated by the Danville Police Department, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, and D.A.’s Office. The findings of the investigation will ultimately be presented at a Coroner’s inquest, a public hearing where a jury determines the manner of death. (See related article)

On Saturday, November 3, 2018, at 11:03 AM, Danville Police Officers responded to a call from a citizen of a suspicious person near Cottage Lane and Laurel Drive in Danville.

The citizen reported seeing a person exit his vehicle, walk toward several homes with bags in his hands, go back to his car and circle the neighborhood.

Officers arrived on scene. The suspect ignored commands to stop and led officers on a pursuit. Twice during the pursuit, the suspect pulled over as if he was going to give up. As officers exited their cars, the suspect fled in his vehicle continuing to lead the officers in a pursuit.

At the intersection of Front Street and Diablo Road, the suspect steered his vehicle toward an officer and accelerated his vehicle. The officer was in immediate fear that he was going to be run over by the suspect’s vehicle and fired his weapon at the driver of the vehicle. The suspect was shot and transported to the San Ramon Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.

The suspect is identified as 33-year-old Laudemer Arboleda of Newark. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.

The officer who discharged his weapon in the officer involved shooting is Deputy Sheriff Andrew Hall. He has been with the Office of the Sheriff for five years. He is currently assigned to the contract city of Danville.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the 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.

Following pursuit, man shot, killed by Danville Police Saturday morning

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

This morning at about 11:03, Danville Police Officers responded to a report from a citizen of a suspicious person near Cottage Place and Laurel Drive in Danville.

As officers arrived, the suspect fled, leading officers on a pursuit. At the intersection of Front Street and Diablo Road, the suspect attempted to run over an officer, who fired his weapon at the vehicle.

The suspect was shot and transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The suspect is not being identified at this time. The officer sustained a minor injury.

The county officer-involved protocol has been invoked. This incident is being jointly investigated by the Danville Police Department, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, and D.A.’s Office.

More details are pending

Man found guilty of animal cruelty for dog attack on calves in Contra Loma Regional Park

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By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney

On October 31, a Contra Costa County jury found defendant Vinicio Santos of Antioch guilty of three misdemeanors, including animal cruelty. On December 1, 2017, Santos’ dog attacked the three calves owned by grazer Paul Daysh. The brutal attack left the three calves permanently injured.

Santos now faces a sentence of up to three years in county jail. Sentencing for Santos will occur on November 30 by the Honorable Leonard Marquez in Department 34 at the Contra Costa County Superior Court in Pittsburg. Restitution for Daysh will also be decided on November 30. Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney Whitnee Goins prosecuted the case on behalf of the People for this misdemeanor jury trial.

“I am grateful the jury held the defendant accountable for his crimes. He ignored repeated orders from East Bay Regional Parks Rangers to control his dog. Consequently, these calves needlessly suffered serious injuries. We will continue to prosecute animal cruelty cases to ensure the public is protected and animals are cared for in a humane manner,” DDA Goins stated.

Santos and his dog were at the Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch on December 1, 2017. Santos’ dog was not on leash when spotted by park rangers. After rangers saw Santos, they heard animals in distress. When the rangers connected again with Santos they saw the white Husky mix dog viciously attacking one calf, then moving to attack two more calves. Santos was told repeatedly to leash his dog and bring the dog under control. Santos ignored the rangers’ commands.

Santos was found guilty of the following misdemeanor offenses:

·         Animal Cruelty

·         Vandalism Over $400 Damage

·         Resist, Obstruct, Delay of Peace Officer

Case information: People v. Vinicio Arturo Santos, Docket Number 04-193968-5.

Suspect arrested for attempted murder in unincorporated Oakley dies

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

The suspect in an attempted murder/domestic violence incident in unincorporated Oakley early Tuesday morning, October 30, 2018, was pronounced deceased at the hospital yesterday. The 34-year-old Oakley resident is not being identified. An autopsy is scheduled for today.

On Tuesday, at about 3:26 AM, Delta Station Deputy Sheriffs responded to a report of a female screaming for help on the 3500 block of Wells Road in unincorporated Oakley. One person reported seeing a naked man holding an infant. The man was struggling with a female for control of the infant. Additional callers reported the female had passed the infant over to them and they had secured the infant in a nearby condominium.

The female continued to struggle with the male, who was attempting to throw her off of the balcony. Four neighbors arrived and were able to control the male after a struggle. The female fled to safety.

Deputies arrived on scene seeing a person on the ground who was being held down by others. After securing the person in handcuffs, Deputies found that he was unresponsive. Deputies unhandcuffed the person and began CPR. AMR arrived on scene and performed life-saving measures for approximately 10 minutes. The man was transported to a local hospital. The infant was also taken to the hospital as a precaution.

The investigation is ongoing. This case is being investigated as an officer-involved incident. Per the officer-involved protocol, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Sheriff are jointly investigating this incident.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the 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.

Attempted murder of woman during domestic dispute in unincorporated Oakley early Tuesday morning

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

Tuesday morning at about 3:26 a.m., Delta Station Deputy Sheriffs responded to a report of a female screaming for help on the 3500 block of Wells Road in unincorporated Oakley.

One person reported seeing a naked man holding an infant. The man was struggling with a female for control of the infant.  Additional callers reported the female had passed the infant over to them and they had secured the infant in a nearby condominium.

The female continued to struggle with the male, who was attempting to throw her off of the balcony. Four neighbors arrived and were able to control the male after a struggle. The female fled to safety.

Deputies arrived on scene seeing a person on the ground who was being held down by others. After securing the person in handcuffs, Deputies found that he was unresponsive. Deputies unhandcuffed the subject and began CPR.  AMR arrived on scene and performed life-saving measures for approximately 10 minutes. The subject was transported to a local hospital.  The infant was also transported to the hospital as a precaution.

The investigation is ongoing. The subject is not being identified at this time. Additional details are pending.

Martinez man charged with child molestation and production, distribution and selling child pornography

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On Thursday October 25, 2018, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office charged 21-year-old Martinez resident Aaron Kurtis Mikkelsen with multiple felony violations including committing lewd acts with a minor under 13, producing child pornography, as well as selling and distributing child sexual abuse material online.

On October 23, 2018, the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a search warrant in Martinez related to Mikkelsen selling child pornography on social media. During the search, investigators located evidence that Mikkelsen had sexually abused a child under 13 years old. Investigators located a significant amount of child sexual abuse material on his cell phone and in various social media accounts.

Mikkelsen will be arraigned in Martinez at the Contra Costa County Superior Courthouse this morning. Mikkelsen remains in the custody of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office on $500,000 bail. Deputy District Attorney Jeffrey Kolko is prosecuting the case on behalf of the People.

The investigation was conducted by a multi-agency Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which is managed by the San Jose Police Department. In Contra Costa County, detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Martinez, San Ramon, Concord and Moraga Police Departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, United States Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Contra Costa County Probation Department, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office participate in the task force.

Parents are encouraged to discuss online safety with their children, and can visit the website www.kidsmartz.org or our website for further information.

Case information: People v. Mikkelsen, Dockett Number 01-187610-1

Bay Point man arrested near Lafayette school for indecent exposure Tuesday

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

On Tuesday, October 23, 2018, at approximately 12:17 p.m., the Lafayette Police Department received a call of a suspicious subject in the area of School Street and 1st Street, near Lafayette Elementary School. The citizen reported a male adult sitting in a vehicle touching his genitals while staring at children.

The citizen provided a description of the subject and the vehicle as the subject drove away. Officers were able to locate the vehicle on eastbound Highway 24 prior to Pleasant Hill and conducted an enforcement stop. The driver was positively identified as the reported subject and was detained.

Currently, there have been no reports of children seeing the subject and the citizen caller was an adult.

The suspect is identified as 33-year-old Franklin Rivera of Bay Point. He was later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for indecent exposure. He is being held in lieu of $5,000 bail.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call Lafayette Police Detective Sergeant Rossberg at (925) 299-3234 or send an email to 94549tip@gmail.com.