Contra Costa Herald

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

Police seek public’s help to ID Walnut Creek mail theft suspect

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Photos: Walnut Creek PD

By Walnut Creek Police Department

Can you help us identify this mail theft suspect?

The Walnut Creek Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the individual shown in these photos. He is suspected of stealing mail from multiple mailboxes in the area (Case #25-26672).

If you recognize him or have any information, please contact Officer Romero at bromero@walnutcreekpd.com

Prefer to stay anonymous? You can leave a tip by calling our tip line at 925-943-5865.

Thank you for helping keep our community safe!

Police investigate shooting of three males in Concord city garage

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By Concord Police Department

Last night, Tuesday, September 16, 2025, around 10:20 pm, Concord Police Department officers were dispatched to John Muir Concord Medical Center when three males arrived with gunshot wounds after being driven there by friends. CPD determined that a shooting had just occurred in the municipal parking garage on Salvio Street.

A suspect vehicle was quickly identified and the information shared with other law enforcement partners. Deputies from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office located the suspect vehicle driving in Bay Point where they conducted a traffic stop and detained the occupants.

The three shooting victims are all in stable condition and expected to survive. Concord Police Department detectives are still investigating the incident and trying to determine motives behind the shooting and if there are any other persons involved. Anyone with more information is encouraged to contact Concord Police Department Major Crimes Unit Detective Espino at (925) 671-3426.

Mail, check theft suspect from Pittsburg arrested in Brentwood

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The suspect was arrested with stolen checks and counterfeit postal keys. Photos: Brentwood PD

36-year-old Adam Lew also caught during traffic stop with drugs, has history of arrests since 2013; held on $95K bail

By Brentwood Police Department

On the morning of September 14th, one of our officers contacted 36-year-old Adam Alexander Lew (Pittsburg – born 7-21-1989) during a traffic stop. Lew did not have a valid driver’s license and our officers saw drug paraphernalia in the pocket of the driver’s door.

A search of Lew and of the vehicle revealed suspected narcotics, additional drug paraphernalia, counterfeit postal keys used to steal mail out of mailboxes, and stolen checks that were in the process of being forged. Further investigation revealed at least one of the checks was stolen in mid-August in the city of Folsom.

Lew was booked into jail on several charges including possession of stolen property, forgery, and identity theft. This case highlights the importance of collaboration between laws enforcement and the community in stopping crime.

According to localcrimenews.com, Lew has a history of arrest dating back to 2013 by multiple agencies, including Antioch, Clayton, Concord, Pittsburg, Walnut Creek and Folsom Police Departments and Contra Costa County and San Joaquin County Sheriffs’ Departments, for a variety of crimes. They include burglary, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, forgery, check fraud, trespassing and drug possession.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 175-pound suspect is being held in the West County Detention Facility and is being held on $95,000 bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood man arrested for shooting woman in Antioch Sept. 5

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47-year-old Silvio Roberto Belini Jr. knows 44-year-old Brentwood victim; released from hospital with serious injuries

By Lt. Bill Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Friday, September 5, 2025, at approximately 1:29 PM, Antioch Police Dispatch received multiple reports of a shooting in the 3500 block of Lone Tree Way. Upon arrival, officers located a 44-year-old female victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was stabilized at the scene by paramedics before she was transported to an area hospital for treatment. She is currently in stable condition and is expected to survive. (See related article)

On Wednesday, September 17, Antioch Police Department detectives arrested the suspect, 47-year-old Silvio Roberto Belini, Jr. of Brentwood, without incident for this shooting. Antioch Police detectives also executed a search warrant at an undisclosed address in Brentwood in connection with this shooting. Evidence from the home was collected.

Asked about the victim, Lt. Whitaker said, “She had surgery and was discharged from the hospital about a week later. She still has serious injuries.”

Asked if the two know each other and if it was a marital issue, he said, “They do know each other but we’re not releasing any other information. It’s still under investigation.”

This information is made available by the Investigation Bureau. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Becerra at (925) 779-6937 or Antioch Police Dispatch at (925) 778-2441. Anonymous tips or information about this – or any other incident – can be sent via text to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword ANTIOCH.

No additional information about Belini could be found in online search. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood youth football referee sentenced on child exploitation, firearm charges

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Tommy Vance was arrested with a cache of illegal firearms and ammunition on April 10, 2025. Photos: Brentwood PD

48-year-old Tommy Ray Vance will serve two years, 10 months in state prison, register as sex offender for 20 years

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

Martinez, California – A Brentwood man was sentenced in Contra Costa County Superior Court after entering guilty pleas to felony charges of attempted sexual abuse of a child under 14 and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

48-year-old Tommy Ray Vance (born 12-19-1976) was sentenced by the Honorable Joni T. Hiramoto on August 18th, 2025, to two years and 10 months in state prison. Vance was further ordered to register for 20 years as a sex offender upon his release from custody.

Tommy Ray Vance following his arrest by on April 10, 2025. Photo: Brentwood PD

The offenses for which Vance was sentenced occurred on April 9 and 10, 2025, when Vance attempted to coerce a person, whom he reasonably believed to be a 13-year-old child, into meeting him to engage in sex acts. The minor was in fact an undercover Detective with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office. When Vance arrived at a park in Brentwood, he was arrested by patrol units of the Brentwood Police Department.

Investigators with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant at Vance’s home after his arrest and discovered over a dozen firearms. Investigators quickly learned Vance was prohibited from possessing firearms as a result of a 1996 conviction in Contra Costa County for Arson, Intimidating a Witness and Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

At the time of Vance’s arrest, he was working part-time as a volunteer youth football referee in Contra Costa County. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, he is six-feet tall, 230-pounds and Hispanic.

Vance has been in custody since his arrest and will begin to serve his sentence immediately. (See related articles here and here)

“Thanks to the investigative efforts of Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Brentwood Police, we were able to ensure this defendant faces consequences for his actions,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “This case exemplifies our continued dedication to defending our community’s children against those who would harm them.”

Deputy District Attorney Jenna Franklin from the Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case. The Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force led the investigation.

Case No. 01-25-01209 | The People of the State of California v. Tommy Ray Vance

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Over $530M in illegal weed seized in California in 2025 Q2

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Illegal marijuana grow operation. Photos: CA Dept of Cannabis Control

Department of Cannabis Control also recalled 444 unsafe or noncompliant products; 413,302 plants eradicated, 185,873 pounds seized; approve over 1,000 new businesses throughout state

Recent efforts continue to prioritize consumer and public safety and support the legal cannabis market

By California Department of Cannabis Control

Sacramento, CA – In its ongoing efforts to protect consumer safety, expand access to the legal market while dismantling illegal cannabis operations, the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) today announced that it has seized over $62M in illegal cannabis, recalled 444 unsafe or noncompliant products, issued 256 new licenses, and transitioned 748 businesses from provisional licensure to annual licensure from April – June 2025.

Shutting down illegal cannabis operations

During the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, DCC-led or assisted enforcement actions (separate from UCETF actions) that resulted in the seizure of $62.4M worth of illegal cannabis, 44,187 illegal plants, 36,312 pounds of illegal cannabis flower, $89,535 in cash, and 16 firearms.

“DCC’s second quarter efforts show a department that is moving with urgency, strategy and accountability to protect Californians, support responsible operators and ensure the cannabis market delivers on its promise. These actions represent not just enforcement, but the protection of California’s communities, consumers, and natural resources.”
– Department of Cannabis Control Director Nicole Elliott

Consumer safety and business compliance

The DCC takes swift action to recall or embargo cannabis products that could pose a risk to consumers. In Q2, DCC issued 34 recalls covering 444 products. These recalls included 183 products recalled due to incomplete regulatory compliance testing and 181 recalls for labeling that was attractive to children. Additionally, 62 administrative actions were taken to ensure cannabis businesses operate within regulatory and consumer expectations resulting in 25 license revocations, 2 suspensions, and 35 citations with fines.

Transitioning and issuing cannabis licenses

During the second quarter, DCC converted 748 provisional licenses to annual status. The most transitions to annual licenses took place in Los Angeles County (328 licenses) followed by Mendocino County (137). Additionally, 256 new cannabis licenses were issued since April.

Aerial photo of illegal marijuana grow operation.

Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force Results Seizes Additional $476 million of Unlicensed Cannabis Products During Same 3 Months

Governor Gavin Newsom announced on July 10, 2025, that the state seized $476 million worth of illegal cannabis between April and June, thanks to the combined efforts of the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF), co-led by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) and the Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW).

“As a proof point of California’s commitment to the legal cannabis industry, the state seized over 92 tons of illicit cannabis product in the past three months alone,” said Newsom. “I thank the federal, state, and local partners who conducted these enforcement efforts for protecting consumers and supporting our legal cannabis market.”

In the efforts announced today, UCETF received support from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, Employment Development Department, and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Combined enforcement highlights from April through June include:

  •       413,302 illegal cannabis plants eradicated
  •       185,873 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
  •       214 warrants served
  •       77 firearms seized
  •       93 arrests

“Our teams continue to take an aggressive and proactive approach to eliminating unlicensed cannabis activities,” said DCC Director Nicole Elliott. “We will remain laser-focused on dismantling illicit cannabis operations until they are all permanently shut down.”

“Over the past quarter, UCETF conducted numerous highly strategic operations that significantly impacted the daily activities of illegal cannabis operators,” said Nathaniel Arnold, Chief of the Law Enforcement Division for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). “This success would not be possible without the continued support and dedication of our partners throughout the state.”

In May, UCETF conducted its largest successful operation to date with 200 sworn officers and staff from state, local, and federal agencies participating in an enforcement effort spanning 4,600 square miles in the Central Valley. Through 71 search warrants, officials seized:

  • 105,700 illicit cannabis plants
  • 22,057 pounds of processed cannabis valued at $123.5 million
  • Nine firearms

A unified strategy across California 

Since 2019, officials have seized and destroyed over 950 tons, or over 1.9 million pounds, of illegal cannabis worth an estimated retail value of $3.6 billion through over 1,700+ operations.

The cannabis task force was established in 2022 by Governor Newsom to enhance collaboration and enforcement coordination between state, local, and federal partners. Partners on the task force include the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, among others.

According to Moorea Warren of DCC Public Affairs, “The $476M is the amount of illegal cannabis seized by the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF). The Taskforce is co-chaired by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). The $62.4 million is the amount of illegal cannabis seized by DCC’s Law Enforcement Division and is separate from UCETF’s amounts.”

Financial support for long-term enforcement efforts

In June, the Legislature made key changes to strengthen the DCC’s long-term enforcement efforts. This included amending state law to dedicate cannabis tax revenue to fund DCC civil and criminal enforcement activities, reducing the burden on licensees while ensuring sustained actions against illegal operators. In addition, the Legislature expanded Board of State and Community Corrections grant eligibility to local jurisdictions, especially those allowing retail access, to further enhance and support local enforcement efforts against illegal cannabis activity.

About the Department of Cannabis Control

The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) licenses and regulates commercial cannabis activity within California. DCC works closely with all stakeholders, including businesses and local jurisdictions, to create a sustainable legal cannabis industry and a safe and equitable marketplace. DCC develops and implements progressive cannabis policies with robust protections for public health, safety and the environment. To learn more about the California cannabis market, state licenses or laws, visit http://www.cannabis.ca.gov.

To learn more about the legal California cannabis market, state licenses, and laws, visit cannabis.ca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Search warrant leads to arrest of Brentwood convicted felon

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The loaded stolen firearm discovered at Guzman’s home during a search on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. Photo: Brentwood PD

31-year-old Carlos Guzman had drugs, stolen firearm at his home

By Brentwood Police Department

On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Brentwood officers were dispatched to the 7900 block of Lone Tree Way for a report that a suspect had threatened two victims with a gun. As officers arrived, they saw the suspect identified as 31-year-old Carlos Joseph Guzman of Brentwood leaving the scene in a vehicle. Officers conducted a traffic stop and detained Guzman.

Due to the violent nature of the incident and Guzman’s prior felony conviction, detectives obtained a search warrant for his residence. When the warrant was served, officers located a loaded stolen firearm and a large quantity of narcotics inside the home.

Guzman was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, being a felon in possession of a stolen firearm, possession of drugs for sale and other related charges.

This arrest highlights the outstanding teamwork between patrol officers and detectives, whose quick actions and thorough investigation ensured a dangerous individual was taken off the streets.

According to recentlybooked.com, Guzman is five-feet, eight inches tall, 200-pounds and Hispanic.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

72-year-old driver in March fatal collision in Danville arrested

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Andrew Chao held on $50,000 bail

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and Jenn Starnes, PIO, Town of Danville

DANVILLE, CA: On March 1, 2025, at about 1:15 p.m., Danville police officers responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Sycamore Valley Road and Camino Ramon. When officers arrived, they discovered a minivan and a truck involved in a collision, with the truck overturned. A female passenger in the truck was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the minivan sustained minor injuries.

According to a report by DanvilleSanRamon.com, the victim was later identified as 57-year-old Sandy Hall of San Leandro.

Detectives from the Danville Police Department launched an investigation into the collision. Last month, detectives presented the case to the Contra Costa D.A.’s Office which filed felony vehicular manslaughter charges against the driver of the minivan. An arrest warrant was issued for the driver, who was arrested Friday afternoon,  August 15, 2025, by Danville police officers.

He is identified as 72-year-old Andrew Chao of Danville (born 12/8/1952). He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for manslaughter. He is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot tall, 160-pound Chao has a court date scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 1:30 p.m. in Martinez Superior Court Dept. 5.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pleasant Hill drunk driver arrested for driving car off parking garage 2nd story

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A drunk driver plunged their SUV off the second story of the downtown parking garage in Pleasant Hill early Sunday morning, Aug. 10, 2025. Photo: Pleasant Hill PD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Do not drink and drive!

Sunday morning August 10, 2025, around 4 AM, Officers responded to a collision involving a vehicle driving off the second story of the downtown parking garage. Thankfully nobody was seriously injured. Following an immediate investigation, the driver was arrested for DUI and booked at the station. Their vehicle was towed.

Please, designate a sober driver, use ride share or public transportation if you are planning on consuming alcohol. Again, everyone involved here was extremely lucky there were no serious injuries.

Be safe Pleasant Hill!

 

4 female teens arrested after assault of elderly victim in Walnut Creek

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Two 18-year-olds from Concord, two juveniles from Walnut Creek

By Lt. Bruce Jower, Walnut Creek Police Department

Four people remain in custody following an incident near Rossmoor. On Thursday, August 7, at approximately 11:00 PM, the Walnut Creek Police Department was dispatched to the 1900 block of Tice Valley Blvd. on the report of an elderly male being assaulted. Numerous Officers quickly arrived on scene and learned the victim had suffered significant injuries. Officers learned four female suspects had assaulted the victim, stole some of his personal property and then fled the scene in a vehicle.

Arrested:

Antonina Abdul-Wajid (18-year-old resident of Concord, born 8/19/2006)

Jaycee Behnke (18-year-old resident of Concord, born 3/19/2007)

Juvenile 1 (17-year-old resident of Walnut Creek)

Juvenile 2 (15-year-old resident of Walnut Creek)

Charges: 4 felony counts: robbery, assault with a deadly weapon that is not a firearm, causing injury to an elder and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Witnesses to the crime provided valuable information and Officers were able to leverage technology to confirm the suspect vehicle. Walnut Creek Police Officers were able to locate the suspect vehicle a short time later. All four suspects were taken into custody. The adults were booked into Martinez Detention Facility. The juveniles were booked into Juvenile Hall.

Walnut Creek Police Department Officers and Detectives are continuing to investigate this crime. There appears to be no continued threat to community at this stage. Due to the age of two of the suspects, their names cannot be released. The victim’s name is being withheld to protect their privacy.

Any other potential victims are encouraged to contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-943-5844. Related information can also be provided anonymously via the tip line at 925-943-5865.

According to localcrimenews.com, Abudl-Wajid was also arrested by Walnut Creek Police on April 16, 2025, for battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse and for being intoxicated in public. According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 150-pound teen is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, Behnke is five-feet, five inches tall, 110-pounds, Hispanic, but is also listed as white, and is being held on $280,000 bail also at the West County Detention Facility.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.