Contra Costa Herald

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

Brentwood man arrested for thefts in mobile home park

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A Brentwood Police Officer apprehends Kyle Simpkin in the Walnut Acres Mobile Home Park on Sunday night June 22, 2025. Brentwood PD dashcam video screenshot

All stolen items recovered; Kyle Robert Simpkin held on $20K bail

By Brentwood Police Department

Situations like this can be incredibly stressful for victims and having an officer who goes above and beyond to provide comfort and support can make all the difference.

On Sunday June 22, 2025, around 11PM, Brentwood officers were dispatched to Walnut Acres Mobile Home Park after a caller reported seeing a suspect inside a vehicle taking items. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the suspect had also entered two additional vehicles in the area.

A search of the surrounding area led officers to locate the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Kyle Robert Simpkin of Brentwood (born 12/21/90). Simpkin was found in possession of various stolen items and was placed under arrest. He was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking on related charges. See video.

Fortunately, the stolen property was recovered and returned to its rightful owners.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot, three-inch tall, 200-pound Simpkin is Hispanic and being held in the West County Detention Facility on $20,000 bail. However, according to vinelink.com, he is listed as White.

According to localcrimenews.com, Simpkin was previously arrested in October 2021 by the Plumas County Sheriff’s Department for possession of a controlled substance, use or under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Officer O’Malley escorts resident victim on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Photo: Brentwood PD

Pictured above is Officer O’Malley escorting a victim as she retrieved her property following Sunday night’s incident. We want to take a moment to recognize the kindness, compassion and professionalism he displayed throughout the entire encounter.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

FBI offers $25K reward for help ID’ing female suspect in Concord assault, theft

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Source: FBI

By Federal Bureau of Investigation

The unknown suspect wanted for assault on a federal officer in Concord, CA June 10, 2025. Photo: FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s San Francisco Field Office is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individual responsible for assaulting federal officers and the theft of government property on June 10, 2025, in Concord, California. The individual is described as a female who was wearing a black hoodie at the time.  She is believed to be the individual who took the FBI Special Agent’s badge. The FBI offers a reward of up to $25,000.

Submit a Tip:

If you have any information concerning this case, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

See video that depicts an unknown female wearing a black hoodie and black mask assaulting a federal officer in Concord, California, on June 10, 2025.

East County: Byron teacher’s aide from Discovery Bay arrested, charged with possession of child sex abuse material

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Dominic James Vannucci was arrested in Discovery Bay on June 4, 2025, for possession of child sexual abuse materials. Photo: CCCSheriff

25-year-old Dominic James Vannucci held on $1,200,000 bail

By Office of the Contra Costa County Sheriff

The Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force recently received information that a Contra Costa County resident was in possession of child sexual abuse material. ICAC investigators identified the person and secured a search warrant for his residence.

On Wednesday morning, June 4, 2025, the ICAC task force executed a search warrant at a home on the 2200 block of Breaker Court in Discovery Bay.

Electronic devices containing child pornography, along with other items, were seized.

Detectives arrested 25-year-old Dominic James Vannucci of Discovery Bay (born 2/9/2000). He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility, where he is currently being held. On Wednesday afternoon, June 4, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed 20 counts against Vannucci, including possession of child pornography and annoying or molesting a child. He is being held in lieu of $1,200,000 bail.

Vannucci works as a Teacher’s Aide at Excelsior Middle School in Byron. Detectives have notified school officials and are coordinating with the administration regarding the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information regarding this case or who has had contact with Vannucci related to this investigation is asked to call the Contra Costa 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.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the six-feet, two-inch tall, 180-pound Vannucci is Hispanic and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 26, 2025, in Dep’t 5 of Superior Court in Martinez.

Contra Costa County ICAC consists of Brentwood PD, Concord PD, Moraga PD, Oakley PD, Pleasant Hill PD, Walnut Creek PD, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Contra Costa Probation Department, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, U.S. Secret Service, and Homeland

Security Investigations.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

West County: 61-year-old female suspect arrested in North Richmond homicide

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Terri Lowtrice James of Richmond held on $1 million bail

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

At about 10:02 Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025, Bay Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a ‘medical-police’ call near Market Avenue and 6th Street in North Richmond. The caller reported that there was a person on the sidewalk who was bleeding.

Deputies located the person and provided first aid and CPR. The fire department arrived shortly after to continue life-saving measures. The person was later pronounced deceased at the scene. The person is not being identified at this time.

During the initial investigation, deputies identified a suspect who was later taken into custody by Sheriff’s Office detectives. The suspect was later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for murder. She is identified as 61-year-old Terri Lowtrice James of Richmond (born 7/7/1963). She is being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, she is Black and has a history of arrests dating back to 2019 by Richmond PD and the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for crimes including inflicting corporal injury on spouse or cohabitant, vandalism using paint, possession of controlled substance, robbery, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, four-inch tall, 165-pound James has her next court appearance on July 1, 2025, in Department 5 of Superior Court in Martinez.

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pittsburg man sentenced in child sexual abuse material case

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Ricardo Garcia Perez sentenced to two years in state prison

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

Martinez, CA – A Pittsburg man was sentenced today for aggravated possession of abusive sexual material following his conviction in Contra Costa County Superior Court on April 16th.

The Honorable John Cope sentenced 32-year-old Ricardo Garcia Perez (born 10/15/1992) to two years in state prison. Perez was further ordered to register for life as a sex offender upon his release from state prison. Perez has been in custody since his arrest and will begin to serve his sentence immediately.

In December 2024, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) launched an investigation after discovering Perez was distributing child sexual abuse material on an internet platform. After obtaining a search warrant and serving it at Perez’s residence in Pittsburg in January 2025, Perez attempted to destroy the digital evidence on an electronic device he possessed when officers entered his house.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office reviewed the evidence ICAC investigators collected and charged him with a four-count felony complaint on January 28th. Two counts were for aggravated possession of child sexual abuse material, and two counts centered on the possession of child sexual abuse material [PC 311.11(c)1 and PC 311.11(a)].

“Protecting our children from online predators requires a united front,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “Our active role in the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force allows us to tap into a network of specialized training, forensic tools, and collaborative partnerships that are critical to investigating and prosecuting these disturbing crimes.”

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Sydney Mastey from the Sexual Assault Unit.

The ICAC program is a joint effort spanning eleven counties dedicated to combating the growing threat of technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and internet crimes against children. Parents are encouraged to discuss online safety with their children, and can visit the website kidsmartz.org, commonsensemedia.org or the Contra Costa District Attorney’s website for further information.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, five-inch tall, 175-pound Garcia Perez is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility..

Case No. 04-25-00382 | The People of the State of California v. Perez, Ricardo Garcia

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Seat belts save lives: CHP ramps up roadway patrols ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

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Photo: CHP

Holiday Enforcement Period Friday, May 23 at 6:01 PM to Monday, May 26 at 11:59 PM

SACRAMENTO — As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) urges drivers and passengers to prioritize safety by buckling up before each trip.

The CHP will begin its annual statewide Memorial Day Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) on Friday, May 23, at 6:01 p.m. and continue through Monday, May 26, at 11:59 p.m. To help maintain safety on California’s roadways, CHP officers will be vigilant for impaired and reckless drivers and motorists who fail to buckle up.

“Our top priority is keeping the public safe, not just during the holidays but daily,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Buckling up is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your passengers in a crash. Our officers will be out in force to help everyone arrive at their destination safely.”

In addition to CHP officers driving traditional black-and-white patrol vehicles, motorists are reminded that they may encounter the CHP’s new generation of low-profile Specially Marked Patrol Vehicles on the roadway. These fully marked patrol vehicles blend into traffic just enough to observe the most reckless and dangerous driving behaviors without immediate detection.

Last year, 42 people lost their lives in crashes across California during Memorial Day weekend. Tragically, nearly half of all vehicle occupants killed in a crash within CHP jurisdiction were not wearing seatbelts. CHP officers also made more than 1,100 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

California law mandates that all drivers and passengers aged eight and older must wear seatbelts. Children under eight need to be properly secured in an appropriate child passenger safety seat or booster seat situated in the back seat of the vehicle. Children under two must also ride in a rear-facing car seat unless they weigh more than 40 pounds or are taller than 40 inches.

This year, the CHP’s holiday enforcement effort coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) designation of May 19 – June 1 as the national “Click it or Ticket” mobilization campaign. Throughout this awareness initiative, CHP personnel will concentrate their enforcement efforts on seat belt and child safety seat violations.

As always, the CHP urges everyone to make smart choices behind the wheel: Buckle up. Drive sober. Stay alert. If you plan to drink or use drugs, arrange for a safe ride home before heading out. Your safety and the safety of others depend on it.

Let’s work together to make this Memorial Day weekend safe for all Californians.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

 

Man arrested in Brentwood on multiple gun, drug charges

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Suspect Michael James Woodruff’s arrest and the gun, drugs and paraphernalia confiscated from him. Photos: Brentwood PD

By Brentwood Police Department

Last Wednesday around 11:00 AM, a Brentwood officer was patrolling the area of Brentwood Blvd. and Sims Road when he noticed a vehicle with expired registration.

While speaking with the driver, identified as 42-year-old Michael James Woodruff (born 3/4/1983), a second officer on scene observed a firearm in Woodruff’s waistband.

Officers safely detained Woodruff and conducted a search of the vehicle, where they located drugs, a digital scale, small baggies, and ammunition.

Woodruff was arrested for multiple firearm and drug-related offenses and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

This arrest is another example of how proactive policing helps keep illegal weapons and narcotics off our streets.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 220-pound Woodruff is Hispanic and being held in the West County Detention Facility on $354,000 bail. His next court appearance is on May 29th at 8:30 AM in Department 4 at the courthouse in Pittsburg.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CHP unleashes six new K-9 teams to fight crime, five trained to detect fentanyl

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Six CHP Officers with t their K-9 units during Thursday’s graduation. Source: CHP

SACRAMENTO – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) graduated six newly trained K-9 teams today, Thursday, May 22, 2025, at its West Sacramento K-9 training facility, marking a significant step in bolstering public safety across the state.

After months of intensive training, five Belgian Malinois and one German Shepherd join their human partners on a mission to detect narcotics, explosives, and criminal suspects. This graduating class is the first to include canines trained to detect the scent of fentanyl from the beginning of their instruction—a proactive move to combat California’s opioid and fentanyl crisis.

“These new K-9 teams have demonstrated incredible dedication and skill throughout their training,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “They’re not just protecting our communities—they’re enhancing our department’s ability to fight crime and save lives.

The new teams represent various regions across the state, with officers from the CHP’s Coastal, Golden Gate, Valley, Border, and Inland field divisions. These handlers bring between six and 17 years of departmental experience, ensuring seasoned leadership behind each K-9.

A CHP K-9 Team is congratulated during the graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Video screenshot source: CHP

The class includes:

  • Three Patrol and Narcotics Detection Canine (PNDC) teams
  • One Patrol and Explosives Detection Canine (PEDC) team
  • Two Narcotics Detection Canine (NDC) teams

The PNDC teams completed at least 440 hours of criminal apprehension and narcotics detection training, while the PEDC team completed 600 hours focused on criminal apprehension and explosives detection. The NDC teams completed a minimum of 240 hours of training. All teams adhered to the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) guidelines and will continue to train at least eight hours each week to maintain peak readiness.

The CHP’s K-9 program now includes 50 active teams statewide:

  • 34 PNDC teams
  • Nine PEDC teams
  • Five Explosives Detection K-9 teams
  • Two Narcotics Detection K-9 teams

In 2024 alone, CHP K-9s helped seize nearly 823 pounds of fentanyl, showcasing their critical role in the fight against illegal drugs.

The CHP invites dedicated law enforcement professionals to explore a career as a

K-9 handler. Learn more and apply at www.CHPMadeForMore.com to become part of an elite team serving and protecting California—four paws at a time.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

 

Arrest made in Brentwood bank ATM theft

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A drive-up ATM at the Bank of America branch on Lone Tree Way in Brentwood was stolen on Thursday morning, May 22, 2025. Photo: Brentwood PD

San Jose suspect has history of arrests for theft, violent crimes since 2011

Contra Costa Sheriff, Antioch Police help establish perimeter

By Brentwood Police Department

Early this morning, Thursday May 22, 2025, Brentwood officers were dispatched to the 5100 block of Heidorn Ranch Road for a report of a suspicious circumstance along the Highway 4 corridor involving individuals associated with a Jeep.

As officers arrived, the suspects fled in the Jeep. Shortly thereafter, it was discovered that a large ATM safe had been forcibly removed and stolen from the Bank of America located on the 6200 block of Lone Tree Way. Evidence indicated the ATM’s cash box had been dragged along the Highway 4 corridor, where officers first responded.

A short time later, Brentwood Dispatch received a call reporting a vehicle matching the suspect description in the Deer Ridge area.

With the assistance of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the Antioch Police Department, a perimeter was quickly established.

During a search of the area, 34-year-old Kevin Monge of San Jose (born 12/21/1989) was located hiding in a bush and was safely taken into custody.

Monge was arrested for grand theft and other related charges and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, seven-inch tall, 190-pound Monge is being held on 30,000 bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he is Hispanic and has a history of arrests dating back to 2011 by multiple agencies, including Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department, Santa Clara PD, San Jose PD, Dublin PD and Orange PD for crimes including forgery and petty theft on Feb. 26, 2025, battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse, grand theft, receiving or concealing stolen property, possession of another person’s ID with intent to defraud, possession of burglar’s tools, assault with a deadly weapon likely to produce great bodily harm and twice for DUI.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

2025 Greater Bay Area DA Summit convenes in Lafayette to address AI, Prop 36, retail theft

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2025 Greater Bay Area District Attorney Summit attendees. Source: Diana Becton for District Attorney

Elected District Attorneys and senior prosecutors from across the Bay, Northern California

By Bobbi Mauler, Executive Assistant, Contra Costa District Attorney

Area and beyond gathered in Contra Costa County for the 2025 Greater Bay Area DA Summit. The all-day, invitational summit brought together leaders to collaborate on legal strategies and share innovations that address some of the most urgent challenges facing the criminal justice system. Now in its third year, the summit has become a critical regional forum since its inception in Santa Clara County in 2022 and continuing in Napa County in 2023. The 2025 summit took place on May 16th at the Veterans Memorial Center in Lafayette.

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton opened the summit with welcoming remarks that set the tone for the day’s discussions. In her address, DA Becton emphasized the importance of cross-jurisdictional partnerships and proactive approaches to public safety:

“The Greater Bay Area Summit has proven itself to be a constructive gathering where elected DAs from the Bay Area and beyond can share ideas, engage in robust discussions, and find practical solutions to increase public safety in the communities we serve. By coming together, we strengthen our collective ability to adapt to emerging technologies and respond to evolving criminal trends.”

Following her remarks, a series of expert-led panels explored timely and complex topics, including:

  • The Use of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology in Criminal Prosecution
  • Proposition 36 Implementation
  • Emerging Challenges with Race-Blind Charging
  • Legal Strategies in Combating Organized Retail Theft

Under District Attorney Becton’s leadership, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

has remained at the forefront of innovation, equity, and public safety. Hosting the summit further

reinforced her office’s role as a convener on issues that demand both legal insight and community engagement.

The 2025 Greater Bay Area District Attorney’s Summit was attended by the elected District Attorneys from the following counties:

Diana Becton, District Attorney of Contra Costa County

Lori Frugoli, District Attorney of Marin County

Ron Freitas, District Attorney of San Joaquin County

Allison Haley, District Attorney of Napa County

Thien Ho, District Attorney of Sacramento County

Brooke Jenkins, District Attorney of San Francisco County

Ursula Jones Dickson, District Attorney of Alameda County

Jeannine Pacioni, District Attorney of Monterey County

Jeff Reisig, District Attorney of Yolo County

Carla Rodriguez, District Attorney of Sonoma County

Jeffrey Rosen, District Attorney of Santa Clara County

Steve Wagstaffe, District Attorney of San Mateo County

In a post on her campaign Facebook page, Becton wrote about the Summit, “What an exciting day! I was honored to invite and host 12 elected Distrist Attorneys and senior prosecutors from across the Bay Area and beyond as we gathered in Contra Costa County for the 2025 Greater Bay Area DA Summit.

The all-day, invitational summit brought together leaders to collaborate on legal strategies and share innovations that address some of the most urgent challenges facing the criminal justice system.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.