Contra Costa Herald

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

Drone operator charged for flight near Levi’s Stadium during NFL game

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Violated temporary restrictions at Rams vs. Niners contest on Nov. 9, 2025; faces one year in prison and $100K fine

No Drone Zones this week in S.F., at Levi’s Stadium for Super Bowl LX & related events; violators face up to $75K fine, more

By Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Lo, PIO, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California

SAN JOSE – A San Francisco man was charged in a federal criminal complaint for flying a drone within restricted airspace surrounding Levi’s Stadium during a National Football League (NFL) game in violation of a temporary flight restriction (TFR) imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

According to the criminal complaint and court documents filed today, Junwei Guo, 27, operated a drone within the airspace surrounding Levi’s Stadium on Nov. 9, 2025, during a game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams.  As court documents describe, the FAA has issued a TFR that prohibits all aircraft, including drones, from operating within a three nautical mile radius of any stadium with a seating capacity of 30,000 or more people during, among other events, regular or post-season NFL games.  The “stadium TFR” classifies the airspace defined in the restriction as “National Defense Airspace” and remains in effect for a specified time period before, during, and after the qualifying event.

The complaint alleges that Guo flew the drone as high as approximately 2,300 feet above ground level, an altitude that raises significant concerns for public safety and the potential disruption air traffic control in the area.  Guo allegedly did not register the drone with the FAA, obtain a remote pilot’s certificate with the FAA, obtain FAA authorization to fly the drone in national defense airspace, or comply with the requirements of the FAA’s recreational use exception.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.

Defendant is scheduled to appear in federal court in San Jose on Feb. 27, 2026, for an initial appearance.

A complaint merely alleges that a crime has been committed, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine for the charged violation of national defense airspace under 49 U.S.C. § 46307.  Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Liu is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Natachiana Burney.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, the Federal Air Marshal Service, and the Santa Clara Police Department.

No Drone Zone for Super Bowl LX Week

The FAA, in coordination with the FBI, has established a “No Drone Zone” for Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Feb. 8, 2026, with additional drone restrictions surrounding Levi’s Stadium and in downtown San Francisco during the days leading up to the event. Areas include the Moscone Center, The Pearl, The Ferry Building, Grace Cathedral and the Palace of Fine Arts.

Drone operators who enter restricted airspace without authorization may face fines of up to $75,000, drone confiscation and federal criminal charges, with the FBI identifying operators, seizing drones, and supporting prosecution

For more information, please visit: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-and-fbi-announce-strict-no-drone-zones-super-bowl-lx.

Further Information:

Case No. 26-cr-70083-MAG

Electronic court filings and further procedural and docket information are available at https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. Judges’ calendars with schedules for upcoming court hearings can be viewed on the court’s website at www.cand.uscourts.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Crime on BART drops 41% in 2025

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Photo: BART

Systemwide property crime down 43%, auto thefts decrease by half, robberies by 60%; aggravated assaults up 12%

Smaller decreases in Contra Costa County

By San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District

Crime on BART plummeted in 2025, a testament to the hard work of the BART Police Department and the effectiveness of BART’s investment in initiatives and infrastructure that both increase safety and enhance the customer experience.

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

Overall crime on BART dropped 41% in 2025 compared to the previous year, with violent crime down 31% and property crime down 43%, according to the December 2025 Chief’s Monthly Report. Additional highlights include auto thefts decreasing by half year over year and robberies decreasing by 60%. The only crime category to see an increase was aggravated assaults which were up 12% over 2024.

In Contra Costa County violent crime was down 24.6% from 61 incidents to 46 and property crime decreased 34.3% from 443 incidents to 291. The only category that increased was burglary structural with 50% more incidents from six to nine.

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

This substantial decrease in crimes in the system comes as ridership continues to grow steadily, with BART serving nearly 5 million more trips in 2025 than 2024, a year that also saw  ridership growth in addition to a drop in crime.

“Safety is about more than enforcement. It’s about presence, partnership, and creating an environment where all riders feel comfortable using BART,” said BART Police Chief Kevin Franklin. “BART PD is committed to deterring criminal activity, responding quickly when help is needed, and ensuring riders feel safe throughout their journeys. These numbers demonstrate the impact of officers who are engaged and focused on building trust with the communities BART serves.”

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

“Riders are witnessing firsthand the improvements to safety, cleanliness, and customer experience that define the New BART,” said BART General Manager Bob Powers. “We’ve combined infrastructure upgrades, such as improved fare gates and station lighting, with additional safety presence and customer-centered service to make BART a comfortable experience for everyone who rides. I want to thank BART PD for their tireless commitment to serving the public.”

BART PD boosted the visible safety presence in the system by doubling officer presence systemwide and ensuring police are riding trains more. This approach is strengthened by BART’s ongoing use of unarmed Crisis Intervention Specialists, Transit Ambassadors, Fare Inspectors, and Community Service Officers.

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

Safety efforts were also bolstered by the installation of 715 new fare gates at all 50 stations, a project completed in August 2025, four months ahead of schedule. The taller, stronger fare gates are improving the station environment and deterring fare evasion and unwanted behavior. The number of riders who say they’ve witnessed someone not paying has dropped 59% in the last year.

BART also maintains a network of 4,000+ surveillance cameras, minimizing response time and holding suspects accountable, and continues to install LED lighting on platforms and in parking facilities to eliminate dark corners. Efforts such as these not only improve safety, but the entirety of the BART experience by making the system more welcoming and comfortable.

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

In 2025, BART PD continued its robust officer recruitment campaign with a $15,000 hiring bonus ($5,000 upon hire and $10,000 upon completion of the Field Training Program) for laterals and academy graduates and a robust outreach strategy, including a dedicated JoinBARTPD.com recruitment site and the recent launch of a  BART PD Instagram to reach potential recruits where they are.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Better Business Bureau cautions fans about Super Bowl ticket scams, travel costs

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San Francisco, CA – With the Super Bowl less than two weeks away and thousands of fans expected to visit the Bay Area, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is reminding consumers that preparation is just as important as excitement when attending an event of this size.

“Events of this scale bring a lot of excitement, but they also bring higher prices and increased risk for consumers,” said Alma Galvan, spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau. “Planning ahead, buying tickets from trusted sources, and understanding travel and lodging costs can help fans avoid unnecessary stress and financial loss.”

Protect yourself before you buy

Tickets for the Super Bowl are among the most sought-after and most expensive in sports. Unfortunately, that demand also attracts scammers.

The BBB encourages fans to:

  • Purchase tickets only from official sources or reputable resale platforms
  • Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, especially those found on social media
  • Avoid sellers who request payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or peer-to-peer apps with no buyer protection
  • Use a credit card whenever possible, as this can add an extra layer of protection

Consumers should also take time to research sellers, read refund policies carefully, and confirm ticket delivery methods before completing a purchase.

Travel and transportation

The Bay Area is preparing for a significant surge in travel related to this sporting event. Airports, highways, and public transportation systems will all experience increased traffic.

The BBB advises travelers to:

  • Arrive early at airports and allow extra time for security and delays
  • Consider multiple airport options, including San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland
  • Plan transportation to and from the stadium in advance, including public transit and rideshare options

Hotel accommodations

The BBB is also reminding travelers to budget carefully for lodging. Hotel prices across the region have increased dramatically for Super Bowl weekend.

BBB recommends that travelers:

  • Book lodging as early as possible to avoid higher prices and limited availability
  • Compare pricing across nearby cities
  • Review cancellation policies and additional fees carefully before confirming reservations
  • Verify websites before making any purchases
  • Confirm reservation numbers and confirmation emails before traveling to the Bay Area

A final reminder to fans

The Super Bowl will be an unforgettable moment for all those in attendance. With smart planning, fans can enjoy the event and all that the Bay Area has to offer without unnecessary stress or financial loss.

Consumers who encounter suspicious ticket sellers or misleading travel offers are encouraged to report them to BBB.org/ScamTracker.

ABOUT BBB

The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for more than 110 years. In 2024, people turned to BBB.org more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 5.5 million businesses, and 725,000 times for BBB charity reports on 12,000 local and national charities. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States and Canada.

DUI driver arrested after crashing into downtown Lafayette building

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Damage was sustained by both the vehicle of the DUI driver who was arrested and the vacant building he crashed into in downtown Lafayette, early Saturday morning, Jan. 24, 2026. Photos: Lafayette PD

By Lafayette Police Department

Early Saturday morning, January 24, 2026, at approximately 20 minutes after midnight, Lafayette PD Officers were dispatched to a vehicle that had crashed into a vacant building at the intersection of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Moraga Road. Officers arrived on scene, contacted the driver, and subsequently arrested him for driving under the influence.

This incident is a reminder to plan ahead and use a designated driver or a rideshare if you’ve been drinking.

If you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies, or (925) 284-5010 for non-emergencies.

Efforts to obtain additional information and the name of the driver were unsuccessful prior to publication time. Please check later for any updates to this report.

Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Division receives state grant to help keep roads safe

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Photo: CCC Sheriff’s Office

$170,000 for Crime Lab

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

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Forensic Services Division (FSD), a nationally accredited crime laboratory, has been awarded a competitive one-year grant of $170,000 to help keep our roadways safe from impaired drivers. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The FSD will use the funding to support the testing program for detecting alcohol and drugs in driving under the influence (DUI) cases. New equipment will be purchased to enhance the analysis of alcohol and other volatile substances in DUI cases. Supplies will also be purchased to support comprehensive analysis and enable detection of illegal, prescription, and over-the-counter drugs commonly found in DUI cases. Funding for the pro-grams runs through September 2026.

“This grant will improve testing capabilities, analysis, and turnaround times at the Forensic Services Division,” said Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston. “Having rapid results will benefit county law enforcement agencies and prosecutors and improve public safety.”

Reckless driving, altercation ends in Richmond Police Officer-involved shooting on I-80 in Hercules

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Source: Richmond PD

CA DOJ investigating under AB 1506

By Allen D. Payton

According to the Richmond Police Department PIO, Lt. Don Patchin, on January 22, 2026, a Richmond Police detective was involved in a critical incident on westbound Interstate 80 near Highway 4.

Earlier that morning, CHP received multiple reports of a gold or gray Nissan sedan driving recklessly, striking vehicles, and obstructing traffic. The vehicle was later encountered stopped and blocking a lane of westbound I-80 by an RPD detective who stopped to render aid.

The detective contacted an individual standing near the vehicle who was holding a metal object. Unconfirmed information indicates the individual may have been swinging the object at passing vehicles prior to the detective’s arrival. During the encounter, an altercation occurred, and the detective discharged their service weapon.

The individual was transported to a local trauma center, where he later died from his injuries. The detective sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.

Because it is currently unclear whether the individual had a weapon in his possession at the exact moment the shooting occurred, California law requires the California Department of Justice to assume the lead investigation. DOJ’s involvement does not imply wrongdoing and is mandated under these circumstances.

This investigation is in its early stages. We are committed to transparency and will provide updates as information becomes available and legally releasable.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information is urged to contact the Department of Justice at 916-210-2871.

CA Attorney General Investigates Under AB 1506

According to the Attorney General’s Press Office, the information provided below is based on preliminary details regarding an ongoing investigation, which may continue to evolve.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred on January 22, 2026, in Hercules, California. The OIS incident which resulted in the death of one individual occurred around 7:20 a.m. and involved the Richmond Police Department.

Following notification of this incident, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review. Anyone who has information related to either OIS incident and wishes to report it may do so by calling (916) 210-2871.

More information on DOJ’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.

As previously reported, according to Ted Asregadoo, PIO for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, because the incident took place on an interstate highway, the California Highway Patrol has primary jurisdiction over the investigation. The California Attorney General’s Office will lead the legal investigation based on the specific circumstances of the incident. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office’s participation in the investigation is in accordance with the County’s Law Enforcement-Involved Fatal Incident protocol.

 

 

Police solve 2024 homicide of homeless Antioch man

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Suspect Ronald Benjamin Jackson, III was charged with homicide, kidnapping and criminal threats in the 2024 death of Raheem Coe. Photo: Antioch PD

Suspect Ronald Benjamin Jackson, III currently in San Quentin state prison on unrelated charges.

Previously arrested in 2022 for shooting, killing Antioch convenience store clerk, but DA Becton didn’t charge with murder

By Allen D. Payton

According to Antioch Police Lt. William Whitaker of the department’s Investigations Bureau, after an extensive investigation, the Antioch Police Department has solved the homicide of Raheem Coe, a 48-year-old Antioch resident who was found deceased on May 15, 2024, near medical office buildings in the Country Hills Drive area.

At approximately 7:19 AM, on that date, Antioch police officers responded to the 2200 block of Country Hills Drive to assist Contra Costa Fire on a reported male down on the sidewalk possibly in need of medical attention.

When officers arrived, they located a deceased male. The cause of death was unknown at the time. The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. After an autopsy and further investigation, the death was determined to be a homicide. The victim frequented the area where he was discovered.

As previously reported, independent reports from two sources claimed Coe’s death was believed to be caused by blunt force trauma, including to his head and chest.

At the time, local homeless advocate Andrew Becker, who knew Coe and had several interactions with him, said, “Raheem Coe was on the street for the last couple of years, in the Lone Tree-Deer Valley area. He’s had several interactions with City staff including being swept multiple times by Public Works and Code Enforcement.”

“We had several conversations about shelter and services, and he was seeking shelter,” Becker continued. “He did have contact with his family who are also local.”

Through the processing of evidence, witness interviews, and the review of video surveillance, detectives identified 23-year-old Ronald Benjamin Jackson, III as the suspect in this homicide. Jackson is currently in custody at San Quentin State Prison on unrelated charges.

The case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, which has filed charges against Jackson for PC 187 – Homicide, PC 207(a) – Kidnapping, and PC 422 – Criminal Threats. Jackson will be transferred to the Martinez Detention Facility pending future court proceedings.

Jackson was previously arrested for robbing an Antioch gas station convenience store and killing the 36-year-old clerk in November 2022. (See related articles here and here)

However, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton announced the following week that her Office declined to file murder charges in the case, based on the clerk’s actions and “upon an established law that clearly states a person cannot pursue another to retrieve stolen property once the threat of bodily injury or harm to the victim has subsided.”

According to localcrimenews.com, Jackson was also arrested by Antioch Police on May 25, 2024, for kidnapping, battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse and threats of violence, and on Oct. 26, 2022, for vandalism: paint, cruelty to an animal and carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner.

Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Antioch Police Detective John Cox at (925) 481-8147 or by email at jcox@antiochca.gov.

Two Oakley boys arrested for grazing man’s head with gunshot

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During attempted marijuana buy that goes bad

Following high-speed pursuit to Orinda by Sheriff’s Deputies

By Oakley Police Department

At 1:08 AM on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, Oakley officers were dispatched to the area of East Cypress Road and Frank Hengel Way for a report of a possible kidnapping and a shooting. Our officers arrived on scene and found multiple people at the corner of Rubens Way and East Cypress Road. (Many of the people involved in this incident were juveniles so names will not be used.)

Our officers found a male victim with a grazing wound to his head which was determined to be a gunshot wound. Officers began the investigation and determined a group of three Oakley residents (two young adults, a male and a female, and one juvenile female) picked up two other males, who are also juveniles from Oakley. Collectively, the five people began hanging out at Cypress Grove Park in the vehicle of one of the females. The two male juveniles, who were picked up, became angered when the other three would not take them to buy marijuana. At one point the male who had taken part in picking up the two other males got out of the vehicle.

The two males who had been picked up then forced the females to drive away at gunpoint. The female victim driver drove down Rubens Way where she refused to drive any further. She and the other female victim were then forced out of the vehicle by the two male suspects at gunpoint. The two male suspects then drove the vehicle back towards East Cypress Road. The male victim, who had previously exited the vehicle, saw everything that was going on and ran towards the flight path of the fleeing suspects and caught up to them at the intersection of Frank Hengel and East Cypress. One of the male suspects shot at the male victim through the windshield of the female victim’s vehicle several times and struck the male victim in the head with the grazing shot.

The two suspects then fled the scene. We were assisted by deputies from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and one of those deputies saw the victim’s vehicle driving westbound on Highway 4 at a high rate of speed. Deputy Sheriffs initiated a pursuit of the victim vehicle, which took them all the way out to Orinda. The pursuit terminated when the pursued vehicle became disabled on westbound highway 24, in Orinda. Both male suspects were taken into custody and transported back to the Oakley Police Department. It was determined both suspects had warrants for their arrest, in addition to all of the crimes they were just involved in. Both suspects were booked into the Juvenile Hall for those two warrants and:

  • Attempted homicide
  • Assault with a deadly weapon
  • Kidnapping
  • Carjacking

The male who had been shot was transported to a local hospital and treated and released.

If anybody has information regarding this shooting, please call the Oakley Police Department at 925-625-8060 and reference case 26-95.

We thank the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the Orinda Police Department for their vital assistance in this investigation.

 

Investigation into in-custody death of 62-year-old homeless Rodeo man at Martinez Detention Facility

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Arrested 22 times since 2015; second in-custody death in the same Contra Costa County jail this month

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

The county-wide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol has been invoked for an in-custody death at the Martinez Detention Facility this afternoon.

At about 5:08 PM on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, a deputy sheriff found an inmate unresponsive in his cell on B module. He immediately requested Contra Costa Health jail medical staff respond, as deputies started life-saving measures. The fire department and an ambulance also responded. The inmate was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

The inmate is identified as 62-year-old Victor Jose Faria, an unhoused person. He was arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office on January 15, 2026, for trespassing and felony probation violation and booked into MDF.

Per the protocol, this is being investigated by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and the Contra Costa D.A.’s Office.

According to localcrimenews.com, Faria had a history of 21 other arrests by a variety of agencies dating back to 2015, including battery with serious bodily injury, and multiple times for arson, threats of violence, trespassing, disorderly conduct and public intoxication.

This is the second in-custody death at the Martinez Detention Facility this month. On Jan. 8, 61-year-old Kirk Richardson of Concord, arrested for the murders of his parents on Christmas Eve, was found unconscious inside his cell by a deputy sheriff, after Contra Costa Health medical staff responded to a report of head injuries that an inmate apparently sustained as a result of him purposely banging his head while housed in a cell.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office 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.

 

Hung jury in trial of former Richmond cop for striking man multiple times with Taser

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Images of former Officer Eric Smith, Jr. and body cam video screenshot of him striking Saul Mendoza, Jr. with a Taser during the attempted arrest on April 9, 2022. Source: Richmond PD and KTVU FOX2

Eric Smith, Jr. charged with assault with a deadly weapon, inflicting great bodily injury

Jurors voted 11-1 not guilty; attorney says, “he was forced to protect himself in this dangerous situation.”

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

Martinez, California – A jury was unable to reach a verdict on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, in the trial of former Richmond Police officer Eric Smith, Jr.

Smith, who is 31 years old, was charged by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office with assault with a deadly weapon and inflicting great bodily injury during an attempted arrest on April 9, 2022.

On August 3, 2022, the District Attorney’s Office filed a felony assault charge with the two enhancements against Smith. That same day Richmond Police announced that Smith, Jr. was terminated from the agency.

The incident happened around 1:00 a.m. in Richmond during an attempted traffic stop of Saul Mendoza, Jr. At one point during the encounter, Officer Smith struck Mr. Mendoza multiple times with a Taser, causing great bodily injury to the victim. (See police body cam video of incident published by KTVU FOX2)

Count 1-Assault with a Deadly Weapon PC245(a)(1)

Enhancement 1 – Special Allegation – Great Bodily Harm PC12022.7(a)

Enhancement 2 – Special Allegation – Use of Deadly Weapon PC12022(b)(1)

Because the jury could not reach a verdict, Judge John W. Kennedy dismissed the jurors. The case will return to court on February 2, 2026, to schedule either a new trial or other pre-trial matters.

UPDATE: Smith’s Attorney Responds

In response, Smith’s attorney, Harry Stern, of Rains Lucia Stern, praised the jury for their diligence and attention to detail.

“It’s really hard to get 12 people to come to a unanimous verdict,” he said. “The fact that 11 out of 12 jurors found Eric not guilty is extremely gratifying. He was an excellent witness and clearly explained why he was forced to protect himself in this dangerous situation.”

Case No. 02-22-00665 | The People of the State of California v. Eric Smith, Jr.