Contra Costa Herald

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

U.S. Postal Inspectors seek Richmond post office armed robbery suspect

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2025-07-01 Richmond PO robbery suspect Source: U.S. Postal Inspection Service

Offer up to $150,000 reward

By Postal Inspector Matthew Norfleet, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, San Francisco Division Mail Fraud Team,

Richmond, CA – The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is requesting information about the individual who committed an armed robbery of a post office at 1025 Nevin Avenue at Harbour Way, Richmond, CA at or around 12:50 p.m. on July 1, 2025.

Video screenshot of Richmond, CA Post Office armed robbery suspect, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

Reward money is available up to $150,000 for information leading to arrest and conviction of this person, or anyone else responsible for robbery of a U.S. Postal Service employee or workplace.

Antioch woman, man arrested in Oakley same night for separate crimes

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Alvonda Meyers for hit and run of man, cars; Raymond Del Tessandro for assault with a deadly weapon; both arrested before

By Oakley Police Department

On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 11:51 PM, Oakley police officers were dispatched to a verbal disturbance in the 500 block of Mockingbird Lane. The reporting party stated there had been a birthday party at the location and a physical fight broke out inside. Some of the participants went outside and the suspect, identified as Alvonda Tyquesha Meyers (39, Antioch), got into her vehicle and intentionally struck a male victim, pinning his leg between two vehicles and injuring him. Meyers then drove up and down the street striking several parked vehicles and nearly struck pedestrians who attended the party.

Oakley officers arrived on scene and attempted to stop Meyers, but she fled and officers initiated a vehicle pursuit. Our officers were able to deploy spike strips at the onset of this incident, which flattened two of Meyers’ tires. In spite of the flat tires, Meyers continued to flee through Oakley into Antioch coming to a stop on Fernbank Way where she was taken into custody. Meyers was arrested and booked into jail for felony evading, Assault with Deadly Weapon, DUI and Hit and Run.

Later, during the same shift on June 25, 2025, at 2:08 AM, Oakley officers were dispatched to the Best Western Hotel on Bridgehead Road because someone had just been struck with a beer bottle. When Oakley officers arrived, the victim reported that he rented a room at the hotel for a female friend of his so she could get away from the suspect, Raymond Maurice Del Tessandro (41, Antioch). Del Tessandro showed up at the hotel room and the victim told him he needed to leave.

At some point the victim turned his back on Del Tessandro and Del Tessandro hit the victim in the head/face with the beer bottle. During the altercation, the victim’s phone fell to the ground; Del Tessandro picked the phone up and fled on foot. The victim sustained a laceration to his face and was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Oakley officers located Del Tessandro walking on Main Street; he was arrested and transported to the jail and booked for assault with a deadly weapon.

According to the localcrimenews.com, he was also arrested on April 30th for battery on transportation personnel with injury.

Also, according to localcrimenews.com, Meyers was arrested in 2017 by BART PD for willful cruelty toward children and assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury and in 2023 by San Francisco PD for evasion of public transit fare payment. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, she bonded out of custody.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Prison sentence for Walnut Creek transient man in child sex abuse case

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Marc Alexander Simon arrest photo. Source: Walnut Creek PD

6 years, 8 months for 28-year-old Marc Alexander Simon

Occurred in library restroom

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Office of the Contra Costa County District Attorney

Martinez, California – A Walnut Creek man was sentenced today in Contra Costa County Superior Court after entering guilty pleas to felony charges of sexual abuse of a minor and aggravated possession of child sexual abuse material.

28-year-old Marc Alexander Simon (born 12/25/96) was sentenced by the Honorable Charles Burch on June 26th, 2025, to six years and eight months in state prison. Simon was further ordered to register for life as a sex offender upon his release from custody.

The offenses for which Simon was sentenced occurred on April 11, 2024, when Simon followed a child into a restroom at the Walnut Creek Library and sexually abused the minor. The child reported the incident to an adult, who contacted the Walnut Creek Police Department.

Walnut Creek Police detectives used security cameras to quickly identify Simon’s vehicle as he left the scene. Police tracked him to another location in Walnut Creek, where he was arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. An iPhone seized during his arrest was forensically examined, revealing hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse material.

The transient man was arrested for lewd acts upon a child and attempted kidnapping. Simon has been in custody since his arrest and will begin to serve his sentence immediately. (See related article)

District Attorney Diana Becton said: “The swift investigative work by Walnut Creek Police and our Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was crucial in holding the defendant accountable. This case demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting children in our communities from those who prey on them.”

Deputy District Attorney Ashley Torres from the Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case. The Walnut Creek Police Department Investigations Unit led the investigation with the assistance of the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, six-inch tall, 160-pound Simon is Hispanic and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility.

Case No. 01-24-01623 | The People of the State of California v. Simon, Marc Alexander

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Two Oakley men arrested following boating incident at Discovery Bay marina

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Screenshots of videos posted on social media of the incident in Discovery Bay on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

Erick & Danny Garcia were held on $95K bail each

Erick arrested in 2024, both arrested in May all on violence charges; Danny already out of custody

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

The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office arrested two suspects after a reckless boating incident at Discovery Bay Marina on Sunday, June 22, 2025, that was widely shared on social media.

Deputy Sheriffs from the Marine Services Unit launched an investigation after multiple witnesses reported a Malibu ski boat chasing a personal watercraft (PWC) through the marina at high speeds. Deputies identified two operators during the incident, 33-year-old Erick Garcia and 34-year-old Danny Garcia, both from Oakley, who were seen operating the boat recklessly. The ski boat was later found abandoned in Stockton.

Erick Garcia was detained yesterday during a traffic stop in Oakley. With assistance from detectives in the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division, Marine Patrol Deputies served a search warrant at Danny’s home in Oakley, leading to his arrest.

Both Danny and Erick Garcia were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on identical charges:

  1. Assault with a Deadly Weapon (not a firearm) – 2 counts
  2. Criminal Threats – 1 count
  3. Vandalism – 2 counts

Each were being held in lieu of $95,000 bail. According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Danny bonded out of custody today at 4:27 PM. However, as of Wednesday, June 25, at 4:42 PM, Erick was still in custody.

According to localcrimenews.com, Erick was arrested on May 3 this year by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department for assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury. He was also arrested on Sept. 5, 2024, by Contra Costa CHP for threats of violence. Danny was also arrested on May 3 this year, but by Walnut Creek Police, for being intoxicated in public and resisting a peace officer with injury.

See videos posted on social media here, here and here. (Warning: Explicit language)

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information or video footage is encouraged to contact the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Unit at (925) 383-4906.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report. In an earlier version of this report the photo of Danny Garcia was not the correct man from Oakley. Apologies for the mistake.

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.