Contra Costa Herald

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

Two Richmond residents shot in San Pablo, one dies

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Both 36 years old

By Peggy ChouSan, PIO, Pablo Police Department

On Monday, December 29, 2025, at approximately 9:07 p.m., San Pablo Police officers responded to the 1400 block of Rumrill Boulevard regarding reports of a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers located two adult male victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Despite life-saving efforts, one victim, a 36-year-old Richmond resident, succumbed to his injuries. The second victim, also a 36-year-old Richmond resident, remains in critical condition. The identities of the victims are being withheld pending further notification.

San Pablo Police Department Detectives responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. This incident is being investigated as a homicide, and the investigation remains active. No additional details are available at this time. The suspect(s) remain outstanding.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Department Investigations Division at (510) 215-3150.

Suspect in Christmas Eve Brentwood Officer involved fatal shooting ID’d as Stockton man

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The rifle Morgan possessed prior to the shooting. Photo: Brentwood PD

Convicted felon

By Lt. Mark Louwerens, Brentwood Police Department

Brentwood, CA – The suspect in the fatal officer involved shooting that occurred on Christmas Eve has been identified as, Romaine Alexander Morgan, 43-year-old male from Stockton, CA.

Further investigation following the shooting revealed Morgan was a convicted felon, had an extensive history of convictions for weapons related charges, including two convictions for armed robbery where Morgan served prison time.

As previously reported, on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at around 10:55 p.m., Brentwood Officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle in the area of Balfour Road and Foothill Drive for suspicion of DUI.  Officers contacted the driver, a male in his 40’s, who was the only occupant in the vehicle.

While speaking to the driver, officers developed probable cause to search the vehicle. During the search, officers located a loaded, high-powered rifle inside the vehicle.  When officers attempted to arrest the driver, he physically resisted arrest, refused to follow verbal commands and ultimately grabbed the high-powered rifle.

An officer-involved shooting occurred in which one officer fired their weapon. Several officers rendered emergency medical aid until paramedics arrived on scene. However, the suspect succumbed to gunshot wounds at the scene.

No officers were seriously injured during this incident.

The attached photo depicts the rifle Morgan possessed prior to the shooting. The rifle had no serial number and given Morgan’s felony conviction status, he was a prohibited person from possessing any firearms.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 365-pound Morgan was Black and had been arrested four times including once by Sacramento County Sheriff’s Deputies in 2022 for prisoner possessing a weapon and three times by San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Deputies: in 2024 for battery on a spouse, cohabitant, former spouse and threats of violence; on March 6, 2025, for threats of violence; and again on Sept. 26, 2025, for drunk in public/release with no criminal charges after hold.

The vehicle Morgan was driving in this incident was registered to Morgan.

The investigation remains ongoing and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident protocol investigation continues. Body-worn camera and in-car camera footage will eventually be released in accordance with the law.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation, please contact the Brentwood Police Department at (925) 809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Tech helps catch driver with stolen license plate in Danville

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Flock Safety camera technology helped police stop a license plate thief Dec. 20, 2025. Photos: (Left) Flock Safety; (Center & Right) Danville PD

Great Police Work!

By Danville Police Department

On Saturday, December 20, 2025, a Danville resident reported their license plate stolen from their vehicle. Using Flock Safety license plate reader technology, our officers quickly located the stolen plate on another vehicle near I-680 and Diablo Road.

Officers conducted a traffic stop and detained the driver, who was also found in possession of stolen merchandise from a neighboring city.

Excellent work by our officers and a reminder that technology and teamwork help keep our community safe!

Brentwood Officer involved Christmas Eve shooting leaves man dead

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Contra Costa DA’s Office conducting parallel Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident protocol investigation 

By Investigations Lt. Mark Louwerens, Brentwood Police Department

On Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at around 10:55 p.m., Brentwood Officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle in the area of Balfour Road and Foothill Drive for suspicion of DUI.  Officers contacted the driver, a male in his 40’s, who was the only occupant in the vehicle.

While speaking to the driver, officers developed probable cause to search the vehicle. During the search, officers located a loaded, high-powered rifle inside the vehicle.  When officers attempted to arrest the driver, he physically resisted arrest, refused to follow verbal commands and ultimately grabbed the high-powered rifle.

An officer-involved shooting occurred in which one officer fired their weapon. Several officers rendered emergency medical aid until paramedics arrived on scene. However, the suspect succumbed to gunshot wounds at the scene.

No officers were seriously injured during this incident.

The investigation remains ongoing and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is conducting a parallel investigation in accordance with the Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident protocol. Body-worn camera and in-car camera footage will eventually be released in accordance with the law.

No additional information is being released at this time

The suspect’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation, please contact the Brentwood Police Department at (925) 809-7911.  Callers may remain anonymous.

An email requesting the name, age and city of residence of the deceased man was sent to the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office and Sherrif-Coroner PIO. Please check back later for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

El Sobrante woman among 13 arrested in statewide organized retail theft investigation

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Stolen merchandise recovered during the CHP’s “Operation Silent Night” targeting an organized retail theft ring. Photos: California Highway Patrol

Operation Silent Night executed in Richmond, 3 other cities, recovers 44,140 stolen items worth more than $800K 

53-year-old Bach Ngoc Thi Bui previously arrested in 2023 for grand theft and organized retail theft

By Officer Ruben Jones, PIO, CHP Valley Division

SACRAMENTO — Thirteen suspects were arrested, and more than $800,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered following a coordinated, multi-agency operation targeting an organized retail theft network operating across Northern California.

In September, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Valley Division Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) was alerted to a pair of retail theft suspects who stole merchandise in Placer County and at multiple other locations throughout the state. The Valley Division ORCTF includes investigators from the CHP, Sacramento Police Department and the Placer County District Attorney’s Office.

On October 1, the Rocklin Police Department conducted a traffic stop involving the suspects and requested assistance from the Valley Division ORCTF. During the investigation, the suspects provided information identifying individuals who were purchasing stolen merchandise from them and reselling it for profit. Investigators also learned the stolen goods were being distributed and sold at flea markets in Oakland, San Jose, Galt, Modesto and Stockton.

Based on this information, ORCTF investigators conducted surveillance operations that corroborated the suspects’ statements and established links among the theft suspects, those purchasing and reselling the stolen merchandise, and the flea-market distribution locations. Investigators subsequently obtained multiple search warrants covering six residences, three storage lockers, and one storage lot.

On December 11, a coordinated multi-agency enforcement effort, Operation Silent Night, was executed in Oakland, Richmond, San Leandro and Galt. The operation resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects. Investigators seized two firearms, more than $10,000 in cash, five vans, two passenger vehicles and two trailers. More than 400 boxes and 200 bags of stolen merchandise were recovered, including cosmetics, household goods, clothing, power tools, toys, alcohol, and diapers. All suspects were transported to the Placer County Jail for booking.

Stolen merchandise recovered. Photo: CHP

On December 12, Cal Expo provided an exposition hall to assist with the processing and cataloging of the recovered merchandise. In partnership with affected retailers, investigators documented a total of 44,140 stolen items valued in excess of $800,000.

The following are those who were taken into custody:

  • Bach Ngoc Thi Bui, 53, El Sobrante
  • Isaid Garcia Chapas, 41, Oakland
  • Irene Cruz Barragan, 35, Oakland
  • Daniela Cruz Barragan, 33, Oakland
  • Robert Lorenzo Luna-Varela, 34, Oakland
  • Jefferson Isaed Garcia-Rivera, 22, Oakland
  • Jennifer Garcia Cruz, 19, Oakland
  • Elan Rosales Montes, 35, Oakland
  • Claudia Ivet Cruz Barragan, 42, Oakland
  • Yolanda Carrillo Martinez, 45, Oakland
  • Ivan Miranda Espinoza, 33, Oakland
  • Yuridia Sandoval Ramirez, 35, Oakland
  • Eryn Wilfred Corea Guevara, 29, Oakland

“Organized retail theft is not a victimless crime. It impacts businesses, workers, and communities across California. This investigation highlights the strength of collaboration between law enforcement and our retail partners, and our commitment to holding organized theft networks accountable.”- CHP Valley Division Chief Tyler Eccles

The Placer County District Attorney’s Office announced on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, the filing of criminal charges of organized retail theft, conspiracy to commit felony crimes, receiving stolen property, among numerous allegations against the 13 defendants.

The charges stem from numerous thefts that had occurred within Placer County that culminated in a multiple agency operation last week in Oakland that recovered over $700,000 worth of stolen merchandise and extensive counterfeit merchandise. This collaborative investigation and prosecution is made possible by Placer County’s retail theft initiative.

The defendants appeared in court that afternoon and defense attorneys were appointed to represent them. The next court date was scheduled for December 22 in Department 20 at 8:30 am.

Since the ORCTF’s inception in 2019, the CHP has been involved in over 4,200 investigations, leading to the arrest of more than 4,700 suspects and the recovery of nearly 1.5 million stolen goods valued at over $68.7 million statewide as of November 30.

According to localcrimenews.com, Bui is a female and was also arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department in August 2023 when she was a Pittsburg resident for conspiracy to commit a crime, grand theft, receiving or concealing stolen property and organized retail theft.

The CHP extends its appreciation to all participating law enforcement agencies, task force members, Cal Expo, and retail partners whose collaboration led to the success of this investigation. The case remains ongoing.

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol initiated

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Antioch Police and Con Fire personnel responded to the scene of the fatal collision causing a back-up in the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 between Pittsburg and Antioch Monday morning, Dec. 22, 2025. Video screenshot courtesy of Spotlight CoCoCounty.

Following collision involving DA Senior Inspector killing Antioch assault suspect running on Hwy 4; CHP leads investigation

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

Martinez, California – A fatal traffic collision with a pedestrian is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol pursuant to the County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol.

On Monday, December 22, 2025, at approximately 10:35 a.m., in the area of Delta Fair Blvd. in Antioch, a suspect engaged in a disturbance at Delta Bowl. According to Antioch Police, the initial incident occurred at the Comfort Inn, located at 2436 Mahogany Way, where the 27-year-old male suspect had pulled a fire alarm and then struck a 47-year-old male security guard. As police responded, the suspect climbed over a fence and entered eastbound Highway 4 on foot.

The individual was struck in the roadway by an oncoming county vehicle driven by a District Attorney Senior Inspector whose duties were unrelated to the disturbance. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The California Highway Patrol is the venue agency conducting the traffic collision investigation. The California Department of Justice has been notified. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has yielded legal analysis to avoid a potential conflict of interest. The investigation is ongoing.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Concord: Sunvalley Mall jewelry store robbery Sunday morning

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Smash-and-grab suspects flee scene; shopper shares her experience, claims “whole mall was…evacuated”

By Concord Police Department

On Sunday, December 21, 2025, at approximately 11:53 a.m., Concord Police Department dispatch received multiple reports of a smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store inside Sunvalley Mall. Suspects used hammers to break display cases before fleeing the scene in a waiting vehicle.

Officers arrived within two minutes of the initial calls. While some witnesses initially reported possible gunfire, officers quickly confirmed that no shots were fired during the incident.

The suspects had fled toward the highway prior to officers’ arrival. There were no reported injuries, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The incident remains under investigation.

In a Facebook post by Yolanda Schamoni who was shopping in the mall at the time, she shared her experience.

“We just had the scariest experience at Sun Valley Mall. I was there with my son and grandson. We don’t know what happened yet whether it was a shooting with the robbery or just a robbery, but all of a sudden the whole mall was being evacuated my son was standing in line for us to see Santa while I took my grandson to the bathroom and the next thing I know everyone’s running for the exits I was upstairs my son was downstairs thank you to the good Samaritan family that kept him safe until we were reunited, but I can tell you being locked in stores when you’re just out to have your kids sit with Santa because someone’s robbing with guns is not the best feeling.

“Please, I urge the parents out there to start parenting their children. These are kids that parents must know something is going on if they’re going somewhere with guns and robbing people parents do better.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch man killed during family dispute at home near Concord

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By Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a homicide that occurred on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 8:04 a.m. at a home on the 5100 block Laurel Drive in unincorporated Concord.

Valley Station deputy sheriffs responded to a welfare check and found a resident of the home deceased on the property. Detectives believe the incident began as a domestic issue when a family dispute escalated into an altercation. Three others who suffered from injuries were transported to a local hospital.

The victim is identified as 38-year-old Antonio Valdez of Antioch. A person in the home who suffered injuries remains in the hospital.

The Investigation Division Homicide Unit and Crime Lab responded to the scene. Detectives believe the incident began as a domestic issue when a family dispute escalated into an altercation. There are no outstanding suspects and no threat to the public.

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.

Antioch man arrested for stealing mail from 22 Brentwood victims

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The mailboxes of 22 victims in Brentwood were broken into. Photo: Brentwood PD

Craig Whiteley, Jr. fled scene with two other suspects; found with keys, drugs, cash, ammo

By Brentwood Police Department

In the early morning hours of December 14, 2025, at approximately 5:38 a.m., Brentwood Police officers responded to a report of suspicious activity near community mailboxes in the 2700 block of Empire Avenue.

A witness reported seeing three male suspects flee on foot after being startled, leaving behind the vehicle they arrived in. When officers arrived, they found the community mailboxes had been compromised and stolen mail belonging to multiple residents was located inside the suspect vehicle, which had been left running.

Officers quickly set up a search of the surrounding area and located 37-year-old Craig Allen Whiteley, Jr. from Antioch who matched the suspect description and appeared to have recently fled on foot. A records check revealed the individual was on felony probation for firearm- and mail theft-related offenses.

During the investigation, officers recovered evidence linking the suspect to the mail theft. A subsequent search led to the discovery of keys used to access mail boxes, narcotics intended for sale and ammunition.

Mail, keys, cash, narcotics and ammunition recovered from the scene. Photos: Brentwood PD

The suspect was arrested and booked into County Jail on charges including probation violation, mail theft, narcotics possession and additional related offenses.

All 22 victims had their stolen mail successfully recovered and returned.

Excellent work by our graveyard officers for their swift response and diligent investigation.

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity immediately to help keep our neighborhoods safe.

According to the Brentwood Police website, Whitely is five-feet, 11-inch tall, 160-pound white male.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of Dec. 17, 2025, at 9:11 PM, Whitely was out of custody with no charges filed.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Martinez man, former San Quentin guard charged with lewd acts involving children released pending trial

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Former San Quentin Prison Correctional Sergeant William Daniel Eberly. Photo: CA Dep’t of Corrections & Rehabilitation

CCDA’s Office “profoundly troubled by the court’s decision”

Family unsure where he’s living after being evicted from trailer on prison grounds in March

“He keeps getting released and it continues to keep going away.” – Family advocate

By Allen D. Payton

As previously reported, 44-year-old Martinez resident, William Daniel Eberly faces multiple felony charges for alleged lewd acts upon children. He was arrested on Oct. 22, 2025, and arraigned, Thursday, Oct. 23, in Martinez on an 11-count complaint that includes forcible lewd acts on a child under 14 and lewd acts on a child aged 14 or 15. Two victims, identified in court documents as Jane Doe #1 and Jane Doe #2, will remain anonymous to protect their privacy.

The alleged offenses occurred between November 1, 2020, and December 12, 2024, in Contra Costa County. Eberly was employed as a correctional sergeant with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation at San Quentin prison at the time of his arrest. Eberly pleaded not guilty to all charges at his arraignment.

Released Pending Trial

According to an advocate for Eberly’s family, who spoke on condition of anonymity, following a pre-trial conference in Martinez Superior Court Thursday morning, Dec. 11, 2025, “he was released pending trial.”

“He hasn’t had anything to do with his children for a very long time. He has four sons with another correctional officer,” the advocate shared.

“A memorandum was sent by San Quentin dated March 20, 2025, by the warden to all employees telling them to stop Eberly at the gate, that he’s not allowed to enter institutional property,” she continued. “He’s been on leave from San Quentin since that date.”

Gate Stop Memorandum dated March 20, 2025, sent by San Quentin Rehabilitation Center Warden Chance Andes to prison staff. Source: Family’s advocate who chose to remain anonymous

“He doesn’t live with either of his ex-wives or his current wife,” the advocated stated. “Nobody knows where he lives. He may be homeless. He doesn’t actually have a residence which is shocking. He was living in a trailer on the prison grounds. But he was told to vacate when he was forced to leave the prison.”

“He was recently granted court-ordered supervised visits with his children,” she said. “But I don’t think he’s seen them in over a year.”

“They first arrested him in March, then let him go because they said they didn’t have enough evidence,” the advocate shared. “This has been going on for like four years, he’s been in and out of custody. He keeps getting released and it continues to keep going away.”

She shared concerns about the children wanting to keep their identities private and out of the public eye.

“People were calling the schools where the kids attend probably to see if he was there picking them up,” the advocate said. “They don’t know he’s been arrested or anything. They don’t need to know. They’re all really young.”

She asked the public not to post photos of the children.

“The reports about him online are wrong,” she also shared. “He’s not Latino. He’s white.”

Asked if she knows Eberly, the advocate said, “Yes, I know him. “But I haven’t seen him in over a year when he last saw the kids.”

“He was always a stickler for the rules. So, this is all very shocking,” she added.

Asked if she attended Thursday’s hearing, the advocate responded, “No. They barred all potential witnesses that the prosecution might call.”

Asked what date has been set for the trial she responded, “We do not know yet.”

Eberly was “released without having to post bail. No ankle monitor. No bail. Released on own recognizance,” the advocate repeated.

Contra Costa DA’s Office “Profoundly Troubled by the Court’s Decision”

Asked about Eberly’s release, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office issued the following statement regarding The People v. William Daniel Eberly Court ruling on 12/11/25:

“Following the presentation of evidence at the preliminary hearing, the court held the defendant William Eberly to answer on 11 felony counts of Penal Code section 288(b)(1), forcible lewd acts upon two child victims.

“During the ruling, Eberly’s defense counsel requested that the court release him from custody on his own recognizance, and a visiting judge in Contra Costa County granted that request.

“The District Attorney’s Office is profoundly troubled by the court’s decision to release Eberly from jail custody.

“In addition to the seriousness of the charged offenses and the clear danger the defendant poses to the community, the Deputy District Attorney prosecuting the case cited several additional factors weighing against release, including:

  • Prior arrests in 2013 for inflicting injury on a child, and in 2020 for inflicting injury on a spouse or cohabitant.
  •  The defendant’s abuse of a position of trust to harm two minor victims.

“Despite these objections, the court reasoned that because the defendant had no prior charges formally filed with the court and because he is a veteran, release was appropriate.

“The District Attorney’s Office will continue working diligently to pursue all available legal options to seek justice for the victims, protect the community, and hold the defendant accountable.”

As previously reported, according to localcrimenews.com, Eberly was previously arrested in 2013 by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office for Contempt of Court: Disobeying a Court Order/Process and in 2020 by the Marin County Sheriff’s Office for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant.

Case No. 01-25-03633 | The People of the State of California v. William Daniel Eberly