Contra Costa Herald

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

Brentwood traffic stop leads to arrest of Antioch duo on gun charges

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Gun and ammunition confiscated during arrest on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Photo: Brentwood PD

Both already out of custody one on bond, the other with no charges filed

By Brentwood Police Department

On Sunday night, March 10, 2024, a Brentwood officer conducted a routine traffic stop in the area of Lone Tree Way and Fairside Way. The stop was initiated due to multiple vehicle code violations observed by the officer.

During the course of the stop, the officer found an un-serialized loaded high-capacity firearm in the backseat of the vehicle. As a result, 19-year-old Daekaylah Leiloni Little and 20-year-old Louis Edward Quinn, Jr., both of Antioch, were placed under arrest and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

According to localcrimenews.com they were charged with carrying a loaded firearm on person or in vehicle while in a public place, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle and a large capacity magazine.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, as of Monday, March 11 Little bonded out of custody and Quinn was released with no charges filed on Wednesday, March 13.

According to an August 22, 2021, post on her Facebook page, Little was a cheerleader at Deer Valley High School in Antioch.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of routine traffic stops and the diligent efforts of our officers in keeping the community safe.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Richmond man charged with smuggling ammunition from U.S. to Brazil

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Could face 10 years in  prison and $250,000 fine

By U.S. Attorney, Northern District of California

OAKLAND – On Monda, March 4, 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Edijalma De Souza Ferreira, charging him with smuggling ammunition from the United States to Brazil without an export license, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King.

According to the indictment, filed February 27, Ferreira, 46, of Richmond, Calif., smuggled thousands of rounds of ammunition in two container shipments that were exported from the Port of Oakland in 2021. Export of the ammunition was contrary to the Export Control Reform Act and associated regulations. The indictment charges Ferreira with a felony violation of 18 U.S.C. § 554.

Ferreira was arrested on February 29, 2024, and made his initial appearance in federal court in Oakland the same day. He was released on bond and his next appearance is scheduled for March 6, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna M. Ryu for identification of counsel.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Ferreira faces a maximum sentence of ten years of imprisonment, and a fine of $250,000 for the 18 U.S.C. § 554 violation. However, 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 Michelle J. Kane is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kathy Tat. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI with assistance from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Container Security Initiative, the HSI Brasilia Attaché Office, and the Customs and Revenue Service of Brazil.

See case details at U.S. v. Ferreira, 4:24-cr-00120-YGR-1 (DMR) |

Young Pittsburg, Oakland women arrested for stealing over $6K of goods from Brentwood store

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The suspects’ car, the two suspects arrested, and the cash confiscated from the sale of the stolen merchandise from a Brentwood store on Monday, March 11, 2024. Photos: Brentwood PD

Sold it in Oakland, SF; Hercules PD assists

By Brentwood Police Department

IF YOU DECIDE TO STEAL IN BRENTWOOD

On Monday, March 11, 2024, around 1:30PM, Brentwood officers were dispatched to Ulta at the Streets of Brentwood for a report of a theft of over $6,300 in merchandise. The reporting party provided a description of the two suspects, who had just fled in a vehicle.

BPD officers contacted the Streets of Brentwood Security, who were able to obtain the license plate of the suspect car from video surveillance. The officers confirmed the car was a rental vehicle, as it is common for organized retail thieves to use rental vehicles to commit crimes in order to evade detection.

Later that day around 5:00 PM, Hercules PD located the suspect vehicle and detained two of the occupants identified as 19-year-old Andrea Glaser of Oakland, and 21-year-old Tyerra Destiny Townsend of Pittsburg. BPD detectives responded to the city of Hercules as soon as they were notified.

Both suspects admitted to stealing from Ulta and also said they sold the stolen merchandise in Oakland and San Francisco for cash. None of the stolen merchandise was recovered; however approximately $1,000 in cash was found on Glaser and Townsend.

Glaser had additional warrants and Townsend, who is on felony probation in Contra Costa County, received additional related charges. Both Townsend and Glaser were placed under arrest for organized retail theft.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the 5-foot, 4-inch, 120-lb. Townsend is being held on no bail in the West County Detention Center in Richmond. Her next hearing is scheduled for Thursday, March 14 at 1:30 PM in Superior Court. Additional information about Glaser could not be located online.

The cooperation and assistance provided by the Streets of Brentwood Security team and Hercules PD were instrumental in solving this case. Their collaboration exemplifies the collective commitment to maintaining public safety and combating criminal activity in our city.

Furthermore, this investigation highlights the dedication of Brentwood PD officers and detectives in solving crimes and ensuring accountability within the community.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

2 arrests, 3 vehicles seized, 32 citations issued during joint OTS enforcement operation

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Photos: Concord PD

Coordinated effort by Concord & Oakley PD, CHP Thursday night funded by grant from CA Office of Traffic Safety

Pursuit of one vehicle ends in Fairfield

By Concord Police Department

The Concord Police Department partnered with the Oakley Police Department and the California Highway Patrol to conduct a joint enforcement operation throughout the City last night, Thursday, March 7, 2024. The enforcement focus was on reckless driving, illegal side-show activity suppression and enforcement. During the operation, Officers wrote 32 citations, made two arrests and seized three vehicles.

Vehicles seized for reckless driving, or evading law enforcement, are subject to a 30-day hold. Owners can incur costs of nearly $3,000 to have the vehicles released. Simply put, it’s not worth it!

During the operation, a California Highway Patrol Officer attempted a traffic stop for a vehicle driving recklessly. The vehicle fled from the Officers and a pursuit was initiated, ultimately leading to the capture and arrest of the driver in Fairfield.

During a “side show” in the City of Pleasant Hill, thousands of dollars of damage was done to a private parking lot from vehicle’s driving recklessly. This type of driving behavior is not tolerated, and the Concord Police Department is committed to dedicating the patrol and investigative resources needed to apprehend those violators. Even after a side show event, Investigators are tasked with identifying vehicles in violation, conducting relevant follow up investigation, to include vehicle seizure warrants, to seize those vehicles.

These operations are made possible with a grant through the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and in response to a large amount of citizen complaints regarding this type of driving behavior in our City.

The City of Concord has a lot to offer! Please come, visit and enjoy our wonderful City, but do it safely. Multiple operations are planned in the future to curtail unsafe driving behaviors.

Brentwood, Antioch flashing suspect identified

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Photos: Brentwood PD

By Allen D. Payton

Following a post of photos and a request from the public for help, the suspect responsible for exposing his genitalia to victims at various retail businesses in both Antioch and Brentwood has been identified. The most recent incident occurred on Feb. 17, 2024, in Brentwood. The Brentwood Police Department thanked the public for their help but did not provide the suspect’s name or information.

In the post, Brentwood PD wrote: “The suspect typically wears a mask and has distinguishing features, including a cross-like tattoo on his right arm and script on the back of his left arm.

We understand this investigation may cause distress to the community. We want to remind the community to remain vigilant of your surroundings while in public and report any suspicious activity promptly.

If you have any information regarding the investigation or the suspect, please contact BPD Dispatch immediately at 925-809-7911 for non-emergency situations or for an emergency call 9-1-1. Callers may remain anonymous.”

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Pittsburg man arrested in Brentwood on gun, drug, evading police charges

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Gun, ammunition and drugs confiscated during Carlos Jobani Elizalde-Ortiz’s arrest on Feb. 28, 2029. Photos: Brentwood PD

Has history of arrests on similar charges

By Brentwood Police Department

Last Wednesday, Brentwood officers were in the area of Lone Tree Way and Highway 4 when they located a vehicle that was wanted for evading police. Upon locating the car, a CHP unit was also in the area and attempted to do a traffic stop but the vehicle evaded police and the car was last seen in the area of Claremont Drive and Brookdale Drive.

While Brentwood officers were searching the area for the vehicle, Dispatch received calls from residents in the area advising of an abandoned vehicle and suspicious person hiding in the bushes. Based on the time and distance of where the vehicle was last seen, Brentwood officers immediately responded to the area and established a perimeter.

Shortly after, officers spotted a male in all dark clothing with a mask, and the male fled from officers and started jumping nearby fences in adjacent yards.

A Brentwood officer, who was on the perimeter, saw the male, identified as 23-year-old Carlos Elizalde-Ortiz of Pittsburg, and he was taken into custody.

Officers located Elizalde-Ortiz’s vehicle and found fentanyl, ammunition and two magazines. A loaded firearm was located the following day, which was determined to be consistent with Elizalde-Ortiz’s path when he fled from police.

Elizalde-Ortiz, who is a convicted felon, was arrested for evading police, being a felon in possession of drugs and a firearm, and other related charges.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, 6-foot, 2-inch, 210-lb. Elizalde-Ortiz is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail and is scheduled for release on March 29, 2024.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was also arrested by Pittsburg Police on April 16, 2022, for multiple and similar drug and drug charges. Elizalde-Ortiz was arrested by Pittsburg Police on July 14, 2021, on similar drug and gun charges including selling and/or converting a firearm into a machine gun.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Homeless, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act to reform Prop 47 collects 75% of required California voters’ signatures

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Over 400,000 have signed petitions to place the measure that will stop theft and fentanyl crimes onto the November 2024 ballot

Gains support of Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft, over 30 mayors & local leaders

See below to get petition and help gather signatures

Over 400,000 California voters have signed the petition to place the Homeless, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act on the November 2024 ballot.

“We have seen a record number of voters seeking to sign the petition to place this measure on the ballot – sometimes waiting in line to do so,” said campaign chair Greg Totten who is also chief executive officer for the California District Attorneys Association. “This is consistent with polling that has shown that 70% of likely California voters support the Homeless, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act. The measure is commonsense and injects accountability back into our laws for repeat offenders of theft and for crimes involving fentanyl and other serious drug crimes.”

Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft endorses proposed initiative to reform Proposition 47

Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft (CARRT) announced last week its support for the proposed initiative called the Homeless, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act.

“Our current system puts Californians at risk as crime continues to rise without any real repercussions. That is why Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft is supporting the Homeless, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Initiative,” said Matt Ross, spokesman for Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft.

“The initiative focuses on repeat offenders of retail crime. It provides an opportunity for those with substance abuse and mental health problems to seek help through diversion programs. At the same time, it also ensures that there are real consequences for individuals who continue to break the law.”

“Moreover, this initiative is a significant step towards putting an end to retail and residential theft in both Main Street and neighborhood areas.”

According to data from the Public Policy Institute of California, there has been a significant increase in commercial shoplifting, with a 28.7% rise in 2022 alone. Commercial burglary and robbery have also seen an increase of 5.8% and 9%, respectively. Furthermore, a recent survey revealed that 88% of retailers are experiencing more aggressive and violent shoplifters compared to the previous year.

CARRT is a diverse coalition consisting of over 200 business associations, local groups, and victim organizations. Their main goal is to advocate for California officials to take action and equip law enforcement with the necessary tools to reduce theft. Prominent members of the coalition include local Chambers of Commerce, California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, California Business Roundtable, California Black Chamber of Commerce, California Grocers Association, California Peace Officers Association, Crime Victims United, Klaas Kids Foundation, and the National Federation of Independent Business.

CARRT has been engaging in discussions with local officials, law enforcement, and legislators to ensure that they comprehend the true impact of retail and residential crime. They aim to provide public safety officials with additional resources to effectively address this problem. For more information about CARRT, please visit their website at www.carrt.org.

Over 30 mayors and local elected leaders endorse Prop 47 reform initiative

Bipartisan support continues to grow with over 30 mayors and local elected officials from across the state have endorsed the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act. The measure will increase community safety by holding those who repeatedly steal or traffic hard drugs accountable. The measure has collected 75% of the needed signatures from California voters to place it on the November ballot.

“Our city has continued to prioritize safety for our residents, businesses and visitors. We realize that the laws must adapt to the circumstances we see on our streets today. Retail theft and drug offenders repeat their crimes without any accountability or consequence which is why I am supporting this ballot measure,” said Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock. “We need smart changes to Prop 47 so that we can stop crime and hold repeat offenders accountable. Consequences act as a deterrent while at the same time, this measure prioritizes effective drug treatment and rehabilitation programs. This ballot measure will provide the tools our city needs to improve community safety.”

Local mayors and elected officials from every region across the state continue to endorse a measure that balances accountability and rehabilitation programs.

Bay Area Elected Leaders

Mayor Matt Mahan, City of San Jose

Mayor London Breed, City and County of San Francisco

Mayor Lily Mei, City of Fremont

Mayor Carmen Montano, City of Milpitas

Vice Mayor Renee Golder, City of Santa Cruz

Councilmember Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, City of Santa Cruz
Former Mayor Ryan Coonerty, City of Santa Cruz

Vice Mayor Sherry Hu, City of Dublin

Councilmember Liang Chao, City of Cupertino (title for identification purposes only)

Councilmember Kitty Moore, City of Cupertino (title for identification purposes only)

Mayor Yan Zhao, City of Saratoga

Councilmember Rishi Kumar, City of Saratoga

Councilmember Javed Ellahie, City of Monte Sereno

Northern & Central CA Elected Leaders

Mayor Jerry Dyer, City of Fresno

Mayor Karen Goh, City of Bakersfield

Supervisor Rich Desmond, Sacramento County

Southern California Elected Leaders

Mayor Phil Brock, City of Santa Monica
Mayor Mark Arapostathis, City of La Mesa
Mayor Richard Bailey, City of Coronado
Mayor Keith Blackburn, City of Carlsbad

Mayor John Franklin, City of Vista
Mayor Lesa Heebner, City of Solana Beach
Mayor Rebecca Jones, City of San Marcos
Mayor Tony Kranz, City of Encinitas
Mayor John McCann, City of Chula Vista
Mayor John Minto, City of Santee

Mayor Ron Morrison, City of National City
Mayor Esther Sanchez, City of Oceanside
Mayor Steve Vaus, City of Poway
Mayor Bill Wells, City of El Cajon
Mayor Dane White, City of Escondido

A survey of likely California voters found that 70% of voters support the title and summary of the Homeless, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act. The overwhelming support was consistent across every demographic and geography including the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Furthermore, 89% of likely voters support amending Proposition 47 for stronger penalties for those engaged in repeated retail theft and trafficking hard drugs like fentanyl. The measure also includes incentives to complete drug and mental health treatment for people who are addicted to hard drugs. The survey was conducted online from November 8-November 13, 2023, with a margin of error of +/- 2.28%.

To qualify the measure for the November 2024 ballot, the law requires 546,651 valid signatures. The campaign is required to notify the Secretary of State after 25% of the signatures from California voters have been collected.

For more information, go to www.CASafeCommunities.com and to obtain a petition and help gather signatures visit https://blog.electkevinkiley.com/prop47/ .

San Pablo Police officer struck by car following chase, crash

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Vehicle ID’d, suspects sought

By San Pablo Police Department

On Friday, February 23, 2024, at 1:02PM, San Pablo police officers located a stolen vehicle driving in the area of San Pablo Dam Road and San Pablo Avenue. Officers attempted a traffic stop, however the driver fled in the vehicle. Following a brief pursuit, the suspect vehicle collided with a parked car in the 2100 block of Alfreda Boulevard.

A San Pablo police officer, believing the vehicle was disabled, exited his patrol vehicle to initiate a felony stop to apprehend the suspects. The suspect vehicle abruptly accelerated back into the roadway, directly toward where the officer was standing. The officer attempted to retreat backwards however, was struck by the front end of the suspect vehicle. At the same time, the officer discharged two rounds from his duty firearm, striking the front windshield of the suspect vehicle.

Additional San Pablo police officers continued to pursue the suspect vehicle however, lost sight of the vehicle in the City of Richmond. The suspect vehicle, a red 2018 Chevy Malibu (California license plate 8ZUH227), and suspects remain outstanding. The driver is described as an African American female adult, and there is no further information on the passenger at this time. It is unknown if the suspects were injured during the incident.

The San Pablo police officer was transported via ambulance to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

This incident remains an active investigation, and anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Department Investigations Division at 510-215-3150. If the suspect vehicle is located, please contact your local police department immediately.

 

Two Hercules men arrested for guns during traffic stops

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Guns confiscated Feb. 22, 2024 (left) and on Feb. 25, 2024 (right). Photos:: Hercules PD

By Hercules Police Department

On Thursday, February 22, 2024 an officer conducted a traffic stop on a tan Chevy Tahoe. The vehicle yielded in front of the Dead Fish restaurant at 20050 San Pablo Avenue in Crockett. The 31-year-old male driver, from Hercules had a felony warrant out of Solano County, and he was subsequently detained. The subject was also in possession of a firearm which he had concealed in his waistband. The subject was arrested and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.

“Another one” (DJ Khaled’s voice)

Then, on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 4:54 PM an Officer conducted a traffic stop on a BMW for a traffic offense. A 22-year-old male of Hercules was contacted. A search of the car was conducted, and a loaded firearm was located under the driver’s seat. The weapon was determined to be registered to the subject. The subject was arrested and transported to Hercules PD for further investigation.

 

Suspect in 8 Brentwood car burglaries arrested with “fresh cuts on his hands”

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Antonio Ricardo Zamora arrested for car burglaries on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. Photo: Brentwod PD

Arrested Monday, as of Thursday 18-year-old released from custody on court order

By Brentwood Police Department

Early Monday morning, Feb. 26, 2024, around 2:00 AM, Brentwood Officers were dispatched to Bartlett Court and Malaga Way for a report of a car burglary that just occurred. The victim told Dispatch that they had heard glass breaking from outside of the home, and upon looking to see what it was, a suspect wearing all black clothing was seen running from their car.

When officers arrived the suspect was gone, however they determined a car burglary had just occurred and blood was found at the scene.

Shortly after, Dispatch was notified of an additional car burglary that occurred nearby at the 700 block of Brooks Street. A Brentwood Sergeant, who was patrolling the area, made contact with a male who matched the description of the suspect.

The male, identified as 18-year-old Antonio Ricardo Zamora of Brentwood, was found to have fresh cuts on his hands and a significant amount of property that officers determined were stolen from the recent car burglaries.

Upon further investigation, officers confirmed that Zamora was responsible for a total of four burglaries, and a suspect in four additional car burglaries; as well as vandalism of a car where it was believed he was attempting to break into.

Zamora was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility and booked for multiple counts of burglary.

The Brentwood Police Department commends the swift and diligent efforts of its officers in apprehending the suspect and preventing further criminal activity in our community. We remind residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement.

According to recentlybooked.com, Zamora is 5-feet, 9-inches tall and weighs 150 lbs. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, as of Thursday, Feb. 29, Zamora was released by court order.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.