Contra Costa Herald

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

Pittsburg teen shot, killed inside car in Antioch early Saturday morning

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By Sgt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau

On Saturday, February 24, 2024, at approximately 5:12 am, Antioch Police patrol officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Observation Way for a male who had been shot seated inside of a vehicle. Officers arrived on scene and located a 16-year-old male from Pittsburg with at least one gunshot wound. Officers on scene provided life-saving measures until relieved by ConFire and paramedics. The male victim was transported to an area hospital where he ultimately succumbed his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Officers discovered the shooting took place in the 2000 block of Tupleo Way. Officers canvassed the area and located the scene. The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be provided.

No other information is being released at this time including the names of the victim or suspect.

Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Duffy at (925) 779-6884 or by emailing aduffy@antiochca.gov. Anonymous tips or information about this – or any other incident – can be sent via text to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword ANTIOCH.

Contra Costa DA secures justice for victims in 2021 Richmond mass shooting

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Enrique Anacleto Ramirez-Calmo. Photo: Richmond PD

Gang member faces life sentences without parole for triple homicide

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

Martinez, CA – Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton announced Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, the conviction of Enrique Anacleto Ramirez-Calmo on three counts of first-degree murder and four counts of attempted murder, along with gang and other special circumstances enhancements.

On June 20, 2021, 29-year-old Ramirez-Calmo of Oakland (born 7/13/94) and a fellow gang member opened fire on a group of partygoers in Richmond. The attack, fueled by mistaken identity and gang rivalry, resulted in the death of three people and bullet wounds to four others.

The jury delivered their verdict on February 21st, concluding a four-month trial that stemmed from the horrific shooting at a residential party on Father’s Day. “This was a senseless massacre that shattered the lives of innocent families,” said District Attorney Diana Becton.

In early 2022, an investigative breakthrough led to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filing the previously unsolved murder against Ramirez-Calmo. The prosecution presented a compelling case, including a video filmed by one of the victims that captured the moment of the shooting. Through meticulous investigation and collaboration with Richmond Police Department and other agencies, the trial included evidence from 2019 that Ramirez-Calmo was responsible for in another county.

“This was a complex case with numerous challenges,” said Deputy District Attorney Chad Mahalich, who prosecuted the case. “I am incredibly grateful for the dedication and expertise of everyone involved, including law enforcement, victim advocates, and the entire DA’s Office team. Together, we ensured that the defendant was held accountable for his actions.”

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, six-inch, 175-lb. Hispanic man is being held on no bail in the West County Detention Facility

Ramirez-Calmo will be sentenced on March 11th at 10:00 a.m. in Superior Court in Martinez and faces life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Case No. 02-336043-5 | The People of the State of California v. Ramirez-Calmo, Enrique

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Former Contra Costa Deputy Sheriff negotiates plea agreement to gun charge, filing false police report, preparing false documents

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Matthew Buckley charged with 6 felonies for actions while serving search warrant in Antioch; former Officer of the Year will serve 3 years & 8 months in prison

By Ted Asregadoo, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – Today, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office reached a negotiated plea against 42-year-old Matthew Allen Buckley, of Pinole, for offenses that occurred when he was a deputy with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.

Buckley was charged in February 2023 with six felonies and one misdemeanor related to offenses that occurred in 2020 and 2022. In a negotiated disposition, Buckley pled no contest to three felonies, including possession of an illegal assault weapon, filing a false police report, and preparing false documentary evidence [PC30605, PC118.1, and PC134]. Buckley will receive a three years and eight months prison sentence, which he can serve on mandatory supervised release if he successfully completes a six-month drug rehab program.

The case began in September 2020 when Buckley, assigned to the Contra Costa County Anti-Violence Support Effort (C.A.S.E), participated in a task force executing a search warrant in Antioch. During the operation, Deputy Buckley seized two illegal AR-15s, phones, laptops, heroin, and drug paraphernalia.

After seizing the AR 15s, Deputy Buckley authored a police report where he falsely claimed to have booked the firearms into evidence. Instead of booking the illegal weapons, Buckley separated the upper sections from the lower sections of the firearm. He returned possession of the upper sections of the firearms to the original owner, but never returned the lower sections of the firearms.

As part of this investigation the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department discovered that Deputy Buckley created false documents and signed for a judge without his consent on multiple search warrant returns for unrelated cases.

In August 2022 as the investigation was concluding, Deputies with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office searched Buckley’s residence and found the lower sections of the AR-15s as well as a small amount of methamphetamine.

According to his Linkedin profile, Buckley worked for the Sheriff’s Office for 15 years, including his final three years and 10 months as a detective. Previously, he had worked as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Field Training Officer and then a Station Supervisor for ProTransport-1 ambulance service in Pleasant Hill. He started his work life as a Network Security Engineer for Bank of American in Concord.

In 2019, he was named the department’s Officer of the Year.

Pursuant to California Government Code, Matthew Buckley will be legally ineligible to serve as a police officer. Moreover, convicted of felony offenses, Buckley is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

APPS felony arrest in Richmond seizure of hundreds of illegal weapons, approximately one million rounds of ammunition

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Guns seized in Richmond arrest. Photos: CA DOJ

Including machine guns, assault rifles, silencers, suspected grenades

By Office of California Attorney General

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY — California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced today, Thursday, February 15, 2024, the arrest of a suspect in Richmond with a large cache of illegal firearms, including assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and approximately one million rounds of ammunition. The suspect is alleged to be legally barred from owning weapons.

“This arrest demonstrates exactly why the Armed and Prohibited Persons System is vital for the safety of our communities,” said Attorney General Bonta. “In our efforts to retrieve guns from a prohibited individual, we found hundreds of allegedly illegal weapons and approximately one million rounds of ammunition. I am grateful for our Bureau of Firearms agents’ and local law enforcement partners’ work in getting these illegal weapons out of the hands of this prohibited individual.”

On January 31, 2024, agents from the California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Bureau of Firearms (BOF) Contra Costa Anti-Violence Support Effort (CASE) Task Force assisted by the BOF Dublin office and Contra Costa County Probation Officers served a search warrant at the suspect’s residence in Richmond. During the search, several suspected grenades were discovered, and the Walnut Creek Police Department Bomb Squad and Travis Air Force Base Bomb Squad were asked to respond, and the grenades were found to be inert. After a thorough search of the residence, DOJ agents seized approximately 11 military-style machine guns, 133 handguns, 37 rifles, 60 assault rifles, 7 shotguns, 20 silencers, 4 flare guns, 3,000 large capacity magazines, approximately one million rounds of miscellaneous caliber ammunition, and dozens of rifle receivers and pistol frames. (See video.)

In 2006, California became the first state in the nation to establish a system for tracking firearm owners who fall into a prohibited status. The APPS database works to identify individuals who lawfully procured firearms and later became prohibited from owning or possessing them. In general, prohibited persons in APPS include individuals who were convicted of a felony or a violent misdemeanor, were placed under a domestic violence or other restraining order, or suffer from serious mental illness.

The 2022 APPS Report was released in April of 2023 and the 2023 APPS Report will be released in March 2024. DOJ’s BOF serves the people of California through education, regulation, and enforcement actions regarding the manufacture, sale, ownership, safety training, and transfer of firearms and ammunition. BOF staff are leaders in providing firearms expertise and information to law enforcement, legislators, and the general public in a comprehensive program to ensure legitimate and responsible firearm possession and use by California residents. BOF is looking to hire additional special agents and more information on assessments for relevant job openings can be found on DOJ’s website at oag.ca.gov/careers/exams.

 

Antioch, SF men arrested in Oakley cases involving pursuit, drugs, loaded firearm

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Drugs and gun confiscated from San Francisco man during arrest by Oakley Police on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. Photo: Oakley PD.

Antioch 20-year-old had fake ID’s; SF 46-year-old has history of arrests dating to 2015

By Chief Paul Beard

On Friday February 9, 2024, at 2:11PM Oakley Police Special Services Team Officers T. Burton and F. Williams were conducting a follow-up investigation in Antioch looking for a 2015 Dodge Charger Hellcat (black satin wrap over original dark gray paint) that had been stolen during the night from the 800 block of Stickney Way in Oakley. During this investigation our officers observed a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed and running two red lights. Officers Burton and Williams tried to stop the vehicle, but it continued to drive at a high rate of speed in an attempt to flee from our officers. The vehicle pulled into an apartment complex located at 2747 Winding Lane, Antioch and the driver fled from the vehicle and ran away. Officers Burton and Williams caught up to the suspect after a short foot chase and took him into custody.

The suspect, identified as Andrew David Early (20, Antioch) also had two fake forms of identification on him. Early was booked into jail for fleeing from officers, resisting officers and forgery.

Also on Friday, Officer C. Johnson was on patrol when he located a black Chevrolet Silverado that was wanted by the San Francisco Police Department for its involvement in a pursuit. Officer Johnson stopped the Silverado At Main Street and Bridgehead Road. Officer Johnson identified one of the occupants of the Silverado as Irie Lee Louis Benson, Jr. (46, San Francisco). During the investigation Benson was found to be in possession of a backpack containing a Glock pistol with a fully loaded 17 round magazine and a live round in the chamber, Benson was found to be in unlawful possession of this firearm. Also found in the backpack was approximately a combined half pound of methamphetamine, crack cocaine and cocaine powder packaged in multiple separate baggies with scales. Benson was placed under arrest and booked into jail for:

  • Unlawful weapon
  • Loaded and concealed weapon
  • Armed while being in possession of dangerous drugs and controlled substances
  • Dangerous drugs
  • Possession of controlled substance
  • Possession of dangerous drugs and controlled substances for sales

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, Early is out of custody on bond as of Saturday, Feb. 10. According to localcrimenews.com, Benson has a history of arrests dating back to 2015 by the San Francisco County Sheriff’s Department, Stockton CHP, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department and Vacaville PD for shoplifting, drug possession, possession of cocaine base for sale, possession of ammunition, evading a peace officer and wanton disregard for safety, resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and vandalism – property damage.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, he is also bonded out of custody on Feb. 10.

“Both of these cases are indicative of how egregious and felonious driving behaviors are very often indicative of involvements in deeper crimes. While that does not ring true 100% of the time it is a trend we have been seeing for the past few years with the relaxed laws and soft legislation that do not serve to hold offenders properly accountable. One of the best ways to prevent future crimes from occurring has always been to identify criminals and incarcerate them and then properly sentence them so they are severely hampered in re-offending or victimizing others. Officers Burton, Williams and Johnson stayed true to their duty and identified criminals and took them into custody. Due to their efforts they prevented, at least in some small measure, future crimes of identity theft, sales of drugs and possible gun violence from occurring. I am proud of the work that was done and I applaud each officer who was involved in these cases.

Stay safe Oakley!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

37 arrests in Richmond during week of Jan. 29 – Feb. 4, 2024

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Source: Richmond PD

For armed robberies, stolen vehicles, gun charges, more

By Richmond Police Department

PATROL ACTIVITY REPORT – WEEKLY OVERVIEW:

JANUARY 29 – FEBRUARY 4, 2024

Below is an overview of significant service activity provided by RPD patrol officers during their scheduled shifts. Please note that activity shared in these segments are provided only as an overview, and do not reflect the entirety of service calls and reports taken throughout each shift.

1/29 – ARMED ROBBERY

Officers responded to the area of 17th & Chanslor Ave for report of an armed robbery. Officers learned the victim was walking when he was approached by two suspects holding a firearm. The suspects searched the victim’s pockets and fled with the victim’s wallet. During the course of their investigation officers were able to locate and arrest the two suspects. #0973

1/30 – RECKLESS DRIVING

Officers observed a vehicle driving recklessly in the 700 block of Florida Ave. An enforcement stop was conducted, the driver was cited, and the vehicle was impounded. #1023

1/31 – STOLEN VEHICLE – RECOVERY

Officers responded to a Flock notification for a stolen vehicle. A records check confirmed the vehicle to be reported stolen. Officers located the vehicle and observed the driver and solo occupant exit the vehicle before being taken into custody. #1068

2/1 – ROBBERY

Officers responded to the 900 block of 23rd St for a report of a robbery. The victim was entering his vehicle when approached by 6 suspects demanding money. The victim was physically assaulted and pepper sprayed. The suspects fled with the victim’s wallet and cellphone prior to officers’ arrival. #1113

2/2 – NEGLIGENT DISCHARGE OF A FIREARM

Officers responded to the 2800 block of Esmond for a ShotSpotter activation. Officers found numerous casings at the scene. No victims were located and no property appeared to have been struck. #1115

2/2 – NEGLIGENT DISCHARGE OF A FIREARM/ CARRY CONCEALED WEAPON

Officers responded to the 600 block of Portola Ave for a ShotSpotter Activation. Officers found numerous casings at the scene. No victims were located and no property appeared to have been struck. Officers conducted an enforcement stop on the suspect vehicle and located a firearm and expended casings inside the vehicle. The suspect was arrested without incident. #1117

2/2 – STOLEN VEHICLE – RECOVERY

Officers responded to a flock notification for a stolen vehicle. A records check confirmed the vehicle to be reported stolen. Officers lost sight of the vehicle and shortly after located the vehicle unoccupied. Officers established a perimeter, and the suspect was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit. #1136

2/2 – ROBBERY

Officers responded to the area of 23rd St & Maricopa Ave for a report of a robbery. The victim was walking when he was physically assaulted by 3 suspects. The suspects fled with the victim’s backpack prior to Officers’ arrival. #1143

2/2 – HOME INVASION ROBBERY

Officers responded to the 300 block of Hawk Ridge Dr. for a report of a suspicious event. Upon arrival, Officer located a vehicle matching the description given by the reporting party. Officers attempted to conduct an enforcement stop but the vehicle failed to yield, leading officers on a pursuit. Shortly after, the vehicle came to a stop and the four occupants’ foot bailed. Officer were able to detain the driver. A search of the vehicle yielded burglary tools #1153

2/4 – ARMED ROBBERY

Officers responded to the 4300 block of Wall Ave for a report of a robbery. The victims reported they were exiting their vehicle when they were approached by the suspect holding a firearm. The suspect fled with the victim’s purse prior to officers’ arrival. #1195

 

Pittsburg woman arrested for shoplifting in Brentwood

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Shoplifting arrest in the Lone Tree Plaza in Brentwood Monday night, Feb. 12, 2024. Photo: Brentwood PD

Has history of arrests dating to 2013

By Brentwood Police Department

Last night, Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, around 8:30pm, one of our Swing Shift Officers was conducting extra patrol within the Lone Tree Plaza off of Lone Tree Way when he witnessed a shoplifting in progress at one of our local department stores.

Our Officer witnessed the suspect, 41-year-old Virginia Lee Mobley out of Pittsburg, run to an awaiting vehicle, placing a large amount of clothes into the backseat of the vehicle, and get into the passenger seat. A traffic stop was conducted and both occupants within the vehicle were detained for a theft investigation.

Mobley was found to be on felony probation for a previous burglary conviction, and our Officer confirmed Mobley stole close to $650 worth of clothing. Mobley was booked into jail for shoplifting and for violating her terms of probation.

According to localcrimenews.com, the suspect has a history of arrests dating back to 2013 by Antioch PD, Pittsburg PD and the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for crimes including petty theft, driving without a license, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear and receiving stolen property – vehicle.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, nine-inch, 280-lb. Mobley is being held on no bail at the West County Detention Facility in Richmond.

Talk about being at the right place at the right time! We also strongly encourage our residents to call our Non-Emergency Dispatch at 925-809-7911 if they see anything suspicious. Together we can keep our shopping centers safe for everyone.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

24 arrested, 6 stolen cars and items recovered in San Pablo

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Two stolen cars and items recovered, and fake gun discovered in one of the vehicles by San Pablo Police. Photos: SPPD

By San Pablo Police Department

Teamwork Makes The Dream Work

It was another busy week for officers in San Pablo, as they remained proactive protecting the city. This tremendous effort resulted in 24 arrests and the recovery of six stolen cars! A few snippets for those of you who are curious…

The other day, officers found bad guy driving a stolen car through town. The driver was arrested, and he was found to have thousands of dollars, a cash drawer, gloves, a mask, a fake pistol, bolt cutters and gift cards to FBI Burger in Novato. We decided to call our friends at Novato Police to help put the puzzle pieces together, and sure enough, found out a couple of businesses in Marin County had been recently broken into!

Earlier last week, a few guys tried to steal beer from a local liquor store without paying. When the clerk tried to stop them, they threatened him with a knife and tried to stab him. Thanks to the quick response of our officers, all three men were located and arrested.

On Friday, Feb. 9, officers found another bad guy in a stolen car parked at Nations, which was just stolen from El Cerrito. The thief tried to run but he was quickly apprehended with the help of our four-legged friend, K-9 Riddik. The owner was reunited with her Prius.

To wrap it all up, on Saturday, officers stopped a car wanted by Dixon Police for organized retail theft. Lo and behold, a bunch of stolen loot was located, and the crooks were identified, one of which had a warrant. Needless to say, their getaway vehicle was towed.

This would not have been possible without the partnership and support of our community and fellow law enforcement friends!

 

Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District mourns death of facility maintenance employee

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Santiago Jacobo was a facility maintenance employee for the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District. Photo source: GoFundMe.

“Santiago (Jacobo) was an all-around good guy and everyone on our team enjoyed working with him” – co-worker

By Jennifer Thoits, Marketing, Communications & Events Manager, City of Pleasant Hill

The Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District (PHRPD) mourns the tragic homicide of Santiago Jacobo, 37, a PHRPD employee who was found deceased on Saturday morning at approximately 4:50 a.m., February 10, 2024, in the main parking lot of Pleasant Hill Park. The park was closed temporarily while police conducted their initial investigation and cleared the area and surrounding buildings. Pleasant Hill Park re-opened Saturday at midday. (See related article)

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by Santiago Jacobo’s death,” said PHRPD General Manager, Michelle Lacy. “PHRPD has been in existence for over 70 years and nothing like this has ever happened before. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, two children and extended family.”

Jacobo began working for PHRPD in October 2019 and was a dedicated member of PHRPD’s facilities maintenance custodial crew who cleaned and kept the buildings in top shape for the community. Santiago worked weekend and evening shifts as a secondary job to support his family.

“Santiago was an all-around good guy and everyone on our team enjoyed working with him,” said PHRPD Lead Custodian and co-worker, Jose Martinez. “He was dependable, a hard worker and had a great “can-do” attitude. He will be missed.”

Michelle Lacy, General Manager made the announcement to staff early Monday morning and provided therapy and mental health resources for all employees to help cope with sudden loss and traumatic events. Lacy will also meet with staff to identify additional safety protocols that may be necessary to mitigate future risk.

“Our number one priority is the health, safety and well-being of our staff and the public”, said Michelle Lacy. PHRPD is working closely with the Pleasant Hill Police Department on this active homicide investigation. The suspect in this case is currently unknown. If anyone has any information related to this case, please contact the Pleasant Hill Police Department at (925) 288-4630.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by Jacobo’s sister-in-law to support his wife, Mikaela and their two children.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

City employee found dead in Pleasant Hill park Saturday morning

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37-year-old Pittsburg man stabbed, discovered by his wife

By Captain Matt Kristic, Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Saturday, February 10, 2024, at approximately 4:50 a.m., Pleasant Hill Police dispatch received a report of an unconscious and unresponsive male found lying on the ground in the main parking lot of Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane. Officers and medical personnel responded to the scene and determined the man was deceased. Upon further examination, it was determined the man had sustained stab wounds.

The victim has been identified as 37-year-old Santiago Jacobo of Pittsburg. Jacobo was a member of the janitorial staff that had been working at the park late last night. Jacobo was discovered by his wife, who became concerned when he did not return home after his shift ended. She went to Pleasant Hill Park, where she found him unresponsive and called 9-1-1.

Pleasant Hill Police detectives are actively investigating this case. The suspect in this case is unknown at this time. Any person with information related to this crime is encouraged to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Investigations Bureau at (925) 288-4630.

Members of Jacobo’s family have been notified and are working with police investigators.

The Pleasant Hill Police Department, the City of Pleasant Hill, and the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District express our deep condolences to the family and friends of the victim.