Contra Costa Herald

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

Central Contra Costa serial burglary suspect in custody

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Merced County man being held on $250,000 bail

By Jimmy Lee, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

Gilbert Ramirez. Photo: Merced County Sheriff’s Department

In the past few months, several homes in Central Contra Costa County were burglarized resulting in losses in excess of $300,000 of property that included jewelry, purses, and weapons.

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff investigating the burglaries identified a suspect. They obtained an arrest warrant for him, and search warrants for his residence and vehicles associated with the burglaries. Other law enforcement agencies in the Bay Area are also determining if the same suspect is connected to burglaries in their jurisdictions.

On January 25, 2024, as part of the continuing investigation, detectives found the suspect driving north on I-5 near Corning, California. They requested the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office to attempt a traffic stop on the vehicle, which did not yield and led them on a pursuit. The California Highway Patrol assisted during the pursuit. The vehicle eventually crashed, and the suspect fled on foot. He was subsequently located and arrested.

The suspect is identified as 26-year-old Gilberto Ramirez of Merced, CA. He is currently being held in Merced County jail on charges that include burglary, felony evasion and weapons violations. A juvenile who was in the vehicle was also taken into custody. She is not being identified.

According to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, the 5-foot, 7-inch, 130 lb. Ramirez, who also uses the last name Cruz, is being held on $250,000 bail and was also charged with hit-and-run. The weapons violations include two counts of felon or addict in possession of a firearm and prohibited person owning or possessing ammunition.

Search warrants were served at various locations where property believed to be taken from the Contra Costa County burglaries was found. Detectives are identifying the property and working to return it to their rightful owners. The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff would like to thank the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office and CHP for their assistance in apprehending the suspect.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this case 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.

DA charges Danville man with two felonies for assault on father

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24-year-old also involved in separate January 8th incident

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

A 24-year-old Danville resident has been charged by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office with a five-count complaint that includes two felonies for assault.

Kevin Hu Xu was arraigned in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez today, January 24, 2024, for an assault with a deadly weapon and assault by means likely to produce great bodily harm. Both counts are felonies that include special allegations related to great bodily harm. In addition to the

felony charges, Xu has been charged with the following misdemeanor offenses: resisting, obstructing, or delaying a peace officer, battery, and aggravated trespassing.

The incident that led to Xu’s arrest started on January 20th around 2:20 in the afternoon. Xu was exiting his residence on Glasgow Circle when he encountered his father walking toward a neighbor’s home. Xu and his family are estranged and do not live together, and his father expressed to the police that he is afraid of his son because of his erratic behavior. When Xu’s father saw him, he turned and fled down a street calling for help while Xu pursued him. When Xu caught up with his father, he proceeded to strike him several times causing multiple injuries requiring medical treatment. Danville Police were called and attempted to locate Xu – who evaded police detection until the next day.

In another incident on January 8th, Xu was sitting on a sidewalk near some trash receptacles when a neighbor came out and asked him to leave. However, instead of leaving, Xu followed the neighbor into a garage and attempted to gain entry to their home. The neighbor and another family member were able to repel Xu from forcing his way into the home and called 911 shortly afterward.

Xu remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on $117,000 bail. The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Inmate Locator shows his bail is set at $147,000.

Asked which amount is correct, Asregadoo responded, “The bond was set by the court at $117,000. He was arraigned today. There may have been a request to increase the bail amount, but the court has not updated their information on this case. However, Court Protective Orders have been issued for victims in both incidents in case he makes bail.”

If convicted on all counts with the special allegations, Xu could face a sentence between 2 and 7 years in state prison.

Case No. 01-24-00218 | The People of the State of California vs Xu, Kevin

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Danville man arrested for assault on estranged father

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Being held on $147,000 bail

By Danville Police Department

On Saturday, January 20 at 2:18 pm, Danville Police Officers were dispatched to a disturbance on Glasgow Circle in the 200 block. Upon arrival, they found that Kevin Xu, a 24-year-old from Danville, had assaulted his father using a deadly weapon. Mr. Xu had already left the scene by the time the officers arrived. Consequently, a warrant was issued for his arrest that same day.

Throughout the night, officers conducted extensive searches in and around Glasgow Circle for Mr. Xu. The following morning, on January 21 at 6:38 am, officers located Mr. Xu on Grassland Court. They established a perimeter and successfully apprehended him. The Danville Police Department would like to thank community members within the search area for their help in reporting suspicious activity that greatly assisted in the apprehension of Mr. Xu.

Mr. Xu was booked and remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on charges of Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Resisting Arrest. The case was forwarded to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for review. According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the 5-foot, 10-inch, 150 lb. suspect is being held on $147,000 bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

BART PD investigates Friday shooting of two at Pittsburg Center Station

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Pittsburg Center Station. Photo: BART

By BART.gov

At 3:51 pm on Friday, January 19, 2024, BART Police received a call about a shooting that occurred on the platform of Pittsburg Center Station located at 2099 Railroad Avenue. The initial report was that a male suspect shot a male victim and fled the scene. The victim was taken to an area hospital and remains in critical condition.

A few hours later a second male victim who had also been shot showed up at an area hospital. The second victim remains in stable condition with a wound to his leg. BART PD is working to determine a motive for the shooting. At this point, investigators believe the shooting was not random.

The incident forced the shutdown of Pittsburg Center Station for approximately 4 1/2 hours so investigators could gather evidence. Investigators are also reviewing surveillance video captured by platform cameras at the station. The station was reopened and normal service restored.

 

Felony vehicle alert results in stolen gun recovered in Concord

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Photos: Concord PD

By Concord Police Department

Responding to a felony vehicle alert, a graveyard officer located the suspect’s vehicle near our downtown area. Following a high-risk stop, the driver was taken into custody.

But the story doesn’t end there! During the arrest, officers uncovered a stolen, loaded firearm with extended magazines. This quick and decisive action undoubtedly prevented a potential threat to our community.

Pittsburg woman arrested for fatal hit-and-run of 36-year-old man

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By Pittsburg Police Department

In the early morning hours of Saturday, January 6th, Pittsburg Officers responded to the 1200 block of Railroad Avenue for a report of a pedestrian down in the roadway. Upon arrival, a 36-year-old male, later identified as Tony Weems, was located who was suffering from major injuries. Medical personnel provided medical aid to the victim, unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries while enroute to the hospital. It was quickly determined that the victim was struck by a vehicle and the driver and vehicle had fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival.

The traffic division and detectives responded and over the next several hours were able to identify the responsible vehicle as well as the driver. The vehicle was located and collected to be processed for evidence and the responsible driver was taken into custody. The driver, a 42-year-old female Pittsburg resident, has been booked and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.

The case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office this week requesting formal charges. This is still an active investigation, and anyone who has additional information related to the case should contact Detective Gutierrez at 925-252-4095

 

Pinole police ID carjacking suspect arrested Saturday, offer more details

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(Left) Arrest of Franklin Gyurnek for carjacking on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024. Source: Pinole PD. Photos (right) Frank Gyurnek, Jr. posted 2/28/19 on one of his three Facebook pages and (bottom) Franklin Gyurnek posted on posted 8/19/19 on another of his Facebook pages.

Also charged with assault with a deadly weapon, felony evading

By Commander Matt Avery, Pinole Police Department

On Saturday, January 6th, officers arrested Franklin Michael Gyurnek, a 34-year-old male out of Tennessee, for carjacking. (See related article)

At approximately 2:15 PM, officer responded to the 1500 block of Fitzgerald Drive on a report of a male subject lying on the ground between Best Buy and the former Kmart buildings. Officers arrived and found a male with cuts and abrasions on his body. The victim told officers his car had been stolen from the Motel 6 parking lot, and he had been dragged across the street when the suspect fled in the vehicle. Officers requested medical assistance, and AMR paramedics treated the victim at the scene.

The victim told investigating officers that a subject that he met a few days earlier at Motel 6 had stolen his vehicle. When the victim reached into his car to try to stop the suspect, he was dragged by the vehicle. The victim eventually fell from the car, and the suspect fled east through the parking lot and was last seen via surveillance cameras southbound on Appian Way.

Two witnesses stopped, provided aid to the victim, and called 911. The witnesses and victim provided officers with a description of the suspect, and the victim added that the suspect was wearing a brown Carhartt jacket and brown boots. Pinole PD Dispatch broadcast a “Be on the lookout” for the stolen vehicle to surrounding agencies, and at approximately 3:10 PM, a deputy with the Contra Costa Sherrif’s Office located the vehicle on San Pablo Dam Road near Milton Road. When deputies attempted to stop the car, the suspect fled, and a pursuit ensued on surface streets through Richmond, El Cerrito, Albany, and Berkeley.

During the pursuit, the suspect ran several red lights and drove on the wrong side of the roadway for a short distance. The suspect eventually yielded to officers near the intersection of University Avenue and San Pablo Avenue and was safely taken into custody. There were no collisions, and no one was injured during the pursuit. The suspect was wearing the same clothing when he was arrested as what the victim described he was wearing during the carjacking.

Gyurnek (born 10/14/1989) was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility for carjacking (PC 215(a)), assault with a deadly weapon (PC 245(a)(1)), and felony evading (VC 2800.2(a) and VC 2800.4).

We thank the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, the San Pablo Police Department, and the Berkeley Police Department for their assistance. Anyone with information is urged to contact Officer Esparza by calling 510-724-1111.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the 5’11”, 226-lb. Gyurnek, who is listed as Hispanic, is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $230,000 bail. According to localcrimenews.com, the suspect lives in Shelbyville, TN and was also arrested in San Bernardino County, CA on Dec. 1, 2023, for DUI alcohol/drugs with blood alcohol content great than .08, battery on an officer or emergency personnel with injury and resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer.

According to one of his Facebook pages, Gyurnek lives in Manchester, TN and attended Shelbyville Central High School. His other two other Facebook pages list him as Franklin Gyurnek, Jr.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Arrests for drugs, carjacking in Pinole

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Marijuana seized on Friday, Jan. 5 and carjacking suspect arrested on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024. Photos: Pinole PD

23.5 lbs. of marijuana seized; Contra Costa Sheriff’s, San Pablo Police Dep’ts assist

By Pinole Police Department

Last night, Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, Pinole Police Officer Dominguez stopped a vehicle for running a red light. While speaking with the driver, officers saw two large bags of illegally packaged marijuana inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed an additional 22 large bags of marijuana, and a number of Oxycodone pills. The total weight of marijuana inside the vehicle was just over 23.5 pounds.

The driver was arrested for Possession of Marijuana for Sale, Transportation of Marijuana, and Possession of Oxycodone Without a Prescription.

Good job Officer Dominguez!

On Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, Officers responded to a report of an injured subject laying on the ground in the 1500 block of Fitzgerald Drive. Officers learned the subject was the victim of a carjacking that had just taken place. Pinole PD sent an alert to surrounding agencies to be on the lookout for the victim’s vehicle.

A short time later Deputies with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department located the vehicle on Appian Way in El Sobrante. Deputies pursued the vehicle along with officers from the San Pablo Police Department into Berkeley, where the suspect eventually stopped and was safely taken into custody. The suspect was booked into jail for carjacking and numerous other felonies.

 

Frank Gyurnek, Jr. posted 2/28/19 on one of his three Facebook pages and (bottom) Franklin Gyurnek posted on posted 8/19/19 on another of his Facebook pages.

1/8/24 UPDATE: The suspect was later identified as 34-year-old Franklin Michael Gyurnek, Jr. from Tennessee and Pinole police provided additional details about the incident and arrest. (See related article)

A big thank you to Contra Costa Sheriff and the San Pablo Police Departments for assisting with the safe apprehension of the suspect.

Arrests for DUI, armed robberies, attempted carjacking, shootings in Richmond Dec. 25-31, 2023

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Source: Richmond PD

By Richmond Police Department

PATROL ACTIVITY REPORT – WEEKLY OVERVIEW for DECEMBER 25-31, 2023

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.

12/25 – DISCHARGE OF A FIREARM

Officers responded to the 1300 block of 24th Street for two ShotSpotter activations. Officers located multiple casings at the scene. A neighborhood canvass for damaged vehicles or residences yielded negative results. #11511

12/25 – DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Officers responded to a report of a vehicle collision in the 700 block of 7th Street. The suspect struck a parked vehicle, was seen exiting his vehicle and attempting to walk away from the scene. Officers contacted the suspect who displayed objective signs of alcohol intoxication. During the course of the investigation, officers located a shotgun. The suspect was arrested without incident. #11513

12/26 – ARMED ROBBERY

Officers responded to a report of an armed robbery in the 900 block of Carlson Blvd. The victim was walking when he was approached by three suspects. One of the suspects pushed the victim while another brandished a firearm and demanded the victim’s belongings. All three suspects fled with the victim’s wallet, jewelry and cellphone. An area check was conducted with negative results. #11562

12/27 – CARJACKING/ATTEMPT

Officers responded to a report of a brandishing of a firearm in the area of Seacliff Drive and Waterline Place. The victim was inside his parked vehicle when the suspects parked near the victim and two suspects exited their vehicle. The suspects asked the victim to roll down his windows while brandishing a firearm. The victim drove off to seek help. The suspects fled prior to officers’ arrival. An area check was conducted with negative results. #11600

12/28 – RUNAWAY JUVENILE

Officers responded to a report of two runaway juveniles in the 800 block of S. 45th Street. The family reported they noticed the juveniles missing upon waking up. Detectives located the juveniles in a nearby City the same day. The juveniles were returned home safely. #11610

12/28 – DISCHARGE OF A FIREARM

Officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation in the 2200 block of Potrero Avenue and located evidence of a shooting. Officers were able to develop a description of a vehicle that was believed to have been used in the shooting, and they found a car matching the description parked just three blocks away in the 1900 block of Potrero Ave. Officers contacted the occupants and saw a firearm in plain view. A subsequent search of the suspect’s vehicle resulted in another loaded firearm being located. The suspects were arrested without incident. #11611

12/28 – ARMED ROBBERY

Officers were flagged down in the area of Regatta Blvd. and Melville Square. The victim stated he had just been robbed as he pointed out the suspect vehicle fleeing the scene. Officers quickly attempted to catch up to the suspect vehicle, but the suspect fled onto I-580 at a high rate of speed. The victim was meeting with the suspect to sell a pair of shoes when the suspect brandished a firearm and fled with the victim’s shoes. #11616

12/29 – SHOOTING INVESTIGATION

Officers responded to three ShotSpotter activations in the area of 15th Street and Bissell Avenue. At the scene, officers located two victims suffering non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Both victims were standing at the cash register inside Mike’s Liquor when gunfire was heard. Officers recovered multiple casings at the scene. An area check was conducted for the suspects with negative results. This investigation is ongoing. #11651

12/29 – ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM

Officers conducted an enforcement stop in the area of McBryde Avenue and Wilson Avenue. During the course of the investigation, officers located a “ghost gun”. The suspect was booked without incident. #11653

12/30 – SHOOTING INVESTIGATION

Officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation in the area of 20th Street and Nevin Avenue. At the scene, officers located two victims suffering non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. The victims were walking when gunfire was heard. Multiple casings were recovered at the scene. This investigation is ongoing. #11673

 

Two gun arrests in San Pablo same night

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Gun confiscated from felon Thurs. Jan 4, 2024, and ghost gun confiscated on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. Photos; San Pablo PD

Reckless driving leads to illegal ghost gun arrest; second gun was used in shooting

By San Pablo Police Department

On Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, swing shift officers observed a vehicle driving recklessly through the city. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. During the investigation, a loaded illegal firearm was located inside the vehicle. The driver who is a convicted felon is prohibited from possessing any weapons. The driver was arrested for reckless driving and various firearm related charges.

Around 3am, Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, San Pablo Police Officers responded to a shooting at Davis Park. Officer Swaleh happened to be in the area and saw a Toyota Prius fleeing Davis Park at a high rate of speed. Officer Swaleh tried to stop the car, but the suspect kept driving till he got home. Once at home, Officer Swaleh and other San Pablo Officers were able to detain the people from the car.

During a search of the car, officers found a Ghost Gun which matched the casings and crime scene from Davis Park. Fortunately, no one was injured during the reckless shooting. The suspect was arrested and given a free ride to jail.