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Two arrested for drugs, ghost gun in San Ramon

December 28, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Police officers affected by fentanyl exposure taken to hospital

By Chief Denton Carlson, San Ramon Police Department

On Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, at approximately 11:00 am, San Ramon Police Department Officers responded to the parking lot of 2505 San Ramon Valley Blvd. in response to reports of an individual who appeared to be passed out inside a vehicle. While contacting the individual, suspected narcotics were observed, and the occupants were detained. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers located additional suspected narcotics and a loaded firearm without a serial number (ghost gun).

The two officers who were conducting the vehicle search began to feel the effects of what was suspected to be fentanyl in the suspect’s vehicle. Both officers were transported to the San Ramon Regional Medical Center for precautionary reasons due to their elevated heart rates, dizziness, and weakness. We are happy to report both officers were released after being observed for roughly four hours by medical personnel.

The two suspects, a 19-year-old male from Vacaville and a 27-year-old female from Cottonwood, were arrested for multiple charges, including possession of a loaded firearm without a serial number, possession of narcotics, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

For a few hours, the parking lot surrounding the vehicle was closed to the public while San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District’s Hazardous Materials Response Team members decontaminated the vehicle and the surrounding area. The parking lot has been reopened, and we thank you for your patience while our public safety partners worked to ensure it was again safe for the San Ramon community.

 

Filed Under: Crime, News, Police, San Ramon Valley

Suspect(s) sought in Oakley business Christmas package burglaries

December 28, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Suspect’s truck used in Oakley UPS Store package burglaries on Dec. 25 and 26, 2023. Surveillance video screenshot source: Oakley PD

By Oakley Police Department

Surveillance video screenshot source: Oakley PD

Oakley Police Department seeks information on vehicle and person(s) Involved in back-to-back Christmas time UPS Store package burglaries

On Monday, December 25, 2023, at 3:45AM, a solo suspect arrived at the UPS store, located at 2063 Main Street, Oakley. The suspect arrived in a white lifted Ford Super Duty truck with a “super cab” (extended cab) body. The Ford truck additionally had aftermarket black wheels and the license plates had been removed. The suspect was wearing a bright orange shirt or vest, dark colored pants, gloves and a mask. The suspect was seen on surveillance footage going straight to the front door of the business and breaking into it. The suspect stole several packages from behind the counter area and left with them.

On Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at 4:05AM, a suspect wearing gloves and all dark clothing arrived to the UPS store and entered via the compromised front door. The suspect took additional packages from behind the counter and a small safe.

We are awaiting surveillance footage from the interior of the store and parking lot footage from the 26th, but we are able to share a couple of pictures of the truck that was used on the 25th. On that night, the truck left the UPS store by travelling westbound on Main Street and then turning northbound onto Bridgehead Road. We do not know where the truck went from that point, but we are seeking the assistance of the public to help us locate the truck and any information about the stolen packages and suspect. If additional surveillance photos are developed in this case, we will be sure to share them.

Please call us at (925) 625-8060 if you have any information regarding this case.

If you suspect your package has been stolen, please contact the UPS store manager at (925) 625-0221. You will receive information about your package and additional information on what to do about it.

Filed Under: Crime, East County, Holiday, News, Police

CHP urges motorists to drive in the New Year safely

December 27, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Will hold Maximum Enforcement Period Friday, Dec. 29 – Monday night, Jan. 1, 2024

909 DUI arrests during Christmas weekend MEP

As we prepare to usher in a new year, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is ramping up efforts to help ensure the safety of all road users, while reducing the number of deadly crashes on the state’s roadways.

Beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, the CHP will implement a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), which will continue through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

The CHP conducted a similar enforcement effort during the recent Christmas holiday.  Tragically, 20 people were killed in crashes within CHP jurisdiction between 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 25.  Additionally, CHP officers made more than 900 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) – an average of one every five minutes.

“Our personnel work through the holidays to help ensure people arrive safely at their destinations,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.  “The goal is to maintain a safe environment on California’s roads, which is achievable when all motorists make responsible decisions behind the wheel.”

In addition to assisting drivers and looking for traffic violations, such as failure to wear a seat belt, speeding, and distracted driving, CHP officers will be paying close attention to people suspected of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.  During the last New Year’s Day MEP, CHP officers made 570 DUI arrests statewide.

As we close out 2023, avoid becoming a statistic.  Have a plan and designate a sober driver or use ride-share services, avoid distractions while driving, and always wear your seat belt.  If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately.  Be prepared to provide the dispatcher a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location, and direction of travel. Your phone call may save someone’s life.

Christmas Weekend MEP Results

Over the past Christmas weekend, the CHP took decisive action to keep our roads safe! Here are the results from the maximum enforcement period:

CHP arrested 909 individuals for driving under the influence, a 42% increase from the year prior. Sadly, there were 19 fatal crashes resulting in 20 fatalities. Although this is a 23% decrease from last year, there is more work to be done to continue to reduce the mileage death rate.

Safety Reminder: Slow down, always designate a sober driver, and wear your seatbelt. These simple actions can save lives and prevent injuries.

Thank you to all who prioritize road safety. Stay safe!

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

Filed Under: CHP, Crime, Holiday, News

Following Hercules traffic stop driver arrested with variety of drugs

December 26, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Drugs, cash and cell phones confiscated during traffic stop and arrest on Dec. 12, 2023. Photo: Hercules PD

By Hercules Police Department

On Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at 11:12 AM an officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a sliver Infiniti G35 for multiple vehicle code violations. The driver immediately exited the Infiniti and attempted to walk away. The driver was ordered to remain seated in the vehicle. As the officer spoke to the driver, he began to make furtive movements in the vehicle by reaching toward his waistband and the driver’s side floorboard. The officer observed a large, clear plastic bag containing dozens of pills near the driver’s feet. The officer asked the driver to stop reaching around the vehicle, but the driver did not comply. The officer held the driver at gunpoint until other officers arrived on scene to detain the driver and passenger.

A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, and the officer located suspected marijuana, a suspected LSD sheet, suspected Percocet pills, suspected morphine laced with fentanyl, and suspected fentanyl. The driver was placed under arrest and booked into jail.

Filed Under: Crime, News, Police, West County

Vallejo man arrested for shoplifting in Pleasant Hill

December 26, 2023 By Publisher 5 Comments

Jared Michael Theobald arrested and the gun tossed in the bushes on Dec. 18, 2023. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

Driving stolen car, had felony warrant, meth and heroin, loaded gun with hollow point rounds

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Nice catch by our graveyard officers!

Last night, Dec. 18, 2023, our officers responded to Kohl’s to assist loss prevention employees in deterring a couple of shoplifters. It was also determined that the suspects drove up in a stolen car. As our officers went to contact the male suspect, he took off running and tried to hide and disguise his appearance. Unfortunately for him, he was quickly located in a business pretending to order a pizza.

He was identified as Jared Michael Theobald of Vallejo, age 41. Theobald was discovered to have a felony warrant as well and was in possession of a substantial amount of methamphetamine and heroin. Officers scoured the area for a Nike bag Theobald was seen carrying earlier. It was eventually located dumped in a planter and contained a 9mm pistol loaded with hollow point rounds. Theobald was booked into county jail on multiple felonies. His female companion cooperated with officers and was eventually release from the scene.

We work closely with retail loss prevention, many times resulting in arrests for crimes that go beyond shoplifting. Good work by all involved!

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Theobald was transferred to another facility and according to the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, he is out of custody on general release as of Dec. 22.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Filed Under: Business, Central County, Crime, News, Police

Pittsburg man arrested for Walnut Creek burglaries

December 26, 2023 By Publisher 2 Comments

Source: Walnut Creek PD

Suspect has history of arrests dating to 2017

By Walnut Creek Police Department

Darrell Lipston in a photo posted on his Facebook page on Feb. 28, 2023.

On December 14th, 2023, Walnut Creek Police arrested 41-year-old Darrell Demone Lipston (born Dec. 2, 1982) for residential burglary, conspiracy, possession of stolen property and violation of probation after committing several burglaries in the 100 block of Pringle Avenue.

Patrol Officers (Patrol Team 5) immediately obtained leads and, with the assistance of the Investigations Bureau, conducted a probation search of Lipston’s residence in Pittsburg. The search revealed that Lipston was in possession of all the stolen property connected to these burglaries. WCPD arrested Lipston, transported him, and booked him at the Martinez Detention Facility. WCPD Patrol officers returned the stolen property to the grateful victims.

On December 18th, 2023, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed the following charges against Lipston for the burglaries:

PC 459: Residential Burglary (six counts), PC 487(a): Grand Theft (three counts) and PC 594(a): Vandalism (four counts).

The employees of the Walnut Creek Police Department are committed to ensuring the safety of our community through proactive enforcement of the law, the use of technology, and relentless investigation of crimes.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Lipston is being held on no bail and his next court hearing is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2024, at 8:30 a.m.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to January 2, 2017, by multiple agencies including Antioch PD, Concord PD, Walnut Creek PD and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for receiving or concealing stolen property, burglary, possession of ammunition, possession of narcotic controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and receiving stolen property – motor vehicle.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Central County, Crime, District Attorney, News, Police

Oakley man arrested for hit-and-run of bicyclist

December 23, 2023 By Publisher 3 Comments

Timmy Hudson in a photo posted on his Facebook page on Dec. 2, 2023. and photo of his car that was taken prior to the incident. Car photo source: Oakley PD

Police seek assistance in locating suspect’s car; out of custody

By Oakley Police Department

On Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, shortly after midnight, Oakley police officers were dispatched to the area of Bridgehead Road and Main Street to investigate a male lying in the roadway. Our officers arrived and located an adult male victim lying in the road next to a bicycle. Officers rendered aid and summoned Emergency Medical Services. It was determined the victim was riding his bicycle home after getting off work and the victim was struck by a vehicle, unfortunately the victim succumbed to his injuries.

Oakley traffic investigators have reviewed several forms of digital media in the area and determined the vehicle involved in the collision fled the scene and did not stop to check on the victim. Traffic investigators have determined that vehicle to be a silver 2015 Toyota Camry, CA license plate # 8ERS961. The registered owner of the vehicle, Timmy Lee Hudson (55, Oakley), has been taken into custody in connection with this case, but he has not been forthcoming on where his vehicle is. Investigators have been actively attempting to locate Hudson’s vehicle but have been unable to do so up to this point.

Our efforts have included making contact with family members, searching his home and checking with auto body repair shops. Hudson is known to frequent the Oakland area as well as Oakley. The vehicle is believed to have sustained front end and windshield damage. It is possible the license plates are no longer attached to the vehicle at this point. We have checked local auto body shops, but we also realize there are dozens of auto body shops outside of our immediate area.

We are seeking the assistance of the public and we will do everything possible to be respectful of anonymity. If you have any information regarding this case or the whereabouts of Hudson’s vehicle, please contact Traffic Investigator Palmer at 925-625-8831 or Oakley PD Dispatch at 925-625-8060. We are additionally asking anybody associated with an auto body repair business to be on the lookout for a vehicle like Hudson’s in their shop.

For reference we have attached a photo of Hudson’s vehicle that was taken prior to this incident.

According to Hudson’s Facebook page, he works as a dishwasher at Drake’s Dealership and in maintenance at Groge M Martin Co., which is believed to be George M. Martin Company, in Emeryville, and claims to be a “loving father and husband.” According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he is booked on Thursday, Dec. 21 and out of custody on bond as of Friday, Dec. 22.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Crime, East County, News, Police

Brentwood man, two teens arrested for Hayward carjacking

December 23, 2023 By Publisher 1 Comment

Screenshot of dashcam video shows the carjacking suspects with their hands up being stopped on Balfour Road just west of John Muir Parkway on Dec. 15, 2023. Source: Brentwood Police

Weapon possibly used in crime confiscated; third arrest this year for one of the teens

By Brentwood Police Department

On Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, a Brentwood Officer was patrolling the area of Balfour Road and West County Club Drive when he was alerted to a vehicle that had just committed a carjacking in the City of Hayward.

The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the car, however the car attempted to flee from the officer. Fortunately, all occupants from the vehicle were safely detained at Balfour Road and John Muir Parkway.

The driver, identified as 21-year-old Zane Malakai Vincent of Brentwood, was placed under arrest. A weapon believed to be used in the commission of the crime was located. Hayward PD later responded to complete their investigation and the other two occupants, 18-year-old Christian Grajales of Hayward and 19-year-old Wilberth Yair MartinezHerrera of Newark, were identified as the suspects involved in the carjacking. (See dashcam video)

Crime has no borders and luckily, the officer was proactive in preventing the potential for additional crime in our city.

According to localcrimenews.com, Vincent was arrested for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle. According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he bonded out on Dec. 16.

Also, according to localcrimenews.com, in addition to carjacking, Grajales was arrested for committing a felony while released on bail or own recognizance, conspiracy to commit a crime, assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily harm and false imprisonment by violence.

It was his third arrest, this year as Grajales was arrested the day before by Newark Police for robbery and resisting, obstructing and/or delaying a peace officer. He was also arrested by Hayward Police on July 24, for exhibiting a deadly weapon other than a firearm. According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, he is in custody at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin.

According to localcrimenews.com, MartinezHerrera was arrested for driving without a license, hit-and-run resulting in property damage, DUI and being a minor driving with a Blood Alcohol Content of .05% or more.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Crime, East County, News, Police

Oakley pizza delivery driver shot and killed identified

December 23, 2023 By Publisher 5 Comments

Gabriel Stewart. Source: GoFundMe

GoFundMe account established to support mother of Freedom High grad, Los Medanos College student; police seek suspect

By Allen D. Payton

The Contra Costa Coroner has identified the pizza delivery driver who was shot and killed in his car in front of his Oakley home on Wednesday night, Dec. 20, 2023 as Gabriel Stewart. (See related article)

Police still seek the suspect in the homicide.

A GoFundMe account was established on Friday by Court Russ to support Stewart’s mother and offers details about the young man’s life:

“This fundraiser is being organized to support Carol Stewart, during this overwhelmingly difficult time, following the tragic death of her only son, Gabriel, who was just 24 years young. It is my hope and intention that we can collectively provide monetary support so Gabriel’s mother and family can focus their time and attention on their grieving process, under these extremely difficult circumstances.

Words cannot express the tremendous depth of heartache that Gabe’s mother and family are enduring. Just last weekend they gathered for their annual gingerbread house decorating contest and holiday festivities, and now – when they should be preparing for Christmas together- his family is instead planning a funeral and grieving the loss of their son/brother/uncle.

================================

To give some insight to the young man that Gabe was and the things that brought him joy in life, his family shared the following…

“He was Gabe to us….he loved his family, was a devoted son, brother and uncle. He was a wonderful friend. There are no words to describe how much he loved his mom and siblings.

Gabe was funny and had a competitive spirit, infectious laugh and loved to hang with friends and family. He had a large group of friends who he played basketball with and went to the movies & played video games with. (He loved playing Apex Legends and Madden on X-box!)

He loved the 49ers, especially Nick Bosa, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel. He was also a devoted fan of Russell Westbrook, following his career and whatever basketball team he played for.

Gabe was really into Jujutsu Kaisen and would get so excited every Thursday when a new episode would come out, watching it first and then running to tell his sister about it.

He was also a HUGE fan of Naruto and just finished re-watching the whole series, and loved, loved, loved Naruto!!

He loved riding his bike around town, discovering new places and going on vacation.

Gabe graduated from Freedom High School and was in his final semester at Los Medanos College before transferring to Cal State East Bay. He was employed as a delivery driver with Dominoes for the past 4+ years as he worked his way through college.

Gabe loved music, loved cats & hated spiders! He had a sweet tooth and loved chocolate!

We miss him immensely.”

=================================

Please keep Gabriel’s family in your prayers. If it is on your heart to do so, please contribute any amount that you are able. Your consideration is appreciated more than words can possibly express.

On behalf of the Stewart family, thank you for reading, sharing and words of support.

—————-

As of Saturday morning, Dec. 23, $4,983 had been contributed toward the effort’s $10,000 goal.

Filed Under: Crime, East County, News

Pizza delivery driver dies from multiple gunshots in Oakley

December 20, 2023 By Publisher 2 Comments

His mother witnessed it happen in front of their home; police ask help identifying suspect

By Chief Paul Beard, Oakley Police Department

On December 20, 2023, at approximately 4:52 PM, Oakley police officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Rutherford Lane on several reports of shots being fired. Oakley officers arrived at approximately 4:54 PM and found a 24-year-old in his vehicle, which was parked on the street in front of his home. Our officers noticed the male was suffering from gunshot wounds and began providing lifesaving medical aid. During this process our officers noticed additional gunshot wounds on the victim. As per normal procedures Emergency Medical Service units arrived and took over the life saving efforts. Unfortunately, the male was pronounced deceased at 5:03 PM.

The Oakley Police Investigations Unit was called to the scene as was our Crime Scene Investigator and the Crime Lab of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.

So far, our investigation is yielding a vehicle pulled alongside the victim while he was sitting in his parked vehicle, and on a break while delivering pizzas. A passenger of the vehicle, that just arrived, shot the victim at close range while the victim was still inside his vehicle. The passenger then got back into the vehicle, that had just arrived, and left the area by travelling west on Rutherford Lane and then turning north onto Vintage Parkway.

We are seeking the assistance of the public. If you believe you witnessed anything suspicious or unusual in the 1400 Block of Rutherford Lane, intersection of Rutherford Lane/Vintage Parkway or at Vintage Parkway School or if you had a surveillance system running in these areas between 4:00 PM – 5:05 PM please notify our dispatch at 925-625-8060. Detective Dombrouski is the case agent; he can be reached at 1-925-325-6670 or at dombrouski@ci.oakley.ca.us.

I was on the scene of the aftermath of this horrendous crime. I spoke to a mother who unknowingly watched her son get shot in front of his own home and I met with other family representatives that showed the utmost respect for their lost loved one. This crime happened in a relatively quiet area of Oakley and right across from a school – an area where we do not expect violence to occur.

There is absolutely zero excuse for what happened tonight. When you consider the victim’s family witnessed this act and when you take into account the time of the year, we are in it makes this all that more sad.

We are still in the early stages of this investigation, and we still do not know everything we need to know. At this hour I do not have a solid suspect description to share with you, but the detectives of the Oakley Police Department will be working hard on this case, and I will share any pertinent information I can in the days to come. If you believe you know anything, please call us.

I have said this before and it rings true tonight again, this type of violence does not belong in Oakley. This case is now the top priority of our Investigations Unit and the Oakley Police Department as a whole will work diligently to identify the suspect(s) in this case and bring justice to the victim.”

Filed Under: Crime, East County, News, Police

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