Contra Costa Herald

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

Police seek suspect in fatal Concord hit-and-run on Thanksgiving

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Victim was 86-year-old man

By Sgt Shawn Phalen, Concord Police Department

On November 23, 2023, at approximately 6:49 PM, Concord Police Officers responded to the area of Oak Grove Road and Treat Blvd., on the report of a hit and run vehicle collision. Once on scene, it was determined a second related collision had occurred at Oak Grove Road and Ryan Road. A passenger in one of the vehicles, an 86-year-old male, was transported to John Muir Hospital where he later passed away.

This collision is still under investigation. Any witnesses are asked to contact Motor Officer Oscar Rodriguez at 925-671-5065.

DUI stop in San Pablo leads to arrest for guns, drugs

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Guns and bullets confiscated during DUI traffic stop on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Photo: San Pablo PD

By San Pablo Police Department

Tonight, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, while patrolling the streets Officer Bang noticed a vehicle commit several traffic violations. During the enforcement stop Officer Bang believed the driver was displaying signs of impairment. Officer Ashley arrived to assist with the investigation. Ultimately the driver was arrested for driving under the influence.

In addition to the poor decision to drive, the driver was also inappropriately transporting firearms and what is believed to be cocaine. Both firearms were loaded and under a seat in the vehicle.

We’re happy that no one was hurt in this potentially dangerous situation.

Armed robbery suspects arrested in San Ramon

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The Central County SWAT assisted in the arrest on Nov. 22, 2023. Photo: SRPD

SWAT, Walnut Creek PD assist

By San Ramon Police Department

On a recent evening, the Central County SWAT Team assisted Walnut Creek PD with the execution of a high-risk search warrant of known armed-robbery suspects.

The operation was successful, and a suspect was taken into custody for various felony offenses.

One of the suspects’ guns confiscated in the arrest on Nov. 22, 2023. Photo: SRPD

Additionally, firearms and stolen merchandise from various victims were recovered. More excellent work from San Ramon PD and our partner agencies.

 

Concord shopping center theft suspect arrested on freeway

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Theft suspect Jesse Leonardo Otero arrested on I-680 forcing CHP to block traffic on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Photos: Concord PD

Walnut Creek man arrested 86 times since 2017, 41 times in 2023

By Concord Police Department

On Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 22, 2023, one of our swing shift patrol officers was conducting extra patrols in the area of the Veranda (2001 Diamond Blvd.) when she was notified of a theft that had just occurred. The suspect fled on foot from our officer onto Willow Pass Road and into the parking lot of the Sun Valley Mall. A CPD motor officer attempted to stop the subject, who fled onto I-680. The California Highway Patrol was contacted and momentarily blocked traffic to allow our Officers to enter the freeway and safely detain the male.

The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Jesse Leonardo Otero of Walnut Creek, was arrested on the freeway. Mr. Ortero was transported to the Concord PD jail and later to the Martinez Detention Facility for theft and resisting/delaying a peace officer. This case will be forwarded to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for filing considerations.

Thank you to the California Highway Patrol and the Pleasant Hill Police Department for their assistance!

According to localcrimenews.com, Otero has been arrested 86 times since 2017 including 41 arrests in 2023 – sometimes twice in the same day – by multiple Contra Costa and Alameda County law enforcement agencies for a variety of crimes including trespassing, petty theft, public nuisance, possession of a controlled substance, shoplifting of less than $950, receiving or concealing stolen property, resisting arrest, robbery, vandalism and giving false information to a police officer. His arrests include three times in 2017; 10 in 2018; twice in 2019; five in 2020; 12 in 2021; and 13 times in 2022.

An email was sent to Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton asking how someone with Otero’s record hasn’t been sentenced to multiple years in jail or prison.

11/29/23 UPDATE: In response, Contra Costa DA’s Office PIO Ted Asregadoo provided the following statement:

“44-year-old Jesse Leonardo Otero is currently on felony probation for commercial burglary [PC 460(b)]. He was convicted on June 13, 2022, of a felony and was sentenced to 150 days in county jail and placed on two years of formal probation. On the same day, Otero was convicted of a misdemeanor shoplifting offense [PC 459.5] after stealing a gaming controller from a GameStop store. In October 2021, Otero was prosecuted and convicted of two separate counts of misdemeanor vandalism [PC 594(a)]. He was sentenced to 28 days in county jail and a year of probation for the vandalism offenses.

Many of the violations Mr. Otero was cited for in Contra Costa County were low-level, misdemeanor offenses such as trespassing, public nuisance, petty theft, and possession of controlled substances or paraphernalia. Otero’s misdemeanor thefts, for example, include taking a soft drink and candy at a Target store, stealing $27 worth of cosmetics, or shoplifting $50 worth of razor blades.

Our office is working with law enforcement agencies to merge a number of seemingly minor cases for prosecution to seek justice, ensure accountability, and protect our communities. Misdemeanor complaints filed with the court will have multiple incidents that we believe can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Lafayette traffic stop leads to two arrests for drugs, warrants, drugs

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The suspects’ car caught on a home surveillance camera in front of the home and during the traffic stop that led to the confiscation of a handgun and bullets on Nov. 22, 2023. Photos: Lafayette PD

By Lafayette Police Department

On Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, around 12:53 AM, a Lafayette PD officer saw a vehicle in the area of Mt. Diablo Blvd. near the Highway 24 off-ramp that matched the description of a suspicious vehicle that had been parked in front of a resident’s mailbox a week ago. The officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was on federal probation for mail theft.

The female passenger had methamphetamine next to her seat and lied about her name when questioned. When her true identity was revealed, it was determined she had four outstanding warrants for her arrest.

The other male passenger was in possession of drug paraphernalia, cocaine, and an unregistered Glock pistol.

The male and female were transported and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. When the community is sleeping, our officers are out working!

 

Burglary suspects flee after crashing car into Pleasant Hill department store

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By Corporal Andrew Kuhn, Pleasant Hill Police Department

On November 23, 2023, at about 7:45 PM, the Pleasant Hill Police Department received a 911 call of a vehicle that collided into the entrance of Kohl’s, located at 2302 Monument Blvd. Within minutes, officers arrived on scene and located an unoccupied vehicle and extensive damage to the east doors of the business. The business was closed at this time and no employees or customers were present.

During the preliminary investigation, officers discovered three subjects wearing masks entered the business and left with merchandise. The three subjects fled in a white sedan prior to police arrival.

This investigation remains active at this time. If you have any information that may assist investigators, you are encouraged to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Investigations Bureau at (925) 288-4630.

Antioch man arrested for felony hit-and-run death in Discovery Bay

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By CHP Contra Costa

On Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at 11:42pm, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a vehicle vs. pedestrian crash on Highway 4 near Newport Drive in Discovery Bay. An unknown vehicle traveling westbound on Highway 4 struck a pedestrian and the driver of the suspect vehicle did not stop and fled the scene. The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel.

On Thursday, November 22, 2023, at 3:03pm, CHP Contra Costa Officers arrested Javier Dominguez Ramirez (32-year-old from Antioch) in connection with the vehicle that struck and killed a pedestrian on Nov. 16. This crash occurred on westbound SR-4, west of Newport Drive. He is currently being held on a $50k bail at the Martinez Detention Facility for Felony Hit and Run.

Contra Costa DA issues statement on apprehension of mental health diversion program fugitive

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Kenneth David Mcisaac fled from court ordered program for Lafayette armed home invasion

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

Mental Health Diversion fugitive Kenneth David Mcisaac was apprehended on November 14, 2023, in Oakland. Mcisaac fled from a court ordered mental health diversion program on October 24, 2023, and a warrant for his arrest was issued shortly after his disappearance. He is being held in custody without bail.

In September 2022, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed an in custody 12-count felony complaint against Mcisaac that was related to an armed home invasion incident in Lafayette wherein Mcisaac held a family hostage for hours. Mcisaac had remained in custody for a year. Then, on September 5, 2023, against a vigorous opposition from the DA’s Office, the court determined that a mental health diversion program would provide more effective treatment for Mcisaac’s condition and released him from custody. (See related article)

Following Tuesday night’s apprehension, Mcisaac was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

At a hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 15 in front of Judge Julia Campins, Mcisaac’s mental health diversion status was terminated at the District Attorney’s request. He remains in custody with no bail. Criminal proceedings will resume on November 29th in Martinez.

Mcisaac was located and apprehended by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the Safe Streets Task Force, a joint law enforcement effort comprised of the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, federal partners, and local law enforcement agencies.

01-22-01678 | The People of the State of California vs. McIsaac, Kenneth Dav

 

Jury convicts Alamo attorney of embezzling $400,000 from fire victim clients

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

A jury in Martinez returned guilty verdicts on November 7th in a felony case involving an attorney, William James Reed, who embezzled $400,000 from his clients.

Reed, an 80-year-old attorney formerly of Alamo, was convicted of felony grand theft by embezzlement and a white-collar crime enhancement related to a settlement agreement with PG&E. The agreement included payments to victims of the 2006 Zamora Fire near Woodland, CA.

Following the fire, Reed authored a letter, purportedly from a fellow landowner impacted by the fire, stating that in a lawsuit against PG&E, attorney’s fees would be covered by PG&E. He invited fire victims to a Town Hall meeting in Zamora, where he assured them that, according to the law, PG&E would be responsible for attorney’s fees, not the clients.

Two families, including elderly victims with ranch properties damaged by the fire, agreed to have Reed represent them. Reed presented unclear and confusing lawyer-client relationship documents, including a contract implying clients would pay his hourly legal fees and costs at the rate of $625 an hour, and a cover letter stating PG&E would cover Reed’s attorney’s fees and costs. After obtaining the victims’ agreement on legal representation, Reed filed a lawsuit against PG&E on the victims’ behalf in 2008.

In 2013, a $200,000 settlement for each victim family was brokered by Reed with PG&E. Reed received the $400,000 settlement from an attorney representing PG&E — but Reed failed to inform his clients about the money. His clients discovered the settlement money was paid to Reed at an unrelated court hearing.

Afterward, when the victims asked Reed about their money, he presented them with a proposed settlement agreement. The agreement stated the clients would each give him $103,000 for attorney’s fees and costs, and in turn each client would receive $97,000. The victims refused to sign Reed’s proposed settlement agreement because it contradicted their initial agreement with him. Years of civil litigation ensued between Reed and the victims, with Reed using some of the settlement money to pay his lawyers to fight the victims.

In 2017, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office was alerted to possible criminal violations related to the victim’s settlement money. A Forensic Accountant at the District Attorney’s Office analyzed Reed’s bank account statements and determined that Reed had spent the entire $400,000 on himself. Thereafter, felony grand theft by embezzlement charges were filed against Reed.

The case went to trial on October 13, 2023. Deputy District Attorney Scott Prosser had to prove beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury that Reed was not entitled to the victim’s settlement money for attorney’s fees A key piece of evidence presented to the jury during the trial was the document stating that Reed’s fees would be paid by PG&E and not the victims.

The jury deliberated for a few hours and convicted Reed on two felony counts of grand theft by embezzlement and a white collar crime enhancement, establishing illegal possession of over $100,000. Reed faces imprisonment for three years and eight months and will be sentenced on January 10, 2024, by

Superior Court Judge Charles Treat.

Deputy District Attorney Prosser, after the verdict, stated, “It is unconscionable for an attorney to lead a client to believe they were not responsible for attorney’s fees, and then take 100 % of the client’s money from a settlement agreement. And we are very pleased with the outcome in our fight to seek justice for the

victims in this case.”.

During chase from SF to Martinez Concord man throws bombs at police

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Photo source: SFPOA

Started as assault on parishioner inside church

Arrested for attempted murder, multiple explosives charges, assault on an officer, more

Has a history of arrests dating to 2011; CHP assists

By San Francisco Police Department

On Sunday, October 29, 2023, at approximately 5:52 pm, San Francisco Police Officers responded to the 600 block of Filbert Street on a report of a person who had assaulted someone at the location and had reportedly brandished a knife.

According to a post on the SF Police Officers Association Facebook page, the assault occurred at Saints Peter and Paul Church in North Beach. According to an NBC Bay Area news report  police say it started when Garcia punched a parishioner inside the church during mass for refusing to give him money.

Officers responded to the scene. Upon arrival, witnesses directed officers to the suspect with what the SFPOA reports was an improvised explosive device. He had entered a vehicle and was fleeing the area. Officers initiated a pursuit. The suspect failed to yield to pursuing officers.  During the pursuit, the suspect threw two improvised explosive devices out of the car window at pursuing officers. In a later press conference, Assistant Police Chief David Lazar said officers could feel the impact of the explosions during the pursuit.

The pursuit continued onto the freeway, and officers from the California Highway Patrol took over the pursuit. The pursuit came to an end in Martinez, CA where officers from the CHP took the suspect into custody.

The suspect was identified as 42-year-old Concord resident Daniel Garcia. Garcia was booked at San Francisco County Jail on the following charges:

664/211 PC(attempted robbery), 245(a)(1) PC (aggravated assault), three counts of  664/187 PC (attempted murder), three counts of 69 PC (assault on an officer), 2800.2 CVC (reckless evasion), three counts of 12305 H&S unlawful possession of explosive device, three counts of 18715(a) PC (possession of explosive device in public), three counts of 18725 PC (transporting explosive devices), two counts of 18740 PC (setting off explosive with the intent to harm), two counts of 18745 PC (igniting explosive device with the intent to commit murder), 148(a)(1) PC (resisting/delaying arrest), and 21453(a) CVC (disobey red light).

While an arrest has been made, this remains an open and active investigation. Investigators from the San Francisco Police Department Special Investigations Division-Arson Unit are handling this investigation. Also, according to the NBC Bay Area report no one was injured and that police and a bomb squad spent most of the day Monday searching Garcia’s Concord home.

NBC Bay Area reported he was charged in 2011 with possession and use of explosive devices.

Anyone with information is asked to contact SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text  a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.