Contra Costa Herald

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

Antioch police seek Brentwood man for attempted murder for shooting Pittsburg co-worker Tuesday

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Crescencio Garcia-Zavala 2013 DMV photo (left), and 2020 arrest photo (right). Photos: APD

Victim shot multiple times, including once in the head, in grave condition

By Sergeant James Stenger, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Tuesday June 29, 2021, at approximately 4:04 PM, Antioch Patrol Officers responded to the 2300 block of Arthur Way for a male who was shot in the street. When officers arrived, they located a 23-year-old male (resident of Pittsburg) who had been shot several times, including once in the head. The victim was transported to a local trauma center and is currently listed in grave condition.

It was determined through the investigation of this case that 49-year-old Crescencio Zavala-Garcia shot the victim during a verbal argument about a work-related issue. Zavala-Garcia fled the scene in a vehicle after the shooting.

The Antioch Police Department Special Operations Unit and Problem Oriented Policing Team located the vehicle Zavala-Garcia fled in on a property in unincorporated Brentwood, where he was known to stay. The Antioch Police Department SWAT Team was utilized to search the property, but Zavala-Garcia was not located during the search.

A judge issued a probable cause warrant for Zavala-Garcia and the Antioch Police Department is actively looking to arrest him. Zavala-Garcia also has an arrest warrant for kidnapping, domestic violence and felony evading and has a very violent past.

The Antioch Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Zavala-Garcia. Zavala-Garcia should be considered armed and extremely dangerous and should not be approached. If Zavala-Garcia is seen or you know his location, please call 9-1-1 or the Antioch Police Dispatch center at (925) 778-2441.

Zavala-Garcia is described as a Hispanic Male, 5’ 7” tall, 145 pounds, with brown eyes and gray hair.

Zavala-Garcia has used the following names in the past: CRESCENCIO GARCIA-ZAVALA, CRESCENCIO GARCIA, CRESCENCIO ZAVALA, CRESENCIO ZAVALA GARCIA, CRESENCIO GARCIA, CRECENCIO GARCIA, CRECENCIO ZAVALA GARCIA, CRECENCIO ZAVALA GARCIA, CRESENCIO GARCIA ZAVALA

Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Gerber at (925) 779-6943 or by emailing RGerber@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 Crime Lab awarded federal DNA grant, will help prevent crime case backlog

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Photos: CCCSO

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

The Forensic Services Division of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff was awarded $376,101 in grant funding from the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program.

The grant will allow for the hiring of a forensic analyst and the purchase of new instrumentation and equipment. This will increase the capacity to process more DNA samples, thereby helping to reduce the number of forensic DNA and DNA database samples awaiting analysis and to prevent a backlog of forensic and database DNA samples, like those collected at crime scenes.

“This grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance will increase our capacity and help us better serve law enforcement agencies and crime victims,” said Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston. “This will increase our efficiency of testing and enable us to provide quicker results to law enforcement and prosecutors on DNA cases in Contra Costa County.”

The Forensic Services Division hopes to hire a new forensic analyst by the end of the year.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance, a  division of the U.S. Department of Justice, helps to make American communities safer by strengthening the nation’s criminal justice system: Its grants, training and technical assistance, and policy development services provide state, local, and tribal governments with the cutting edge tools and best practices they need to reduce violent and drug-related crime, support law enforcement, and combat victimization.

Human Trafficking Task Force announces results of two operations in Pittsburg and Richmond

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Multi-agency effort results in four arrests, one felony, 10 victims helped

By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Office of the District Attorney, Contra Costa County

Earlier this month, two proactive enforcement operations convened by multiple law enforcement agencies working with Contra Costa County’s Human Trafficking Task Force resulted in multiple arrests of alleged traffickers in Pittsburg and Richmond. The focus of each operation was to stem traffickers from exploiting victims, provide services on the scene for victims and deter future criminal activity in West County and East County. The task force is a multi-disciplinary collaborative effort among local, state and federal law enforcement and community-based victim service providers to take a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach to the investigation and prosecution of all forms of trafficking and related criminal conduct in our community.

On June 4, the Pittsburg Police Department hosted a multi-agency human trafficking operation. As a result of the operation, four arrests were made, and one felony human trafficking case was filed by the DA’s Office involving two defendants. Pittsburg Police is a member of the task force. The operation included personnel from Pittsburg PD, Brentwood Police Department, Concord Police Department, Richmond Police Department, Contra Costa County Probation Department, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office. Victim Service partners were Community Violence Solutions and the DA’s Victim-Witness Assistance Program.

On June 11, Richmond Police hosted a human trafficking operation focused on the 23rd Street corridor. Criminal activity in the 23rd Street corridor impacts neighboring San Pablo, as well. Law enforcement personnel included Richmond officers from the Community Violence Reduction Team and patrol with support from the DA’s Human Trafficking Unit. Four arrests were made by task force members during this operation and investigations into trafficking and related criminal activity continue. Ten victims were put in contact with victim services, provided by Community Violence Solutions, Family Justice Center and the DA’s Office.

If you or someone you know has information regarding any acts or suspicions of human trafficking, please call the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking tip line maintained by the District Attorney’s Office: 925-957-8658.

To get help, call Community Violence Solutions 24-hour resources line (800-670-7273) and Contra Costa’s Family Justice Center (925-521-6366). To report suspected exploitation of youth, call the Children and Family Services/Child Abuse Hotline (1-877-881-1116).

Contra Costa County was awarded a federal grant in October 2018 to form a Human Trafficking Task Force. The DA’s Office shares management of the Task Force with the Contra Costa Alliance to End Abuse in order to hold offenders accountable while providing culturally competent services and support to survivors.

Pittsburg woman found guilty of felony hit-and-run, other counts for 2019 fatal crash

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By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Office of the District Attorney, Contra Costa County

On Monday, June 14, 2021 defendant Camille Edith Thompson, age 25 of Pittsburg (born February 3, 1996) was found guilty by a Contra Costa County jury of multiple counts, including felony hit and run, related to a vehicular crash that resulted in the death of a Pittsburg man. The defendant was also found guilty of misdemeanor counts of vehicular manslaughter and destroying evidence.

On March 20, 2019, the victim was walking home on the side of the road at W. Leland Road and Bailey Road and was hit by Thompson’s vehicle. After the impact of the collision, Thompson drove her vehicle back to where the victim’s body was and then she paused and left the scene of the crash. The vehicle suffered damage because of the crash and a piece of the vehicle’s fog lamp was left at the scene. (See related article)

Pittsburg Police Department officers began an extensive investigation to identify the driver who left the scene and determined the fog lamp came from a Mercedes vehicle. In turn, officers reviewed surveillance footage and determined the defendant’s vehicle was leaving the scene of the crash. A search warrant executed at Thompson’s residence found the vehicle in the back yard under a tarp. The vehicle in fact was missing a fog lamp and suffered extensive damage to the front passenger side.

The felony trial lasted one week before the Honorable Julia Campins in Department 10 in Pittsburg. Judge Campins will sentence the defendant on August 20, 2021. The defendant will face up to six years in state prison. Deputy District Attorney Sinead McCarron prosecuted the case of behalf of the People. DDA McCarron is assigned to our Delta Direct Team.

Case information: People v. Camille Edith Thompson, Docket Number 04-192420-8

Sheriff’s Office receives new scanner to help stop contraband smuggling

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Photos: CCCSO

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Custody Services Bureau has acquired the Tek84 Intercept Full Body Scanner. The Intercept will be used at intake at the Martinez Detention Facility as arrestees are processed and booked into the facility.

According to Tek84, the Intercept “detects both metallic and nonmetallic threats, including weapons, drugs, cell phones and other contraband. Screens from below the feet to above the head reveal items under the clothing and within the body.” In addition, the Intercept allows staff to maintain a distance of 6 feet of social distancing space between them and arrestees while conducting contraband searches.

“This technology is about safety and security and is one of many steps we are taking to improve our facilities,” said Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston. “This is a win-win. It will help prevent contraband from entering our jails, thus making it safer for inmates and staff.”

Funding for the Intercept, which cost $152,000, comes from federal funds (CARES ACT).

 

Following chase and search, man arrested in San Pablo for marijuana, illegal gun

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Illegal gun and drugs seized on Saturday, June 12, 2021. Photos by San Pablo PD.

With help of Contra Costa Sheriff, Richmond PD and K9 officer

By San Pablo Police Department

Officers in Action

Saturday evening, June 12, 2021 SPPD weekend dayshift officers spotted an occupied parked car without license plates. The driver was identified and admitted to having multiple ounces of marijuana in the car with him.

Officer Swaleh began searching the car and discovered a hidden compartment which was concealing a firearm. Knowing the firearm had been located the driver then fled on foot at which time officers gave chase. The suspect was seen jumping fences in the area. Contra Costa County Sheriffs Dept. and Richmond PD both assisted setting up a perimeter around the neighborhood, while CHP assisted with a helicopter to get a better view of where the suspect may be hiding.

Secret compartment in car hiding gun. Photos: SPPD

Our new K9 Cap was put to work and tracked the suspect to a hidden location between the side of a house and a small shed. As K9 Cap was closing in on the suspect, he surrendered. There was no use of force needed and the suspect was taken into custody. The firearm was later found to be loaded and stolen out of Oakland.

We are thankful everyone is safe and no one was injured!

#WeAreSanPablo #SPPDStrong #SanPablo #community #police

Pittsburg man found guilty for January 2021 shooting faces up to 22 years in prison

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After removing ankle monitor being worn for attempted robbery case

By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Office of the Contra Costa County District Attorney

Last month, defendant Brandon Hilliard of Pittsburg (date of birth is October 19, 1996) was found guilty by a Contra Costa County jury for the assault with a semiautomatic firearm and attempted manslaughter of a Pittsburg man – both charges are felonies. The shooting occurred earlier this year in Pittsburg. The jury also found true the enhancements listed in the charges against Hilliard, including use of a firearm and causing great bodily injury.

The defendant was on an ankle monitor for his pending attempted robbery case. Hilliard cut off his ankle monitor the day before this shooting.

On January 9, 2021, the victim and the defendant got into a verbal argument at Central Avenue and Birch Street in Pittsburg. As the argument progressed, the defendant pulled out his handgun, a Glock 43. Ultimately, the defendant fired at least four times at the victim. The victim was hit three times in his legs by Hilliard and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The shooting was captured on home surveillance and police officers used surrounding city surveillance cameras to locate a silver vehicle the defendant was seen driving away in from the scene of the shooting. The officers tracked the vehicle in Pittsburg and ascertained its license plate using the automated license plate reader system. The day after the shooting, a San Pablo police officer located the defendant and his vehicle, which had been listed as a felony vehicle, and successfully detained him.

The felony trial lasted four weeks before the honorable David Goldstein in Department 6 in Pittsburg. Judge Goldstein will sentence the defendant on July 23, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. The defendant will face up to 22 years and eight months in state prison. Deputy District Attorney Natasha Mehta prosecuted the case of behalf of the People. DDA Mehta is assigned to our felony trial team.

Case information: People v. Brandon Leo Hilliard, Docket Number 04-200980-1

Richmond teen arrested for armed robbery of San Pablo restaurant

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Get away car used by suspect Tyron Ratliff on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. Photos by San Pablo PD.

Following search with help of K9 officer

By San Pablo Police Department

Get away car impounded.

Great Police work and Technology are a tough team to beat!

On Tuesday afternoon, June 8, 2021 one of our local restaurants was robbed at gunpoint. The employee had just returned from the bank when he was confronted by the suspect in front of the business. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the suspect fled with a bag of cash. Investigators believe the employee was followed from the bank.

Detectives were called in with Detective Almir Dugonjic leading the charge. Luckily in San Pablo we have Public Safety Cameras which helped Detectives to immediately identify the vehicle and suspect, 19-year-old Richmond resident, Tyrone Ratliff. Later that evening, at around 1:30 in the morning, officers were alerted by our Public Safety cameras that the robbery vehicle had returned to San Pablo. Officers stopped the car and detained the occupants, who were not involved in the crime. The vehicle was towed as evidence. But Ratliff was still on the loose.

When cases call for a high-priority apprehension, Detectives call upon a group of specially trained investigators: the Priority Oriented Policing (POP) Unit.

The POP unit was able to track Ratliff down in Richmond. He tried to elude officers, but thanks to Officer Kullar (and his K9 partner Sultan), and Officer Brown, Ratliff had no choice but to surrender peacefully to officers. He was arrested and booked into county jail on robbery charges. Detectives served search warrants at Ratliff’s home and recovered evidence linking him to the crime.

We are grateful no one was injured as a result of this crime. We are also grateful for the hard work and commitment of our Investigators and Patrol teams to bring this case to a close in less than 24-hours! Great Job!

We are still looking for the gun used in this crime. Anyone with information in this case is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Department at 510-215-3150. All callers can remain anonymous.

 

Oakley woman, man arrested for drugs, ghost guns, illegal fireworks

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Drugs, ghost guns, ammunition and illegal fireworks seized on Thursday, June 10, 2021. Photo: Pittsburg PD.

By Pittsburg Police Department

Photo: Pittsburg PD

One call for service leads to much, much more.

Back in January, Officer Mejia made contact with a woman during an enforcement stop. At that time, she was in possession of multiple firearms and drugs for sale. Over the past few months, officers continued to work the case, conducting hours of investigation. It became clear the woman was heavily involved in the sale of drugs and guns.

On Thursday, June 10, 2021, the Pittsburg Police Department Vice Team, along with additional patrol officers, served the search warrant at the woman’s Oakley house. As you can see in the photos, officers found a little of everything including a half-pound of methamphetamines, cocaine, a ghost handgun, parts of an assault rifle, over $3,000 in cash, and even illegal fireworks.

In addition, officers searched a car belonging to man at the house and found two more illegal ghost guns and drugs for sale.

Both were arrested, the cash seized, and the two of them will be sending the weekend at the county jail.

#ppd #pittsburg #onecallatatime #alloffthestreet

 

Public’s help requested in Richmond homicide investigation, release audio of incident

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By Richmond Police Department

On June 9, 2021 at approximately 12:25PM, RPD received a ShotSpotter activation in the 3000 block of Shane Drive. Shortly thereafter, the RPD Communications Center received multiple emergency calls regarding an individual who had been shot.

Arriving RPD officers located an unresponsive victim who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving measures, the victim was pronounced deceased by medical personnel, on scene.

More than forty (40) rifle and pistol casings were located at the scene; attached is an audio of the incident captured by the RPD ShotSpotter system.

If you witnessed, or believe you have further information regarding this incident, please contact Detective Savannah Stewart at SStewart@RichmondPD.net or 510-620-6541, or call our tip line at 510-307-T1PS (510-307-8177); you can always remain anonymous while providing information.

#CommunityPolicing   #RichmondPDCali  #RichmondCA