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Juvenile arrested for Pittsburg bank robbery using fake bomb Monday

March 23, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Cash, fake bomb and robbery note recovered during arrest of suspect on Monday, March, 22, 2021. Photo: Pittsburg PD

By Pittsburg Police Department

On Monday, March 22, 2021, Pittsburg Police Officers responded to a “Bank Hold Up Alarm” at Mechanics Bank (Downtown Pittsburg). Officers arrived on scene and determined an armed robbery occurred. The suspect passed a note which read that he needed, “20 grand” and that he had a bomb. The teller provided the suspect with over $7,000 in cash and then he fled on foot. A canine trail was conducted with assistance from the @contra_costa_k9 unit.

The trail led away from the bank down various city streets. The trail was concluded; however, the suspect remained outstanding. Officers reviewed video footage from businesses in the area near the K9 trail and located video of the suspect fleeing. He was eventually tracked down and found at a nearby residence.

The stolen cash along with a bomb which was determined to be fake were recovered. The Juvenile suspect admitted during an interview he watched a YouTube video on how to rob a bank. He was later transported to Juvenile Hall.

Filed Under: Crime, East County, News, Police

Pittsburg man arrested for kidnaping, domestic violence following 7-hour standoff Sunday

March 23, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By Pittsburg Police Department

Early Sunday evening, Pittsburg Police Officers responded to a house in the 1000 block of Bending Willow Way for a reported domestic violence incident. As officers were responding to the scene, one of the children inside the home called 911 saying a man was holding a 9-year-old hostage with a knife. When officers arrived at the house, an adult victim told officers her estranged boyfriend snuck into her house earlier in the afternoon and physically assaulted her. The woman was able to get out of the house prior to police arrival. Shortly after she exited the home, two of her children (ages 13 and 3) were also able to escape. But the woman’s 9-year-old was still inside the house with the man. The victim identified him as Frederick Jamar Douglas (36-years-old), and stated he was on parole for domestic violence and made statements that he would not be going back to prison.

Officers began calling into the residence, attempting to make contact with Douglas. After approximately ten minutes, Douglas allowed the 9-year-old to exit the residence, but he refused to exit himself.

The Pittsburg Police Department has several officers that are trained in Crisis Negotiation. For hours, those highly trained officers worked to make contact with Douglas but he refused to speak with them. Efforts to reach Douglas’ family members were successful. But, despite urging from both his mother and father, Douglas would not exit the house and made statements of suicide by shooting at the police.

The Pittsburg Police Department Tactical Team was activated and Detectives authored an arrest and search warrant for Douglas and the residence. Crisis Negotiators and Crisis Intervention trained officers continued for hours to make contact and convince him to exit the home. After those efforts failed, chemical agents were deployed and Douglas exited the home bringing an end to the 7 hour standoff. He attempted to flee through the backyard but was taken into custody without further incident.

After the arrest, Douglas was transported to a hospital and, once medically cleared, was then transported to the Martinez Detention Facility where he is being held on a Ramey Warrant for felony Kidnaping, False Imprisonment, Domestic Violence and Robbery. This case will be reviewed by the District Attorney later this week.

The woman was transported to the hospital for minor injuries and later released. All three children were released to family members. The children were uninjured. Detectives will be working with the family to make sure they receive domestic violence victim support and resources to assist them through this emotional ordeal.

The department would like to thank all of the family and friends who worked with officers and bring this situation to a peaceful resolution.

 

Filed Under: Crime, East County, News, Police

Pittsburg man sentenced to 19 years to life for 2017 murder of man he knew

March 18, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Had past confrontations with victim

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

Juan Muñoz in 2017. Photo: Pittsburg PD.

On Tuesday, March 16, 2021 defendant Juan Muñoz was sentenced to 19 years to life after he pleaded guilty to murder and admitting to the use of a firearm. The victim’s family was present during the sentencing of Muñoz. Earlier this month, Muñoz formally entered his guilty plea before his trial was to start.

On September 24, 2017, the defendant tracked down and shot the victim, 20-year-old Pittsburg resident Jose Escobedo-Ortega, in City Park in Pittsburg. The victim was hanging out and listening to music when the defendant murdered him.

Pittsburg Police conducted an exhaustive investigation and soon identified the defendant as the shooter. Officers arrived on scene within 90 seconds of receiving the call and located a 20-year-old male suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began performing lifesaving efforts on the victim.  The victim later succumbed to his injuries on scene. Pittsburg Police Detectives took over the investigation and began following up on leads.  During the investigation Detectives were able to determine Escobedo-Ortega and Muñoz knew each other and had confrontations in the past. Detectives were able to locate witnesses and review city video surveillance to aid their investigation.

The Pittsburg Police SWAT team served search warrants at residences in the 100 block of Jimno Avenue and the 100 block of Davi Avenue.   During the service of these warrants, Detectives located and arrested the 19-year-old Muñoz and an unnamed juvenile suspect for the shooting death of Escobedo-Ortega. In addition, Detectives located a firearm they believe was the weapon used against Escobedo-Ortega. Muñoz was arrested within about three days of his crime.

The District Attorney’s Office initially filed the murder charge against Muñoz in October 2017.

“While no amount of time will ever bring Jose Escobedo-Ortega back, we hope that this resolution will give his family some closure,” said Deputy District Attorney Satish Jallepalli.

Case information: People v. Juan Munoz, Docket Number 05-182274-1

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Crime, District Attorney, East County, News

Man with knife, throwing rocks at cars on freeway shot by Danville police officer dies

March 18, 2021 By Publisher 1 Comment

Suspect with knife and knife on March 11, 2021. Photos: Danville PD

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

The man in last Thursday’s officer-involved shooting in Danville, identified as 32-year-old Tyrell Wilson, was pronounced deceased while at the hospital. (See related article)

On Thursday morning, March 11 at about 11:48 a.m., police dispatch received several calls from motorists regarding a person who was throwing rocks off the Sycamore Valley Road overpass onto Highway 680.

A Danville Police Officer arrived at the scene and contacted the subject in question in the area of Sycamore Valley Road and Camino Ramon. The officer approached the subject who was standing on the street. As the officer tried to talk to him, the subject pulled out a folding knife and then opened it. The officer ordered him to drop the knife several times. He then advanced toward the officer, who discharged his weapon striking the subject once.

The Office of the Sheriff recognizes the impact an event like this can have on the community and is committed to full transparency of all the facts. Sheriff’s investigators continue to work with the District Attorney’s Office on investigating this incident pursuant to the countywide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

The Danville Police Department is a Special Operations Division of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

 

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

Shooting at Brentwood apartment leads to arrest Tuesday night

March 12, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Brentwood PD booking information.

By Brentwood Police Department

Tuesday night, March 9, 2021 officers were dispatched to Marsh Creek Apartments after we received a call from a frantic person stating that someone had just shot at them. Officers learned that a dispute had broken out between a tenant, identified as 60-year-old Hal Flood, and a man, who had had been staying with Flood for a few weeks. The man had invited some friends over and Flood refused to let the man and his friends enter the apartment and that’s when things got ugly. During the dispute, Flood discharged a firearm in the parking lot towards the group who had come to his apartment. Fortunately, no one was injured! Upon arrival officers attempted to make contact with Flood, who stated by phone he was not in the area.

Officers remained vigilant and in the area during the early morning hours, they located Flood in the apartment complex and safely took him into custody. When searched, officers located a concealed fixed-blade knife on Flood.

Flood was booked into county jail for assault with a firearm, discharge of a firearm and carrying a concealed dirk or dagger.

According to an internet search, in 1998 Flood was found guilty of evading a vehicle operated by a pursuing peace officer resulting in serious bodily injury, in Richmond on May 22, 1994.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Crime, East County, News, Police

Man throwing rocks onto I-680, holding knife in Danville shot by police Thursday morning

March 12, 2021 By Publisher 4 Comments

Suspect with knife and knife on March 11, 2021. Photos: Danville PD

By Danville Police Department

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate an officer involved shooting that occurred in Danville.

Thursday morning, March 11 at about 11:48, police dispatch received several calls from motorists regarding a person who was throwing rocks off the Sycamore Valley Road overpass onto Interstate 680.

A Danville Police Officer arrived at the scene and contacted the subject in question in the area of Sycamore Valley Road and Camino Ramon. The officer approached the subject who was standing on the street. As the officer tried to talk to him, the subject pulled out a folding knife and then opened it. The officer ordered him to drop the knife several times. He then advanced toward the officer, who discharged his weapon striking the subject once.

The fire department and an ambulance were called and responded to the scene. The subject was taken to a local hospital where he is being treated at this time. He is not being identified.

The investigation is ongoing per the countywide officer involved protocol. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Investigation Division through dispatch at (925) 646-2441 or at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

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

Pittsburg man charged with 5 counts, including attempted kidnap of potential BART patron

March 11, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Source: CCCSheriff.

Has history of arrests dating back to 2014

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

Yesterday, Wednesday, March 10, 2021, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed five counts against Rashad Chavez Yarbrough (30-year-old Pittsburg resident), including a felony count for the attempted kidnapping on March 6 of a female. The case was investigated by the BART Police Department and presented to our office for a filing decision on March 10.

On March 6, the victim called for an Uber ride to go to the Pittsburg Bay Point BART station. When she left her residence, she spoke with the defendant who offered her a ride to the station. She declined the offer, yet the defendant followed her Uber ride to the station. The victim did not know the defendant, nor had she seen him before.

Once the victim’s Uber ride dropped her off at the BART station, the defendant followed her down an access road. The defendant tried to entice the victim to enter his car, but she refused. Yarbrough eventually got out of his car and approached the victim. He grabbed at her arm and tried to get her into his vehicle. In doing so, her wallet fell out of her purse and he picked up her wallet.

The victim ended up fleeing the area to a nearby shopping center. After the police were called to the scene, the defendant fled the area in his vehicle. The following day, when police went to check in on the victim, the defendant arrived at her residence and he was arrested. A search of his vehicle revealed a firearm and methamphetamine.

The complete counts filed against Yarbrough are as follows:

  • Attempted Kidnapping, Felony
  • Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Felony
  • Petty Theft, Misdemeanor
  • Possession of Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine, Misdemeanor
  • Possession of a Smoking Device, Misdemeanor

Case information: People v. Rashad Chavez Yarbrough, Docket Number 04-201433-0

According to localcrimenews.com Yarbrough has a history of arrests dating back to 2014, by various agencies including Pittsburg PD, Antioch PD, Concord PD, Fremont PD and Oakland PD, for burglary, resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia and grand theft.

 

 

Filed Under: BART, Crime, District Attorney, East County, News

Walnut Creek man sentenced to 5 years for carjacking minutes after release from Santa Rita Jail

March 9, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Rocky Lee Music. Photo: Alameda County Sheriff’s Office

Also arrested for hurting police K9 and resisting arrest

By U.S. Attorney’s Office – Northern California

OAKLAND – Rocky Lee Music was sentenced to five years in prison for carjacking, announced Acting United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, U.S. District Judge.

Music, 33, with a last known address in Walnut Creek, pleaded guilty to the carjacking charge today, Tuesday, March 9, 2021 and was sentenced at the same hearing.  According to his plea agreement, Music admitted that on April 19, 2020, he violently carjacked a Prius parked in the 5200 block of Campus Drive of Dublin, CA.

To carjack the vehicle, Music opened the driver’s door, punched the male victim seated in the driver’s seat, pulled the victim out of the Prius while continuing to punch him on the head, and forced his way into the driver’s seat.  Music drove away in the Prius while the victim hung onto the driver’s side door.  According to the plea agreement, the carjacking occurred approximately 40 minutes after Music was granted pretrial release from Santa Rita Jail, where he had been held while awaiting prosecution by Alameda County authorities on other charges, just one mile away.

After carjacking the Prius, Music drove to San Ramon, where he later approached a female victim seated in the driver’s seat of a parked vehicle.  The female driver drove away.  Music was apprehended later that same day in San Ramon, and he has remained in custody since his arrest.

A federal grand jury indicted Music on June 16, 2020, charging him with one count of carjacking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2119(1).  Music pleaded guilty to the count.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Gonzalez Rogers sentenced Music to a three-year period of supervised release.  The defendant will begin serving the sentence immediately.

According to localcrimenews.com, Music was also arrested for hurting a police K9 and resisting arrest.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan U. Lee is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kay Konopaske and Kathleen Turner.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, the Dublin Police Department, and the San Ramon Police Department.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

 

Filed Under: Central County, Crime, News, U S Attorney

During pursuit following theft SF man arrested for assaulting Orinda Police Officer with car

March 8, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

CCCSheriff

Second arrest in a year

By Orinda Police Department

On Monday, March 1, 2021, at about 4:13 PM, an Orinda police officer conducting a walkthrough of a drugstore on Orinda Way was alerted by employees that a person was fleeing after stealing items. The officer chased the suspect on foot in an attempt to apprehend him. The suspect entered a vehicle in the parking lot. The officer tried to open the driver’s door. The suspect struck the officer with his vehicle before fleeing on westbound Highway 24. The officer suffered minor injuries.

Detectives from the Orinda Police Department and the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff were able to identify the suspect.

On Thursday, March 4, 2021, at about 8 PM the suspect was spotted in the City of Richmond. The suspect fled leading deputy sheriffs from the Sheriff’s Office J-Team on a pursuit on westbound Highway 80. The suspect vehicle became disabled on Adeline Street in Berkeley. He was arrested by deputies after a foot chase.

The suspect is identified as 28-year-old Delvente Murry of San Francisco. He is being held at the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges: assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, felony evading, obstructing a peace officer, and probation violation.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact Sergeant S. Valkanoff of the Orinda Police Department at (925) 253-4217. For any tips, please email: orindatip@cityoforinda.org or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

According to localcrimenews.com, Murry was also arrested in Alameda by the Alameda County Sheriff on March 11, 2020 for the following counts:  148(A)(1) – Resist / Obstruct / Delay Peace Officer, 14601.1(A) – Drive While License Suspended, 20002(A) – Hit And Run Resulting In Property Damage, and 23103(A) – Reckless Driving-Public Street.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

 

Filed Under: Crime, Lamorinda, News

SF Police SVU investigators arrest Brentwood man for sexual assault of child

March 6, 2021 By Publisher 2 Comments

CCCSheriff.

Seek more possible minor victims

By San Francisco Police Department

MARCH 05, 2021

In the fall of 2020, the 8-year-old victim reported a sexual assault by the suspect that took place approximately seven months earlier while the suspect was staying overnight at the victim’s home in San Francisco. Upon learning of this assault, the victim’s mother immediately reported the incident to the San Francisco Police Department, and an investigation was initiated by the SFPD Special Victims Unit (SVU).

The investigation led to the discovery of a second victim who also reported numerous sexual advances and assaults when the victim was between the ages of 12-14 years old.

The suspect was identified as 56-year-old Brentwood resident Edward Earl Daniels.

On March 3, 2021, San Francisco Police officers arrested Daniels at his home in Brentwood, CA. He was booked on the following charges: Sexual Assault of a Child Under the Age of Ten (288.7(b)PC), and two counts of Lewd Acts Upon a Child (288(a)PC).

Daniels is currently being held on $1,000,000 bail.

This investigation involves further allegations that Daniels may have engaged in similar behavior with additional unknown minor victims who have not reported these crimes to law enforcement.

If you believe you may have been a victim of, or witness to, a crime related to Daniels, you are encouraged to contact Sgt. Gary Buckner of the San Francisco Police Department Special Victims Unit by calling 1-415-734- 3124.

 

Filed Under: Crime, East County, News, Police

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