Crime | Contra Costa Herald

Armed Oakland man shot by Pittsburg Police Saturday identified, video of incident released

February 8, 2021 By Publisher 2 Comments

Views from Pittsburg Police Officer Beltram’s dashcam and Officer Elliott’s bodycam of incident with Kerdell Lillard on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021. Screenshots of PPD video.

Being held on $1 million bail at county jail

By Pittsburg Police Department

Kerdell Deon Lillard. Source: CCCSheriff via VineLink.com

The Pittsburg Police Department can now release the name of the man involved in last Saturday’s officer involved shooting as 32-year-old Kerdell Deon Lillard of Oakland.

In addition, pursuant to Pittsburg Police policy, we have decided to release officers’ body worn camera footage and in-car video of the incident in an effort to foster transparency and trust with our community. Although, we are unable to release all raw video in its entirety due to the ongoing investigation, the video provides an abbreviated view of the incident. (WARNING: Graphic video)

Early Saturday afternoon, Pittsburg Police Officers were called to a commercial business in the 2900 block of Harbor Street regarding a man, Lillard, on top of the roof of the business. When officers arrived, Lillard had already climbed off the roof and was standing next to a car in the parking lot. Officers asked Lillard to stay where he was, but he ignored their commands. That’s when Lillard reached on top of the car’s rear tire and picked up a handgun. Lillard then ran in the opposite direction.

As another officer arrived on scene, the officer observed Lillard running through the parking lot. The officer asked him to lay on the ground several times. Initially, Lillard appeared that he was going to comply with the officer’s request. Lillard then ignored the officer’s commands and momentarily ran back behind a car, eventually running back towards the officer and pointed the handgun at the officer. The officer then used his service weapon once, striking Lillard in the arm. Lillard immediately dropped the handgun and fell to the ground.

He yelled “I’m being framed” multiple times and “these are fake cops”.

Officers placed Lillard into handcuffs and immediately began rendering medical aid until paramedics arrived. He was taken to the hospital and thankfully, treated for his injuries and has been transported to the Martinez Detention Facility. A loaded gun was recovered from the scene.

The officer involved in the incident is a member of the Pittsburg Police Department Patrol Team and is identified as Officer Richard Beltram. Officer Beltram has been a police officer for almost two years.

According to LocalCrimeNews.com, Lillard has a history of arrests. In 2014 and 2015 he was arrested for multiple crimes including burglary, battery on spouse/former spouse/co-habitant and drug possession. Then, last May, he was arrested by Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputies on multiple drugs and weapons charges.

The Contra Costa County Officer Involved Incident Protocol was enacted and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is in the process of completing an independent investigation into this incident. The Pittsburg Police Department’s independent outside investigator is also conducting an independent investigation of the incident pursuant to department policy.

On Wednesday February 3rd, the Contra Costa County District Attorney reviewed this incident and filed two counts of felony assault with a deadly weapon, ex-felon in possession of a firearm, ex-felon in possession of ammunition, along with enhancements. Hillard remains in custody with a $1,000,000 bail.

This remains an active investigation.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Parents arrested for murder, child abuse of 5-week-old infant in Richmond Thursday

February 6, 2021 By Publisher 1 Comment

Source: Vinelink.com

By Richmond Police Department

On Thursday, February 4th at approximately 6:30 pm Richmond Police Department Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call from an employee at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel at 3150 Garrity Way, in Richmond. The information received was a couple rushed out of the hotel with their infant baby telling the employee the child was not breathing and they were going to a hospital.

At 6:55 pm Richmond Communications Center received a phone call from Kaiser Hospital-Richmond stating they had a non-breathing five-week-old infant enter their emergency room. The child was pronounced deceased soon after arriving at the hospital.

Richmond Police officers converged on the hotel and hospital and immediately began an investigation that appeared to be child abuse resulting in death. The child had obvious signs of abuse. The Marriott Courtyard is currently being utilized by Contra Costa County to assist with housing unsheltered members of our community during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Richmond Police Department Homicide Unit was notified and assumed the investigation. Detectives responded to the Police Department to conduct interviews of both parents, they also met with other witnesses that were able to provide helpful information and followed up on other investigative leads to assist in the investigation.

The father, Ray Ray Darn (35-years-old) and mother Marilyn Northington (28-years-old) were ultimately arrested for murder and child abuse causing great bodily injury. The couple had two other small children that were taken into protective custody and turned over to Child Family Services (CFS). This case will be presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office early next week for review of criminal charges.

The City of Richmond Police Department is committed to solving crimes that occur in our city. We ask that any person, who may have any information related to this incident please contact Homicide Detective Brian Hoffman at (510) 621-1755, email him at bhoffman@richmondpd.net or they can contact Richmond’s anonymous tip line at (510) 307-T1PS (8177).

Any media inquiries can be directed to Sergeant Aaron Pomeroy at (510) 620-6616 or email at apomeroy@richmondpd.net. RICHMOND POLICE CASE #2021-00001208

Man shot twice by acquaintance in Pittsburg Wednesday morning, in critical condition

February 6, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By Pittsburg Police Department

Early Wednesday morning, Feb. 3, 2021, shortly after 10:30 A.M Pittsburg Police Officers responded to the 1500 Block of Jensen Drive on the report of a man possibly injured and laying in the street. As officers arrived on scene, they located the man and found him to be suffering from two gunshot wounds to the upper torso. The man stated he was in an altercation with another subject prior to the shooting. Officers immediately started life saving measures until paramedics arrived. The man was taken to an area hospital and is listed in critical, but stable condition.

Pittsburg Police Department Detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to the location to assist in the investigation. From initial information it is unknown why the man was shot, but it appears the man and the suspect know each other, and this is an isolated incident. Detectives are currently contacting witnesses and obtaining statements. Additional information is not available at this time.

The Pittsburg Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance and asks anyone with additional information to please contact the Pittsburg Police Department Tip-Line at 925-252-4040.

Five arrested for human trafficking, 3 rescued in Contra Costa during 7th Annual statewide Operation Reclaim & Rebuild

February 4, 2021 By Publisher 2 Comments

450 arrests, 39 rescues by more than 100 state, federal and local agencies and tax forces

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

Contra Costa victim service providers and law enforcement agencies participated in the 7th Annual statewide “Operation Reclaim & Rebuild” enforcement event organized by the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Taskforce. This operation focuses on rescuing victims of sex trafficking, identifying and arresting their abusers, and disrupting demand for these vulnerable victims. This is the third straight year that Contra Costa has participated in the operation, since organizing its own Human Trafficking Taskforce. (See press conference video.)

“Our collective goal to end human trafficking and exploitation locally and statewide is evidenced in our unified regional and state-wide approach to combat these heinous crimes. The trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable victims will not be tolerated in Contra Costa or California,” said Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton.

Participating agencies made five arrests and rescued three victims in enforcement action occurring in East and Central Contra Costa County. Statewide, a total of 450 arrests and 39 rescues were made by more than 100 state, federal and local agencies and taskforces.

Contra Costa law service and service provider agencies included:

Contra Costa Human Trafficking Taskforce
Pittsburg Police Department
Brentwood Police Department
Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Walnut Creek Police Department
Richmond Police Department
San Pablo Police Department
California Highway Patrol
Contra Costa County Probation Department
Community Violence Solutions
Victim-Witness Assistance Program, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Contra Costa’s Human Trafficking Taskforce brings together local, state and federal law enforcement and prosecution partners who enhance collaboration with victim service partners in order to investigate and prosecute all forms of trafficking our community in a trauma-informed manner while connecting survivors to culturally-competent services and support.

To report suspected trafficking, call the Human Trafficking Tip Line and leave a message: 925-957-8658

To get help, call Community Violence Solutions 24-hour crisis hotline: 1-800-670-7273

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Pittsburg Police join statewide operation to combat human and sex trafficking

February 4, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Dozens rescued, hundreds arrested

By Pittsburg Police Department

On January 29th, in conjunction with Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Pittsburg Police Department personnel took part in a statewide human trafficking operation. Operation Reclaim and Rebuild is an annual multi-agency initiative that focuses on rescuing victims of human trafficking, providing victims with much-needed services, and identifying and arresting their captors. Police agencies and other trafficking task forces throughout the state joined in the operation this year to continue a no tolerance focus on human trafficking and sex crimes.

This year, the Pittsburg Police Department joined with the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Task Force, and over 100 other agencies throughout the state of California to combat Human and Sex Trafficking. This statewide Task Force is an example of how individual law enforcement agencies can work together to be more effective when they join together.

As the operation took place throughout the state, Pittsburg Police Detectives were hard at work in our own community, making three arrests related to human trafficking crimes. In addition, several other suspects in human trafficking cases were identified. These arrests are part of the over 450 arrests and 39 rescues that were made throughout the statewide operation.

We were proud to do our part in making Operation Reclaim and Rebuild a big success in Contra Costa County.

Hercules man part of multi-state crew arrested for stealing over $4.5 million of goods from The Home Depot

February 2, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Some of the stolen merchandise from The Home Depot recovered from Alderete’s truck. Photo: HPD

By Hercules Police Department

On January 29, 2021, at 11:19 am, an officer located a vehicle associated with multiple thefts from The Home Depot throughout the state.

On January 28, 2021, Hercules Officers were alerted of a suspect known throughout the state to steal items from The Home Depot and then make returns on some of the items stolen to make back the money for the purchased item. The Home Depot has been working cases for this suspect for over three years and believes he has stolen over $4.5 million from The Home Depot. Since September of last year, it is confirmed that the suspect had stolen over $500,000 from multiple different Home Depot stores up and down the west coast.

An officer located the suspect vehicle, a 2006 Ford Econoline Van, backed into a 1500 Sycamore Avenue parking stall. Officers waited for the man, identified as Miguel Alderete, age 49 of Hercules and Los Angeles, to return to his vehicle, where he was contacted and detained. His vehicle’s search resulted in approximately $10,000 of stolen merchandise from The Home Depot in the van. The occupants of the van were arrested and transported to jail.

A multi-state organized retail theft crew was apprehended after four years of stealing from The Home Depot. The estimated loss during that time is about $4.5 million. This crew averages about $105,000 per month in thefts.

After eluding multiple agencies, Hercules Police were able to catch the culprits, including a second suspect, identified as Antonio Marquez, age 56 from Southern California, in a shopping center across from The Home Depot. The crew had approximately $10,000 of merchandise in their possession from thefts that day in Tracy, Fairfield and Vallejo.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Suspect arrested in Monday Bay Point homicide of Pittsburg man, bail set at $1 million

January 24, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By CCCSheriff at Vine.com

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

The suspect in the Bay Point homicide that occurred on Monday, January 18, 2021, has been arrested.

On Monday at about 6:36 PM, Muir Station deputy sheriffs were dispatched to the 2100 block of Willow Pass Road in Bay Point regarding a man who was shot.

Deputies found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds. They rendered medical aid until the fire department and an ambulance arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

The victim was identified as 42-year-old Tresylan Shelton of Pittsburg. An autopsy found he died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Sheriff’s Office detectives investigating the homicide identified the suspect as 27-year-old Jerome Goodwin of Bay Point. They obtained an arrest warrant for him.

On Saturday, January 24, 2021, detectives traced Goodwin to a motel on the 4000 block of Alhambra Avenue in Martinez. At about 4:50 PM, Sheriff’s Office SWAT team served the arrest warrant and took him into custody without incident.

Detectives interviewed Goodwin and he was later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for murder. He is being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

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.

Police seek additional victims of sex crimes by Hercules man at Brentwood restaurant

January 22, 2021 By Publisher 1 Comment

Carlos Gonzalez. Photo: Brentwood PD

By Brentwood Police Department

In December 2020, we initiated an investigation where Carlos Gonzalez, male, 35 years old, from Hercules was accused of sexual assault involving a male juvenile. Gonzalez was formerly the manager of the Chipotle restaurant in Brentwood where the sexual assault took place against the victim seeking employment at the restaurant. The preliminary investigation resulted in an arrest warrant being issued for Gonzalez. On 12/30/2020, Gonzalez was arrested without incident at his residence in Hercules. Gonzalez was booked into county jail on multiple felony sex crimes involving a minor.

Further investigation has revealed additional victims who communicated with Gonzalez through social media platforms. These victims met Gonzalez while he was managing other Chipotle restaurants throughout the Bay Area. Due to the fact Gonzalez was exposed to an unknown number of individuals while managing different Chipotle restaurants, it is believed there may be more victims that have yet to come forward.

The Brentwood Police Department is requesting anyone with information to contact Detective Talley at 925-809-7793.

Sheriff’s Office investigates Monday shooting death of Pittsburg man in Bay Point

January 19, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

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

On Monday, January 18, 2021, at about 6:36 PM, Muir Station deputy sheriffs were dispatched to the 2100 block of Willow Pass Road in Bay Point regarding a man who was shot.

Deputies found the victim who suffered from gunshot wounds. They rendered medical aid until the fire department and an ambulance arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

The victim is a 42-year-old resident of Pittsburg. He is not being identified at this time. An autopsy this morning found he died of multiple gunshot wounds.

The investigation is ongoing. 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.

Hayward man arrested for armed hostage incident in Discovery Bay Monday morning

January 18, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

From Vine.com through CCCSheriff’s website.

A felon on parole for kidnapping, Sheriff’s SWAT Team assisted by Antioch Police and CHP

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

Monday morning, Jan. 18, 2021, at about 5:49 AM, Delta Station deputy sheriffs responded to multiple reports of a person pointing a gun in the Starbucks located at 14804 Highway 4 in Discovery Bay.

There were reports that there were several people inside the store at the time the suspect entered.

One customer ran into one of the bathrooms, locked the door, and called Sheriff’s Dispatch.

At the time, it was first believed the employees were possibly hiding in a back office, but it was later discovered they had escaped out the backdoor shortly after the suspect entered the business.

Deputies quickly set up a perimeter and made announcements for the suspect to surrender. The suspect was seen pacing back and forth inside. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Antioch Police Department and the CHP. The Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team responded.

At about 7:04 AM, the suspect opened the back door and eventually stepped outside. A react team of deputies entered through the front door and was able to rescue the customer who was still inside the bathroom.

The suspect was initially non-compliant, but eventually surrendered and was taken into custody. A loaded handgun was found in one of the bathrooms during a safety sweep of the business.

The suspect is identified as 29-year-old Lamont Dwayne Lomack of Hayward. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges: false imprisonment, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition by person prohibited, carrying a loaded firearm, brandishing a firearm, and parole violation. Lomack is currently on parole for kidnapping. He is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.