Contra Costa Herald

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

Four suspects in 2021 Antioch murder, attempted murder convicted

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Terryonn Deshawn Pugh, Trent Allen, Eric James Windom and Keyshawn Malik McGee were among 48 gang members and associates arrested and/or contacted by Antioch and Oakland Police Departments during Operation Windstar in 2021. Source: APD

Case at the center of Racial Justice Act Violations from police text messages

Defendants receive 13 years and 8 months to 20 years in prison

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

Martinez, California – On May 6th, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office reached a resolution in the 2021 murder of Arnold Marcel Hawkins and the attempted murder of Aaron Patterson. This murder was a seminal case in Contra Costa County regarding the California Racial Justice Act.

The defendants, 23-year-old Terryonn Deshawn Pugh, 25-year-old Eric James Windom, 25-year-old Keyshawn Malik McGee, and 23-year-old Trent Allen, were charged by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office on a six-count felony complaint with enhancements in November 2021 (People v. Pugh, Windom, McGee, and Allen).

On March 9th, 2021, the four defendants engaged in a shooting in the City of Antioch wherein they discharged firearms at a vehicle in a residential neighborhood. The barrage of bullets killed Arnold Hawkins and injured another person. (See related article)

As previously reported, on March 31, 2021, Windom was arrested in Merced, and McGee was arrested in Los Angeles, for the attempted murder and drive-by shooting perpetrated on Aspen Way in Antioch.

Later that morning, in Antioch, a fugitive apprehension team consisting of the Antioch Problem Oriented Policing Team and undercover detectives, attempted to contact Trent Allen as a passenger in a vehicle. Allen fled on-foot through a business parking lot and was chased through a residential neighborhood. The fugitive apprehension team caught Allen and took him into custody for his role in the attempted murder and drive-by shooting on Aspen Way.

Later the same day, the Antioch fugitive apprehension team located Terryonn and Armonie Pugh, both parolees-at-large, hiding out in an apartment complex in American Canyon, between Vallejo and Napa. With the assistance of American Canyon PD, and the Napa County Sheriff’s Office, Terryonn Pugh was taken into custody as he tried to flee to a waiting vehicle. Armonie Pugh was taken into custody, without incident, pursuant to a search warrant for the location.  During the search, a firearm and a large amount of cash were seized.  Terryonn Pugh was additionally arrested for the attempted murder at the Lone Tree Way gas station, and for his part in the attempted murder and drive-by shooting on Aspen Way. (See related article)

Also, as previously reported, the four were part of the arrests of 48 gang members and associates during a complex, six-month investigation involving 24 agencies, for murder, attempted murder and illegal guns. The effort removed 40 firearms, including 15 “ghost guns” off the streets and over $100,000 in cash. (See related article)

Unrelated to the shooting that killed Arnold Hawkins, a joint District Attorney’s Office/FBI investigation was initiated into allegations of police misconduct by officers in the Antioch and Pittsburg Police Departments. During that separate investigation in early 2023, investigators found a trove of racist text messages exchanged by Antioch police officers. These messages revealed that while investigating the murder suspects that took the life of Arnold Hawkins, the officers were sending and receiving messages about the murder suspects that included racist slurs, images, and written descriptions. The text messages violated the California Racial Justice Act (RJA) — a law that prohibits bias, animus, and racially discriminatory language based on race, ethnicity, or national origin in charges, convictions, and sentences. (See related articles here and here)

In March 2023, the District Attorney’s Office notified the court and the defense bar of the potential RJA violations as it related to open and adjudicated cases. Moreover, as part of the discovery process, the District Attorney’s Office disclosed investigative reports detailing incidents of racial bias and animus in the text messages sent and received by some members of the Antioch Police Department. (See related article)

Having already filed a motion challenging disproportionate filings in murder cases under the RJA, the defendants filed a second challenge predicated upon the racial bias exhibited by the Antioch police officers investigating the murder case. After multiple hearings, the court dismissed the special circumstance allegations, as well as the gang and firearm enhancements on February 5th, 2024. The case was set for trial when a resolution was reached between the District Attorney’s Office and the defendants.

In resolving the case, the four defendants have entered pleas of no contest to the following:

Terryonn Pugh: No contest on two counts of attempted murder and voluntary manslaughter – with an additional punishment for the use of a firearm. He will be sentenced in Martinez on May 8th, 2024, to 20 years in state prison.

Eric Windom: No contest on one count of attempted murder and voluntary manslaughter — with an additional punishment for the use of a firearm. He will also serve a concurrent term for a robbery that is unrelated to this case. Windom will be sentenced in Martinez on May 8th, 2024, to 19 years in state prison.

Trent Allen: No contest on one count of attempted murder and voluntary manslaughter — with an additional punishment for the use of a firearm. He will also serve a concurrent term for an unrelated robbery. Allen will be sentenced in Martinez on May 10th, 2024, to 19 years in state prison.

Keyshawn McGee: No contest on one count of attempted murder and voluntary manslaughter — with an additional punishment for the use of a firearm in both the murder and voluntary manslaughter charges. McGee will be sentenced in Martinez on May 10th, 2024, to 13 years, 8 months in state prison.

“Seeking justice for these serious offenses was complicated by violations to the Racial Justice Act,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. These lengthy prison sentences ensure accountability and promote community safety. Hopefully, the outcome will help to heal the loss the victims and survivors experienced.”

Case No. 01001976380 | The People of the State of California v. Pugh, Windom, McGee, and Allen

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pittsburg retail theft suspect arrested

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The suspect stole more than $5,100 of merchandise from the Bath & Body Works store in the Century Plaza. Photos: Pittsburg PD

Stole over $5,100 in merchandise

By Pittsburg Police Department

Dedication and Hard Work Lead to Success

Officer Towner from the Pittsburg PD, who leads the commercial/retail enforcement unit, spearheaded a thorough investigation spanning several weeks into retail and shoplifting incidents at a local Bath & Body Works store in the Century Plaza at 4225 Century Blvd., resulting in a loss exceeding $5,100. During her investigation,

Officer Towner identified a consistent pattern and calculated approach followed by the suspect. Officer Towner successfully apprehended the suspect through her diligence and dedication during one of his attempted thefts. The suspect was arrested and booked for his crimes, and a large portion of the stolen goods was recovered.

This case highlighted the complexities of dealing with retail theft perpetrators and stressed the significance of collaborating with the local business community. Officer Towner’s unwavering commitment exemplified the Pittsburg Police Department’s dedication to public safety and combating retail crime.

Two Turlock, Ceres men arrested for stealing safe from Brentwood business

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Two burglary suspects arrested after being found with the stolen safe from a Brentwood business in the in trunk of their car on Wed., April 24, 2024. Photos: Brentwood PD

By Brentwood Police Department

The stolen safe in the suspects’ car trunk. Photo: BPD

On Wednesday April 24, 2024, around 11:45PM, Brentwood officers responded to 51 Sand Creek Road, the location of the Dollar Tree store, for a report of an alarm going off in the business. While officers were responding, Dispatch told officers that a safe was stolen from the business and the suspects had just fled from the scene in a car.

Brentwood officers who were circulating the area observed a car traveling at a high rate of speed in the immediate vicinity and the same car was subsequently found unoccupied in a nearby Court.

Officers began searching the area and found 27-year-old Alfredo Jose Barrera of Turlock, and 26-year-old Alejandro RamirezSilva of Ceres, hiding in nearby bushes.

Both Barrera and RamirezSilva were taken into custody, and the car they were associated to contained the stolen safe and burglary tools.

Barrera and RamirezSilva were placed under arrest for Burglary, Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, Possession of Burglary Tools, and other charges. Barrera also had outstanding warrants from another county.

Barrera and Ramirez Silva were transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

This successful investigation stands as a testament to the dedication and response of our officers in ensuring the safety and security of our community and businesses.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of April 26, RamirezSilva was no longer in custody and as of April 29, Barrera was also out of custody having been cited and released.

According to localcrimenews.com, Barrera had previously been arrested in 2021 by Modesto PD and in 2022 by Tracy CHP for driving with a suspended license for reckless driving and driving while using a cellular device.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch man arrested for DUI, causing multiple vehicle injury collision in Brentwood

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While speeding on Balfour Road; bonded out of custody; police seek witnesses

By Lt. Miguel Aguiar, Brentwood Police Department

On April 30, 2024, at around 9:26 PM, Brentwood officers responded to the report of a traffic collision involving multiple vehicles on westbound Balfour Road at McViking Way, between the two shopping centers along Fairview Way. Preliminary investigation revealed, the driver of a Chevy Silverado, identified as Zachary Alan Frances Rau, a 26-year-old male from Antioch, was reportedly driving at a high rate of speed, westbound Balfour Road before colliding with a Toyota RAV-4, driven by a 31-year-old male from Brentwood. The Toyota then collided with a Honda HR-V, driven by a 37-year-old male from Brentwood.

A passenger in Rau’s vehicle, a 26-year-old male from Antioch, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment and is expected to survive.

The driver of the Toyota RAV-4 was unconscious and unresponsive when officers arrived on scene. He sustained major injuries and required extrication from the vehicle before being airlifted to a local hospital, where he is being treated for his injuries and remains unstable.

The driver of the Honda HR-V was not injured.

Rau was treated a local hospital for minor injuries and subsequently arrested and booked at the Martinez Detention Facility for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, causing injury.

The names of all others involved, and any additional information are being withheld at this time and the investigation is ongoing.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Rau is white and as of 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, he had bonded out of custody.

Anyone with further information or if you witnessed the collision and have not already been interviewed, please contact the Brentwood Police Department Traffic Safety Unit at (925) 634-6911.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

National Day of Prayer East County Prayer Breakfast Thursday, May 2

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Deadline for tickets: Monday, April 29

Join in on the 73rd National Day of Prayer as prayers are offered for our nation, state, cities & communities, schools, churches, families & youth, homeless & others in need, military & veterans, first responders, hospitals & medical personnel and businesses.

Space is limited to the first 85 attendees. RSVP and purchase tickets for $32.50 which includes tax and tip, at eventbrite. No profit is being earned from the sale of tickets as all proceeds will be paid to the restaurant.

Luxury Brentwood home for sale

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Open House Saturday, April 27

Paid advertisement.

This large, beautiful home has 6 bedrooms, 2 bonus rooms, and 4.5 bathrooms. One highly sought-after feature here is an en-suite (in-law) bedroom on the first floor. The kids can grab some blankets, popcorn, and get nice and cozy in the darkly painted theater room to immerse themselves into an amazing and safe movie experience! While, at the same time, you can escape to your primary suite for a relaxing experience as you soak in the large, jetted tub followed by a movie of your choice in your bedroom-sized retreat.

You will note the class and pride of ownership with upgraded cherry-wood kitchen and bathroom cabinets, 18 square marble tile foyer and kitchen floors, bordered by exquisite Venetian Mosaics, as well as the overall meticulous maintenance. The fireplace can be used by your choice of wood or gas. There are other great features like a water softener (owned), dual zone HVAC serviced annually by Champion, a finished/painted 3-car garage, a sink and cabinets the laundry room, and more! Nestled in the well-maintained Sterling Gate community, this beauty is very near walking trails, shopping, restaurants, and is in the Heritage High School district.

Very quiet inside!

See more photos and details by clicking here.

(Advertise your home for sale on the Herald websites. Email info@antiochherald.com or call (925) 457-5324).

STAND! for Families Free of Violence to hold panel discussions on preventing domestic violence April 30, May 7

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Interrupting a lethal moment: A multi-disciplinary panel discussion highlighting collaborative approaches to intervene in potentially lethal domestic violence in Contra Costa.

In Brentwood and San Pablo

This informative event will be held in three locations throughout the county to share information on how STAND!, law enforcement, and medical professionals are working together to interrupt high-risk events and interactions between intimate partner victims and offenders.

Panelists include Ashley Palomino, STAND! Intervention Support Services Manager, local law enforcement representatives, and medical experts in emergency treatment of domestic violence patients.

Registration is free. Register at http://standforfamiliesfreeofviolence.ticketspice.com/lap-speaker-series.

Oakley to celebrate 25th anniversary of cityhood beginning with Birthday Party May 4

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The City of Oakley, incorporated in July 1999, is one of California’s youngest cities. Residents enjoy a charming area with an abundant housing supply, quality schools, and a friendly atmosphere that truly make Oakley, “A Place for Families in the Heart of the Delta.” Learn more at either www.ci.oakley.ca.us or www.facebook.com/CityofOakley.

Alexis Gabe homicide to be featured in “On the Case with Paula Zahn” April 24

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From City of Oakley

In 2022, our community was gripped with the disappearance of Alexis Gabe, who was a local resident of ours. Our police department became deeply involved in her disappearance and quickly began operating as if Alexis met with foul play. This case ultimately became a case involving several jurisdictions in California and the State of Washington.

The suspect was the ex-boyfriend of Alexis and he was killed during the investigation, further hampering the efforts of local law-enforcement. Partial human remains were found in Amador County later that year and positively identified as those of Alexis. (See related article)

Alexis’ case will be featured on the program “On the Case with Paula Zahn” on April 24, 2024. The program will feature interviews with family members of Alexis and Oakley Police personnel. To see the program, you will need to be able to tune into the Investigation Discovery Channel (ID Channel).