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UPS driver victim of strong-arm robbery at Brentwood sports store

April 7, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Car believed used in Brentwood strong-arm robbery on Thursday, March 30, 2023. Photo: Brentwood PD

Firearms stolen

By Brentwood Police Department

On Thursday March 30, 2023 around 9:58 a.m., officers responded to Sportsman’s Warehouse to investigate a strong-arm robbery that just occurred to the rear of the business. Upon officers’ arrival, it was determined a UPS driver was robbed while unloading merchandise to be delivered to the store. Two male suspects (unknown race) approached the victim. One suspect was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants and one wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and dark-colored pants. Both suspects were wearing masks and gloves. We believe there could have been a third suspect inside of the vehicle, but do not have a description.

There were no weapons displayed during the robbery and no injuries to the victim. Our Detectives have since confirmed several firearms were stolen during this incident.

The vehicle used in the robbery is believed to be a gold Toyota Camry (pictured). At the time of the robbery, the vehicle did not have a license plate. The vehicle is missing the rear bumper and has paint oxidation to the trunk and roof of the vehicle. If you have any information about the suspects or the pictured vehicle, please contact Detective Agostinho at 925-809-7870, or Dispatch at 925-809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

 

Filed Under: Crime, East County, News, Police

Pittsburg Detectives track down, arrest murder suspect in Modesto

April 6, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Murder suspect Gregory Rossignon arrested on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Photos: Pittsburg PD

Subject of hours-long standoff in Antioch, last week in which pregnant girlfriend was arrested

Jessica Russo. Photo: Pittsburg PD

By Pittsburg Police Department

On March 22, shortly after 9:00 PM, officers responded to a convenience store on the 1000 block of Power Avenue.  There, 44-year-old Abdul Raouf, a store clerk, was found suffering from gunshot wounds and unfortunately did not survive.  Through the investigation, it was learned that while in the store, Jessica Russo had a disagreement with another store clerk.  Shortly after the disagreement, Gregory Rossignon entered the store and shot Abdul for no apparent reason.  Both Rossignon and Russo fled after the shooting.

As the investigation progressed and detectives searched for the suspects, on March 29, Jessica Russo. was located and arrested during the service of a search warrant at a residence in Antioch. According to Rossignon’s father, Russo is the son’s girlfriend and pregnant with the son’s child. (See related article)

Tuesday night, April 4, detectives received information that Gregory Rossignon had fled to Modesto and was hiding in an apartment.  Working with the Modesto Police Department and their Tactical Team, a search warrant was served shortly after 7:00 AM Wednesday.  During the service of the warrant, it was determined that Rossignon was in the apartment but refused to come outside.  After several hours of negotiating with the Modesto Police Departments Crisis Response Unit, Rossignon peacefully surrendered.  Rossignon was brought back to Pittsburg and will be booked into Contra Costa County jail for murder.

We would again like to thank community members in Pittsburg, Antioch, and now Modesto for their cooperation and patience while pursuing these suspects.  We would also like to thank the U.S. Marshals Service, the Modesto Police Department and all their staff for the dedication and resources that led to Rossignon’s arrest.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Crime, East County, News, Police

East Bay Good Friday Seder at Campos Family Vineyards April 7

April 5, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Public meeting for all churches: Traditional Seder feast in true Jewish style

Join with members of East Bay churches at a Jewish-style Seder on Good Friday, April 7, 2023 from 5:00 – 8:30pm.at Campos Family Vineyards located at 3501 Byer Road in Byron.

The traditional Passover meal includes reading, drinking four cups of wine, telling stories, eating special foods, singing, and other Passover traditions.

It is held after nightfall on the first night of Passover (and the second night if you live outside of Israel), the anniversary of the Jewish nation’s miraculous exodus from Egyptian slavery more than 3,000 years ago, as per Biblical command. In 2023, the Seder meal will be held after nightfall on April 5 (and 6 in the Diaspora).

Former pastor Ralph Rechnitz (a messianic Jew) and pastor Saed Awwad (a Palestinian by birth) will host the Good Friday Seder event. It will include a meal as well as a time of fellowship and community centered on Jesus’ message in the Passover.

For tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.

Filed Under: East County, Faith, History, Holiday

Commemorate the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt during Passover with Chabad of the Delta

April 5, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Pesach (Passover) The Festival of Freedom 2023 is from April 5 to April 13.

Begins with Erev Pesach (‘Eve of Passover’) Community Seder Dinner in Brentwood Wed., April 5 – TONIGHT!

By Chabad of the Delta

Join our community for an inspirational Passover Seder and experience the deeper meaning of Passover in a warm and motivational environment, complete with a delicious traditional Seder dinner, insights, singing, four cups of wine, and Matzah galore! Whether you are a Seder veteran or a curious explorer, the Chabad Seder offers a stimulating and satisfying experience. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Apple Hill Clubhouse, 700 Apple Hill Drive in Brentwood. Space is limited. RSVP is necessary. No one will be turned away due to a lack of funds. For details visit The Passover Community Seder | Facebook and for tickets click, here.

Art by Sefira Lightstone from Chabad of the Delta.

About Passover

Passover is celebrated by Jews every year, commemorating the anniversary of our miraculous Exodus from Egyptian slavery, as told in the Bible. The eight-day festival of Passover is celebrated in the early spring, from the 5th through the 13th of the Hebrew month of Nissan. Passover (Pesach) commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Pesach is observed by avoiding leaven, and highlighted by the Seder meals that include four cups of wine, eating matzah and bitter herbs, and retelling the story of the Exodus

On the first two nights of Passover (just the first night in Israel), we hold a Seder. After candles have been lit, we enjoy a ritual-rich 15-step feast, which centers around telling the story of the Exodus.

Some highlights include: Drinking four cups of wine, dipping veggies into saltwater, children kicking off the storytelling by asking the Four Questions (Mah Nishtanah), eating matzah (a cracker-like food, which reminds us that when our ancestors left Egypt they had no time to allow their bread to rise) and bitter herbs, and singing late into the night.

Beginning on the evening preceding 15 Nissan, Passover lasts for 8 days in the Diaspora and 7 days in Israel (here’s why).

On Passover, Jews may not own or consume chametz, anything containing grain that has risen. This includes virtually all breads, pastas, cakes and cookies. Prior to the holiday, homes are thoroughly cleaned for Passover, kitchens are purged (here’s how to kosher the kitchen), and the remaining chametz is burned or sold.

Following the intermediate days, when work restrictions are somewhat relaxed but chametz remains forbidden, we celebrate the final two days of Passover (just one day in Israel), during which we look forward to the future redemption through Moshiach (Messiah).

Passover is important to Jews, as it celebrates our birth as a nation.

Learn more at jewishdelta.com/pesach.

Filed Under: East County, Faith, History, Holiday

Antioch Police seek video around time of March 14 road rage shooting near Brentwood

April 1, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

An 18-year-old female was shot during a road rage incident in Antioch Tuesday night, March 13, 2023. ContraCosta.news video screenshot used with permission.

By PIO Ashley Crandell, Antioch Police Community Engagement Unit

Honda Accord driven by victim of road rage shooting. Photo by Mike Burkholder, ContraCosta.news used with permission.

On Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at approximately 7:51 pm, a woman was shot on Lone Tree Way at the intersection of Highway 4 near Brentwood. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive. Officers learned this was a road rage incident between two unrelated vehicles. One of the occupants of a vehicle involved in the road rage shot at the other vehicle. In doing so, they shot an unrelated occupant of a vehicle nearby. (See related article)

The Antioch Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a person and vehicle of interest in this case. We are asking anyone who drove on Lone Tree Way or was visiting the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center on March 14, 2023, from 7:40 pm to 7:55 pm to check your dashboard cameras.

We ask you to preserve the video and contact Detective Cox at (925) 481-8147 or jcox@antiochca.gov. It is important to note, we are not only looking for video depicting the crime- but any video during that time frame. Also, if you work for a delivery company or saw a delivery vehicle in the area from 7:40 pm to 7:55 pm, please contact Detective Cox with which company.

We want to thank the community for their assistance during the course of this investigation.

Filed Under: Crime, East County, News, Police

Pittsburg woman pleads guilty to major financial crime scheme at Filipino food business

March 31, 2023 By Publisher 1 Comment

Embezzled almost $1.4 million, paid $410K in restitution

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

A former employee of Ramar Foods International in Pittsburg has pleaded guilty at her arraignment on March 30th to felony grand theft embezzlement, identity theft, money laundering, and tax evasion. The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office reached a negotiated disposition or plea agreement with 60-year-old Mary Antoinette Narvaez Hernandez of Pittsburg. Hernandez was the accounting manager at Ramar Foods International when she committed financial crimes between 2016 and 2021.

During that time, she embezzled a total of $1,399,342.84 from the company and failed to pay $97,568 in taxes to the State of California.

District Attorney Diana Becton noted that, “Financial crimes are often complicated. That’s why our Major Financial Crimes Unit has forensic accountants who can investigate complex illegal schemes and why we have attorneys with expert knowledge of white-collar crime. The goal is always to get justice for victims. A plea agreement like this one is an effective way for the victims to receive financial restitution from what was stolen from them — and for the state to recover tax revenue that was unlawfully evaded by the defendant.”

Hernandez has already paid restitution to the victims in the amount of $410,198.90, has cooperated with Pittsburg Police, and has accepted responsibility in the matter. At the arraignment, one of the victims, the President of Ramar Foods Susie Quesada spoke in court saying Hernandez “had many friends in our company who also trusted her and helped her. It is with deep regret now that we look upon the years of working with Mary Anna tainted with lies and deception.” Ms. Quesada concluded: “It is for our employees, who like our family, were betrayed by her deception and thievery, that we applaud the myriad law enforcement professionals and this court for bringing her to justice.”

Part of the agreement includes a stay away order from Ramar Foods International, that she pays restitution, taxes owed, cannot possess firearms, arming devices, or ammunition, and must pay for the cost of the investigation and prosecution. She was sentenced to a seven-year suspended state prison sentence, three years formal probation supervision, with one year in the county jail.

She can apply to serve jail time through the Contra Costa County Sherriff’s Custody Alternative Facility. Her probation supervision includes strict terms and conditions calculated to protect the community against further financial crimes by Ms. Hernandez. A violation of any of these terms or conditions will impose the suspended seven-year prison sentence.

Case No. 04-23-00316 | The People of the State of California v. Hernandez, Mary Antoinette Narvaez

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

Antioch Speedway makes fourth attempt at Season Opener Saturday

March 31, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

2022 champion Nick DeCarlo #17 and runner-up Kellen Chadwick #83 had an intense IMCA Modified battle last season. Photo by Katrina Kniss

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media 

There’s no doubt this has been a wetter winter than we’ve had in recent years. The Contra Costa Event Center (county fairgrounds) has received so much rain that it was flooded in areas this year, and Antioch Speedway was under water throughout much of January and February. This has left the crew scrambling to get things ready.

With pumps removing the water from the racing surface, there has been optimism of getting races going in recent weeks. However, steady rainfall has put an end to that. This Saturday night, the 63rd season of auto racing is set to begin with an action-packed card.

The Trifecta of IMCA, Modifieds, Sport Modifieds and Stock Cars, will be competing along with the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks, Super Stocks and the WMR Miidgets.

Though there is rain forecast for early in the week, there is optimism that this week will indeed happen. The season opener is always an exciting time at the race track. Drivers show up with new bodies on their cars or even brand new race cars. The point standings have been wiped clean, and it’s a fresh new start. Anybody can make their move.

Last season saw a spirited duel between Kellen Chadwick of Oakley and Nick DeCarlo of Martinez go down to the final IMCA Modified race with both of them still tied in the end. DeCarlo ended up with his second Antioch championship due to the fact that he had four Main Event wins, while Chadwick had three.

The consistent Bobby Motts Jr of San Pablo ended up third. A competitive field that will include a few past champions is anticipated on Saturday.

Three-time IMCA Sport Modified champion Fred Ryland #7j managed to hold off #15p Andrew Pearce in a thrilling battle last year. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Nobody has won more races in the IMCA Sport Modifieds then Fred Ryland of Brentwood, but the three-time champion needed four wins to hold off young star Andrew Pearce of Oakley for the championship last season.

Another rising star, Jacob Mallet Jr of Oakley, ended up third in the standings and also won the IMCA State crown. This year will be interesting with the return of another three-time champion, Trevor Clymens of Brentwood.

The exciting new IMCA Stock Car division continues to grow by leaps and bounds. This division offers a different yet very exciting style of racing compared to the Modified classes, and drivers are still getting used to these cars.

Past Dwarf Car and Mini Truck champion Travis Dutra of Concord notched his second-straight division championship after a season-long battle with Rio Vista’s Jason Robles. Top rookie Jason Jennings of Pittsburg ended up third in the rundown. New drivers are anticipated this year.

No division offered a bigger car count per week then the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks last season. It was a year of the ladies with Misty Welborn of Castro Valley finishing first, Michaela Taylor of Oakley ending up second, Taylor DeCarlo of Martinez fourth and Jewell Crandall of Antioch fifth. Several drivers have just gotten started in this class in recent years and are getting better with every turn behind the wheel.

Super Stocks have been at the speedway for over 20 years, and Danville’s Jim Freethy won the championship last year over Brentwood’s Joey Ridgeway and Concord’s Jimmy Robbins.

Travis Dutra #22 is the only IMCA Stock Car champion after two seasons, but Jason Robles #78 is hoping to improve on his runner-up status of last year. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Car count is expected to increase a little bit this year. Among the several big events lined up at the track this year will be the Larry Damitz Memorial race on May 13th, featuring the Tri State Challenge Pro Stocks.

Midget racing has been a big deal in California for over 70 years, but the Ecotec motor program introduced by the WMR Miidgets is bringing new blood into the class. They are a division that is in high demand and competes at several venues on the West Coast.

Antioch is looking forward to hosting this coming race, which could have a field of a dozen or more cars. Two of the champions on the tour in recent years are Blake Bower of Brentwood and David Prickett of Fresno.

We’ve definitely needed the rain in California, but now racing fans need a little bit of dry weather. It’s time to go racing, and Speedway Management is optimistic that this week will be the time for it to finally happen.

Once we unleash the beasts, we’ll have racing pretty much regularly all the way through the last weekend of October with a few events lined up in November. Special Sprint Car touring races and big events like the Bill Bowers and Hetrick Modified races are highlights of what should be an action-packed season.

The gates will open at 4:00 with the first race starting at 6:00.

Adult tickets are $20, Senior/Military $15, Kids (5-12) $15 and kids five and under free.

For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com or check out the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page.

 

Filed Under: East County, Sports

Vehicle vs. pedestrian fatality on Hwy 4 in Brentwood early Thursday

March 30, 2023 By Publisher 2 Comments

By CHP – Contra Costa

This morning, Thursday, March 30, 2023, at about 3:32am, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a vehicle vs. pedestrian crash on Hwy 4 eastbound on the Lone Tree Way on-ramp in Brentwood. At the time of the crash, a pedestrian was within the roadway of the on-ramp. A Toyota Camry traveling on the on-ramp was unable to avoid the pedestrian and struck them. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene and the driver of the Toyota was not injured.

UPDATE: The Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Brian Posch, age 50-year-old transient.

This crash is still under investigation. If you have additional information you believe would assist in the investigation please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980

Filed Under: CHP, East County, News

More Antioch Police officers placed on leave, under investigation for alleged offensive texts

March 30, 2023 By Publisher 1 Comment

Mayor Thorpe to hold news conference Thursday morning; two other council members unaware of matter

By Allen D. Payton

According to an East Bay Times report, eight more Antioch Police officers have been placed on leave and are under investigation for sending each other racist and homophobic texts in violation of department policies. Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe has called a press conference for Thursday morning at 11 a.m. to speak on the matter.

The officers on leave are in addition to eight other officers also on leave while under investigation by the FBI and Contra Costa DA’s office. (See related article)

Questions were emailed to Thorpe, Acting City Manager Forrest Ebbs, City Attorney Thomas L. Smith, Police Chief Steve Ford and the police department’s spokespeople, Lt. Michael Mellone and PIO Ashley Crandell asking to verify the information in the article and for the time and location of the press conference.

Ebbs responded, “The City of Antioch is investigating allegations revealed by information received against a number of Antioch Police Officers.  The City has placed the officers on administrative leave pending the investigation of allegations.  Given that this is a confidential personnel matter, no further information can be disclosed at this time.”

Thorpe confirmed the time of the press conference, said it will be held at City Hall and that the information reported in the article didn’t come from him.

Councilmembers Mike Barbanica and Lori Ogorchock said they weren’t aware of the matter before being informed by this reporter. “First I’ve heard or seen” of it, Ogorchock responded.

“I sure did not,” Barbanica responded when asked if he had heard about the matter. He then called Ebbs. Barbanica said Ebbs told him he had briefed Thorpe on the matter, just not the rest of the council.

“I told the acting city manager, we are a General Law City not a Charter City and if one council member was made aware, the entire council should have been made aware. For the mayor to be briefed and not the rest of the city council, this is unacceptable,” said Barbanica. “I asked him why I wasn’t made aware of this and why wasn’t the rest of the council made aware, and why did I have to learn of this from the media.”

The District 2 councilman said Ebbs told him Thursday morning, “in a very short period of time he was going to get communication out to the rest of the city council.” That was expected to be received by 10 a.m. prior to the press conference. “I’m waiting for the details to come out before making any additional comment,” Barbanica added. But he said he had an appointment in San Francisco at the time and couldn’t attend the press conference. “Had I been briefed about it, yesterday, I could have rearranged my schedule.”

See press conference video.

 

Filed Under: East County, News, Police

One of two homicide suspects in death of Pittsburg convenience store clerk arrested in Antioch

March 30, 2023 By Publisher 2 Comments

Jessica Russo was arrested by Pittsburg Police in Antioch on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Photos of scene by Allen D. Payton. Gregory Rossignon is still wanted for the March 22 murder.

Following hours-long stand-off outside home male suspect still wanted; his father says female suspect pregnant with male suspect’s child

By Allen D. Payton

Shortly after 2:00 pm Wednesday, March 29, 2023, the Pittsburg Police Department’s Special Response Unit served a search warrant at a residence in the 2000 block of D Street in the city of Antioch for two suspects wanted for murder of a Pittsburg convenience store clerk on March 22. During the service of the warrant, Jessica Russo was located and arrested. She was booked and taken to the Martinez Detention Facility.

Pittsburg Police officers near the house on D and W. Madill Streets in Antioch. Members of the Pittsburg Special Response Unit with the department’s Bearcat armored vehicle.

After a methodical and exhaustive search of the residence was conducted, Gregory Rossignon remains outstanding and still wanted for murder. During the search officers approached the house and several times, broke windows, dropped a phone with a phone line into the house, called out on the loudspeaker for Rossignon to pick up the phone and dial a number to speak to police. The officers flew drones inside and outside and deployed four rounds of a chemical agent believed to be tear gas inside the home. After the second round of gas another woman emerged from the residence about 5:53 p.m. and was detained, placed in handcuffs and escorted from the scene.

Pittsburg officers at front door breaking out windows, tear gas smoke emerged from the house’s attic, and a second woman was detained.

About 7:35 p.m., Rossignon’s father, who identified himself as Gregory, Sr., arrived on the scene and asked to speak to his son “so everyone comes out of this alive”. He referred to Russo as his daughter. When shown a photo of Russo and asked if she was who he was referring to, Rossignon, Sr. said, “yes, I call her my daughter. She’s pregnant with my son’s child…my grandchild.” He told police, “I’ll strip down if you need me to and walk in there to talk to my son.” Later, a woman drove up to the scene and told officers she was the suspect’s mother. Officers took both parents to an area on Lawton Street where they waited but did not speak to their son.

A drone was sent into the house through windows police had broken out. Gregory Rossignon, Sr., the suspect’s father, arrived on the scene offering to speak to his son.

At about 9:15 p.m., an officer said he expected to wrap things up shortly, but that they had not had any contact with the suspect nor could confirm that anyone was still in the house.

The Pittsburg Police would like to thank the Antioch residents who live in this area for their patience during the service of the warrant. Several residents were escorted by police to their homes on D Street. But one mother and daughter who live next door to the house had to find somewhere else to stay for the night. Although offered to stay at a Pittsburg motel by one of the officers, they chose to stay with friends. The woman said she expected to return to her home Thursday morning.

The Pittsburg Police Department is asking anyone with information related to Gregory Rossingnon’s whereabouts to contact the local police. We are also asking anyone with information contact Detective Jonathan Elmore at 925-252-4875 or the Pittsburg Police Department Tip Line at 925-252-4040.

See more photos and video at facebook.com/antiochheraldca.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Crime, East County, News, Police

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