Contra Costa Herald

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

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

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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

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

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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.

 

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

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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.

Search underway for two suspects in shooting death of convenience store clerk in Pittsburg

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Suspects Gregory Rossignon and Jessica Russo. Photos: Pittsburg PD

Third suspect arrested; GoFundMe page set up for 44-year-old father of five victim

By Pittsburg Police Department

On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, shortly after 9:00 PM, Pittsburg Police Officers responded to a residence on the 100 block of Bruno Avenue after receiving reports of gunshots heard. While on scene and attempting to determine what had occurred, officers heard gunshots coming from the 1000 block of Power Avenue. Shortly after, a call was received that a clerk had been shot at a convenience store on Power Avenue. At 9:41 PM, officers responded to the 1000 block of Power Avenue. Officers arrived on scene and found a male subject had been shot. Officers provided medical aid, but unfortunately the victim succumbed to his injuries on scene.

Through the investigation, it was learned that 37-year-old Gregory Rossignon and 34-year-old Jessica Russo, both from Pittsburg, were involved in an altercation on Bruno Avenue. During this time, several shots from a handgun were fired into the air. No one was injured as a result, and both immediately fled the area. As officers investigated this incident, additional officers responded to the convenience store.

Store clerk Abdul Raouf and his children. Source: GoFundMe

There, officers found and began life-saving efforts on the clerk who had been shot. Unfortunately, the clerk, 44-year-old Abdul Raouf, did not survive these injuries. During the investigation at the convenience store, it was determined that Gregory Rossignon and Jessica Russo were involved in this fatal incident after a confrontation with the store employees. Following the shooting, both fled from the store. Additionally, another man was identified as having been involved in this incident and later arrested at a residence in Pittsburg. This man was identified as 43-year-old Alan Agloro from Pittsburg.

Detectives have obtained arrest warrants for Gregory Rossignon and Jessica Russo and are asking anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact the local police.

This is still an active investigation, and we ask anyone with information about these two incidents to contact Detective Elmore at 925-252-4875 or the Pittsburg Police Department Tip Line at 925-252-4040. This is Pittsburg’s first homicide for the year 2023.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Raouf’s wife and five children.

 

Attempted murder in Concord leads to arrest of three in Antioch

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AK-47-style rifle and bullets seized. Photos: Concord PD

AK-47-style rifle used in shooting, loaded handgun seized

Concord PD SWAT, Crisis Negotiations Team, drone activation plus assistance by Antioch PD

By Concord Police Department

Concord Police Sgt. Sansen with drone deployed. Photo: Concord PD

During the early morning hours on Thursday, March 16th, 2023, Concord Police officers were dispatched to the area of Revere Drive and Grant Street in Concord for a report of a shooting. Officers arrived on scene and located several spent shell casings, as well as a single victim. The victim was not hit by gunfire, but the evidence at the scene suggested at least 12 shots from a rifle were fired at the victim.

Later that morning, the Concord Police Department’s Investigations Division began working the case and within hours, identified three Suspects responsible for the shooting. The suspects were seen at a residence in the City of Antioch and the investigation revealed the firearm used was an AK-47 style rifle. Arrest warrants for the Suspects were sought, granted and that evening, the Concord Police Department activated the SWAT and CNT (Crisis Negotiations Team) to serve the arrest warrant. The SWAT team is only activated during incidents involving a high threat to the public and officers when attempting to make an arrest.

The Crisis Negotiations Team was able to deploy a negotiator, who has received extensive training in peacefully resolving volatile situations, inside the SWAT’s armored vehicle. This vehicle allowed us to take a negotiator and place them into a position to optimize negotiations and the safety of the negotiator.

The Antioch Police Department assisted Concord PD by providing an armored rescue vehicle, as well as the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, who assisted us in providing their Bearcat for the operation.

Additionally, the Concord Police Department’s drone team deployed and was able to observe the residence to ensure the safety of approaching officers and negotiators. During this time, with the drone overhead, the operator observed two of the suspects fleeing the area in a vehicle. Additional Concord Police Officers were able to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle and safely arrest the occupants. A loaded handgun was located in that vehicle. Moments later, a suspect was seen, via the drone, placing a rifle into a secondary vehicle and fleeing the scene in that vehicle. Concord Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on that vehicle and located an AK-47 style rifle, the one suspected of being used in the shooting.

SWAT and CNT was able to approach the residence safely and secure any evidence inside. The incident concluded without further incident.

The case will be forwarded to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for filing considerations.

Take care and stay safe! If you need us, we’re one call away!

 

Key March arrests for robbery, burglaries, drugs in Oakley highlighted

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By Oakley Police Department

Your Oakley Police Department has been busy lately with several key arrests being made and several investigations either coming to fruition or developing into other things.

“The arrests and investigations that are listed here embody the spirit of the Oakley Police Department and what we have become,” said Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard. “I truly believe we have become a better police department for the community of Oakley by recruiting and hiring the best police officers that have been available on the market and by making internal appointments into key positions that allow us to do more work, make more arrests and file more cases for the people we serve. It is my goal to hold onto the great officers we have recruited and continue this trend of making us better and better with every new hire, every promotion and every internal appointment we make. I salute and truly appreciate all of the men and women who wear the Oakley Police patch. As always, I urge the maximum allowable amount of accountability in these cases so we can start turning back the tide of criminal behaviors.”

Juvenile, Brentwood man arrested for robbery

Adult with history of arrest also charged with child cruelty; Antioch, Brentwood police assist

On March 7, 2023, Oakley Police Officers responded to the ARCO station at 5540 Bridgehead Road for the report of a robbery. The male suspect passed a note which demanded money and then fled on foot. City cameras captured the suspect running into the adjacent Sandy Point Mobile home park. Oakley Detectives Dombrouski, Locke and Soares collaborated together and located additional footage from a mobile home which showed the suspect enter the passenger side of a blue SUV. The SUV had been seen on Wilbur Avenue at Bridgehead Road just prior to the robbery. Detectives developed leads on potential suspects. Brentwood Police detectives and the Oakley Detectives started working together on the case and they were able to link a juvenile suspect to robberies in their respective cities. On March 8, 2023, Brentwood PD placed the juvenile under arrest. Oakley and Brentwood Detectives served search warrants at a residence where they located clothing items believed to be involved in many of the robberies.

The joint investigation led to the identification of the specific blue SUV that was used during the robbery on March 7th. On March 8th the Antioch Police Department located the vehicle and Oakley PD Officers responded to their location. 25-year-old Jorge Lara of Brentwood was identified as the driver, Lara is also on parole for robbery. The vehicle was towed to Oakley PD lot and a search warrant was written, and the vehicle was searched. The search turned up stolen property from the robbery, identifying information, and a note pad matching the shape and color of notes collected from the multiple robberies.

On March 22, 2023, the Oakley Police Department coordinated with the Brentwood Police department to take Lara into custody. Lara was subsequently taken into custody and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on a warrant for PC 211 – Robbery, PC 459 – Burglary, PC 273(A)(a) – Child Cruelty, and PC 182 – Conspiracy.

The joint investigation led Oakley and Brentwood detectives to be able to link the juvenile and Lara to several robberies in East Contra Costa County. The agencies worked with the District Attorney’s Office and several formal charges were filed against Lara, he remains incarcerated with a $1.9 million bail.

According to localcrimenews.com he has a history of arrests dating to Sept. 7, 2016 by Concord Police for conspiracy to commit a crime; by Antioch Police on June 12, 2017 for revocation of probation, resisting arrest, vehicle theft; and on Aug. 15, 2018 by San Mateo County Sheriff’s Deputies for lying to a peace officer, conspiracy to commit a crime, assault with firearm, burglary, robbery, addict in possession of firearm, possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm with a previous felony conviction and carrying a concealed firearm. Lara was also arrested by Concord Police last month on Valentine’s Day for grand theft.

Two men arrested for repeated burglaries, drugs

On March 18, 2023 Oakley Police Officers Hernandez, Fielding and M. Jackson were on routine patrol at the business complex, located at 4100 Wilbur Avenue. Our officers were specifically checking the area due to a pattern of repeated thefts and burglaries, and they wanted to bring the trend to a stop. While checking the area our officers found a Blue Chevrolet Pickup and Silver BMW sedan parked at the rollup doors of one of the businesses. Our officers saw two suspects attempting to duck out of sight. Our officers successfully detained 32-year-old Ronald Stephens of Concord and 45-year-old Darren Lawson of Oakley/Concord.  Our officers saw a drill near the tire of a nearby semi-truck and the door to the warehouse had been drilled out in an attempt to make entry. Our officers also located additional burglary tools. Stephens and Lawson both have a history of committing thefts and are believed to be associated with other burglaries in Oakley.

Stephens was arrested and booked for PC459- Burglary, PC182- Conspiracy and PC647(h)- Prowling to commit a crime. Lawson was arrested and booked for PC459- Burglary, PC182- Conspiracy, PC647(h)- Prowling to commit a crime, PC 466- Possession of burglary tools and H&S 11364- Possession of paraphernalia.

According to localcrimenews.com, Stephens has a history of arrests dating back to March 22, 2016 by multiple agencies for drug possession, attempted vehicle theft, burglary, vehicle theft, manufacturing an illegal weapon such as a billy club, vandalism, trespassing, resisting arrest, receiving or concealing stolen property, possession of burglar’s tools, and cargo theft of over $950. Most recently he was arrested by Antioch Police on Jan. 10 for conspiracy to commit a crime, grand theft and receiving or concealing stolen property.

Antioch man arrested with loaded “ghost” gun

On March 20, 2023, Officer M. Jackson observed a silver Nissan vehicle, lacking a license plate, at Live Oak Road and Laurel Road. Officer M. Jackson stopped the vehicle and made contact with the driver who lied about his name. At the time of this contact (1130PM) it was 52 degrees outside, yet the driver was nervously shaking and sweating profusely. Officer Jackson believed the driver was nervous about being contacted by law enforcement and believed the driver had a reason to be evasive about his identity. The driver was detained, and the vehicle was searched.

Oakley Police Officers Hernandez and Fielding arrived to assist Officer Jackson and collectively they continued to investigate the situation. The investigation revealed the true identity of the driver 25-year-old Jahsaun Brown of Antioch and a fully loaded handgun under the driver’s seat. The handgun is described as a semi-automatic 9mm, but with no manufacturer markings or serial number. A firearm lacking this key information is considered a “ghost gun” because it is not trackable in the DOJ system. The handgun also had a full capacity magazine with twelve rounds loaded into it. Further investigation revealed Brown had a warrant for his arrest charging him with carrying a loaded weapon. Even further investigation revealed Brown was the subject of a criminal protective order, which stated he was not allowed to be in possession of any firearms.

Brown was arrested for: PC25400- Carrying a concealed weapon, PC32310- Possession of large capacity magazine, PC25850- possession of loaded weapon, PC29180- possession of un-serialized firearm “ghost gun”, PC 148.9- Providing false identification to an officer and PC 166- Violation of a court order. Brown was booked for these crimes.

Highway 4 lanes in Brentwood to be closed for completion of trail overcrossing March 24-29

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Late night, early morning, one-direction at a time, except Saturday night

Caltrans is scheduled to install the Mokelumne Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing span over State Route 4 (“SR4”) in Brentwood beginning Friday night, March 24 through early Wednesday morning, March 29, 2023. Expect State Route 4 closures between Sand Creek Road and Lone Tree Way.

Weather permitting, Caltrans will be closing the highway one-direction at a time as described below:

March 24th:  Eastbound SR4 closure from midnight Friday until 6:00 a.m. Saturday.

March 25th:  No closure on Saturday night.

March 26th:  Westbound SR4 closure on Sunday from 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.

March 26th-27th:  Westbound SR4 closure on Sunday from 11:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. Monday.

March 27th:  Eastbound SR4 closure on Monday from 11:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. Tuesday.

March 28th:  Eastbound or westbound SR4 closure on Tuesday from 11:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. Wednesday, if needed to complete any remaining work.

Detour Route:

Westbound traffic will exit Sand Creek Road and proceed eastbound on Sand Creek Road to Shady Willow Lane, proceed northbound on Shady Willow Lane to Lone Tree Way, and proceed westbound on Lone Tree Way to the westbound SR4 on-ramp.

Eastbound traffic will exit Lone Tree Way, proceed eastbound on Lone Tree Way to Shady Willow Lane, proceed southbound on Shady Willow Lane to Sand Creek Road, and proceed westbound on Sand Creek Road to the eastbound SR4 on-ramp.

Funding for the $13 million project is provided through Measure J taxpayer dollars from the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation, the State Route 4 Bypass Authority, and bridge toll funds. The overcrossing is expected to be completed early this year.

For updates and detailed information, please visit https://brentwood.info/SR4_Closure. To learn more about the project visit Mokelumne Trail Bicycle/Pedestrian Overcrossing.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

After rainouts, flooding, 63rd championship racing season opener set for Saturday at Antioch Speedway

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Shannon Newton wasn’t planning to chase points and ended up winning his second Wingless Spec Sprint championship. Photo by Katrina Kniss

2022 Champions honored at banquet were Nick DeCarlo (IMCA Modifieds), Fred Ryland (IMCA Sport Modifieds), Travis Dutra (IMCA Stock Cars), Misty Welborn (Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks), Shannon Newton (Wingless Spec Sprints), Jim Freethy (Super Stocks), Danny Wagner (Delta Dwarf Cars) and Tom Brown (Print Club Mini Stocks)

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing News

Antioch, CA…This Saturday night, March 25, 2023, Antioch Speedway has a loaded program as the 63rd season of championship auto racing is set to begin. Weather permitting, the trifecta of IMCA, Modifieds, Sport Modifieds and Stock Cars, will be joined by the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks, Delta Dwarf Cars and United States Auto Club Western States Midgets. Wet weather leading up to Saturday could postpone things again.

Antioch, like much of the state, has seen more rain this winter than has been seen in several years. The rain hit the track so hard that you could have had a fishing contest on the flooded racing surface back in February. With water pumps and a diligently working track crew, the track is expected to be ready on Saturday as long as the weather allows the six-division show to happen.

Back in February, the track did manage to make an awards banquet happen to celebrate last season. This has not been a given for the track in recent years. Due to COVID-19, the track couldn’t even have fans in the grandstands in 2020 when they held races, and the banquet was a non-starter. The banquet was set to happen early in 2022, which would celebrate the previous season, but COVID-19 regulations kept the gathering from happening again.

However, last year was the first season since 2019 in which fans were able to attend every race. There were no restrictions in place. A last minute effort was put together for the banquet, which took place at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in February. With some sponsorship and teamwork from throughout the racing community, champions in eight divisions were crowned in February.

Fred Ryland added his third IMCA Sport Modified track championship trophy to his mantle. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Drivers earning the big trophies included Nick DeCarlo (IMCA Modifieds), Fred Ryland (IMCA Sport Modifieds), Travis Dutra (IMCA Stock Cars), Misty Welborn (Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks), Shannon Newton (Wingless Spec Sprints), Jim Freethy (Super Stocks), Danny Wagner (Delta Dwarf Cars) and Tom Brown (Print Club Mini Stocks).

The Top 10 drivers in each division were honored along with Most Improved Driver and Rookie of The Year awards in all classes, plus special awards. Track Photographer Katrina Kniss also had some special awards for the Top 3 drivers in each class.

The gala event was nearly at capacity, and the interesting part was something was attempted that had never been done before. This was a free to attend event for the racing community, which also included a spaghetti meal and beverages. A live band ended the night on a positive note.

Drivers were speaking of their enthusiasm coming into the new season, It’s a clean slate. That means a new opportunity for drivers to run for points in the popular IMCA divisions, which always garner lots of attention from the fans. The Hobby Stocks were noteworthy last year in bringing the biggest car count week in and week out. If the five regular divisions on the schedule aren’t enough, there’s a special attraction on Saturday.

Promoter Chad Chadwick and Race Director Chris Bennett worked diligently to give the fans several special events of interest, and more open wheel racing will be a part of it. For the first time ever, the United States Auto Club Western States Miidgets will compete at Antioch Speedway, and this is just their first visit of the year. These fast wingless open wheel cars have been a popular form of racing in California since the 1930s.

Later on this year, the fans will be treated to NARC Winged 410 Sprint Cars, Sprint Car Challenge Tour Winged 360 Sprint Cars and Hunt Wingless Spec Sprints, among the many special events that will be a part of things in the weeks ahead.

The track’s website has the schedule listed along with other vital information, and it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the social media pages.

The IMCA Modifieds are the longest continuously tenured division currently in the lineup, having had championship seasons every year since 1990. DeCarlo enjoyed his second Antioch championship last year. The Sport Modifieds have a slightly bigger car count and will have intense competition this year, while the Stock Cars continue to gain more competitors among their ranks. They are poised to have a breakout season. Add in all the other elements, and Saturday night is a must-see event for racing enthusiasts.

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 for check out the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page.

 

Pittsburg man charged with vehicular manslaughter in hit-and-run death of teen girl

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Pittsburg Detectives Gutierrez and Elmore and arrest of Roberto Matthew Sainez, Jr. Photos: Pittsburg PD

Driver’s fiancé also arrested for being accessory, destroying evidence

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

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has filed a four-count complaint against a 34-year-old Pittsburg man for his role in a hit-and-run collision that took the life of a 17-year-old female pedestrian, Brooke Jeffrey.

Roberto Matthew Sainez, Jr. was arraigned in Superior Court in Martinez Friday, on vehicular manslaughter, a hit and run that resulted in the death of another person, destroying evidence, and driving with a suspended or revoked license for a DUI conviction. The manslaughter charge comes with an enhancement of fleeing the scene after committing the offense.

The incident occurred around 7:15 pm on March 7th, 2023, near Black Diamond High School in Pittsburg. Pittsburg Police received a call about a pedestrian who appeared unconscious and likely hit by a vehicle. When police arrived on the scene at Stoneman Avenue near Briarcliff Drive, they found the teen lying in the center of the road. Police and medical personnel administered life-saving measures. However, the teen was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital.

Pittsburg Police initiated an investigation of the incident — which led them to Mr. Sainez as a suspect. He was arrested on March 15th and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. During

the arraignment, Deputy District Attorney Jeff Kolko noted that Sainez not only fled the scene after striking the teen with his vehicle, but also took action to cover up the evidence. A family member of the victim also spoke in court asking Judge Nancy Davis Stark to consider the lack of

remorse in Sainez’s actions. After hearing from the victim’s family member and Mr. Kolko’s request to increase Sainez’s bail, the judge increased the bail amount from $200,000 to $1,000,000.

Case No. 04-23-00363 | The People of the State of California vs. Sainez, Roberto Matthew

Driver’s 30-year-old Fiancé Also Arrested

According to a Pittsburg Police press release on Thursday, March 16, The District Attorney’s Office filed the following charges in relation to the fatal hit-and-run crash of 17-year-old Brooke Jeffrey:

Sainez, Roberto Jr.

PC 192(c)(1) – Vehicular Manslaughter; enhancement of CVC 20001(c) – Fleeing Scene of a Crime

CVC 20001(b)(2) – Hit and Run Resulting in Death

PC 135 – Destruction of Evidence

CVC 14601.2(a) – Suspended License for DUI

Bail: $200,000

Today, Pittsburg PD investigators arrested 34-year-old Roberto Sainez from Pittsburg for the hit-and-run collision that killed a teenage girl. Sainez’ fiancé, 30-year-old Vanessa Landeros, was also arrested.

Sainez was booked on the following charges:

  • PC 192(c) – Vehicular Manslaughter
  • PC 135 – Destroying or Concealing Evidence
  • CVC 20001 Felony Hit & Run
  • CVC 20003 Hit & Run resulting in a death
  • CVC 14601.2 – Suspended License for DUI
  • CVC 14601.4 – Driving on a suspended or revoked license and causing bodily injury
  • CVC 14601.5 – Driving on a Suspended License due to DUI

Landeros was booked on the following charges:

  • PC 32 – Accessory after the fact
  • PC 135 – Destroying or Concealing Evidence

The two were arrested in the 3000 block of Gladstone Drive in Pittsburg where investigators were serving a search warrant.

On March 7th, Pittsburg police officers responded to Stoneman Avenue and Briarcliff Drive where a 17-year-old pedestrian was fatally struck by a vehicle, which then fled the area. From the onset, this case was handled with an all-hands-on deck approach and investigators worked diligently, following all investigative leads that led to these arrests. This included reviewing of countless hours of video surveillance, which aided in the identification of the suspect vehicle and ultimately the suspects. Investigators served several search warrants in this case to include two Pittsburg residences, a Pittsburg business, and a property in Sonoma County which also led to the recovery of the vehicle involved in the collision.

We are extremely proud of the swift and hard work our detectives, fatal traffic investigators and evidence technician put into this case to provide the family closure and justice. Please understand that there are times, particularly in sensitive cases, where we cannot issue information prematurely to protect the integrity of the investigation.

We would like to thank our community for their cooperation in this investigation. In the coming days, investigators will be presenting this case to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office for the filing of formal charges. This is still an active investigation. Anyone who has additional information related to this case should contact Detective Gutierrez at 925-252-4095 or Detective Elmore at 925-252-4875.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.