Contra Costa Herald

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

Oakley native, Freedom High grad serving aboard USS Iowa Jima

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GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 18, 2021) Machinery Repairman 3rd Class Benjamin Martin, left, assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), leads his fire team during a damage control training evolution, Aug. 18. Iwo Jima is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Isaac A. Rodriguez)

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A Oakley, California, native is serving aboard USS Iwo Jima, a U.S. Navy Wasp class amphibious assault ship.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Benjamin Martin is a 2019 Freedom High School graduate. Today Martin serves as a machinery repairman.

Machinery repairman use large machines such as lathes and mills to manufacture parts that the ship may need to make repairs. They fix pieces that may be damaged or worm out from routine use.
Martin joined the Navy one year ago for the opportunities serving provides.

“I joined the Navy to gain unique experiences and to provide for my family,” said Martin.

According to Martin, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Oakley.
“One thing that has really helped me succeed in the Navy that I learned back home is being around all kinds of people, growing up in Northern California, it’s very diverse and there’s a lot of people who think very differently than you,” said Martin. “The same goes for the Navy.”

Iwo Jima is the seventh Wasp-class amphibious assault ship and the second ship in the U.S. Navy to bear that name. The ship was named for the Battle of Iwo Jima of World War II.

According to Navy officials, amphibious assault ships are designed to deliver U.S. Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts. Designed to be versatile, the ship has the option of simultaneously using helicopters, Harrier jets, and Landing Craft Air Cushioned, as well as conventional landing craft and assault vehicles in various combinations.

Martin’s favorite part of working in the Navy is having pride in work.

“The best thing about this command is the immense amount of pride we have in the work we do,” said Martin. “Everyone pitches in and supports the mission at hand.”

Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Martin is most proud of success in schools.

“My most proud moment is earning top graduate in both of my schools, which led to earning a promotion,” said Martin.

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Martin, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“Serving in the Navy has taught me so much about other people but even more about myself,” added Martin. “Our minds are so much stronger than we give ourselves credit for, there’s not much we can’t do if we just get up and do it.

Antioch man convicted for attempted murder during 2018 drug deal

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Faces possible prison sentence of almost 35 years

By Scott Alonso, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney

Earlier this month, defendant Brandon Lamont Lindsey of Antioch (born March 20, 1994) was found guilty as charged for the attempted murder and attempted robbery of a Yuba City man. Further, a Contra Costa County jury found true the enhancements listed in the charges against Lindsey, including the discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury.

Antioch Police believed the incident to be an attempted robbery at the time. (See related article)

On September 21, 2018, Lindsey arranged to sell opioids to the victim and the victim’s partner in Antioch. Specifically, Lindsey told the victim to meet him on Cavallo Road. Before this meeting, the victim and defendant did not know each or other. The drug sale was set up by a mutual friend of the victim. Upon the pair meeting for the first time on Cavallo Road, Lindsey instructed the victim to bring his car down an isolated road for the sale.

Lindsey conveyed to the victim that his associate would bring the pills in a separate car. Moments after the victim moved his car, another car was positioned and blocked the driveway, which prevented the victim from leaving the scene. Lindsey approached the victim and pulled out a firearm and demanded money. Lindsey fired three times inside the car at point blank range. One bullet struck the victim through his left arm causing a partial loss of mobility in his left hand. Lindsey used a 9mm handgun during the attempted murder and attempted robbery.

In total, the jury found Lindsey guilty of four counts:

  • Attempted Murder
    • Enhancement 1, Personal and Intentional Discharge of a Firearm, Causing Great Bodily Injury
  • Shooting at Occupied Motor Vehicle
    • Enhancement 2, Personal and Intentional Discharge of a Firearm, Causing Great Bodily Injury
  • Assault with a Semiautomatic Firearm
    • Enhancement 3, Use of a Firearm
  • Attempted Second Degree Robbery
    • Enhancement 4, Personal and Intentional Discharge of a Firearm, Causing Great Bodily Injury

Deputy District Attorney Kate Dunbar prosecuted the case on behalf of the People. The defendant will be sentenced on October 15 before the Honorable Charles Burch. Lindsey faces up to 34 years and 8 months to life in state prison. The case was investigated by the Antioch Police Department.

Case information: People v. Brandon Lamont Lindsey, Docket Number 05-200113-9.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Pittsburg man arrested for Bay Point homicide Saturday

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

On Saturday, August 28, 2021, at about 10:42 PM, Muir Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a call of shots fired at the intersection of Willow Pass Road and Bella Vista Avenue in Bay Point. Upon arrival, deputies located a victim suffering from a gunshot wound.

Deputies immediately began providing life-saving measures. The fire department and an ambulance also responded. The victim was later pronounced deceased at the scene. He is identified as 24-year-old Pablo Bretado of Pittsburg.

A suspect was quickly identified by deputies and a description was provided to area law enforcement agencies. The Concord Police Department located the suspect who led police in a pursuit back into Bay Point. The suspect crashed and fled on foot. Concord PD officers, assisted by the California Highway Patrol, found the suspect and took him into custody.

He is identified 28-year-old Antonino Solis of Pittsburg. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for murder and possession of an assault weapon.

The Homicide Unit of the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division continues to investigate this incident. Anyone with information 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.

Pittsburg woman sentenced to probation, more for 2019 fatal felony hit and run

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

Earlier this summer, a Contra Costa County jury convicted Camille Thompson of three counts, including the felony hit and run count resulting in death, misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter and misdemeanor destroying evidence. Last week, Thompson was sentenced to two years of formal probation and one year of electronic home detention by the Honorable Julia Campins for the 2019 felony hit and run conviction that resulted in the death of a Pittsburg man. Judge Campins also sentenced Thompson to 100 hours of community service and to take a driver safety class. (See related articles here and here)

Originally, Thompson faced up to four years in state prison for the felony hit and run count. The prosecution asked Judge Campins to sentence the defendant to state prison. Contra Costa County Probation Department also agreed that the defendant be sentenced to state prison.

On March 20, 2019, the victim was walking home on the side of the road at West Leland Road and Bailey Road and was hit by Thompson’s Mercedes Benz C-class coupe. Video surveillance captured Thompson circling back to where the victim’s body laid on the side of the road. Thompson’s Mercedes briefly paused next to victim’s body. She then left the scene and failed to render or seek aid for the victim. A few minutes later, a Good Samaritan stopped at the scene and stayed with the victim until Contra Cosa County Fire Department personnel arrived. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

As a result of the collision, Thompson’s vehicle had extensive damage, including a nearly shattered windshield and a missing fog lamp which was left behind at the scene.

Pittsburg Police Department officers began an extensive investigation to identify the driver who left the scene and found the fog lamp near where the victim’s body was discovered. Pittsburg Police determined the fog lamp came from a Mercedes vehicle.

In turn, officers reviewed city and residential surveillance footage and determined Thompson’s vehicle was the only Mercedes to travel on W Leland Road during the estimated timeline and was the last vehicle to pass the victim prior to the Good Samaritan stopping to seek aid for him. Five days after the collision, officers executed the search warrant at Thompson’s residence. There, officers located the Mercedes vehicle in the carport under a tarp and tire tracks in the backyard. In addition to extensive body damage, the Mercedes was conspicuously missing a fog lamp. During the execution of the search warrant, officers also found recently dated receipts to the local Home Depot and discovered Thompson purchased some items routinely used to repair damaged vehicles.

Case information: People v. Camille Edith Thompson, Docket Number 05-192420-8.

Pittsburg man sentenced to almost 16 years for January 2021 shooting

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

Earlier this month, defendant Brandon Leo Hilliard of Pittsburg was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in state prison for the shooting of an unarmed man. In May of 2021, a Contra Costa County jury found Hilliard guilty of attempted voluntary manslaughter and assault with a semiautomatic firearm. Additionally, the jury found true the enhancements listed in the charges against Hilliard, including use of a firearm and causing great bodily injury. (See related article)

“The defendant in this case displayed extreme disregard for public safety and another human’s life when he brazenly shot the victim over a minor verbal argument. I want to thank the Pittsburg Police Department for their extensive investigation and locating information which tied the defendant to the scene in order to help make this prosecution successful,” Deputy District Attorney Natasha Mehta stated. DDA Mehta prosecuted the case on behalf of the People.

In the late morning of January 9, 2021, the victim and the defendant got into a verbal confrontation at Central Avenue and Birch Street in Pittsburg. As the argument progressed, the defendant pulled out a Glock 43 semi-automatic handgun. The defendant fired multiple shots at the victim. The shooting, which left the victim with three penetrating gunshot wounds in the legs, was captured on home surveillance. Hilliard immediately fled the scene.

Police officers used surrounding city surveillance cameras to locate a silver vehicle the defendant was seen driving away in from the scene of the shooting. Officers tracked Hilliard’s vehicle, which law enforcement determined to be a silver Toyota Avalon, using an automated license plate reader technology and Pittsburg Police Department determined the vehicle’s license plate number. On January 10, a San Pablo police officer located the defendant and arrested him. The arresting officer found images on Hilliard’s phone which showed the defendant tried to sell a semi-automatic handgun.

The defendant was on an ankle monitor for his pending attempted robbery case. Hilliard cut off his ankle monitor the day before this shooting, leading to an escape count filed against him as well. Hilliard pled to this count prior to the start of trial.

Case information: People v. Brandon Leo Hilliard, Docket Number 04-200980-1.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

 

Fatal car vs. train collision in Oakley claims life of 12-year-old boy Wednesday afternoon

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19-year-old driver sustains serious injuries

By Oakley Police Department

It is with great sadness that we confirm that there was a fatal collision between a vehicle and a freight train on East Cypress Road near Main Street shortly before 1:00 p.m. this afternoon.

A vehicle driven by a 19-year-old woman was travelling westbound on East Cypress Road at the railroad crossing when the back portion of the sedan was struck by a train. A 12-year-old male passenger in the car was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver was airlifted to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek for treatment of serious injuries.

The deceased boy was a student at Delta Vista Middle School and we extend our condolences to the entire school community. Oakley Union Elementary School District Superintendent Jeff Palmquist has confirmed that their crisis management team and counselors will be on campus to provide support to students and staff.

An additional vehicle in the area was struck by the car secondarily and the passengers in that car were not injured.

At this time, it appears all signals in the area were operating correctly. The initial investigation is being handled by the Oakley Police Department in cooperation with the Federal Railroad Administration.

There have been questions from the public regarding the flow of traffic in this area during peak traffic times. Per traffic studies, road striping changes have been implemented at East Cypress Road and Main Street that sought to alleviate congestion by providing double left turn lanes from westbound East Cypress to southbound Main Street.

To complement that striping and signage, the traffic signal timing has been adjusted at the intersection to expedite the flow of traffic out of East Cypress Road onto Main Street in all directions and give priority to the westbound traffic of this intersection during peak hours.

Oakley Police continue to ask people to avoid the area of Main Street and East Cypress Road this afternoon and into the evening. For access towards Bethel Island, use alternate routes to northbound Sellers Road to eastbound Cypress Road.

Once the lanes of traffic along East Cypress Road have reopened, residents will be alerted via a Nixle alert. To sign up for Nixle alerts text our zip code “94561” to 888777. You can also register through their website at www.nixle.com.

Three shot, one dead in rural Brentwood Tuesday

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

On Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at about 4:20 PM, Delta Station deputies responded to a report of shots fired at a residence in the 10200 block of Brentwood Boulevard in unincorporated Brentwood.

Upon arrival, deputies located two gunshot victims in front of the residence. Both subjects were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Another subject with gunshot wounds was also located on the property and was pronounced deceased.

None of the subjects are being identified at this time. Homicide detectives and crime lab personnel are on scene. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should 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) 846-3592to leave an anonymous voice message.

Pittsburg-based steel company fined $4 million for hazardous materials, toxic waste violations

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By Scott Alonso, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and Kim McCarl, Contra Costa Health Services

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office announces today a $4 million civil settlement with USS-UPI, Inc. to resolve allegations that USS-UPI violated multiple state environmental laws and regulations dating back 4 years. This case involved numerous violations related to the maintenance, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials and toxic waste. This case resolved by way of a stipulated final judgment entered in Contra Costa County Superior Court and requires a monetary payment of $4 million from USS-UPI, which is comprised of $1.75 million in civil penalties, $1 million dollars in environmental compliance expenditures, $250,000 for supplemental projects promoting training for California environmental agencies and funding to support the “Health Career Pathways Programs.” UPI-USS must also abide by an injunction and be subject to a suspended penalty of $1 million dollars to ensure future statutory compliance as well as pay $429,383.85 for reimbursement of investigative and enforcement costs.

“It is of vital importance to hold our companies responsible for the unlawful maintenance, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and waste,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “USS-UPI was cooperative throughout our investigation and this settlement was only reached after verification that USS-UPI had corrected the violations and created and implemented an environmental compliance framework.”

The investigation began with Contra Costa Health Services Hazardous Materials Programs inspectors auditing operations at the USS-UPI, Inc. steel plant facility at 900 Loveridge Road in Pittsburg, California. Inspectors with Contra Costa Health Services acted under their authority as the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) for Contra Costa County.

“Any business in our community not following the law must be held accountable. Fortunately, with this settlement, USS-UPI will need to adhere to strict oversight and penalties for these serious violations,” Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover. Supervisor Glover represents District 5, which includes the location of this steel plant.

The Contra Costa Health Services investigation found numerous violations that threatened the environment and safety, such as:

  • Failure to maintain and operate the facility to minimize the possibility of fire explosions or unplanned release of hazardous waste
  • Failure to remove accumulated oil and failure to correct visible discharges of oil from equipment
  • Failure to submit a complete/correct Hazardous Materials Business Plan
  • Failure to train employees in safety procedures in the event of a release of a hazardous material
  • Failure to remove from service a tank system where there has been a leak
  • Failure to obtain the proper permits
  • Failure to maintain records of inspections and tests
  • Failure to operate numerous aboveground petroleum storage tanks in accordance with the facility’s Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan
  • Treatment or storage of a hazardous waste at an unauthorized location
  • Failure to complete a written hazardous waste tank system assessment by a professional engineer
  • Failure to use proper spill/overfill prevention controls and practices
  • Illegal disposal of a hazardous waste
  • Failure to provide employee hazardous waste training
  • Failure to determine if wastes generated are a hazardous waste
  • Failure to manage an Excluded Recyclable Material (ERM) waste stream in accordance with all applicable requirements

According to Matthew Kaufmann, Director of Hazardous Materials Programs for Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS), “From the evidence observed during the initial inspection in 2017, as well as subsequent follow-up inspections, we do not believe that there was or is an imminent threat to the public health of Contra Costa County residents.”

Hazardous materials and wastes that were improperly stored or disposed of at the facility included used oil, plating solutions, acidic and caustic solutions.

After USS-UPI, Inc. was notified about the alleged violations in 2017, the company took steps to cooperate and to dedicate additional resources towards environmental compliance.

“As part of its mission to care for and improve the health of all Contra Costa residents, with special attention to those most vulnerable to health problems, we take compliance with environmental laws and regulations very seriously,” CCHS Deputy Director Randy Sawyer said. “Community exposure to these chemicals, whether short term or long term, can and does have the potential to affect the health of residents of our county.”

The settlement was approved the Contra Costa Superior Court. Senior Deputy District Attorney Stacey Grassini prosecuted the case on behalf of the People.

Brentwood man arrested for killing San Pablo man in Walnut Creek last Sunday

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Condition improving for three others injured in early morning shooting

Suspect Jose Guillermo Casillas-Flores. Photo by WCPD

By Walnut Creek Police Department

Walnut Creek Police have made an arrest in connection with the homicide that took place in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 18. 22-year-old Jose Guillermo Casillas-Flores, of Brentwood, was arrested on Thursday during a traffic stop. A handgun and ammunition were taken following a search of his home. There are no additional outstanding suspects stemming from the death of Lutfi Abbushi. The 25-year-old victim was a resident of San Pablo.

Walnut Creek Police Department detectives are presented the case on Thursday for review with the District Attorney.

The incident occurred at approximately 01:37 am on SOS Drive near N. Main Street. Police received multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired. Officers arrived within two minutes to find four gunshot victims, with one deceased at the scene. The entire incident occurred on SOS Drive. (See related article)

At this time, the relationship between all involved parties is unknown. The identities of the involved subjects will not be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation. This was determined to be an isolated incident and there are no ongoing threats to the community. The condition of the other three victims is improving and none of their injuries are considered life threatening.

If anyone has information regarding this incident, please call Detective Coffin at 925-943-5844 x7656. Additional media inquiries may be directed to Lieutenant Holley Connors at connors@walnutcreekpd.com.

Career criminal from Richmond arrested in Oakley Sunday following struggle with officers

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The suspect’s knife and gun in the floor board of the stolen car he was in on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Photos: OakleyPD

Found sitting in stolen car from San Leandro, with stolen gun from Livermore, other stolen property and drugs

By Oakley Police Department

On Sunday, July 18, 2021 at approximately 3:45 PM, officers were dispatched to a business in the 5500 block of Bridgehead Road. The reporting party advised that there appeared to be an adult male looking into vehicles, the business has had a recent history of thefts from vehicles. Upon their arrival, they located the suspect, Paul Muscat (M; 34; Richmond) seated in a vehicle.

A records check revealed that the vehicle Muscat was seated in was stolen out of San Leandro. Officers ordered him out of the vehicle, and he became combative, arming himself with a knife. Muscat was also reaching around inside the vehicle in an apparent search for something. Officers deployed their TASERs at Muscat and were able to safely take him into custody. He was taken for medical treatment and eventually booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

Drugs discovered in the stolen car the suspect was in and his gun on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Photos: OakleyPD

It was later discovered that the item Muscat was reaching for was a handgun, which had been reported stolen out of Livermore. Additionally, illegal narcotics, burglary tools, and stolen property were also located inside the vehicle. Muscat is a convicted felon with a two-decade history of violence, weapons violations, theft, and attempted murder. In addition to resisting arrest.