Contra Costa Herald

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

Two arrested for drugs, ghost gun in San Ramon

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Police officers affected by fentanyl exposure taken to hospital

By Chief Denton Carlson, San Ramon Police Department

On Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, at approximately 11:00 am, San Ramon Police Department Officers responded to the parking lot of 2505 San Ramon Valley Blvd. in response to reports of an individual who appeared to be passed out inside a vehicle. While contacting the individual, suspected narcotics were observed, and the occupants were detained. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers located additional suspected narcotics and a loaded firearm without a serial number (ghost gun).

The two officers who were conducting the vehicle search began to feel the effects of what was suspected to be fentanyl in the suspect’s vehicle. Both officers were transported to the San Ramon Regional Medical Center for precautionary reasons due to their elevated heart rates, dizziness, and weakness. We are happy to report both officers were released after being observed for roughly four hours by medical personnel.

The two suspects, a 19-year-old male from Vacaville and a 27-year-old female from Cottonwood, were arrested for multiple charges, including possession of a loaded firearm without a serial number, possession of narcotics, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

For a few hours, the parking lot surrounding the vehicle was closed to the public while San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District’s Hazardous Materials Response Team members decontaminated the vehicle and the surrounding area. The parking lot has been reopened, and we thank you for your patience while our public safety partners worked to ensure it was again safe for the San Ramon community.

 

Soul Box Project exhibit at Antioch Library in January

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Soul Boxes on display at the Multnomah Arts Center in Portland, OR. Photo credit: The Soul Box Project

Nationwide, community art project, to raise awareness of gunfire, remember victims

Public invited to participate Jan. 12

By Lisa Dell’Anno

The Contra Costa Library system is showcasing the Soul Box Project, a nationwide, community art project, to raise awareness about the scale of gunfire in the U.S. The project displays thousands of Soul Boxes in public spaces to illustrate the number of victims of gun violence, defense, accidents and suicides.

Every day, Americans must confront the impact of gun violence in their communities. The statistics are mind-numbing: gunfire in 2022 alone killed over 44,000 people in the U.S.  In an average year, 3,253 people die and 7,293 are wounded by guns in California.  (state’s statistics: EveryStat.org)

Soul Boxes can bring solace to individuals and encourage sharing and healing within our community.  A box-making gathering is scheduled to honor Martin Luther King, and to make boxes to honor lives lost to gunfire in Antioch and elsewhere. Anybody can make a Soul Box and have it included in the display.

The Antioch Library showcase installation will include over 1,000 origami Soul Boxes, hand-folded and personalized. Each 3-inch-by-3-inch Soul Box holds space for a gunfire victim with a name, an image or a message of protest or hope.  Admission is free and open to the public.

WHEN: Showcase exhibit can be seen during Library open hours during the month of January.

MLK box-making gathering will be Sunday, January 14, 2:00 – 4:00 in the Library Community Room.

Visitors can fold a Soul Box and add it to the exhibit.

To make a Soul Box: download folding instructions and watch an instructional video.

WHERE: Antioch Library, 501 W. 18th Street, Antioch

Artist and Soul Box Project founder, Leslie Lee, surveys Washington, D.C., installation of This Loss We Carry, October 2021. Photo Credit: Lancer Photography. All rights reserved.

Artist Leslie Lee, from Portland, Oregon, created the Soul Box Project after the mass shooting in Las Vegas in October 2017. It became a nationwide community art project designed to reveal the growing number of gunfire victims. The Project displays thousands of Soul Boxes in public spaces, illustrating the staggering number of victims of gunfire violence, defense, accidents and suicides. By raising awareness of the number of victims, the Project aims to empower people to choose actions regarding responsible gun use that reflect their values, priorities and beliefs. These actions may span a wide range – gun safety, education, legislation, mental health. Together those actions will help cause a shift in our nation’s culture.

The Project displayed 200,000 Soul Boxes on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in 2021. The exhibit, titled This Loss We Carry, vividly illustrated the staggering number of U.S. victims of gunfire violence, defense, accidents, and suicides in less than 3 years.

Portions of the D.C. exhibit are now being distributed – by request and free of charge – to any individual, group or organization who can use this dramatic visual to bolster their work to end gun violence. View a video clip about the Soul Box Project.

For more information visit SoulBoxProject.org.

Dell’Anno is a former leader of the Diablo Valley chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and now volunteers with The Soul Box Project.

Suspect(s) sought in Oakley business Christmas package burglaries

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Suspect’s truck used in Oakley UPS Store package burglaries on Dec. 25 and 26, 2023. Surveillance video screenshot source: Oakley PD

By Oakley Police Department

Surveillance video screenshot source: Oakley PD

Oakley Police Department seeks information on vehicle and person(s) Involved in back-to-back Christmas time UPS Store package burglaries

On Monday, December 25, 2023, at 3:45AM, a solo suspect arrived at the UPS store, located at 2063 Main Street, Oakley. The suspect arrived in a white lifted Ford Super Duty truck with a “super cab” (extended cab) body. The Ford truck additionally had aftermarket black wheels and the license plates had been removed. The suspect was wearing a bright orange shirt or vest, dark colored pants, gloves and a mask. The suspect was seen on surveillance footage going straight to the front door of the business and breaking into it. The suspect stole several packages from behind the counter area and left with them.

On Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at 4:05AM, a suspect wearing gloves and all dark clothing arrived to the UPS store and entered via the compromised front door. The suspect took additional packages from behind the counter and a small safe.

We are awaiting surveillance footage from the interior of the store and parking lot footage from the 26th, but we are able to share a couple of pictures of the truck that was used on the 25th. On that night, the truck left the UPS store by travelling westbound on Main Street and then turning northbound onto Bridgehead Road. We do not know where the truck went from that point, but we are seeking the assistance of the public to help us locate the truck and any information about the stolen packages and suspect. If additional surveillance photos are developed in this case, we will be sure to share them.

Please call us at (925) 625-8060 if you have any information regarding this case.

If you suspect your package has been stolen, please contact the UPS store manager at (925) 625-0221. You will receive information about your package and additional information on what to do about it.

St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County volunteers bring Christmas joy, generosity to Pinole

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Tracey W., (right) hugs SVdP Vincentian Henrietta, (left) thanking her for the gifts, food and clothing for her family. Photos: SVdP

PINOLE, CA – December, 2023 – On Monday, December 18th, dedicated volunteers from St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County (SVdP) gathered at St. Joseph’s Church in Pinole to spread holiday cheer in their community. Undeterred by the pouring rain, compassionate volunteers organized a heartwarming event to provide essential items and festive gifts to their neighbors in need for Christmas.

The day was a testament to the spirit of giving, as families were greeted with smiles and warmth while receiving personalized gifts and choosing from a selection of generously donated clothing items – including shirts, sweaters, jackets, and pants.

Tracey W. of Pinole, expressing her gratitude, said, “I’m just humbled. The volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul have been a part of my family since my daughter was born. One of the volunteers made her a quilt that I still have to this day. Their help means so much to me, and I’m just so thankful to have them in my life.”

Volunteers started their day at 9 A.M. in the St. Joseph rectory by wrapping and labeling gifts. Gifts were donated by the St. Joseph Parish members, local supporters, local businesses, and SVdP volunteers. Gift cards for groceries, stuffed animals for young children, Target gift cards for Christmas presents, and boxes of cookies were distributed to every family in attendance.

Vincentian Charisse Wan, an SVdP Vincentian volunteer, shared, “We have about 63 families we are able to help out of our Conference, (branch). It’s just wonderful to see how happy the families are during the Holidays.”

Thodias D. said he is incredibly thankful for the help the SVdP volunteers at St. Joseph provide his family.

Thodias D., a single father of two young boys from Pinole, expressed his deep appreciation for the support provided by SVdP volunteers at St. Joseph’s Church.

“I just feel so blessed to be part of the SVdP family,” Thodias said. “They’ve helped me with food, clothing, just too much to name. I just feel so thankful.”

Families, arriving at St. Joseph’s in Pinole, had their gifts brought to their cars by SVdP volunteers. For those who preferred, an opportunity to find the right-sized clothing for their families was available inside the church. The event fostered a sense of friendship, camaraderie, and charity, creating a memorable day for those in need.

SVdP volunteers helped families in need with gifts, clothing and gift cards for food.

St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County has provided safety-net services in the county for over 59 years, serving 100,000 people annually and distributing over $1.9 million in direct financial assistance and over $3 million of in-kind aid. More than 700 SVdP volunteers and a small staff lead operations in Contra Costa including the SVdP Family Resource Center in Pittsburg, 28 branches, and 3 Thrift Stores. One of the largest charitable organizations in the world, St. Vincent de Paul is an international, nonprofit, Catholic lay organization of more than 900,000 men and women who voluntarily join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to the needy and suffering in 155 countries on five continents.

CHP urges motorists to drive in the New Year safely

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Will hold Maximum Enforcement Period Friday, Dec. 29 – Monday night, Jan. 1, 2024

909 DUI arrests during Christmas weekend MEP

As we prepare to usher in a new year, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is ramping up efforts to help ensure the safety of all road users, while reducing the number of deadly crashes on the state’s roadways.

Beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, the CHP will implement a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), which will continue through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

The CHP conducted a similar enforcement effort during the recent Christmas holiday.  Tragically, 20 people were killed in crashes within CHP jurisdiction between 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 25.  Additionally, CHP officers made more than 900 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) – an average of one every five minutes.

“Our personnel work through the holidays to help ensure people arrive safely at their destinations,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.  “The goal is to maintain a safe environment on California’s roads, which is achievable when all motorists make responsible decisions behind the wheel.”

In addition to assisting drivers and looking for traffic violations, such as failure to wear a seat belt, speeding, and distracted driving, CHP officers will be paying close attention to people suspected of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.  During the last New Year’s Day MEP, CHP officers made 570 DUI arrests statewide.

As we close out 2023, avoid becoming a statistic.  Have a plan and designate a sober driver or use ride-share services, avoid distractions while driving, and always wear your seat belt.  If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately.  Be prepared to provide the dispatcher a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location, and direction of travel. Your phone call may save someone’s life.

Christmas Weekend MEP Results

Over the past Christmas weekend, the CHP took decisive action to keep our roads safe! Here are the results from the maximum enforcement period:

CHP arrested 909 individuals for driving under the influence, a 42% increase from the year prior. Sadly, there were 19 fatal crashes resulting in 20 fatalities. Although this is a 23% decrease from last year, there is more work to be done to continue to reduce the mileage death rate.

Safety Reminder: Slow down, always designate a sober driver, and wear your seatbelt. These simple actions can save lives and prevent injuries.

Thank you to all who prioritize road safety. Stay safe!

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Following Hercules traffic stop driver arrested with variety of drugs

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Drugs, cash and cell phones confiscated during traffic stop and arrest on Dec. 12, 2023. Photo: Hercules PD

By Hercules Police Department

On Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at 11:12 AM an officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a sliver Infiniti G35 for multiple vehicle code violations. The driver immediately exited the Infiniti and attempted to walk away. The driver was ordered to remain seated in the vehicle. As the officer spoke to the driver, he began to make furtive movements in the vehicle by reaching toward his waistband and the driver’s side floorboard. The officer observed a large, clear plastic bag containing dozens of pills near the driver’s feet. The officer asked the driver to stop reaching around the vehicle, but the driver did not comply. The officer held the driver at gunpoint until other officers arrived on scene to detain the driver and passenger.

A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, and the officer located suspected marijuana, a suspected LSD sheet, suspected Percocet pills, suspected morphine laced with fentanyl, and suspected fentanyl. The driver was placed under arrest and booked into jail.

San Pablo Police ask public’s help to find two missing women

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Tho Ngoc Ly and Que Thi Tran. Source: San Pablo PD

Mother and daughter last seen Sept. 6, 2023

By San Pablo Police Department

The San Pablo Police Department is investigating a case involving two missing persons, and is requesting our community’s assistance regarding information on their whereabouts.

40-year-old Tho Ngoc Ly and her mother, 74-year-old Que Thi Tran, were last seen at their residence in the 1900 block of Sutter Avenue on September 6th, 2023. Ly and Tran had reportedly traveled to the Southern California region following a family argument however, detectives have been unable to establish contact to confirm their well-being.

Ly is described as an Asian female adult, approximately 5 feet tall and 115 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Tran is described as an Asian female adult, approximately 5 feet tall and 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts, or how to establish contact with Ly and/or Tran, is encouraged to call the SPPD Investigations Division at 510-215-3150.

 

Vallejo man arrested for shoplifting in Pleasant Hill

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Jared Michael Theobald arrested and the gun tossed in the bushes on Dec. 18, 2023. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

Driving stolen car, had felony warrant, meth and heroin, loaded gun with hollow point rounds

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Nice catch by our graveyard officers!

Last night, Dec. 18, 2023, our officers responded to Kohl’s to assist loss prevention employees in deterring a couple of shoplifters. It was also determined that the suspects drove up in a stolen car. As our officers went to contact the male suspect, he took off running and tried to hide and disguise his appearance. Unfortunately for him, he was quickly located in a business pretending to order a pizza.

He was identified as Jared Michael Theobald of Vallejo, age 41. Theobald was discovered to have a felony warrant as well and was in possession of a substantial amount of methamphetamine and heroin. Officers scoured the area for a Nike bag Theobald was seen carrying earlier. It was eventually located dumped in a planter and contained a 9mm pistol loaded with hollow point rounds. Theobald was booked into county jail on multiple felonies. His female companion cooperated with officers and was eventually release from the scene.

We work closely with retail loss prevention, many times resulting in arrests for crimes that go beyond shoplifting. Good work by all involved!

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Theobald was transferred to another facility and according to the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, he is out of custody on general release as of Dec. 22.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Pittsburg man arrested for Walnut Creek burglaries

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Source: Walnut Creek PD

Suspect has history of arrests dating to 2017

By Walnut Creek Police Department

Darrell Lipston in a photo posted on his Facebook page on Feb. 28, 2023.

On December 14th, 2023, Walnut Creek Police arrested 41-year-old Darrell Demone Lipston (born Dec. 2, 1982) for residential burglary, conspiracy, possession of stolen property and violation of probation after committing several burglaries in the 100 block of Pringle Avenue.

Patrol Officers (Patrol Team 5) immediately obtained leads and, with the assistance of the Investigations Bureau, conducted a probation search of Lipston’s residence in Pittsburg. The search revealed that Lipston was in possession of all the stolen property connected to these burglaries. WCPD arrested Lipston, transported him, and booked him at the Martinez Detention Facility. WCPD Patrol officers returned the stolen property to the grateful victims.

On December 18th, 2023, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed the following charges against Lipston for the burglaries:

PC 459: Residential Burglary (six counts), PC 487(a): Grand Theft (three counts) and PC 594(a): Vandalism (four counts).

The employees of the Walnut Creek Police Department are committed to ensuring the safety of our community through proactive enforcement of the law, the use of technology, and relentless investigation of crimes.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Lipston is being held on no bail and his next court hearing is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2024, at 8:30 a.m.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to January 2, 2017, by multiple agencies including Antioch PD, Concord PD, Walnut Creek PD and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for receiving or concealing stolen property, burglary, possession of ammunition, possession of narcotic controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and receiving stolen property – motor vehicle.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood Police holding DUI checkpoint Friday, Dec. 29

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Source: Brentwood PD

The Brentwood Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, December 29th from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on Balfour Road.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The Brentwood Police Department is committed to keeping the traveling public safe.

Brentwood PD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or ”operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Why do police announce checkpoints?

You’d think that a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint would work best if it had an element of surprise behind it. After all, if someone is driving under the influence and they come across a checkpoint they didn’t know about, they would have a much higher chance of being caught.

So in short here’s the answer as to why police agencies notify the public in advance of DUI/driver’s license checkpoints….it’s the law. The state Supreme Court has ruled that DUI/driver’s license checkpoints are legal but they mandated checkpoints be publicized ahead of time.

Once you are at a checkpoint, vehicle code section 2814.2(a) requires that all drivers stop and submit to these checkpoints.

The goal of these checkpoints is public safety and deterring drivers from driving under the influence. Hopefully that clarifies some questions we’ve had in the past.