Contra Costa Herald

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

Former Richmond pastor convicted for sexual assault of child from church

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52-year-old Emilio Alberto Esperanza-Pacheco faces life without parole

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

A jury in Contra Costa County reached a verdict that convicted a former Richmond pastor of various offenses related to the sexual assault of a child.

On February 4th, 2026, 52-year-old Emilio Alberto Esperanza-Pacheco was found guilty by a jury on five counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child under the age of 14 and 10 counts of forcible lewd acts upon a child. The offenses Esperanza-Pacheco committed on Jane Doe occurred between June 1st, 2023, and October 14th, 2023. The jury also found that the Defendant committed a forcible lewd act upon a child during the commission of a first-degree residential burglary. (See list of 15 Counts in Emilio Esperanza-Pacheco Amended Info Filed)

At the time when the crimes occurred, Esperanza-Pacheco was employed as a pastor at God’s Lighthouse of Truth Church in Richmond, where Doe and her family were members and became friends with him.

Through the course of the trial, the prosecution presented the jury with evidence that Esperanza-Pacheco used his position with the church and his friendship with the family to silence the victim from telling anyone about the sexual assaults.

The victim eventually found the courage to tell her parents about the abuse. Richmond Police officers arrested Esperanza-Pacheco on October 14th, 2023, and booked him into custody, where he remained for the duration of the criminal legal proceedings.

According to faithstreet.com, “God’s Lighthouse of Truth Church is a Nondenominational church in Richmond, CA featuring contemporary and traditional hymns worship and with children’s ministry and community service.” It is located at 3725 Macdonald Avenue in Richmond. No website or social media account could be found for the church from an internet search.

Judge Danielle Douglas has set a sentencing date for Esperanza-Pacheco on April 9th, 2026, at 8:30 am in Martinez. He faces life without the possibility of parole.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “The penalty the defendant is facing reflects the gravity of the crimes committed against a child. While no outcome can undo the trauma suffered by the victim, we hope the verdict provides some sense of justice and allows her and her family to move forward with a degree of closure.”

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Esperanza-Pacheco’s race is unknown.

Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney Ashley Torres prosecuted the case on behalf of the People of the State of California.

Case No. 02-23-01604 | The People of the State of California v. Emilio Alberto Esperanza-Pacheco

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa anti-trafficking operation nets 20 survivors identified, 11 arrested, 3 charged

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For sex trafficking, pimping, pandering and firearms offenses

21 agencies participate in 7-day “Operation Reclaim and Rebuild” in conjunction with January’s National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

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

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force wrapped a major statewide effort to contact survivors of human trafficking, apprehend their exploiters and file charges against the exploiters’ offenses.

In conjunction with National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January, the Task Force collaborated with 21 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and five victim services provider partners for Operation Reclaim and Rebuild. The operation, active from January 25th through January 31st, 2026, conducted five separate anti-human trafficking operations throughout Contra Costa County. Their efforts produced 11 arrests of suspected exploiters for sex trafficking, pimping, pandering and firearms offenses. Several other contacts resulted in new investigative leads and corroborating evidence in human trafficking cases.

“Operation Reclaim and Rebuild demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable members of our community and holding exploiters accountable,” District Attorney Diana Becton said. “The arrests made during this week-long operation send a clear message: human trafficking will not be tolerated in Contra Costa County.”

Twenty survivors of human trafficking were identified, all of whom had the opportunity to speak with a specialized human trafficking victim advocate and were offered services. Through collaborative efforts across multiple jurisdictions, three youth survivors were recovered in these operations, and investigations against their suspected traffickers are rapidly advancing.

The three suspects arrested are 53-year-old Malcom Ali Scott of Patterson (born 7/30/1972), 40-year-old Damiano Andres Wilson of San Carlos (born 8/20/1985) and 38-year-old Keith Earnest Haywood of Antioch (born 1/1/1988)

Scott and Wilson were arraigned Wednesday in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez, and Haywood is scheduled to be arraigned on February 5th at 1:30 pm in Martinez. The offenses center on human trafficking of a minor for a sex act, pandering of a minor, lewd acts upon a child and various allegations related to possession of a firearm by a felon.

“Our priority is supporting survivors, ensuring they receive the help they need, and bringing their exploiters to justice,” said Task Force Director Katrina Natale.

Participating agencies included, in alphabetical order:

  • Brentwood Police Department
  • California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
  • Church World Services
  • City of Pittsburg Code Enforcement Division
  • Community Violence Solutions
  • Concord Police Department
  • Contra Costa County Children and Family Services
  • Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office
  • Contra Costa County Major Crimes Task Force
  • Contra Costa County Probation Department
  • Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
  • Federal Bureau of Investigations
  • Hercules Police Department
  • Homeland Security Investigations
  • Northern California Regional Intelligence Center
  • Pinole Police Department
  • Pittsburg Police Department
  • Richmond Police Department
  • San Pablo Police Department
  • Victim Witness Assistance Program (CCCDA)
  • Walnut Creek Police Department

The Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force is co-led by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and Community Violence Solutions, a community-based 24-hour service provider for survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking. Founded in 2018, the Task Force aims to eradicate all forms of human trafficking in Contra Costa County through collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts to identify and support victims of human trafficking, to hold traffickers accountable through effective prosecution, and to educate on and prevent human trafficking.

Suspect Details

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 295-pound Scott is Black and is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $950,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 17 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 2 of Bay Superior Court in Richmond.

The five-foot, seven-inch tall, 155-pound Wilson is Black, and being held in the West County Detention Facility on $700,000 bail.

The six-foot, three-inch tall, 230-pound Haywood is Black and is also being held in the West County Detention Facility on the lower bail amount of $75,000.

According to recentlybooked.com, Wilson was arrested by Stockton Police on Jan. 29, 2025, for battery on a spouse, ex-spouse, date, etc. and false impersonation of another: special circumstances.

Information on the other eight suspects arrested have been requested.

5:00 PM 2/5/26 UPDATE: However, Asregadoo responded, “We can’t release the suspects who were arrested until law enforcement brings cases over for review and a charging decision is made.”

Anyone with information on suspected human trafficking (sex or labor) or related crimes is encouraged to make a report to your local law enforcement agency or the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Tip Line (925) 957-8658. Those in need of supportive services are encouraged to contact Community Violence Solutions’ 24-hour hotline 1 (800) 670-7273.

Case No. 02-26-00290 | The People of the State of California v. Malcom Scott

Case No. 04-26-00572 | The People of the State of California v. Damiano Andres Wilson

Case No. 01-26-00385 | The People of the State of California v. Keith Earnest Haywood

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Crime on BART drops 41% in 2025

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Photo: BART

Systemwide property crime down 43%, auto thefts decrease by half, robberies by 60%; aggravated assaults up 12%

Smaller decreases in Contra Costa County

By San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District

Crime on BART plummeted in 2025, a testament to the hard work of the BART Police Department and the effectiveness of BART’s investment in initiatives and infrastructure that both increase safety and enhance the customer experience.

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

Overall crime on BART dropped 41% in 2025 compared to the previous year, with violent crime down 31% and property crime down 43%, according to the December 2025 Chief’s Monthly Report. Additional highlights include auto thefts decreasing by half year over year and robberies decreasing by 60%. The only crime category to see an increase was aggravated assaults which were up 12% over 2024.

In Contra Costa County violent crime was down 24.6% from 61 incidents to 46 and property crime decreased 34.3% from 443 incidents to 291. The only category that increased was burglary structural with 50% more incidents from six to nine.

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

This substantial decrease in crimes in the system comes as ridership continues to grow steadily, with BART serving nearly 5 million more trips in 2025 than 2024, a year that also saw  ridership growth in addition to a drop in crime.

“Safety is about more than enforcement. It’s about presence, partnership, and creating an environment where all riders feel comfortable using BART,” said BART Police Chief Kevin Franklin. “BART PD is committed to deterring criminal activity, responding quickly when help is needed, and ensuring riders feel safe throughout their journeys. These numbers demonstrate the impact of officers who are engaged and focused on building trust with the communities BART serves.”

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

“Riders are witnessing firsthand the improvements to safety, cleanliness, and customer experience that define the New BART,” said BART General Manager Bob Powers. “We’ve combined infrastructure upgrades, such as improved fare gates and station lighting, with additional safety presence and customer-centered service to make BART a comfortable experience for everyone who rides. I want to thank BART PD for their tireless commitment to serving the public.”

BART PD boosted the visible safety presence in the system by doubling officer presence systemwide and ensuring police are riding trains more. This approach is strengthened by BART’s ongoing use of unarmed Crisis Intervention Specialists, Transit Ambassadors, Fare Inspectors, and Community Service Officers.

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

Safety efforts were also bolstered by the installation of 715 new fare gates at all 50 stations, a project completed in August 2025, four months ahead of schedule. The taller, stronger fare gates are improving the station environment and deterring fare evasion and unwanted behavior. The number of riders who say they’ve witnessed someone not paying has dropped 59% in the last year.

BART also maintains a network of 4,000+ surveillance cameras, minimizing response time and holding suspects accountable, and continues to install LED lighting on platforms and in parking facilities to eliminate dark corners. Efforts such as these not only improve safety, but the entirety of the BART experience by making the system more welcoming and comfortable.

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

In 2025, BART PD continued its robust officer recruitment campaign with a $15,000 hiring bonus ($5,000 upon hire and $10,000 upon completion of the Field Training Program) for laterals and academy graduates and a robust outreach strategy, including a dedicated JoinBARTPD.com recruitment site and the recent launch of a  BART PD Instagram to reach potential recruits where they are.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

DUI driver arrested after crashing into downtown Lafayette building

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Damage was sustained by both the vehicle of the DUI driver who was arrested and the vacant building he crashed into in downtown Lafayette, early Saturday morning, Jan. 24, 2026. Photos: Lafayette PD

By Lafayette Police Department

Early Saturday morning, January 24, 2026, at approximately 20 minutes after midnight, Lafayette PD Officers were dispatched to a vehicle that had crashed into a vacant building at the intersection of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Moraga Road. Officers arrived on scene, contacted the driver, and subsequently arrested him for driving under the influence.

This incident is a reminder to plan ahead and use a designated driver or a rideshare if you’ve been drinking.

If you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies, or (925) 284-5010 for non-emergencies.

Efforts to obtain additional information and the name of the driver were unsuccessful prior to publication time. Please check later for any updates to this report.

Meet new Walnut Creek Police Chief Hibbs Feb. 4

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New Walnut Creek Chief of Police Ryan Hibbs was sworn in Jan. 13, 2026. Photo: WCPD

By Walnut Creek Police Department

The City of Walnut Creek is inviting residents to a “meet and greet” opportunity with new Chief Ryan Hibbs. The free event will be held on Wednesday, February 4, in the Rotunda at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Residents are welcome to drop by any time between 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the City of Walnut Creek.

On January 13, 2026, the Walnut Creek Police Department proudly recognized nine well-earned promotions during an oath of office ceremony in the Council Chambers!

What a great day for our team!

Police Chief Ryan Hibbs and department leaders were officially sworn in to their new positions during a ceremony inside the Council Chambers Jan. 13, 2026. Photo: WCPD

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding individuals on their achievements:

  • Chief Ryan Hibbs
  • Captain Jeff Slater
  • Captain Holley Connors
  • Lieutenant Guy Ezard
  • Lieutenant Mike Watson
  • Lieutenant Andrew Ha
  • Sergeant Melinda Lomprey
  • Sergeant Nick Olson
  • Sergeant Rich Lopez

Thank you for your dedication to keeping Walnut Creek safe and for serving with integrity and professionalism. Congratulations!

About Chief Hibbs

Hibbs, a 23-year police veteran who has been with the Walnut Creek Police Department for 16 years, was selected in October 2025 by City Manager Dan Buckshi to serve as the City’s new Chief of Police. Earlier this month, Mayor Kevin Wilk announced that Hibbs had stepped into his new role which occurred on Dec. 31.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be selected as the next Police Chief for the Walnut Creek Police Department. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Chief Jamie Knox for his nearly five years of dedicated service to both the department and our community,” said Hibbs. “I am committed to upholding our department’s tradition of integrity and community partnership, strengthening trust with the residents, and supporting the women and men who keep Walnut Creek a safe, welcoming and vibrant place for everyone.”

He previously served as Captain of the Administration Services Division, overseeing Professional Standards, Investigations, Dispatch, Records and Department Administration.

Hibbs holds a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from National University, an Administrative of Justice degree from Lassen Community College, and is completing a graduate degree at California State University, Dominguez Hill.  He is a graduate of the Drucker Executive Leadership Institute and the Peace Officer Standards and Training Executive Development Course and is an active member of several professional law enforcement organizations.

Replaces Retired Chief Jamie Knox

Retired Chief Jamie Knox. Photo: WCPD

Former Chief Jamie Knox, who retired at the end of 2025, led the Walnut Creek Police Department since 2021, capping a distinguished 30-year law enforcement career that began in Roseville in 1995. He previously held leadership roles in Novato and San Leandro and holds degrees in Emergency Management and Organizational Leadership, along with FBI National Academy credentials

As Chief, he oversaw historically low crime rates, expanded staffing, and spearheaded a recruitment campaign that brought in 68 new hires. He prioritized combating organized retail theft through targeted operations and regional partnerships, and championed initiatives like the 30×30 campaign for women in policing, Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology deployment, and revitalization of the Police Cadet Program.

His tenure also emphasized community engagement, officer wellness through the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) program, and modernization efforts including drone deployment and updated branding.

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” Knox said, and that he was “grateful for the dedication of the men and women of this department and the support of our community.”

Thank you, Chief Knox for your leadership, dedication, and the example you have set! We wish you the best in your well-deserved retirement!

““I’m always happy when we can promote from within. Ryan…will be a strong leader as we go forward following Chief Knox’s retirement,” Buckshi said in October. “I am thankful to Chief Knox for his many contributions and leadership, and I look forward to working with Capt. Hibbs in his new role.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Reckless driving, altercation ends in Richmond Police Officer-involved shooting on I-80 in Hercules

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Source: Richmond PD

CA DOJ investigating under AB 1506

By Allen D. Payton

According to the Richmond Police Department PIO, Lt. Don Patchin, on January 22, 2026, a Richmond Police detective was involved in a critical incident on westbound Interstate 80 near Highway 4.

Earlier that morning, CHP received multiple reports of a gold or gray Nissan sedan driving recklessly, striking vehicles, and obstructing traffic. The vehicle was later encountered stopped and blocking a lane of westbound I-80 by an RPD detective who stopped to render aid.

The detective contacted an individual standing near the vehicle who was holding a metal object. Unconfirmed information indicates the individual may have been swinging the object at passing vehicles prior to the detective’s arrival. During the encounter, an altercation occurred, and the detective discharged their service weapon.

The individual was transported to a local trauma center, where he later died from his injuries. The detective sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.

Because it is currently unclear whether the individual had a weapon in his possession at the exact moment the shooting occurred, California law requires the California Department of Justice to assume the lead investigation. DOJ’s involvement does not imply wrongdoing and is mandated under these circumstances.

This investigation is in its early stages. We are committed to transparency and will provide updates as information becomes available and legally releasable.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information is urged to contact the Department of Justice at 916-210-2871.

CA Attorney General Investigates Under AB 1506

According to the Attorney General’s Press Office, the information provided below is based on preliminary details regarding an ongoing investigation, which may continue to evolve.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred on January 22, 2026, in Hercules, California. The OIS incident which resulted in the death of one individual occurred around 7:20 a.m. and involved the Richmond Police Department.

Following notification of this incident, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review. Anyone who has information related to either OIS incident and wishes to report it may do so by calling (916) 210-2871.

More information on DOJ’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.

As previously reported, according to Ted Asregadoo, PIO for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, because the incident took place on an interstate highway, the California Highway Patrol has primary jurisdiction over the investigation. The California Attorney General’s Office will lead the legal investigation based on the specific circumstances of the incident. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office’s participation in the investigation is in accordance with the County’s Law Enforcement-Involved Fatal Incident protocol.

 

 

CCDA issues statement on officer-involved fatal incident on Interstate 80 in Hercules

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

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is participating in the investigation into a fatal incident involving an on-duty Richmond Police officer.

The incident occurred this morning at approximately 7:15 am on westbound Interstate 80 near the Highway 4 junction in Hercules.

At 8:25 a.m., CHP – Golden Gate and CHP – Contra Costa announced on social media, “All Lanes Closed due to Police Activity… Fast lane of I-80EB is also closed. WB traffic is being diverted off at the Hercules exit. Use alt routes. Unknown ETO. As of 5:10 p.m. CHP – Contra Costa announced, “All lanes of westbound I-80 at SR-4 in Hercules have reopened.”

Because the incident took place on an interstate highway, the California Highway Patrol has primary jurisdiction over the investigation. The California Attorney General’s Office will lead the legal investigation based on the specific circumstances of the incident. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office’s participation in the investigation is in accordance with the County’s Law Enforcement-Involved Fatal Incident protocol.

While Assembly Bill 1506 requires the California Department of Justice to investigate officer-involved shootings of unarmed civilians, this particular case does not explicitly fall under that mandate. However, the Attorney General’s Office has assumed the lead role due to the dynamics of the incident.

UPDATE: Both the Richmond Police Department and California Attorney General’s Office issued press releases about the incident. See details, here – Reckless driving, altercation ends in Richmond Police Officer-involved shooting on I-80 in Hercules | Contra Costa Herald

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Police solve 2024 homicide of homeless Antioch man

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Suspect Ronald Benjamin Jackson, III was charged with homicide, kidnapping and criminal threats in the 2024 death of Raheem Coe. Photo: Antioch PD

Suspect Ronald Benjamin Jackson, III currently in San Quentin state prison on unrelated charges.

Previously arrested in 2022 for shooting, killing Antioch convenience store clerk, but DA Becton didn’t charge with murder

By Allen D. Payton

According to Antioch Police Lt. William Whitaker of the department’s Investigations Bureau, after an extensive investigation, the Antioch Police Department has solved the homicide of Raheem Coe, a 48-year-old Antioch resident who was found deceased on May 15, 2024, near medical office buildings in the Country Hills Drive area.

At approximately 7:19 AM, on that date, Antioch police officers responded to the 2200 block of Country Hills Drive to assist Contra Costa Fire on a reported male down on the sidewalk possibly in need of medical attention.

When officers arrived, they located a deceased male. The cause of death was unknown at the time. The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. After an autopsy and further investigation, the death was determined to be a homicide. The victim frequented the area where he was discovered.

As previously reported, independent reports from two sources claimed Coe’s death was believed to be caused by blunt force trauma, including to his head and chest.

At the time, local homeless advocate Andrew Becker, who knew Coe and had several interactions with him, said, “Raheem Coe was on the street for the last couple of years, in the Lone Tree-Deer Valley area. He’s had several interactions with City staff including being swept multiple times by Public Works and Code Enforcement.”

“We had several conversations about shelter and services, and he was seeking shelter,” Becker continued. “He did have contact with his family who are also local.”

Through the processing of evidence, witness interviews, and the review of video surveillance, detectives identified 23-year-old Ronald Benjamin Jackson, III as the suspect in this homicide. Jackson is currently in custody at San Quentin State Prison on unrelated charges.

The case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, which has filed charges against Jackson for PC 187 – Homicide, PC 207(a) – Kidnapping, and PC 422 – Criminal Threats. Jackson will be transferred to the Martinez Detention Facility pending future court proceedings.

Jackson was previously arrested for robbing an Antioch gas station convenience store and killing the 36-year-old clerk in November 2022. (See related articles here and here)

However, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton announced the following week that her Office declined to file murder charges in the case, based on the clerk’s actions and “upon an established law that clearly states a person cannot pursue another to retrieve stolen property once the threat of bodily injury or harm to the victim has subsided.”

According to localcrimenews.com, Jackson was also arrested by Antioch Police on May 25, 2024, for kidnapping, battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse and threats of violence, and on Oct. 26, 2022, for vandalism: paint, cruelty to an animal and carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner.

Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Antioch Police Detective John Cox at (925) 481-8147 or by email at jcox@antiochca.gov.

Two Oakley boys arrested for grazing man’s head with gunshot

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During attempted marijuana buy that goes bad

Following high-speed pursuit to Orinda by Sheriff’s Deputies

By Oakley Police Department

At 1:08 AM on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, Oakley officers were dispatched to the area of East Cypress Road and Frank Hengel Way for a report of a possible kidnapping and a shooting. Our officers arrived on scene and found multiple people at the corner of Rubens Way and East Cypress Road. (Many of the people involved in this incident were juveniles so names will not be used.)

Our officers found a male victim with a grazing wound to his head which was determined to be a gunshot wound. Officers began the investigation and determined a group of three Oakley residents (two young adults, a male and a female, and one juvenile female) picked up two other males, who are also juveniles from Oakley. Collectively, the five people began hanging out at Cypress Grove Park in the vehicle of one of the females. The two male juveniles, who were picked up, became angered when the other three would not take them to buy marijuana. At one point the male who had taken part in picking up the two other males got out of the vehicle.

The two males who had been picked up then forced the females to drive away at gunpoint. The female victim driver drove down Rubens Way where she refused to drive any further. She and the other female victim were then forced out of the vehicle by the two male suspects at gunpoint. The two male suspects then drove the vehicle back towards East Cypress Road. The male victim, who had previously exited the vehicle, saw everything that was going on and ran towards the flight path of the fleeing suspects and caught up to them at the intersection of Frank Hengel and East Cypress. One of the male suspects shot at the male victim through the windshield of the female victim’s vehicle several times and struck the male victim in the head with the grazing shot.

The two suspects then fled the scene. We were assisted by deputies from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and one of those deputies saw the victim’s vehicle driving westbound on Highway 4 at a high rate of speed. Deputy Sheriffs initiated a pursuit of the victim vehicle, which took them all the way out to Orinda. The pursuit terminated when the pursued vehicle became disabled on westbound highway 24, in Orinda. Both male suspects were taken into custody and transported back to the Oakley Police Department. It was determined both suspects had warrants for their arrest, in addition to all of the crimes they were just involved in. Both suspects were booked into the Juvenile Hall for those two warrants and:

  • Attempted homicide
  • Assault with a deadly weapon
  • Kidnapping
  • Carjacking

The male who had been shot was transported to a local hospital and treated and released.

If anybody has information regarding this shooting, please call the Oakley Police Department at 925-625-8060 and reference case 26-95.

We thank the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the Orinda Police Department for their vital assistance in this investigation.

 

Hung jury in trial of former Richmond cop for striking man multiple times with Taser

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Images of former Officer Eric Smith, Jr. and body cam video screenshot of him striking Saul Mendoza, Jr. with a Taser during the attempted arrest on April 9, 2022. Source: Richmond PD and KTVU FOX2

Eric Smith, Jr. charged with assault with a deadly weapon, inflicting great bodily injury

Jurors voted 11-1 not guilty; attorney says, “he was forced to protect himself in this dangerous situation.”

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

Martinez, California – A jury was unable to reach a verdict on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, in the trial of former Richmond Police officer Eric Smith, Jr.

Smith, who is 31 years old, was charged by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office with assault with a deadly weapon and inflicting great bodily injury during an attempted arrest on April 9, 2022.

On August 3, 2022, the District Attorney’s Office filed a felony assault charge with the two enhancements against Smith. That same day Richmond Police announced that Smith, Jr. was terminated from the agency.

The incident happened around 1:00 a.m. in Richmond during an attempted traffic stop of Saul Mendoza, Jr. At one point during the encounter, Officer Smith struck Mr. Mendoza multiple times with a Taser, causing great bodily injury to the victim. (See police body cam video of incident published by KTVU FOX2)

Count 1-Assault with a Deadly Weapon PC245(a)(1)

Enhancement 1 – Special Allegation – Great Bodily Harm PC12022.7(a)

Enhancement 2 – Special Allegation – Use of Deadly Weapon PC12022(b)(1)

Because the jury could not reach a verdict, Judge John W. Kennedy dismissed the jurors. The case will return to court on February 2, 2026, to schedule either a new trial or other pre-trial matters.

UPDATE: Smith’s Attorney Responds

In response, Smith’s attorney, Harry Stern, of Rains Lucia Stern, praised the jury for their diligence and attention to detail.

“It’s really hard to get 12 people to come to a unanimous verdict,” he said. “The fact that 11 out of 12 jurors found Eric not guilty is extremely gratifying. He was an excellent witness and clearly explained why he was forced to protect himself in this dangerous situation.”

Case No. 02-22-00665 | The People of the State of California v. Eric Smith, Jr.