Contra Costa Herald

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

September Pleasant Hill Police stats show 3.6% increase in crime over last year

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Source: Pleasant Hill PD

Including burglaries, robberies and larcenies

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Hey there Pleasant Hill! We’re back with a snapshot of our monthly crime stats, giving you a look at some of the police activity that took place in our city in September 2026.

Officers made 48 arrests, of which 47 were adults and one was a juvenile, and they consisted of 16 felonies and 32 misdemeanors. There were 117 citations issued of which 66 percent were hazardous. Pleasant Hill experienced five injury accidents, 13 non-injury accidents, five handicap violations and seven drunk driving incidents.

Source: Pleasant Hill PD

Overall crime increased by 3.6 percent over this time last year, with increases in the following categories showing totals for the month: five residential burglaries, one business burglary, five robberies and 86 larcenies, which include shoplifting, theft from a car, bike theft, purse snatch, etc. There were five auto thefts which saw a decrease and there was also one aggravated assault during September.

The Department received 2,118 calls for service and bringing the total to 20,491 incidents or calls for service in 2026.

We’ll continue sharing this information monthly on our social media platforms, but for a more extensive look at our crime stats, please visit our website: www.phillca.gov/1384/Crime-Statistics.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood Police celebrate National First Responders Day

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Source: Brentwood PD

Recognizing police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers and other emergency responders

By Brentwood Police Department

Today, on National First Responders Day, the Brentwood Police Department recognizes the dedicated men and women who answer the call when our communities need them most.

From law enforcement officers and firefighters to emergency medical personnel and dispatchers, first responders work around the clock to protect lives, provide help during emergencies, and serve their communities.

We are especially grateful for the strong partnerships we share with our fellow first responders throughout our community and Contra Costa County. Working together allows us to provide the best possible service to those who need us.

To all of our first responders — thank you for your service, dedication, and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

According to Officer.com, “Organizations across the country are marking National First Responders Day today with ceremonies, educational programs, recognition events and fundraising efforts honoring police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers and other emergency responders. The annual observance recognizes the men and women who respond when emergencies strike and highlights the sacrifices they make in service to their communities.

“The First Responders Children’s Foundation…hosted its annual Roll Call of Heroes ceremony in New York City. The event recognizes first responders from across the country representing law enforcement, fire, EMS, 911 dispatch and volunteer response organizations. The ceremony also marks the foundation’s 25th anniversary, the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and America’s 250th birthday.”

In addition, the U.S. Fire Administration recognizes National First Responders Day on Oct. 28 saying, “This day serves as a tribute to the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities in times of crisis.

“First responders are the backbone of emergency services: firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and 911 dispatchers. These individuals are the first to arrive at the scene of emergencies, providing critical assistance and often risking their own lives to save others.

“Every day, across the United States, approximately 4.6 million first responders stand ready to answer the call of duty. They face a wide range of challenges, from severe weather events and chemical emergencies to fires, vehicle accidents and acts of terrorism.”

Happy National First Responders Day!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

40-year-old Concord man arrested for stabbing wife to death

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Also arrested in May for assaulting and injuring spouse or cohabitant, more

By Concord Police Department

On Friday, October 23, at about 8:51 p.m., Concord Police Dispatch received a 911 call from a house in the 2300 block of Panoramic Drive in Concord. The caller reported a disturbance between a man and a woman. The man was reported to be armed with a knife. Officers were immediately dispatched and contacted several witnesses.

When the officers attempted to contact occupants of the house, no one responded, and the officers forced entry into the home. Inside the home, a man and woman were found injured with apparent stab wounds. Officers provided immediate medical aid prior to the arrival of Fire/Paramedics. Despite lifesaving efforts, the woman died at the scene. The man was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment and is currently listed in critical condition.

Due to the nature of this incident, detectives from the Concord Police Department – Investigations Division were called to assume the investigation. Investigative follow-up and interviews were conducted. Based on preliminary witness information, there are no outstanding suspects and no ongoing threat to public safety.

On Tuesday morning, Oct. 27th the case was referred to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for filing considerations. The District Attorney’s Office filed the following charges with additional enhancements against Thomas John Iovenitti (40-year-old Concord male, born 2/27/1986) for the murder of his wife, later identified by the DA’s Office as Alisha Iovenitti:

PC 187(a) – Murder

PC 136.1(b)(1) – Dissuading a Victim or Witness from Reporting a Crime

PC 166(a)(4) – Willful Disobedience of a Court Order

PC 273a(b) x 4 – Child Endangerment

PC 245(a)(1) – Assault with a Deadly Weapon

PC 273.5(a) – Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Cohabitant (Domestic Violence)

Iovenitti remains in custody and is being held on no bail.

If you have any information that may be relevant for this investigation, please contact Detective Justin Wilson at (925) 603-5859 or the anonymous tip line at (925) 603-5836.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 210-pound Iovenetti is Hispanic but also described as White, and is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility. His next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 1:35 p.m. in Superior Court Dept. 5 in Martinez.

According to localcrimenewscom, he was previously arrested on May 9th for false imprisonment by violence, assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and cruelty to a child by inflicting injury. Iovenetti was also arrested the day before for use or being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Homicide investigation of 33-year-old San Pablo man found dead inside car

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By James Laughter, PIO, San Pablo Police Department

San Pablo, CA – On Sunday, October 25, 2026, at approximately 2:27 p.m., San Pablo Police Department officers responded to the 1600 block of 16th Street following a report of a male subject who was possibly deceased inside a parked vehicle.

Upon arrival, officers located a 33-year-old San Pablo resident inside a red Toyota. The male was unresponsive and had apparent injuries. Officers and Con Fire medical personnel rendered medical aid; however, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

San Pablo Police Department detectives responded and assumed responsibility for the investigation The incident is being investigated as a homicide, and the investigation remains active. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notifications of next of kin. The suspects(s) have not been apprehended, and no additional information is available for release at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Department at (510) 215-3150.

Oakland man convicted of trafficking 16-year-old girl in Richmond

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Faces up to 13 years in prison

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

Martinez, California – On October 15, 2026, a jury in Contra Costa County found 41-year-old Jamarr Lamont Victor, of Oakland, CA, guilty of human trafficking of a minor for a commercial sex act and four related felonies for exploiting a 16-year-old girl in Richmond.

Victor was convicted of:

  • Human trafficking of a minor for a commercial sex act [Penal Code 236.1(c)(1)]
  • Pimping a minor 16 years of age or older [Penal Code 266h(b)(1)]
  • Pandering a minor over the age of 16 [Penal Code 266i(b)(1)]
  • Unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor [Penal Code 261.5(c)]
  • Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon [Penal Code 29800(a)(1)]

On February 21st, 2026, Jane Doe called 911 in Richmond to report that Victor, whom she had just met, put her to work in Richmond’s 23rd Street corridor. When Richmond Police officers responded to the emergency call, Jane Doe pointed out that she was doing sex work and her pimp as around the corner at a restaurant. The victim also noted that Victor was frightening her with talk of wanting to do unusual sexual acts with her.

The police investigation showed that Victor picked up the girl in Oakland earlier that day. That same day, he drove her to Richmond, ordered her to complete a set number of commercial sex transactions that night. Victor gave her a price list and took the money she earned that night.

District Attorney Diana Becton said: “We thank the jury for their work in holding the defendant accountable in these difficult cases. Traffickers often target children for sex work because they think no one will listen to minors when they report harm. This verdict shows that our office, our law enforcement partners, and our community are and were listening.”

Deputy District Attorney Jessica Murad prosecuted the case. The Richmond Police Department led the investigation.

Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge Nichelle Holmes presided over the trial. She will sentence Victor on Thursday, November 6th, 2026, at 1:30 pm at the A.F. Bray Courts Building in Martinez.

At sentencing, Judge Holmes will also rule on the aggravating circumstances alleged by the prosecution. These include that the victim was particularly vulnerable and that the crime showed planning and sophistication. Victor faces up to 13 years in state prison.

To protect the victim’s privacy, the District Attorney’s Office will not release additional information about Jane Doe.

Anyone who is a victim of human trafficking, or who suspects someone is being trafficked, can get confidential help:

  • Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Hotline: 925-957-8658
  • National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888, or text HELP to 233733

Survivors can also contact the District Attorney’s Victim-Witness Program for help with the legal process and victim compensation, in Martinez at 925-957-8650 or in Richmond at 510-374-3272.

The District Attorney’s Office runs the Human Trafficking Task Force in partnership with the FBI, local police and community groups. More information and a full list of community resources are available on the Human Trafficking Unit website.

Case No. 02-26-00432 | The People of the State of California v. Jamarr Lamont Victor

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 150-pound Victor was born July 3, 1985, is listed as non-Hispanic but also as Black, he’s being held in the West County Detention Facility and his bail was set at $360,000.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Suspicious envelope sent to Congressman DeSaulnier’s Walnut Creek District Office

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Rep. DeSaulnier and Sen. Padilla. Official photos.

One of many mailed to congressional and election offices nationwide including CA U.S. Senator Padilla

By Mairead Glowacki, Communications Director, Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Walnut Creek, CA – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) issued the following statement after a suspicious envelope was received in his Walnut Creek district office Friday afternoon, Oct. 16, 2026.

“Following reports from U.S. Capitol Police of identical suspicious envelopes containing threatening letters and a white powdery substance that were delivered to other Congressional district offices across the nation, a member of our team identified a letter matching the description and return address, immediately secured the envelope without opening it, and called local law enforcement and U.S. Capitol Police.

Threats and political violence seem to have reached a fever pitch in our country, and I urge my fellow Americans to stand united against such attempts at undermining our democracy.

My priority remains the safety and security of my team, and I am thankful for the quick and decisive response. We remain committed to serving CA-10 residents and will not be deterred from this important work by threats.”

According to an AP news report, “Federal authorities are investigating letters with ‘suspicious substances’ that have been mailed to congressional and election offices nationwide and are urging recipients to treat the mailings as ‘potentially hazardous.’

“The investigation by the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Capitol Police was first disclosed in a message from the Senate Sergeant at Arms obtained Thursday by The Associated Press. The notice, sent to Senate offices, said that law enforcement officials were working to intercept any additional letters, but ‘it is possible that some letters may reach their destinations.’ Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla of California said the Postal Service intercepted a suspicious package before it reached his office.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Richmond man convicted of forcibly raping two women sentenced to 169 years to life

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First occurred in Concord, second in Martinez both in 2022 while on parole for previous rape, assault conviction; 44-year-old has history of 15 arrests since 2019

– See link to his mugshot

WARNING: Contains graphic content

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

Martinez, California – A Richmond man who cut off his parole ankle monitor and then violently assaulted two women in 2022 has been sentenced to 169 years to life in state prison.

Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge John W. Kennedy sentenced Mark Lewis Hinton, 44, on October 2nd to 150 years to life on the rape counts, plus a 19-year determinate term. A jury convicted Hinton of 11 felony counts on September 5th, 2025. Sentencing was delayed for more than a year after Hinton hired new defense counsel.

Two counts did not result in convictions:

Count 5 (PC 273.5(a)) was dismissed during the trial.

Count 11 (PC 207) ended in a hung jury and was then dismissed.

Hinton was convicted on the remaining 11 counts.

At the time of the assaults, Hinton was on state parole for a 2011 Contra Costa County conviction for forcible rape, sodomy and oral copulation, for which he had received a 12-year prison sentence.

The first assault: September 2022

In early September 2022, Hinton cut off his ankle monitor and went to a Concord motel where a woman he knew casually was staying with acquaintances. Armed with knives, he struck her, forced her into a different room and sexually assaulted her while strangling and beating her. He then threatened to kill her if she told anyone. When police arrived, she was too frightened to tell them about the sexual assault. She later came forward to Concord police and the District Attorney’s Office.

For that attack, the jury convicted Hinton of kidnapping to commit rape, forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, forcible sodomy and assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury.

Note: The Concord Police Department’s Crime Map does not include incidents prior to 2023.

The Martinez Police Department’s CitizenRIMS Crime Map shows the location and details of the rape on December 30, 2022. Screenshot

The second assault: December 2022

Three months later, Hinton began what the second woman, who was experiencing homelessness, believed was a dating relationship. Within weeks he was beating her. One blow fractured the bone around her eye, and he told her to tell hospital staff she had been in a car accident. Witnesses testified she was terrified of him.

On December 29th, she escaped to her car and called 911, but Hinton forced her back inside while she was still on the line. The next day, armed with a knife, he threatened and sexually assaulted her. She fled to a nearby store, where employees called 911, and Hinton was arrested in Martinez that day.

For those attacks, Hinton was convicted of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, domestic violence causing great bodily injury, criminal threats with a knife, assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury and false imprisonment.

The Martinez PD CitizenRIMS Crime Map shows:

Rape By Force/fear/etc (F)

Crime: 261(A)(2) PC, 211 PC, 417(A)(1) PC
Crime Type: Rape
Crime Classification: Felony
Address: 600 Block Of J Street
City: Martinez
Occurred: 12/30/2022 at 1:53 PM
Case Number: 22-2563
Incident Number: 2212300038

At trial

The woman Hinton sexually assaulted in 2008 also testified, describing the attack that led to his 2011 conviction. In closing arguments, Deputy District Attorney Danielle Brown told jurors the second woman “said she’s lucky to be alive. She realized that he was going to kill her at some point.” Brown added, “He needs his victims to feel scared so that he can feel powerful.”

“These women showed extraordinary courage in facing the person who abused them and telling a jury what he did,” said Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton. “Domestic violence cases are difficult to prosecute because abusers often isolate and intimidate their victims and choose people they believe won’t be heard. These survivors proved him wrong.”

See 01-23-00045 – Amended Information Filed

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this year’s national theme, With Survivors, Always, calls for moving from awareness to action in support of survivors’ safety, support and solidarity.

Anyone in Contra Costa County experiencing domestic violence can call the STAND! For Families Free of Violence 24-hour crisis line at 888-215-5555, or the District Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Program at (925) 957-8650 (Martinez) or 510-374-3272 (Richmond). In an emergency, call 911.

The case was investigated by the Martinez and Concord police departments.

Case No. 01-23-00045 | The People of the State of California v. Mark Lewis Hinton

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 200-pound Hinton was born on Feb. 19, 1982, is listed as Non-Hispanic but also listed as Black, was arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies out of county on Feb. 4, 2025, and is currently being held in the Martinez Detention Facility. For the charge of 3000.08 PC F, the case number and court docket are FCR364634 / FCR364634/SOLANO. For the charges of 978.5 PC F, 10851(A) VC F, the case number and court docket are VCR240038 / VCR240038/SOLANO.

In addition, the Sheriff’s Office offered additional information about a cleared case against Hinton:

Case Number/Court Docket: 25-108 / 01-25-00462

Charges: 209(B)(1) PC F – aggravated kidnapping to commit robbery or certain sexual offenses, punishable by life imprisonment in state prison; 286(C)(2)(A) PC F – sodomy against the victim’s will by means of force, violence, duress, menace, or fear of immediate and unlawful bodily injury on the victim or another person shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for three, six, or eight years; 273.5(A) PC F – willfully inflicting corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition upon a victim is guilty of a felony, and shall be punished by imprisonment in state prison for two, three, or four years, or in a county jail for not more than one year, or by a fine of up to $6,000, or by both that fine and imprisonment; 261(A)(2) PC F – rape; and 287(C)(2)(A) PC F – oral copulation accomplished against the victim’s will by means of force, violence, duress, menace, or fear of immediate and unlawful bodily injury on the victim or another person shall be punished by imprisonment in state prison for three, six, or eight years.

Cleared Date – 6/10/2025 1:28:00 PM.

After work hours on Friday, both Asregadoo and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Jimmy Lee were asked where Hinton was arrested. They were also asked for the suspect’s mugshot which appears on the VineLink website.

According to localcrimenews.com, Hinton is Black and has a history of 14 other arrests since October 2019 by multiple agencies in Contra Costa and Solano counties on drugs and gun charges, vehicle theft and more.

Please check back later for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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Pinole Police participate in Pink Patch Project, public can, too

By Pinole Police Department

Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, public safety employees proudly wear pink patches on their regular duty uniforms, sparking conversations within the community.

The Pinole Police Department is proud to support the Pink Patch Project in raising awareness and supporting individuals and families affected by breast cancer.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you can purchase a Pinole Pink Patch for just $10. All proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Please contact coupinolepolicedepartment@pinole.gov for purchase or if you have any questions.

About the Pink Patch Project

The roots of the Pink Patch Project can be traced to the Seal Beach California Police Department, who wore pink patches on their uniform shirts during “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” in 2013. In 2015, the Irwindale California Police Department took the idea a step further and sold their patches to the community, raising over $20,000 for City of Hope. In 2016, then IPD Chief Anthony Miranda took the idea to the Los Angeles Police Chiefs Association and 25 local agencies came on board. Since then, the program has expanded to several hundred partner agencies throughout the world and includes partners from police, sheriff, fire, EMS, and federal departments worldwide.

For more information visit Pink Patch Project: Uniting for Breast Cancer Awareness or Pink Patch Project on Facebook.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

San Pablo Felony Friday: Night Rider Edition

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Video screenshots source: San Pablo PD

See video of pursuit

By San Pablo Police

When the red and blue lights come on and your getaway vehicle is smaller than a child’s bicycle … you may want to reconsider the plan.

Our contestant decided to turn the night into the “Tour de San Pablo”, followed by a bonus round of “Hide-and-seek.”

Unfortunately for him… our officers were pretty good at both.

Bike: abandoned

Cardio: attempted

Hiding spot: discovered

**GAME OVER**

Ride home: upgraded

Pro Tip: If your escape plan involves a pocket bike, a foot chase, and hoping nobody checks your hiding spot… it might be time for a new plan.

Another episode of “Felony Friday,” brought to you by your friends at SPPD.

See video of pursuit on Facebook or Instagram.

October is Pedestrian Safety Month

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By El Cerrito Police Department

October is Pedestrian Safety Month and the El Cerrito Police Department is increasing its focus on pedestrian safety enforcement to help keep everyone safe on our streets.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. In 2024, 7,080 pedestrians were killed and more than 71,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide. NHTSA raises awareness of the dangers to pedestrians and provides safety tips for pedestrians and drivers”

  • 71,635 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes in 2024, a 5% increase from 68,241 pedestrians injured in 2023.
  • On average, a pedestrian died every 74 minutes and one was injured every 7 minutes in traffic crashes in 2024.
  • 18% of all traffic deaths in 2024 were pedestrians, and 3% of all people injured in traffic crashes were pedestrians.
  • 17% of the children 14 and younger killed in traffic crashes in 2024 were pedestrians.
  • 69% of the pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2024 were males.
  • Alcohol use was reported in 43% of all fatal pedestrian crashes in 2024, with a blood alcohol concentration of .01 for the driver and/or the pedestrian.
  • In 2024, more pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas (84%) than in rural areas (16%).
  • 73% of the pedestrian fatalities occurred at locations that were not intersections, 18% occurred at intersections, and the remaining 9% occurred at other locations in 2024.
  • More pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark (76%) than in daylight (20%), dusk (2%), and dawn (2%) in 2024.
  • 90% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in single-vehicle crashes in 2024.
  • 1 out of every 4 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2024 (24%) was struck by a hit-and-run driver.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Most pedestrian deaths (60% in 2021) occur on high-capacity urban roads that typically have posted speed limits of 45-55 miles per hour.”

Drivers:

– Slow down and watch for pedestrians, especially near intersections and crosswalks.

– Put your phone away and avoid distractions.

Pedestrians:

– Look both ways before crossing and watch for turning vehicles.

– Stay alert and avoid distractions, including cell phones and headphones.

Slow down. Stay alert. Look out for one another!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.