Contra Costa Herald

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

Lafayette Police arrest 10 in May, 20 in June

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Source: Lafayette PD

4 for hit-and-run, 1 for DUI out of 2,737 calls for service; see lists of details

By Allen D. Payton

According to the May and June Statistics for 2026, the Lafayette Police Department took 2,737 calls for service, wrote 133 reports, issued 226 traffic citations and made 10 arrests in May and 20 arrests in June, including four for hit-and-run with only property damage and one for DUI.

Map of crimes between May 1 through June 30, 2026. Does not include the following categories: All Other – Non-Criminal and Traffic Incident. Source: Lafayette PD communitycrimemap.com

Crimes in Lafayette May 1-31, 2026. Source: Lafayette PD communitycrimemap.com

 

Crimes in Lafayette June 1-30, 2026. Source: Lafayette PD communitycrimemap.com

The Lafayette Police Department encourages residents to stay informed about their community. Visit the Lafayette Community Crime Map for additional incidents and to create custom reports: https://communitycrimemap.com.

Brentwood suspect arrested in June fatal assault of 77-year-old Pittsburg man in Antioch

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Suspect Camari Coleman in photos from his Facebook page posted April 29, 2025, and Dec. 21, 2025. Source: Facebook

23-year-old held on $1.1 million bail

By Antioch Police Department

The Antioch Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with the death of 77-year-old Paul Lawson following an assault that occurred in June.

On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, members of the Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau arrested 23-year-old Camari Coleman in the City of Brentwood. Coleman, of Brentwood, (born 9/25/2002) was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility after the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed charges of Penal Code section 187(a) – Murder and Penal Code section 368(b)(1) – Elder Abuse Resulting in Death.

The charges stem from an incident on June 9, 2026, when Antioch Police officers responded to a reported battery at an outdoor phone vendor stand outside the Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services building at 4545 Delta Fair Boulevard. Investigators determined that Mr. Lawson became involved in a verbal and physical fight with employees at the vendor stand. During the incident, Lawson fell and reported that he was unable to move. Witness statements regarding the circumstances of the fall vary, with some indicating he stumbled over a chair and others reporting he may have been pushed during the fight. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. (See related article)

On the morning of June 13, 2026, Mr. Lawson died while receiving care at the hospital.

The Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau conducted the investigation that led to Coleman’s identification as the suspect. The case was submitted to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office on July 16, 2026, and an arrest warrant was subsequently issued.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, two-inch tall, 183-pound Coleman is Black and being held on $1.1 million bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for tomorrow, July 22nd in Martinez Superior Court Dept. 5 at 1:30 p.m.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Duff at rduff@antiochca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa DA clears Brentwood Police in fatal Christmas Eve 2025 shooting of Stockton man

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Still shot images from Brentwood Officer Tanner Kephart’s dash camera video depicting Romaine Morgan turning towards officers with his firearm and lifts it to an approximate 45-degree angle (top) after forcefully returning to his vehicle (bottom). Source: CCDA

Describes incident in which 6’3”, 320-pound Romaine Alexander Morgan overpowers three officers to grab his AR-style firearm

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

Martinez, California – A report by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office on the officer-involved shooting death of Romaine Alexender Morgan in Brentwood on Dec. 24, 2025, is now available to the public.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is one of a handful of counties in the State of California that publishes public reports on law enforcement-involved fatal incidents. “Being transparent with the public is a cornerstone of my administration,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “Since 2018, our office has made these reports available to the public, in the hope that transparency brings understanding. It is important for the public to know the significant investigative effort involved in reviewing these incidents, and how our office carefully analyzes the facts through a legal lens when reaching a charging decision.”

As the report details, the incident involving Romaine Morgan of Stockton, begins around 10:54 pm on December 24th, 2025. That’s when Brentwood Police Officer Tanner Kephart notices Morgan’s vehicle in front of him traveling well below the 45-mph speed limit on Deer Valley Road weaving “back and forth…and swerve erratically to the right.” Officer Kephart initiates “a traffic stop under the suspicion of driving under the influence” on Balfour Road. Shortly after, officers Chelsea Valadez and Kimberly Beltran arrive at the traffic stop to assist him.

Morgan was detained, and while searching his vehicle, “Officer Beltran removed a jacket from the front passenger floorboard and located an AR-style firearm”—later determined to be unserialized.

The rifle Morgan possessed prior to the shooting. Photo: Brentwood PD

The discovery of the firearm leads to Kephart ordering Morgan to place his hands behind his back, but instead Morgan pushes Valadez, and flees east on Balfour Road, only to stop, change directions, and run back toward the driver’s side of his vehicle to the loaded firearm. A scuffle ensues with officers attempting to grab him. Morgan continues punching and pushing the officers out of the way. Valadez deploys a taser at Morgan, who was 6’3”, 320-pounds, but it is ineffective.

Reaching his vehicle, Morgan finds his firearm, grabs it by the pistol grip, turns towards the officers, and lifts the barrel of the firearm toward them. “All three officers immediately…back away from Morgan.” Kephart retreats next to his patrol car, draws his firearm, and fires “10 times, in rapid succession” at Morgan.

Despite the administration of life-saving measures by officers and medical personnel, Morgan succumbs to his injuries and is pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene. (See related articles here and here)

Shortly after the incident, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office launches an independent investigation, as required under county protocol, to determine whether anyone involved may be criminally liable.

After a thorough investigation into the officer-involved shooting of Romaine Alexander Morgan, and in applying the law and the California District Attorney’s Uniform Crime Charging Standards to the present case, the District Attorney’s Office concluded: “Officers Kephart, Valadez, and Beltran acted in lawful self-defense/defense of others, and their use of force was reasonable under the circumstances. As such, no further action will be taken in this case.”

The 32-page report has been sent to the Brentwood Police Department and the California Department of Justice and is available to the public on the Contra Costa District Attorney’s website.

Current, former Danville Police Officers honored with MADD Award

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Danville Police Officer Greg Drolet and Deputies Stephanie Banh and Adonnis Daughenbaugh are joined by Chief Thomas Rossberg (left) and Administrative Lt. John Rock III (right) at the MADD Awards ceremony July 9, 2026. Photo: Danville PD

By Danville Police Department

Congratulations to Our MADD Award Recipients!

On Thursday, July 9, 2026, the Danville Police Department’s current and former personnel were recognized at the 2026 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Law Enforcement and Prosecutor Recognition Awards Ceremony for their commitment to removing impaired drivers from our roadways.

We are proud to recognize Officer Greg Drolet (28 arrests), Deputy Stephanie Banh (31 arrests), and Deputy Adonnis Daughenbaugh (25 arrests), who were honored for their outstanding efforts and impact on DUI enforcement throughout 2025 during the ceremony held at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville.

Each year, MADD honors law enforcement officers for their impaired‑driving arrest achievements, as well as first responders, prosecutors, probation officers and MADD volunteers for their life‑saving contributions. Each has contributed to putting an end to drunk and drugged driving, supporting the victims of these violent crimes, and preventing underage drinking and other drug use. Every impaired driver removed from the road represents a potential life saved.

The 23152 Pin Award is given to sworn officers who make 25 or more DUI arrests in a single year. The pin’s red color symbolizes victims of impaired‑driving crashes and officers killed or injured in such collisions.

Their dedication to keeping impaired drivers off our streets helps make our community a safer place for everyone. Thank you for your commitment, professionalism, and service to the Danville community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

The Danville Police Department is a contract agency of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department providing law enforcement services to the Town of Danville under a formal service agreement.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Coroner’s inquest jury finds death of 2025 Brentwood woman following arrest an “accident”

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Photo source: Yolanda Bustos Ramirez’s obituary.

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

At the request of the Contra Costa County District Attorney on April 17, 2026, Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston held an inquest into the death of 72-year-old Yolanda Ramirez of Brentwood on July 15, 2026. This incident occurred on October 3, 2025, in Contra Costa County, while she was in the hospital following her arrest by Brentwood Police on Sept. 26, 2025. (See related articles here, here and here)

The proceedings took place at 9:00 AM at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse at 725 Court Street, Martinez, California.

The purpose of the inquest was to present the facts of the incident to a jury for their deliberation and finding on the manner of death.

Sheriff-Coroner David O. Livingston announced on Wednesday, July 15, that a coroner’s jury reached a finding in the death of Ramirez. The finding of the jury is that the manner of death is accident.

The coroner’s jury reached the verdict in the inquest after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by Hearing Officer Laura Pagey.

A coroner’s inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving law enforcement personnel, is a public hearing during which a jury rules on the manner of a person’s death. Jury members can choose from the following four options when making their finding: Accident, Suicide, Natural Causes or At the hands of another person other than by accident.

The inquest was open to the public and members of the media were invited to attend. However, no photographs, audio recordings or videos could be taken during the proceedings.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

El Cerrito Police Officer honored with MADD Award

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El Cerrito Police Officer Will Sepe (center) is joined by ECPD leadership during the MADD Award ceremony July 9th. Photo: El Cerrito PD

For 27 DUI arrests

By El Cerrito Police Department

Congratulations to Officer Will Sepe, who was recognized at the recent Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Awards for his outstanding efforts to keep our community safe. Officer Sepe made 27 DUI arrests in 2025, demonstrating his commitment to removing impaired drivers from our roadways and helping prevent impaired driving crashes.

He was honored at the 2026 MADD Law Enforcement and Prosecutor Recognition Awards Ceremony, held at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, Thursday, July 9.

El Cerrito Police Officer Sepe congratulated at the MADD Award ceremony July 9, 2026, and his plaque. Photos: El Cerrito PD

Each year, MADD honors law enforcement officers for their impaired‑driving arrest achievements, as well as first responders, prosecutors, probation officers and MADD volunteers for their life‑saving contributions. Each has contributed to putting an end to drunk and drugged driving, supporting the victims of these violent crimes, and preventing underage drinking and other drug use. Every impaired driver removed from the road represents a potential life saved.

The 23152 Pin Award is given to sworn officers who make 25 or more DUI arrests in a single year. The pin’s red color symbolizes victims of impaired‑driving crashes and officers killed or injured in such collisions.

We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and thank him for his dedication to public safety.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Richmond Police crackdown on illegal fireworks during July 4th Enforcement Operation

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Video screenshot of illegal fireworks in Richmond on July 4th, 2026, an officer extinguishes fireworks and illegal fireworks confiscated. Source: Richmond PD

“Upward of 500 people were blocking roadways and setting off illegal fireworks.”

By Richmond Police Department

Throughout America’s 250th Independence Day on July 4, 2026, the Richmond Police Department had a strong presence across the city, with additional officers dedicated solely to enforcing illegal fireworks violations. Throughout the evening, officers responded to several areas where gatherings of upward of 500 people were blocking roadways and setting off illegal fireworks. These incidents required officers to remain on scene for extended periods to help maintain public safety, keep roadways secure and ensure the gatherings dispersed safely.

Despite these challenges, Richmond Police Officers remained focused on their mission. Officers utilized our Drone First Responder (DFR) program to locate illegal fireworks activity, confiscated numerous illegal fireworks, issued six citations for fireworks violations, and recovered a loaded firearm during enforcement operations.

More illegal fireworks and firearm confiscated on July 4th, 2026. Photos: Richmond PD

By collecting video evidence first, Officers were able to focus on specific individuals, also leading to vehicle impounds. Richmond PD is grateful to have access to this outstanding tool which better enables us to safeguard the public and keep your Officers safe. (See video)

The Richmond Police Department will continue to take a proactive approach to illegal fireworks enforcement and criminal activity that threatens the safety of our neighborhoods. Our officers remain committed to protecting the community and using every available resource to keep Richmond safe. We appreciate the many residents who chose to celebrate responsibly and respectfully.

San Pablo Police Officers honored with MADD Award

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San Pablo Police Officers Adam Grabow and Brian Ashley (with plaques) are joined by Chief Brian Bubar (left) and Captain Shawn Ray (right) outside the Blackhawk Museum following the awards ceremony July 9, 2026, and the officers’ plaques and pins. Photo: San Pablo PD

By San Pablo Police Department

Every year, the California Office of Traffic Safety and Mothers Against Drunk Driving recognize law enforcement officers across California for their outstanding efforts in DUI prevention and traffic safety enforcement.

On Thursday, July 9, 2026, SPPD Officer Brian Ashley and Officer Adam Grabow were honored at the MADD Law Enforcement and Prosecutor Recognition Awards Ceremony, held at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, for their dedication to keeping our roadways safe. This marks Officer Ashley’s second consecutive year receiving recognition from MADD for his commitment to DUI prevention and enforcement.

Over the past year, Officers Ashley and Grabow have helped remove numerous impaired drivers from San Pablo’s streets. Every DUI arrest represents a potential tragedy prevented and lives protected.

Each year, MADD honors law enforcement officers for their impaired‑driving arrest achievements, as well as first responders, prosecutors, probation officers and MADD volunteers for their life‑saving contributions. Each has contributed to putting an end to drunk and drugged driving, supporting the victims of these violent crimes, and preventing underage drinking and other drug use. Every impaired driver removed from the road represents a potential life saved.

The 23152 Pin Award is given to sworn officers who make 25 or more DUI arrests in a single year. The pin’s red color symbolizes victims of impaired‑driving crashes and officers killed or injured in such collisions.

Congratulations, Officers Ashley and Grabow! Thank you for your relentless commitment to the safety of our San Pablo community.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Richmond attempted homicide suspect arrested two days after shooting

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18-year-old Anderson Marroquin of Vallejo

By Richmond Police Department

An attempted homicide suspect has been arrested two days after an incident that occurred on the evening of July 12, 2026, in the 100 block of Harbour Way South.

At approximately 9:41 p.m., Richmond Police officers responded to a report of a traffic collision and a victim suffering from a gunshot wound in the 100 block of Harbour Way South. Officers arrived on scene and found one of the drivers of the traffic collision suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to the hospital and is in stable condition.

During the preliminary investigation, officers determined two vehicles were involved in the minor traffic collision. For unknown reasons, an occupant of one of the vehicles involved in the collision shot at the other involved vehicle, striking the driver of the vehicle. The shooter then fled on foot from the scene of the collision. Officers quickly identified 18-year-old Anderson Marroquin as the suspect in this shooting. Officers also determined that Marroquin had an active PC 187-Murder warrant for his arrest out of the city of Vallejo. The Richmond Police Department Homicide Unit responded and assumed responsibility for the investigation.

On July 14, 2026 (two days after the shooting), Detectives learned Marroquin was in the city of Palo Alto. With the assistance of the Palo Alto Police Department, Marroquin was arrested for PC 664/187 -Attempted Homicide and the Vallejo Police Department’s murder case. The Vallejo Police Department took Marroquin into custody and subsequently booked him into the Solano County Jail on an outstanding warrant. The Attempted Homicide case that occurred in the City of Richmond is being forwarded to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for them to review and file charges.

According to localcrimenews.com, the five-feet, five-inch tall, 220-pound Marroquin is Hispanic.

This arrest highlights the outstanding work and collaboration between the Richmond Police Department, Palo Alto Police Department, and Vallejo Police Department in quickly bringing a violent offender into custody.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Richmond Police Department Investigations Bureau at (510) 621-1288.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood Officers again receive MADD Award for DUI arrests

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Brentwood Police Officers Tanner Kephart and Brenden O’Malley with their MADD Award plaques and red badges above their nameplates during the 2026 Law Enforcement & Prosecutor Recognition Awards Ceremonies July 9th. Photo: Brentwood PD

By Brentwood Police Department

On Thursday, July 9, 2026, we proudly celebrated Brentwood Police Officer Tanner Kephart and Officer Brenden O’Malley, who were recognized as MADD Award recipients for their outstanding commitment to keeping our community safe.

Each officer earned this prestigious recognition from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) by making more than 25 DUI arrests—removing impaired drivers from our roadways and helping prevent tragedies before they happen. It’s the third time each officer was honored with the award.

Each year, MADD honors law enforcement officers for their impaired‑driving arrest achievements, as well as first responders, prosecutors, probation officers and MADD volunteers for their life‑saving contributions. Each has contributed to putting an end to drunk and drugged driving, supporting the victims of these violent crimes, and preventing underage drinking and other drug use. Every impaired driver removed from the road represents a potential life saved.

The 23152 Pin Award (see above officers’ name badges) is given to sworn officers who make 25 or more DUI arrests in a single year. The pin’s red color symbolizes victims of impaired‑driving crashes and officers killed or injured in such collisions.

The 2026 Law Enforcement & Prosecutor Recognition Awards Ceremonies were held at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville and attended by Chief O’Grodnick and our Command Staff, whose presence reflected the department’s pride in these officers’ accomplishments and support for their dedication to public safety.

This award represents more than a number. It reflects professionalism, vigilance, and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives. Every impaired driver removed from the road is another opportunity to prevent a tragedy and keep our community safe.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Kephart and Officer O’Malley on this well-deserved honor. Thank you both for your exceptional service and commitment to protecting our community.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.