Contra Costa Herald

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

DA charges two women with multiple felonies in Pittsburg animal cruelty incident

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Suspects Lagashia Williams (left source: Pittsburg PD) and Graciela Amar (right, source: unknown) at the scene of the incident on Feb. 19, 2025.

Kicked neighbor’s dog; both out of custody; older suspect has previous arrest for assault

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

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has charged two women with cruelty to an animal, brandishing an imitation firearm, and making a false report to peace officers.

46-year-old Lagashia Shante Williams and 18-year-old Graciela Amar were arrested and booked into the Martinez and West County Detention Facilities on February 27th, 2025. The Sheriff’s Office released both Williams and Amar after posting bail of $172,500 on March 1st and March 2nd, respectively. Their arrests followed an investigation by Pittsburg Police into an incident that occurred on February 19th.

On that day, Williams and Amar confronted a homeowner in his driveway regarding an incident involving his elderly neighbor. The previous day, the neighbor had accidentally run over the homeowner’s growing plant while backing a vehicle into a driveway.

Security video shows neighbor being confronted in his driveway by Lagashia Williams (left) and Graciela Amar (right). Source: Unknown

During their conversation, which escalated into an argument, Amar walked toward a vehicle, retrieved what turned out to be an imitation firearm, and handed it to Williams. As the argument between the three individuals continued, Williams brandished the imitation weapon, causing the homeowner to back away.

The homeowner picked up one of the two dogs that were with him. As he was walking away, Williams told Amar to kick the other dog, which she did. The force of the kick sent the animal aloft, through the air, landing several feet away on the lawn of the homeowner’s property. The homeowner picked up the wounded animal, who was crying out, and went inside his home.

Security video shows Graciela Amar kicking the dog into the air. Source: Unknown

Williams called 911 and reported to police dispatch that the homeowner had a gun, a claim that proved to be false.
Both women will be arraigned in court on the following charges:
• PC 597(a) Cruelty to Animals (Williams and Amar)
• PC 417.4 (a) Drawing or exhibiting imitation firearm in a threatening manner (Williams and
Amar)
• PC 148.5 False report (Williams)

If convicted, both could be sentenced to a maximum of three years in county jail and fined up to $20,000.

According to localcrimenews.com, the five-feet, two-inch tall, 160-pound Williams is from Concord and was also arrested in 2016 by Oakland Police for assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily harm.

Also, according to localcrimenews.com, Amar is from Oakland.

The People of the State of California v. Williams, Lagashia Shante
The People of the State of California v. Amar, Graciela

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Police seek suspects in smash-and-grab robbery at Orinda consignment shop

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Photo: Hilton House Facebook page.

Pepper sprayed employee, customers

By Orinda Police Department

On Saturday, March 1, 2025, at about 11:44 AM, Orinda police officers were dispatched to a report of a robbery at a business in the first block of Orinda Way. Several male suspects entered a store and pepper-sprayed an employee and some customers. They fled after stealing multiple items. Police checked the area and notified other law enforcement agencies. The suspects were not located. The victims were treated at the scene.

According to a KTVU FOX 2 news report, five suspects entered the store with hammers, breaking glass display cases and robbed the Hilton House Consign & Design in Orinda and pepper sprayed one employee and some customers.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Orinda Police Department at (925) 254-6820. Tips could be email to: orindatip@cityoforinda.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Vallejo man charged by Contra Costa DA for stealing $25,000 of LEGOs

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Photos: Target.com and Waymarking.com

From Walnut Creek, San Ramon Target stores

Has history of arrests dating to 2014

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

A Vallejo man has been charged by the Contra Costa County District Attorney with multiple counts of second-degree commercial burglary and grand theft for stealing nearly $25,000 worth of merchandise from Target.

32-year-old Michael Ivory Fletcher (born 7/10/92) is currently in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility, awaiting a preliminary hearing on a 12-count felony complaint filed in court on February 20th.

His bail has been set at $467,500.

Fletcher’s offenses go beyond Contra Costa County. He is suspected of thefts in Solano, Alameda, San Joaquin, Sonoma, and Santa Clara Counties.

The thefts at Target stores in Walnut Creek and San Ramon occurred between August 15th, 2024, and February 15th, 2025. Fletcher’s actions followed a similar method of entering a store alone, filling up a shopping cart of LEGO products, and exiting with the stolen merchandise in a matter of minutes. Before fleeing from a store, he would load the stolen items in a vehicle parked in a disabled parking space.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “The effective investigative efforts of the Walnut Creek and San Ramon police departments were crucial in bringing this case forward. We are committed to holding this individual accountable. Moreover, these brazen retail thefts demonstrate the necessity of reporting these crimes to law enforcement. Collaborative efforts are essential to ensuring the safety of our communities and businesses.”

Case No. 01-25-00704 | The People of the State of California v. Fletcher, Michael Ivory

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, 10-inch, 165 lb. Fletcher is Black, and as of March 5, he is being held in the West County Detention Facility. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11 at 8:30 AM in Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was arrested on Feb. 15, 2025, by Walnut Creek Police for felony committed while released on bail or own recognizance, revocation of probation, conspiracy to commit a crime, burglary, grand theft and organized retail theft. 01-25-00704 – MIFletcher Charging Document

In addition, Fletcher has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by multiple agencies including Oakland, Emeryville, Albany and Vallejo PD’s, Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara, Solano and San Joaquin counties Sheriff’s Departments and Castro Valley CHP for multiple gun-related and drug-related crimes, grand theft, burglary, organized retail theft, battery on a spouse, ex-spouse or co-habitant, and resisting arrest.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

After withdrawing significant funds Antioch bank customer robbed at home in Brentwood

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Police seek three suspects

By Brentwood Police Department

On Thursday, February 13, 2025, at approximately 3:30 PM, our Dispatch received a report of an armed robbery that just occurred. It was reported that the victim had just withdrawn a significant amount of money from the Wells Fargo Bank on Lone Tree Way in Antioch.

Upon arriving at their residence, the victim was confronted by three suspects dressed in dark clothing, believed to be adults. One suspect threatened the victim with a gun while another physically assaulted the victim. The suspects then stole the victim’s cash and fled on foot.

Thankfully, the victim did not sustain serious injuries. This incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Brentwood Police Department Dispatch at 925-809-7911 or 9-1-1 if it’s an emergency. Callers may remain anonymous.

We encourage everyone to stay vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. Be aware of your surroundings, and if you suspect you are being followed, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Antioch convicted felon arrested for illegal possession of stolen gun

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Stolen gun recovered by a Brentwood Police Officer from suspect during traffic stop in Antioch on Feb. 12, 2025. Photo: Brentwood PD

Already out of custody; Officer’s 4th gun arrest in city this year

By Brentwood Police Department

Last Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, around midnight, a Brentwood officer conducted a traffic stop near Lone Tree Way and Williamson Ranch for expired registration.

The driver, 33-year-old Deontae Markell Alexander of Antioch, was found to be unlicensed. Further investigation revealed that Alexander, a convicted felon, was in possession of a loaded firearm, which he is legally prohibited from owning or carrying. Officers also determined the firearm had been reported stolen.

This marks the officer’s fourth gun-related arrest this year, reinforcing the department’s commitment to keeping illegal firearms out of the community.

According to localcrimenews.com, Alexander was charged with Receiving or Concealing Stolen Property, Addict in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Ammunition, Carrying a Loaded Firearm on Person or in Vehicle while in a Public Place, and Carrying a Concealed Weapon in a Vehicle. He also has a history of arrests dating back to before 2014 by multiple agencies including Antioch PD and Oakland PD for crimes including vehicle theft, possession of marijuana over 28.5 grams, DUI alcohol with BAC over .08 and battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of Friday, Feb. 14, he is out of custody and on his own recognizance.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Sheriff, DA assist in solving 1990 East Bay Parks murder

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Weidhofer Cold Case

By East Bay Regional Park District Police Department

The East Bay Regional Park District Police Department announced Wednesday, February 19, 2025, that DNA evidence has conclusively identified the murderer in a 35-year-old case that took place in Charles Lee Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley, CA.

Evidence collected from Jon Lipari, who died by suicide in Oregon in November 2024, was linked to the victim Maria Weidhofer, a Berkeley resident. She was an avid jogger and park user of Tilden Regional Park.

On Nov. 16, 1990, Weidhofer was found deceased on a trail near Inspiration Point in Tilden Regional Park. Weidhofer was found with rope around her neck and with physical signs of a struggle after she had been reported missing the night before.

An autopsy, performed at the time of the crime, found that Weidhofer’s cause of death was asphyxia by ligature strangulation and found a multitude of minor abrasions and contusions upon her person. A lengthy investigation was conducted in 1990-1991 by the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department. A suspect was not identified from this initial investigation.

In 1997, biological evidence found on Weidhofer from the suspect was sent to the Contra Costa Crime Lab for analysis. That evidence was later submitted to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Among the evidence collected, during the initial investigation, was semen from which a DNA profile was generated.

In 2020, the East Bay Regional Park District Police Investigations Unit began working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on this case. This collaboration included the use of advanced DNA techniques. Through this investigation, Lipari was determined to be a potential suspect and became the primary suspect in 2024.

Once Lipari was identified as a potential suspect, hundreds of hours of further investigation were conducted in collaboration with the FBI, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, and the Curry County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation also determined that Lipari was living in Gold Beach, OR.

In early November 2024, Lipari was found deceased in his residence by local law enforcement from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. DNA from the scene was retrieved by the Curry County Sheriff’s Office and a direct comparison was done by the Contra Costa County Crime Lab. The comparison determined the DNA profiles generated from the evidence collected at the original scene and the DNA from Lipari were a match.

There is no indication from the investigation, Weidhofer’s family, or Lipari’s family, that there was any previous contact between the victim and suspect.

“We hope that today’s development brings some measure of closure to the family, who have shown tremendous strength throughout this difficult time” said Roberto Filice, Chief of the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department. “This breakthrough comes after years of relentless investigation, and I want to personally thank our dedicated staff for their perseverance and firm commitment to seeking justice. Their determination to never give up ultimately led to solving this case, and we are proud to serve a community that stands together in the face of tragedy.”

Special thanks to the FBI, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Forensic Services Division, and the Curry County Sheriff’s Office for their collaboration, expertise, and dogged determination in solving this 35-year-old case.

In posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston wrote, “Contra Costa Sheriff’s Crime Lab played key role in the case. In 1997, lab analyzed biological evidence, generated a DNA profile, and uploaded it to CODIS database. Recently, crime lab received a reference sample from Lipari and was able to confirm that he was the suspect.

“The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Division Crime Lab is proud to assist our law enforcement partners in their investigations and help bring answers and closure to victim’s families,” he added.

During Wednesday’s press conference Contra Costa Deputy DA Satish Jallepalli said, “Thank you, (EBRPD Police) Chief Filice for having us here, today to remember Maria Weidhofer and to be able to speak on her behalf. Pursuit of justice is a marathon not a sprint. We’re all standing here today because of our shared commitment to justice. It’s been 35 years since Maria was murdered on November 15, 1990. Since that day, her death and circumstances touched everyone, her family, the community and members of law enforcement. Everyone who worked on this case for 30-plus years was dedicated to solving this crime. They did so with shared determination that Maria’s death would not remain unsolved.”

“The partnership of this case between East Bay Regional Parks Police, the FBI, the District Attorney’s Cold Case Unit and the Contra Costa County Crime Lab was a reflection of that determination, using the latest technology and investigative techniques to obtain answers that could not have been obtained decades or even years ago,” he continued. “The pursuit of justice requires endurance, resilience and the willingness to go the distance even when the path ahead is long and uncertain,” Jallepalli stated. “While solving this case will never heal the wounds of Maria’s family caused by her murder we, from the District Attorney’s Office, are grateful to have been a part of that effort to bring these long-awaited answers to the community and more importantly, to her family.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Richmond child predator arrested while caught in the act

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22-year-old arrested on four charges including continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14
Charged by Contra Cost DA with 16 felony counts
Held on $7 million bail

By Lt. Donald Patchin, PIO, Richmond Police Department

On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at around 3:00 PM, a Richmond PD sergeant was flagged down by someone who wanted to report a possible sexual assault. The person provided information about a juvenile who was possibly the victim of a sexual assault. Officers immediately launched an investigation. They determined the possible victim was currently with the alleged suspect. They also determined the suspect and victim were alone and unsupervised.

Officers immediately responded to the victim’s location. Upon knocking on the residence door, a male subject clad in only a bath towel answered. Officers quickly located the victim inside the residence and found out that the suspect was the male who answered the door. Officers learned through the subsequent investigation that the suspect had been in the act of sexually assaulting the juvenile when officers arrived on the scene. Officers knocking on the door forced the suspect to end the sexual assault.

Although we wish we would have arrived in time to prevent the sexual assault, we are glad we arrived in time to prevent the assault from continuing and to rescue this juvenile victim from their assailant.

Special Victims Unit Detectives immediately responded to assume the investigation. Detectives worked with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office to ensure the suspect remained in police custody and that charges were filed.

On January 30, 2025, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed a 16-count felony complaint against the suspect, Marlon Alexander Maravilla Martinez, a 22-year-old resident of Richmond (born May 22, 2002). He remains in custody with a $7,000,000.00 bail. All sixteen counts relate to lewd and sexual acts on a child who is ten years old or younger.

The victim is now safe with her family and receiving the help and resources she needs.

According to localcrimenews.com, Martinez was arrested for 261(A)(1) – rape of a victim incapable of consent, 288.5(A) – continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, 288(B)(1) – forcible lewd acts upon a child, and 288.7(A) – engaging in sexual intercourse or sodomy with child 10 or more years of age.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, six-inch, 215-pound Martinez is being held in the West County Detention Facility. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 19, 2025, in Superior Court in Martinez at 1:30 PM.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Richmond man wanted for felony domestic violence killed in officer involved shooting

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Brandished what appeared to be a knife but determined later to be a sheath

CA Attorney General investigating

By Lt. Donald Patchin, PIO, Richmond Police Department

On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 8:13 p.m., officers from the Richmond Police Department responded to the 2700 block of Maine Avenue in an attempt to locate a wanted subject. The subject was wanted on a probation violation warrant related to domestic violence charges.

Officers located the wanted subject on the Union Pacific Railroad right of way just west of the 300 block of Carlson Blvd. The subject refused to cooperate with officers, and a standoff ensued. During the standoff, the suspect wielded an object that appeared to be a knife. The subject ignored multiple commands to drop the object. Officers spent approximately 32 minutes attempting to de-escalate the situation and reach a peaceful resolution.

Despite our officers’ efforts to defuse the situation and end the standoff peacefully, the suspect charged the officers with the object in his hand while raising it in a threatening manner. At approximately 8:53 p.m., an officer-involved shooting occurred, and the wanted subject sustained fatal injuries.

Suspect’s knife sheath discovered later. Photo by Richmond PD

We later determined the object was not a knife. The black knife sheath in the photo is the object the subject wielded, which investigators recovered at the scene.

The Contra Costa Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Protocol, a set of guidelines and procedures followed in cases of officer-involved fatalities, was invoked, and the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office responded to investigate.

We are committed to a thorough, transparent investigation.

Under the requirements of AB 1506, we recognized the California Department of Justice (DOJ) treats this as an “unarmed” officer-involved fatal incident, and we immediately notified them. The DOJ dispatched investigators to the scene to investigate.

We are fully cooperating with the DOJ’s independent investigation. We believe it is important to release information in a transparent manner. We intend to release additional information as soon as the investigation allows.

According to a press release issued on Wednesday, Feb. 5, “California Attorney General Rob Bonta 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 in Richmond, California on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

Following notification by local authorities, 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.

More information on the California Department of Justice’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

American Canyon man arrested in Brentwood on felony robbery, weapons charges

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Loaded firearm confiscated from the suspect by Brentwood Police. Photo source: Brentwood PD

In possession of loaded firearm; has history of arrests dating to 2014

By Brentwood Police Department

This past weekend, a Brentwood officer, while en route to a call, spotted 33-year-old Armondo Joseph Gomez (born 1/27/1991) of American Canyon near the 6700 block of Lone Tree Way, who was known to have a felony warrant for robbery and weapons charges.

When the officer attempted to detain Gomez, he fled on foot. However, the officer was able to safely take him into custody. Upon searching Gomez, the officer discovered a loaded firearm in his possession.

Gomez, a convicted felon, was arrested for the outstanding warrants, possession of a loaded firearm, and other related charges.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 185-pound suspect is being held in the West County Detention Center on no bail and his next court date is scheduled in Delta Superior Court, Dept. 4 in Pittsburg on Feb. 3, 2025.

According to localcrimenews.com, Gomez has a history of arrests dating to 2014 by a variety of agencies in four different counties for crimes including a variety of weapons charges, battery and inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or co-habitant grand theft, stolen vehicles and shoplifting.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Following pursuit, collision Brentwood man arrested in Oakley for stolen vehicle

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Source: Oakley PD

Driver of truck struck by suspect injured, hospitalized

By Oakley Police Department

On January 26, 2025, at 9:16AM Oakley Police Officer G. Ganz located a stolen vehicle driving in the area of Gamay Drive and Empire Avenue. Officer Ganz followed the vehicle as it turned north on Teakwood Drive. As Officer Ganz was following the vehicle, it was learned the person who was suspected of stealing the vehicle was named as Joseph McDonald (44, Brentwood) who was a parolee at large — he has violated the terms of his parole and is wanted back in custody.

Officer Ganz attempted to stop the stolen vehicle, and the driver fled and attempted to make a righthand turn onto eastbound Main Street at a high rate of speed. The driver of the stolen vehicle collided into a Ram 1500 truck, which was travelling westbound on Main Street; both vehicles were immediately disabled. Officers took the driver of the stolen vehicle into custody and determined it was indeed McDonald who had been driving it. The driver of the Ram truck was transported to a local hospital for injuries sustained in the collision. McDonald was also transported to a local hospital and as of this writing, remains hospitalized and in the custody of the Oakley Police Department. Oakley Police staff will be working on getting McDonald formally booked and transferred into the custody of the Sheriff’s Office.

Chief Paul Beard notes, “By mere virtue of Mr. McDonald being a parolee at large, this incident is not the first time he has crossed the threshold of right and wrong. Should McDonald have been out on parole? NO. McDonald was clearly demonstrating a continued pattern of a criminal lifestyle and people were at risk of harm because he was allowed the freedom of prison. I appreciate the efforts of officers like Officer Ganz to hold wrongdoers accountable, and I hope to see charges filed against McDonald that are commensurate to his actions. Collectively, the members of the Oakley Police Department wish for the quick healing of the innocent person who was injured in this incident.
Stay safe Oakley.”