Contra Costa Herald

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

Concord credit union armed robbery suspects arrested following chase to San Jose, carjackings along the way, shooting by cops

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Officer involved shooting occurred with one of the armed suspects.

By Concord Police Department

On Monday, April 21, 2025, shortly before 10 am, two suspects committed an armed robbery at a credit union in Concord. Concord Police Officers located the suspect vehicle, which immediately began to flee, and a police pursuit was initiated.

The suspect vehicle became disabled on SB 680 in Sunol and the suspects carjacked two vehicles at gunpoint, ultimately fleeing again in one of them.

Concord Police Officers pursued the suspects in the carjacked vehicle to San Jose where that vehicle became disabled. An officer involved shooting involving Concord Police officers occurred with one of the armed suspects. That suspect was transported to a local area hospital for treatment. The other suspect was located in the area a short time later by San Jose Police Department officers.

There are no suspects still outstanding.

The Concord Police Department is investigating the bank robbery, pursuit, and carjacking and the San Jose Police Department is investigating the officer involved shooting that occurred in their jurisdiction. No further details are being released at this time.

Anyone with further information regarding this case is asked to contact Concord Police Department Major Crimes Unit Detective J. Riche at (925) 603-5922 or the Concord Police Department tip line at (925) 603-5836.

Pittsburg man arrested for murder following shooting in Concord

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Held on $4.2 million bail

Search warrants served in Antioch, Pleasant Hill

Multiple arrests since 2021

By Concord Police Department

On Monday morning, April 14, 2025, around 3:00 A.M., Concord Police Department patrol officers, working in the area of Monument Blvd. near Meadow Lane, heard gunshots being fired. At the same time, CPD dispatch received several 911 calls regarding gunshots being heard in the vicinity. Officers responded to investigate and located a forty-year-old male gunshot victim, later identified as Omar Gonzalez, lying on the ground near the intersection of Monument Blvd. and Reganti Drive. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Concord Police Department Major Crimes Unit detectives responded.

Detectives were able to identify Chance Martin, a 27-year-old (born 4/14/98) male resident of Pittsburg, as the suspect in the murder. It is believed that Martin had been involved in a dispute in the parking lot of 1500 Monument Blvd. with a group of males, had left in a vehicle, and then returned a short time later and shot multiple times, from the window of his vehicle, at the group of people with whom he had previously been arguing. One the bullets he fired struck and killed Gonzalez. A warrant was obtained for Martin’s arrest.

On Wednesday, April 16, Concord Police Department detectives, with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Apprehension Task Force, Pleasant Hill Police Department, and Antioch Police Department, served search warrants in Pleasant Hill and Antioch. Martin was located, arrested, and later booked at the Martinez Detention Facility.

Today, Concord Police Department detectives presented their case to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, who filed murder charges (187 PC) against Martin, who will remain in custody.

Anyone with further information regarding this case is asked to contact Concord Police Department Major Crimes Unit Detective Justin Wilson at (925) 603-5859 or the Concord Police Department tip line at (925) 603-5836.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 135-pound Chance is being held on $4.2 million bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for May 6 at 8:30 AM in Superior Court, Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests since 2021 by Antioch, Pleasant Hill and san Pablo Police Departments and CHP-Contra Costa, including for gun charges and driving on a suspended license.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

3 men arrested during Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force operation in Brentwood

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Tommy Ray Vance (top left), Anthony Robert Mozingo (top right) and Sheldon Devin Ludd (bottom) arrested during ICAC Task Force operation. Photos: Brentwood PD

Two out of custody with no charges filed; multi-agency effort

By Brentwood Police Department

Earlier this month, the Brentwood Police Department hosted the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force for a multi-agency, week-long operation focused on identifying and apprehending individuals seeking to sexually exploit minors online.

This proactive operation brought together 12 law enforcement agencies and dedicated hundreds of investigative hours to targeting those intending to harm children. The results of the operation included:

  • 3 arrests
  • seizure of digital devices and firearms
  • a safer community—which remains our ultimate goal

Arrested during the operation:

  • 48-year-old Tommy Ray Vance of Brentwood (see details in related article)
  • 29-year-old Anthony Robert Mozingo of Elk Grove
  • 29-year-old Sheldon Devin Ludd of Sacramento

We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. We extend our sincere appreciation to the following agencies for their collaboration and support:

Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, FBI, Oakley PD, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Antioch PD, Contra Costa County MCTF, Martinez PD, Walnut Creek PD, Homeland Security Investigations, Contra Costa Probation Department, and the United States Secret Service.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of April 14 Mozingo is out of custody with no charges filed and as of April 15, Ludd is also out of custody with no charges filed.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

 

Brentwood man arrested trying to meet minor for sex, illegal firearms seized

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Tommy Vance was arrested with a cache of illegal firearms and ammunition. Photos: Brentwood PD

High school football referee

By Brentwood Police Department

As part of a recent week-long operation led by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force—hosted by the Brentwood Police Department in collaboration with 11 additional agencies—significant progress was made in safeguarding children from online exploitation.

During the operation, Brentwood PD Detectives, working alongside a Martinez PD Detective, arrested 48-year-old Tommy Ray Vance of Brentwood (born 12/19/76) on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Vance had allegedly arranged to meet a minor for the purpose of engaging in lewd and lascivious acts.

Following his arrest, Detectives obtained a search warrant for Vance’s residence, which resulted in the recovery of over 15 illegally possessed firearms. Vance, a convicted felon, was taken into custody on charges including:

  • Arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd purposes
  • Contacting a minor for sex
  • Prohibited person in possession of a firearm
  • Possession of an assault weapon

(and other related charges)

Detectives also confirmed that Vance is a high school football referee.

We are releasing Vance’s photo in order to identify any potential victims. If you have any information or believe you may have had contact with him, please contact the Brentwood Police Department at 925-809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot tall, 230-pound Vance is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 5 at 8:30 AM in Superior Court, Martinez.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Wrong way driver of stolen vehicle arrested following chase from Oakley to Bay Point, crash

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During multi-agency traffic enforcement in morning commute hours

28-year-old Dejon Brandy already out of custody with no charges filed

By Oakley Police Department

On April 15, 2025, Oakley PD’s Traffic Unit participated in a multi-agency traffic enforcement campaign on Highway 4 with officers from Antioch Police, Brentwood Police, Hercules Police, Pittsburg Police and Richmond Police Departments.

At 7:35AM Oakley Officer B. Jackson saw a GMC Yukon with no rear license plate on Westbound 4 approaching Bailey Road, Officer Jackson tried to stop the driver via his lights and siren, but the driver failed to yield; a pursuit was started. The Yukon’s driver fled on the shoulder of Highway 4 and took the Bailey Road offramp. The driver ran a red light at Bailey Road and Canal Road in Bay Point and collided with an occupied vehicle. The Yukon driver continued to flee towards Willow Pass Road where he went eastbound towards Pittsburg. The driver turned onto southbound Railroad Avenue and entered the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 going westbound. Pursuit of the driver came to an end there due to the dangers associated with wrong way driving.

The Yukon’s driver exited at Bailey Road going the wrong way. The driver was seen getting out of the SUV and running to a nearby Burger King. Several traffic enforcement campaign officers, along with  CHP – Contra Costa officers and Contra Costa Sheriff’s deputies, converged on the area and detained the driver, identified as Dejon Brandy (male, 28) of San Francisco. The occupants of the vehicle Brandy collided with were treated for injuries sustained from the collision. Officers determined the Yukon was stolen.

Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard said, “The officers participating in the multi-agency traffic enforcement campaign were primarily focusing on safety issues related to commute driving to ensure our local commuters exercise safe driving habits.

“This case goes to show crime, and criminals, exist everywhere (even when people are just trying to get to work to support their families) and it is a sad part of our everyday life. I am grateful to all of the officers who took part in this arrest, as they clearly removed a dangerous criminal from society and incarcerated him where he cannot steal from people or hurt innocent people just conducting daily life matters. I hope the people who were injured in this incident receive the care they need and make a full recovery.

Stay safe Oakley.”

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of  8:14 PM on Thursday, April 17, Brandy was out of custody with no charges filed.

According to localcrimenews.com Brandy was also arrested for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle theft in San Francisco on April 4, 2025.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Oregon felon arrested in Brentwood with stolen firearm, drugs

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Photo: Brentwood PD

Has history of arrests dating back to 2014

By Brentwood Police Department

On April 8, 2025, at approximately 2:30 AM, a Brentwood officer was patrolling the area of Lone Tree Way and Jeffrey Way when he observed a vehicle driving with expired registration.

The driver and passenger were identified as 48-year-old Michael G. Silence of Oregon and 35-year-old Amber Silence of Olivehurst. While speaking with the driver, another officer on scene noticed a gun case in the front passenger area of the vehicle.

A loaded firearm was located inside the vehicle, which was later confirmed to be stolen from another county.

Michael, a convicted felon, was arrested for being in possession of a stolen firearm and other related charges. Amber was also arrested for possession of drugs and additional related offenses. Both were transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

This arrest highlights the vigilance and proactive efforts of our patrol officers, who continue working day and night to keep illegal firearms and drugs off our streets.

According to localcrimenews.com, Silence has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by the Sheriff’s Departments of Yuba and Shasta counties for crimes including gun, ammunition and drug possession.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Jury convicts man for kidnapping, robbery, more in 2022 Lafayette home invasion case

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Kenneth David McIsaac mugshot. Source: Lafayette PD

Kenneth McIsaac used replica gun to rob neighbors, hold captive for five hours until subdued

Referred to mental health treatment facility in 2023 but fled, rearrested

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

On March 27, 2025, a Contra Costa County jury convicted 34-year-old Kenneth David McIsaac (born 12/20/90) on multiple felony charges, related to a home invasion incident involving a Lafayette family.

The conviction stems from a September 24, 2022, incident in Lafayette. As a mother and her children returned from the community pool in their apartment complex, McIsaac, who was also a resident at the same complex, followed them into their unit, shut the door and announced he was there to rob them. He lifted his shirt to reveal what appeared to be a firearm, later found to be a replica.

The mother called for her husband, who entered the living room. McIsaac forced the family to sit on the floor, retrieved kitchen knives, and handed the mother duct tape to bind her husband and children before binding her himself. For over five hours, he held the family captive and threatened to kill the parents in front of the children.

Through will and determination, the husband was able to free himself from his bindings. When McIsaac returned to the living room, the husband fought back, ultimately subduing the intruder long enough for the rest of the family to escape and seek help.

In August 2023, McIsaac was referred to Mental Health Court for diversion — despite objections from the District Attorney’s Office. He was accepted and released to a treatment facility — but fled in October.

Law enforcement apprehended him on November 14th.

McIsaac was convicted by a jury on multiple felony charges, including:

  • Two counts of kidnap to commit robbery
  • Two counts of kidnapping for ransom
  • Multiple counts of first-degree residential robbery
  • Felony child abuse
  • False imprisonment
  • Criminal threats

Additionally, the jury found true enhancements for the use of a deadly weapon in 12 of the 13 charges.

District Attorney Diana Becton stated: “This verdict holds Kenneth McIsaac accountable for the harm he caused this family. His conviction sends a strong message that violent crimes of this nature will not be tolerated in Contra Costa County.”

McIsaac is scheduled to be sentenced on June 6th by Judge Mary Ann O’Malley in Martinez. He faces a potential life sentence.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-foot, three-inch tall, 190-pound McIsaac was also arrested in October 2020 by Oakland Police for battery with serious Bodily injury and elder or dependent adult abuse.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, he is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail.

Case # 01-22-01678 | The People of the State of California vs. McIsaac, Kenneth David

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CA seizes over $316 million of unlicensed cannabis products in in first 3 months of 2025

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Source: CA Dept of Cannabis Control video screenshots

Enforcement efforts continue to focus on operations that ultimately support the licensed market and community safety

By Moorea Warren, Information Officer, California Department of Cannabis Control

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that over $316M worth of illegal cannabis was seized in the first quarter of 2025 through the combined efforts of the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF), the Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW), and the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). The continued success of California’s enforcement operations demonstrate the state’s commitment to public safety and the integrity of the legal cannabis market.

Combined key highlights from January 1 to March 31, 2025 include:

  • 212,681 illegal cannabis plants eradicated
  • 120,307 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
  • 99 warrants served
  • 35 firearms seized
  • 29 arrests
  • $474,462 cash seized

“This task force continues to make impressive progress disrupting illegal cannabis operators and their supply chain,” said Nathaniel Arnold, Chief of the Law Enforcement Division for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). “UCETF’s accomplishments demonstrate the dedication of all agencies involved in the taskforce.”

UCETF seized a total of $67,258,232 worth of unlicensed cannabis during the first quarter of the year. The taskforce’s enforcement efforts also included:

  • 19 search warrants served
  • 77,923 illegal cannabis plants eradicated
  • 40,747 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
  • $330,808 cash seized

Agencies involved in UCETF’s first quarter enforcement actions include Department of Cannabis Control, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Park, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, Employment Development Department, California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, Oakland Fire Department, City of Oakland Police Department, Torrance Police Department, Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, and California Air National Guard.

DFW’s enforcement efforts for Q1 2025 include:

  • $97,476,308 worth of illegal cannabis seized
  • 47 search warrants served
  • 101,473 illegal plants eradicated
  • 8,340 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
  • 11 firearms seized
  • 9 arrests
  • $27,073 in cash seized

DCC’s enforcement efforts for Q1 2025 include:

  • $151,752,966 worth of illegal cannabis seized
  • 33 warrants served
  • 33,285 illegal plants eradicated
  • 71,220 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
  • 24 firearms seized
  • 20 arrests
  • $116,581 in cash seized

“We remain unwavering in our aggressive, strategic approach to reducing illicit cannabis activity,” stated Bill Jones, Chief of DCC’s Law Enforcement Division. “By staying ahead of the threats and swiftly dismantling illegal operations, we are driving up the cost of doing business for bad actors and delivering on our commitment to protect California’s communities and the legitimate industry.”

4 Pleasant Hill convenience store robbery suspects arrested in Antioch following police chase, crash

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The suspects crashed their stolen getaway car into a fence. Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies and other emergency personnel with one of the suspects in the back of a Sheriff’s vehicle on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Photos by and courtesy of Mike Burkholder, ContraCosta.news

3 males, 1 female fled in stolen vehicle; police helicopter, Antioch & Pittsburg PD, CCC Sheriff’s Office assist

See 4/1/25 Update: Suspects identified; all four are from Antioch, one was arrested for similar charges in December and January

By Allen D. Payton

According to Pleasant Hill Police Lt. Jason Kleven, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, “The Pleasant Hill Police Department responded to a report of a possible robbery in progress at the 7-Eleven store parking lot located at 601 Patterson Blvd. Two delivery truck drivers were making a scheduled delivery when several suspects stole multiple cartons of cigarettes from the truck’s cargo area. No weapons or injuries were reported during the theft.

The suspects fled the scene in a stolen vehicle. Pleasant Hill Police Detectives later located the vehicle traveling on Highway 4 near Concord. With the help of a police helicopter, the vehicle led authorities to the city of Antioch, where the vehicle stopped near Fremont Elementary School. Four suspects then fled on foot from the vehicle.

With the support of Antioch Police, Pittsburg Police, the Sheriff’s Office, and the helicopter, officers set up a perimeter. All four adult suspects were apprehended and arrested.

The investigation remains active, and authorities are asking anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Investigations Bureau at (925) 288-4630.

According to a press release by Lt. Joe Njoroge of the Antioch Police Field Services Bureau, “At approximately 2:57 p.m., APD Dispatch received a report about a suspect vehicle involved in a previous incident in Pleasant Hill. APD was requested to assist in locating the vehicle, which was quickly found in the area.

While driving near the intersection of F Street and W. 13th, the suspect vehicle collided with a fence. The suspects then fled the scene on foot. Pleasant Hill PD arrived shortly after, and with the assistance of the Contra Costa Office of the Sheriff and APD, all suspects were apprehended.”

Njoroge later said the four suspects included three males and one female.

Antioch Police issued a Community Alert on Facebook Thursday afternoon that they were “working in the area of Antioch Middle School and the surrounding area of F Street from W. 13th to W. 18th. Expect heavy police presence in the area. If you see anything suspicious, please call 911 or (925) 778-2441 immediately.”

Later APD provided an update, writing, “We have now cleared the area. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. There is no danger to the community, and the subjects we were looking for have been arrested. Stay safe, and as always, report any suspicious activity to 911 or (925) 778-2441.

4/1/25 UPDATE: According to Pleasant Hill Police, the four suspects were 20-year-old Robert Lee Crawford (born 12/9/04), a six-foot tall, 165-pound Black male from Antioch, 19-year-old Robert Samule Garcia-Scrape of Antioch (born 7/22/05), a five-foot, 11-inch tall, 200-pound White male with blond hair, 21-year-old Jailen Emani Scales of Antioch (born 2/3/04), a six-foot tall, 200-pound Black male and 24-year-old Marieilacqua Bartholomew, a five-foot, one-inch tall, 130-pound Black female, also from Antioch. 

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Crawford is being held in the West County Detention Center on no bail; Garcia-Scrape is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail and his next court appearance is on April 15 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 03, Superior Court, Mt. Diablo; and Scales is also being held in the West County Detention Center on no bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, Scales was arrested last year, on Dec. 6th by San Francisco Police for burglary, conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor, carrying a loaded firearm on a person or in a vehicle while in a public place, receiving or concealing stolen property, and resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer. He was arrested again on Jan. 15, this year by Fremont PD for robbery, carrying a loaded firearm and with intent to commit a felony, carrying a concealed weapon with a large capacity magazine, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, and elder or dependent adult abuse.

No additional information could be found through online searches for Bartholomew. However, according to Pleasant Hill Police Lt. Jason Kleven, she is also still in custody. 

Concord man arrested with stolen mail from Brentwood apartment complex

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Photos: Brentwood PD

6th arrest in less than 4 years

By Brentwood Police Department

On March 15th in the early afternoon, one of our day shift officers located a vehicle, stolen out of Concord four days earlier, parked in a parking lot in one of our apartment complexes.

The driver of the vehicle, 35-year-old Gustavo Montano-Razo from Concord (born 6/8/1989), ran from the vehicle but after a short foot pursuit the officer apprehended him safely. A search of Montano-Razo, who was also on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS), revealed suspected narcotics on his person. Stolen mail, including tax documents from a different apartment complex in Brentwood, were also found in the vehicle. Montano-Razo was booked into jail.

Especially during tax season, criminals are often looking for confidential and personal information that they can use to steal someone’s identity. We would like to remind our residents to keep an eye out for anyone suspicious or loitering around mailboxes. Together we can make Brentwood safer for everyone.

According to localcrimenews.com, this is the sixth time Montano-Razo has been arrested since 2021. His other arrests include assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, vehicle theft, grand theft, burglary and drug possession.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 210-pound Hispanic man is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.