Contra Costa Herald

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

Another large gathering expected at another Brentwood shopping center today, Friday, July 18

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Police issue warning for activity at Lone Tree Plaza; possible repeat of last Friday’s gathering

By Brentwood Police Department

In response to information received regarding a large gathering being promoted on social media for Friday, July 18, 2025, the Brentwood Police Department is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.  The activity is expected to be at the Lone Tree Plaza where Trader Joe’s, Marshall’s and In-N-Out Burger are located.

It follows a large gathering last Friday, July 11, 2025, at The Streets of Brentwood and Sand Creek Crossing, where Raley’s and See’s Candy are located across Sand Creek Road. That resulted in vandalism, stores closing early and five people arrested.

There has been an increase across the country experiencing similar large gatherings, including other counties in the Bay Area. This is not isolated to the City of Brentwood. This advisory is being issued to provide transparency around pre-planning efforts and to encourage responsible behavior from all community members.

Summary of Pre-Planning and Safety Measures:

  • Out of an abundance of caution, additional law enforcement personnel will be deployed throughout key areas of the community to ensure public safety, respond quickly to any incidents, and deter unlawful activity.
  • We have been in communication with key stakeholders, including local business and community partners to ensure a coordinated response and shared situational awareness.
  • Local businesses have been contacted to encourage situational awareness and cooperation, with recommendations to report any concerns promptly to authorities.
  • We encourage parents and guardians to have open conversations with their children about expectations for appropriate and lawful behavior while unsupervised in public spaces. Responsible conduct is expected from all individuals.
  • Zero Tolerance for Unlawful Conduct: Any unlawful activity will be met with appropriate enforcement actions. Criminal behavior, property damage, or acts of violence will not be tolerated and may result in immediate arrest and prosecution.

The Brentwood Police Department is grateful for the continued support of our community. The safety and quality of life for all residents remain our top priority. By working together, we can ensure that public spaces remain safe, welcoming, and respectful for everyone. We appreciate the cooperation of parents, community members, and local businesses in helping us maintain order and public safety.

For questions or concerns, please contact Lieutenant Miguel Aguiar at (925) 809-7769.

 

Brentwood shooting leads to 3 arrests: 2 from Oakley, 1 from Antioch

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Aniya Henry, Gus Wayne arrested for shooting, Daezhara Little for obstruction; Oakley PD assists

3rd arrest for violence in 3 years for 43-year-old Henry

By Brentwood Police Department

On Sunday, July 6, 2025, just before 11:30 PM, Brentwood officers responded to the area of Lone Tree Way and Jeffery Way for a report of a shooting.

The adult male victim told officers he was driving when the vehicle in front of him brandished a handgun and fired a shot. Thankfully, the victim was not hit or injured.

Shortly after the incident, an Oakley Police Officer located the suspect vehicle and detained both occupants:

  • 43-year-old Aniya Sharee Henry of Oakley
  • 21-year-old Gus Antwon Wayne of Oakley

Both Henry and Wayne were arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, and other related charges.

While officers were actively investigating the incident, a third person 24-year-old Daezhara Makaylabetty Little of Antioch was arrested for obstructing and delaying officers on scene. Little was determined to be uninvolved in the original shooting.

All three individuals were transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, Henry is Black and out of custody with no charges filed; Wayne is Black and bonded out of custody on Tuesday, July 8; and Little is Black was cite released and out of custody.

According to localcrimenews.com, Henry was also arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department in 2023 for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and in 2024 for battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse.

We want to thank the Oakley Police Department for their assistance in locating and detaining the suspects. Their support played a key role in bringing a quick resolution to this dangerous situation.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Police investigate man shot and killed in Richmond

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Source: Richmond PD

City’s first homicide of year

By Lt. Donald Patchin, PIO, Richmond Police Department

On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 11:46 PM, the Richmond PD Communications Center received a ShotSpotter (Gunfire detection system) notification of possible gunfire in the 900 block of 8th Street. Officers responded and checked the area but did not locate any evidence of a shooting.

On Thursday, July 10th, at 6:44 AM, the RPD Communications Center received a call about an unresponsive man lying on the sidewalk/ground in the 900 block of 9th Street. This location is one block east of the earlier ShotSpotter activation. Richmond Police officers responded to the area and located a male subject who had apparent gunshot wounds. Medical personnel responded and pronounced the victim deceased

RPD Homicide Detectives responded and are actively investigating.

This is the first homicide of 2025 in the City of Richmond.

Anyone with information regarding this homicide is urged to contact Homicide Detective Marecek at 510-621-1835 or KMarecek@RichmondPD.net.

Thursday morning, July 10, 2025, Richmond Police officers responded to reports of a man down in the. Officers responded and located a male victim who was unresponsive, suffering from an apparent gunshot injury.

5 arrested for fights, vandalism during large gathering at Brentwood shopping centers

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From outside the area; stores close early; 4 juvies charged with misdemeanors, 1 arrested for battery on cop

Oakley PD, CHP, Sheriff’s Deputies assist

By Brentwood Police Department

On Friday, July 11, 2025, at around 3:30 p.m., Brentwood officers responded to the Sand Creek Crossing and Streets of Brentwood to monitor a group of juveniles engaged in a large, preplanned gathering. Over time, the gathering quickly evolved to approximately 300+ juveniles that reportedly arrived in ride-share vehicles or other means of transportation from outside the area. Several in the group became unruly, physical fights occurred throughout the property, several entered various businesses knocking items off shelves and onto the ground, while others ran in-and-out of traffic on Sand Creek Road.

Out of an abundance of caution, businesses within the Streets of Brentwood closed early to protect staff and property. As the gathering became destructive and disruptive, dispersal orders were given for everyone involved to leave the property and to clear surrounding streets. Neighboring law enforcement agencies from Oakley, California Highway Patrol, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office assisted with dispersal. Four juveniles were arrested for misdemeanor violations and a fifth was arrested for battery on a peace officer.

At some point during this rapidly evolving incident, officers performed a high risk stop on a vehicle, with their duty weapons drawn, because it was reported the driver had a firearm, however, no firearms were found, and no arrests were made. There were no reported injuries related to this event.

Anyone with information or related videos are asked to contact the Brentwood Police Department at 925-809-7911. While our agency supports peaceful gatherings, we will not tolerate disruptive or destructive behavior. We have a staffing plan in place to monitor and deal with any future gatherings.

The Brentwood Police Department takes the safety and well-being of our community seriously. We will not tolerate this kind of behavior in our city. Disorderly conduct, violence, and any form of assault on law enforcement or civilians will be met with immediate and appropriate enforcement action. We stand united for Brentwood. Brentwood is a strong, safe, and family-oriented community. We will continue to work with our residents and local businesses to ensure incidents like this do not become a recurring issue. We thank the community for their ongoing support and vigilance.

 

Brentwood PD investigates report of smoke shop burglary in progress

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Brentwood Police arrive on scene to see suspects entering getaway vehicle before ramming patrol car on Monday, July 7, 2025. Brentwood PD video screenshot

Suspects’ vehicle rams patrol car

By Brentwood Police Department

Early Monday morning (7/7/25), just before 2:30 AM, our Dispatch Center received a report of a burglary in progress at the One Stop Smoke Shop located in the 2400 block of Empire Avenue near Lone Tree Way.

The reporting party advised that suspects were seen on video surveillance attempting to break into the closed business using crowbars.

Within minutes, a Brentwood Police Sergeant arrived on scene and observed several suspects dressed in all black. As the suspects entered a vehicle and attempted to flee, a second Brentwood officer approached and the suspect vehicle intentionally rammed the officer’s patrol car.

The suspects fled the scene, and a pursuit ensued. Despite officers’ efforts, the vehicle was able to flee.

We’re grateful to report that no officers were injured during this incident. However, this serves as a stark reminder of the risks our officers face when responding to dangerous and unpredictable situations.

This investigation is active and ongoing. No further details will be released at this time.

See video of police pursuit.

 

U.S. Postal Inspectors seek Richmond post office armed robbery suspect

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2025-07-01 Richmond PO robbery suspect Source: U.S. Postal Inspection Service

Offer up to $150,000 reward

By Postal Inspector Matthew Norfleet, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, San Francisco Division Mail Fraud Team,

Richmond, CA – The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is requesting information about the individual who committed an armed robbery of a post office at 1025 Nevin Avenue at Harbour Way, Richmond, CA at or around 12:50 p.m. on July 1, 2025.

Video screenshot of Richmond, CA Post Office armed robbery suspect, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

Reward money is available up to $150,000 for information leading to arrest and conviction of this person, or anyone else responsible for robbery of a U.S. Postal Service employee or workplace.

Antioch woman, man arrested in Oakley same night for separate crimes

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Alvonda Meyers for hit and run of man, cars; Raymond Del Tessandro for assault with a deadly weapon; both arrested before

By Oakley Police Department

On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 11:51 PM, Oakley police officers were dispatched to a verbal disturbance in the 500 block of Mockingbird Lane. The reporting party stated there had been a birthday party at the location and a physical fight broke out inside. Some of the participants went outside and the suspect, identified as Alvonda Tyquesha Meyers (39, Antioch), got into her vehicle and intentionally struck a male victim, pinning his leg between two vehicles and injuring him. Meyers then drove up and down the street striking several parked vehicles and nearly struck pedestrians who attended the party.

Oakley officers arrived on scene and attempted to stop Meyers, but she fled and officers initiated a vehicle pursuit. Our officers were able to deploy spike strips at the onset of this incident, which flattened two of Meyers’ tires. In spite of the flat tires, Meyers continued to flee through Oakley into Antioch coming to a stop on Fernbank Way where she was taken into custody. Meyers was arrested and booked into jail for felony evading, Assault with Deadly Weapon, DUI and Hit and Run.

Later, during the same shift on June 25, 2025, at 2:08 AM, Oakley officers were dispatched to the Best Western Hotel on Bridgehead Road because someone had just been struck with a beer bottle. When Oakley officers arrived, the victim reported that he rented a room at the hotel for a female friend of his so she could get away from the suspect, Raymond Maurice Del Tessandro (41, Antioch). Del Tessandro showed up at the hotel room and the victim told him he needed to leave.

At some point the victim turned his back on Del Tessandro and Del Tessandro hit the victim in the head/face with the beer bottle. During the altercation, the victim’s phone fell to the ground; Del Tessandro picked the phone up and fled on foot. The victim sustained a laceration to his face and was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Oakley officers located Del Tessandro walking on Main Street; he was arrested and transported to the jail and booked for assault with a deadly weapon.

According to the localcrimenews.com, he was also arrested on April 30th for battery on transportation personnel with injury.

Also, according to localcrimenews.com, Meyers was arrested in 2017 by BART PD for willful cruelty toward children and assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury and in 2023 by San Francisco PD for evasion of public transit fare payment. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, she bonded out of custody.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Brentwood man arrested for thefts in mobile home park

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A Brentwood Police Officer apprehends Kyle Simpkin in the Walnut Acres Mobile Home Park on Sunday night June 22, 2025. Brentwood PD dashcam video screenshot

All stolen items recovered; Kyle Robert Simpkin held on $20K bail

By Brentwood Police Department

Situations like this can be incredibly stressful for victims and having an officer who goes above and beyond to provide comfort and support can make all the difference.

On Sunday June 22, 2025, around 11PM, Brentwood officers were dispatched to Walnut Acres Mobile Home Park after a caller reported seeing a suspect inside a vehicle taking items. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the suspect had also entered two additional vehicles in the area.

A search of the surrounding area led officers to locate the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Kyle Robert Simpkin of Brentwood (born 12/21/90). Simpkin was found in possession of various stolen items and was placed under arrest. He was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking on related charges. See video.

Fortunately, the stolen property was recovered and returned to its rightful owners.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot, three-inch tall, 200-pound Simpkin is Hispanic and being held in the West County Detention Facility on $20,000 bail. However, according to vinelink.com, he is listed as White.

According to localcrimenews.com, Simpkin was previously arrested in October 2021 by the Plumas County Sheriff’s Department for possession of a controlled substance, use or under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Officer O’Malley escorts resident victim on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Photo: Brentwood PD

Pictured above is Officer O’Malley escorting a victim as she retrieved her property following Sunday night’s incident. We want to take a moment to recognize the kindness, compassion and professionalism he displayed throughout the entire encounter.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Man arrested in Brentwood on multiple gun, drug charges

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Suspect Michael James Woodruff’s arrest and the gun, drugs and paraphernalia confiscated from him. Photos: Brentwood PD

By Brentwood Police Department

Last Wednesday around 11:00 AM, a Brentwood officer was patrolling the area of Brentwood Blvd. and Sims Road when he noticed a vehicle with expired registration.

While speaking with the driver, identified as 42-year-old Michael James Woodruff (born 3/4/1983), a second officer on scene observed a firearm in Woodruff’s waistband.

Officers safely detained Woodruff and conducted a search of the vehicle, where they located drugs, a digital scale, small baggies, and ammunition.

Woodruff was arrested for multiple firearm and drug-related offenses and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

This arrest is another example of how proactive policing helps keep illegal weapons and narcotics off our streets.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 220-pound Woodruff is Hispanic and being held in the West County Detention Facility on $354,000 bail. His next court appearance is on May 29th at 8:30 AM in Department 4 at the courthouse in Pittsburg.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Arrest made in Brentwood bank ATM theft

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A drive-up ATM at the Bank of America branch on Lone Tree Way in Brentwood was stolen on Thursday morning, May 22, 2025. Photo: Brentwood PD

San Jose suspect has history of arrests for theft, violent crimes since 2011

Contra Costa Sheriff, Antioch Police help establish perimeter

By Brentwood Police Department

Early this morning, Thursday May 22, 2025, Brentwood officers were dispatched to the 5100 block of Heidorn Ranch Road for a report of a suspicious circumstance along the Highway 4 corridor involving individuals associated with a Jeep.

As officers arrived, the suspects fled in the Jeep. Shortly thereafter, it was discovered that a large ATM safe had been forcibly removed and stolen from the Bank of America located on the 6200 block of Lone Tree Way. Evidence indicated the ATM’s cash box had been dragged along the Highway 4 corridor, where officers first responded.

A short time later, Brentwood Dispatch received a call reporting a vehicle matching the suspect description in the Deer Ridge area.

With the assistance of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the Antioch Police Department, a perimeter was quickly established.

During a search of the area, 34-year-old Kevin Monge of San Jose (born 12/21/1989) was located hiding in a bush and was safely taken into custody.

Monge was arrested for grand theft and other related charges and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, seven-inch tall, 190-pound Monge is being held on 30,000 bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he is Hispanic and has a history of arrests dating back to 2011 by multiple agencies, including Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department, Santa Clara PD, San Jose PD, Dublin PD and Orange PD for crimes including forgery and petty theft on Feb. 26, 2025, battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse, grand theft, receiving or concealing stolen property, possession of another person’s ID with intent to defraud, possession of burglar’s tools, assault with a deadly weapon likely to produce great bodily harm and twice for DUI.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.