Contra Costa Herald

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

2023 Annual Report: Serious crime in Lafayette remains low

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Report cover and 2023 Lafayette Police Department staff. Photo: Lafayette PD

“Overall, crime remains low in Lafayette, a testament to the collective efforts of our community. However, there are still categories of crimes that the Police Department, in partnership with our residents, continues to strive to reduce.” – Chief Benjamin Alldritt

By Lafayette Police Department

The most recent crime report for 2023 from the Lafayette Police Department has been presented to the Lafayette City Council. The report shows that the rate of violent crime in Lafayette remains low, with only 13 reported Part 1 violent crimes in 2023. This equals 51.2 violent crimes per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 380.7 violent crimes per 100,000 and the California average of 494.6 violent crimes per 100,000 in 2022.

“Overall, crime remains low in Lafayette, a testament to the collective efforts of our community. However, there are still categories of crimes that the Police Department, in partnership with our residents, continues to strive to reduce,” said Lafayette Police Chief Benjamin Alldritt.

In 2023, the Lafayette Police received 12,007 calls for service, filed 1,168 police reports, made 302 arrests, and issued 1,022 traffic citations.

Lafayette Police Department Total Annual Calls for Service 2014-23. Source: Lafayette PD

Part I Crimes include two categories: Crimes against Persons and property crimes.  Crimes against Persons are murder, rape, aggravated assault, robbery, and human trafficking.  Property Crimes are burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson.

“Crimes against Persons are our top priority because they have the most significant impact on the victim. The Lafayette Police Department is committed to dedicating all necessary resources to investigate these crimes and bring the suspects to justice,” said Chief Alldritt.

Overall, Part 1 crimes decreased from 456 in 2013 to 277 in 2023. This represents a 39% decrease in these types of crime over the last decade.

“Proactive policing and an alert community keep crime low in Lafayette,” he continued. “If people see something, they say something. Residents quickly report, respond, and actively watch out for their friends, family, and neighbors. We appreciate that our community members continue to call in and report crimes and remain aware of their surroundings”.

10–Year Comparison of Part 1 Uniform Crime Reporting in Lafayette, CA. Source: Lafayette PD

“The professional staff are force multipliers for the Police Department,” said Chief Alldritt. “They run the administrative office, manage the City’s emergency preparedness activities and fleet maintenance, carry out crime scene investigations, parking enforcement, vacation house checks, emergency traffic control, and other programs such as “Slow Down Lafayette.”

The City of Lafayette takes a multi-departmental approach to reduce accidents in Lafayette by using the “Three E’s” of traffic safety: Enforcement, Engineering, and Education. The Police Traffic Unit meets regularly with the City’s Transportation Planner to identify problem areas where engineering solutions may have a calming effect on traffic, resulting in fewer accidents and less need for enforcement. The Traffic Unit reviews collision rates and locations, along with citizen complaints, when considering areas for enforcement efforts.   

  • Acquired two low-profile radar measurement devices, two temporary speed display signs, two speed display trailers, and two LIDAR devices to assist with speed enforcement.
  • Analyzed over 1.3 million data points on vehicle speeds
  • Reduced the number of speeders by 20%–25% in areas where display signs and traffic enforcement are used. Provided educational materials on crosswalk safety, school bus safety, e-bikes, and various weather and other traffic-related notices.
  • The Lamorinda Residents Guide to Wildfire Preparedness and Evacuation was updated and mailed out to all Lamorinda residents in 2022.
  • The Police Department encouragesresidents to sign up for the County’s Community Warning System (CWS)
  • The ALERT California wildfire program maintains a network of cameras to detect, alert, and monitor wildfires. Lafayette Police Department Emergency Services Manager John Cornell handled the installation of multiple wildfire cameras throughout Contra Costa County, which included training for multiple local fire and police departments.

Lafayette Police Department Emergency Services Manager John Cornell handled the installation of multiple wildfire cameras and coordinated camera locations and training with other agencies. Source: Lafayette PD

The city also operates an information and emergency radio station, available on AM 1670 or streaming via the city’s app, My Lafayette, for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play – Android Store.

 “I am proud of the men and women who serve the City of Lafayette with pride and dedication,” says Chief Alldritt. “The entire Police Department and our City staff and leaders are focused on providing the highest level of service possible to our residents, businesses, and visitors. From responding to calls for service, to investigations, traffic enforcement, emergency preparedness, and the myriad other things my staff do daily in service of the community.”

You can also download the slide deck of the May 28, 2024, presentation and watch a recording of the presentation to the City Council on May 28, 2024, on the City’s YouTube channel.

About The City of Lafayette

Lafayette is a charming small community located in Contra Costa County, 30 miles from The City of Oakland. It’s known for its beautiful green hills, excellent schools, and miles of hiking trails, making it an attractive place to live. The City has a population of more than 25,000 highly educated residents, with 75.2% of them holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, 73.6% of the homes in Lafayette are owner-occupied. The median home value is $1,914,700, while the median household income is $219,250. The total area of the city is 15.22 square miles.

San Pablo man arrested for attacking employee inside Pinole police building

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Pinole Police building video shows Victor jumping over the counter and into the offices of the clerk. Screenshot source: Pinole PD

By Commander Matt Avery, Pinole Police Department

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at approximately 4:15 PM, a male subject entered the Pinole Public Safety Building (880 Tennent Avenue, Pinole) and walked around the reception area while a police employee assisted a citizen at the front counter. The subject used the drinking fountain and then attempted to open the locked lobby door leading to the police department’s inner office area. The subject then sat down and waited approximately two minutes until our staff member finished assisting the citizen.

When the citizen completed her business and left the area, the male subject approached the front counter, where our staff member greeted him. The subject responded by reaching out and ringing the counter bell several times. Within seconds, the subject grabbed our staff member by her right arm. The victim fought back, and the subject pulled her toward him, preventing her from escaping. The victim could break free from the subject’s grasp, and the subject climbed over the counter and through a window. The victim retreated into the main hallway, and the subject chased after her. The victim was able to enter the administrative office area with the assistance of another staff member. Officers in the department at the time heard the disturbance and quickly made their way toward the reception area. They confronted the subject in the main hallway and safely detained the subject. (See Facebook incident video)

The victim sustained minor injuries to her right arm caused by the subject when he grabbed and pulled her. The victim is expected to make a full recovery. The subject was arrested and identified as Chester Erwin Victor, Jr. (born 4/20/1959), a 65-year-old male from unincorporated San Pablo. He was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on burglary (PC 460(b)), kidnapping (PC 207(A)), false imprisonment (PC 236), battery (PC 243(A), assault (PC 241(A)), and a warrant.

This is an ongoing investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Pinole Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 510-724-1111.

According to localcrimenews.com, Victor was also arrested by Solano CHP in June 2017 for DUI.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff, he is five-feet, 11-inches tall, 200-pounds, Hispanic and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $47,500 bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 26 is Superior Court.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Register now to be a host for Kensington’s 2024 National Night Out

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Deadline: July 1

By Kensington Police Department

National Night Out is Tuesday, August 6th, 2024. If you’re interested in hosting a National Night Out Block Party on Tuesday, August 6th, please complete the host registration form. The host Registration Deadline is 5:00 pm July 1st. Please visit Kensington National Night Out 2024 to register: www.kensingtonfire.org/nationalnightout

Hercules Police Youth Academy begins June 18

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By Hercules Police Department

Experience the Thrill of Real-Life Scenarios: Enroll in the Youth Police Academy Today! Get hands-on with live demonstrations and learn practical skills tailored specifically for youth. From navigating social media safety to understanding the law, our academy equips you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed.

Plus, explore exciting career opportunities and bolster your college applications with this unique experience. Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with the humans behind the badge and ignite your passion for serving your community.

Sign up now and step into your future with confidence! To register click, here.

Loaded gun, drugs confiscated from known felon during San Pablo traffic stop

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The gun, magazine and drugs confiscated from the known felon on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Photo: San Pablo PD

Officers in Action

By San Pablo Police Department

Wednesday night, June 12, 2024, Officer Troche was patrolling the city when he made a traffic stop on a vehicle whose driver is a known felon from previous contacts. The driver was found to have an outstanding warrant. Inside the vehicle Officer Troche located a loaded firearm along with a large amount of drugs.

The driver of the vehicle was booked into county jail on the warrant and felony charges.

That makes one more gun taken out of the hands of a convicted felon. Thanks Officer Troche!

 

Lamorinda Safety Fair June 22

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The Lamorinda Safety Fair will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 9:00am-4:00pm at the Lafayette Reservoir off Mt. Diablo Blvd. presented by Lafayette Police, East Bay Municipal Utilities District, Amateur Radio Communications and Lafayette CERT Foundation.

Meet your local first responders and see their equipment. Get up close to a police helicopter. Learn how to perform CPR. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher. Learn how to prepare for the next emergency / disaster. Meet your local HAM radio club (LARIG) and talk to HAM operators from around the globe using radio!

Shuttle service and additional parking will be available at the Lafayette Veteran’s Memorial Building at 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd. For more information call (925) 299-3282.

Vandal caught for using pellet guns that caused damage to Pittsburg businesses

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Damage caused to a Pittsburg business, the suspect’s car caught on surveillance camera video and pellet guns confiscated by police. Photos: Pittsburg PD

Eight felony counts

By Pittsburg Police Department

Over the past few months, a series of vandalisms targeted multiple businesses on Garcia Avenue in Pittsburg. The vandals used a pellet gun to shoot at the glass windows of these establishments, resulting in significant financial losses amounting to thousands of dollars.

In response to these incidents, the property owner took proactive measures by installing surveillance cameras. These cameras successfully captured footage of the culprit in action, providing a vital lead for the investigative efforts of Detective Lefterov. Through diligent work spanning several weeks, Detective Lefterov gathered substantial evidence and successfully identified the individual responsible for the vandalism.

Subsequently, several search warrants were issued and executed, leading to the confiscation of a BB gun, an air rifle, numerous copper BBs, and suspected illicit substances. The suspect was apprehended and charged with eight counts of felony vandalism.

Four juveniles cause extensive damage at new Brentwood school

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An April 15, 2024, photo shows the Montañez Elementary under construction. Photo: Brentwood Union School District

Released to parents pending criminal charges; school scheduled to open in fall

By Brentwood Police Department

On Sunday, June 9th, 2024, around 8:30PM, our Dispatch received a call from a security company regarding four juvenile males who had just vandalized the Isaac R. Montañez Elementary School site located on the 2300 block of Smith Road. The juveniles were still on site and when officers arrived, they attempted to flee on their bikes, however they were safely taken into custody.

The project manager for the site arrived on scene to assess the damage and discovered the four juveniles had discharged all of the fire extinguishers on the property causing an extensive amount of damage. The new school is scheduled to open in the fall for the 2024-25 school year.

Based on the nature of the crime and their ages (12 and 13 years old), the juveniles did not meet the criteria to be booked into Juvenile Hall and were released to their parents pending criminal charges and further investigation.

Army exercises at Military Ocean Terminal Concord have neighbors questioning

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Source: U.S. Army

Community Update

By Concord Police Department

We have been receiving calls from community members regarding loudspeaker announcements heard from the area of the Concord Naval Weapons Station.

What’s going on?

Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO) will be conducting a U.S. Army led exercise from June 10-18. This exercise is being conducted with several units that will require travel throughout the local area. You will see an increase in uniformed service members during this time. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

No need to contact our Dispatch Center about the exercise as we are already aware. If you have an emergency to report, please dial 911. For non-emergencies, call 925-671-3333.

About MOTCO

MOTCO is Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command’s West Coast strategic ammunition port. MOTCO is the DOD’s primary ammunition seaport supporting the Pacific area of operation.

The Army’s presence at MOTCO dates back to 1997 when the Army’s 1302nd Major Port Command was relocated from Oakland Army Base, California, to MOTCO and became the 834th Transportation Battalion. MOTCO properties were transferred from the Navy to the Army in 2008 per the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendations.

The 834th Transportation Battalion is the port manager at MOTCO and operates the three piers and an Army-owned rail system that connects with major public railway lines.

MOTCO receives ammunition by rail and highway; stages containers, railcars and trailers; and loads vessels with containers and break-bulk (loose items) ammunition. Rail lines, piers, holding pads, transfer facilities, staging areas, railcar class yards, barricaded railcar holding areas and Main Supply Routes are all operated in support of cargo receipt and movement.

MOTCO encompasses approximately 115 acres inland, 6,500 acres of tidal area which includes terminal piers, staging and transfer facilities, and 2,000 acres of offshore islands. While ammunition is the focus of most cargo movement into or out of MOTCO, the installation is capable of handling general cargo providing it is in conjunction with, or does not interfere with, ammunition.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Pittsburg man found with drug pipe, fake gun, tear gas in car arrested

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The fake gun confiscated from the suspect on June 5, 2024. Photo by Brentwood PD

Near Antioch Target store

By Brentwood Police Department

REAL OR FAKE?

Last Wednesday, June 5, 2024, around 1:45 in the morning, a Brentwood officer was patrolling Lone Tree Way when they observed a parked car near the Target parking lot. Given that the businesses were closed, and it was very early in the morning, the officer conducted a suspicious vehicle stop and contacted the owner, identified as 57-year-old Louis Gonzalez from Pittsburg.

Gonzalez informed the officer that he had a drug pipe. Upon searching his car, the officer found an imitation gun, drug paraphernalia, and unlawful possession of tear gas.

Gonzalez was placed under arrest, and the imitation gun and tear gas were confiscated.

This incident highlights the dangers and challenges posed by imitation firearms. These replicas can easily be mistaken for real weapons, potentially leading to dangerous situations for both law enforcement and the public.