Contra Costa Herald

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

Justice Served: Convicted suspect in 2023 Pleasant Hill murder sentenced to 50 years to life

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Andre Barocio, Jr. Photo source: Pleasant Hill PD

Andre Barocio, Jr. of Hercules killed Concord man then fled to Mexico; has history of arrests

Accomplice from Antioch previously arrested

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, Andre Aaron Barocio, Jr. of Hercules was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for the murder of 37-year-old Oscar Laredo-Arellano.

As previously reported, on April 3, 2023, Pleasant Hill Police officers responded to a report of a shooting in the parking lot outside Farrington’s Bar at 1938 Contra Costa Blvd. Officers located Laredo-Arellano deceased from a gunshot wound. The subsequent investigation determined he had been shot following an argument, and Barocio, Jr. was identified as the suspect. In May 2023, Pleasant Hill Police detectives, working in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies and Mexican state police, located Barocio, Jr. in Mexico. He was arrested and extradited to the United States to face justice.

On April 8, 2026, a jury found Barocio Jr. guilty of first-degree murder. Yesterday, he was sentenced to 50 years to life in state prison.

As previously reported, according to locacrimenews.com, Barocio has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by Pittsburg, Concord, U.C. Berkeley, Walnut Creek and West Covina Police Departments, as well as Contra Costa CHP and Alameda County Sheriff’s Department including for DUI, possession of ammunition, driving with suspended license and speeding over 100 MPH, and drug possession.

In addition, Angelo Martinez Delacruz of Antioch (born 5/31/90) was identified as a suspect in the shooting. In April 2023 he was arrested in Douglas County, Nevada. Upon extradition, police booked him into the Martinez Detention Facility for assault with a firearm. (See related article)

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Barocio, Jr. is five-feet, eight-inches tall and 260-pounds.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with Oscar’s mother, family, and loved ones. We are grateful to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for their outstanding work in prosecuting this case and for their continued support of Oscar’s family throughout this process.

This sentence reflects the dedication and collaboration of all those involved in bringing justice to the victim and his family.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Eric Young named 2025 Walnut Creek Police Officer of the Year

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Officer Eric Young (with plaque) is joined by his wife and children to receive his honor as the 2025 Walnut Creek Police Department’s Officer of the Year by Chief Ryan Hibbs, Captain Jeff Slater (left) and Captain Holley Connors (right). All photos by Walnut Creek PD

Officer Greggmar Swift is Rookie of the Year

More recognized during 2025 Honors and Awards Ceremony

By Lt. Drew Olson, PIO, Walnut Creek Police Department

The Walnut Creek Police Department recently celebrated and honored the hard work and dedication of our team at our 2025 Honors and Awards Ceremony. This annual event recognizes the outstanding achievements, bravery, and professionalism demonstrated by our team members. We were also able to recognize community members for the important contributions they made to keeping our community safe.

Officer Greggmar Swift (second from left), honored as the 2025 Walnut Creek Police Department’s Rookie of the Year, was joined by his wife and children, Chief Ryan Hibbs (left) and Captain Jeff Slater, Captain Holley Connors (right).

  • Officer of the Year: Officer Eric Young
  • Rookie of the Year: Officer Greggmar Swift
  • Professional Staff Member of the Year: Crime Prevention Specialist Kira Raman
  • Dispatcher of the Year: Dispatcher Hunter Edge
  • Reserve Officer of the Year: Reserve Officer Tim Mahoney

Crime Prevention Specialist Kira Raman is honored as the Walnut Creek Police Department’s 2025 Professional Staff Member of the Year by Chief Ryan Hibbs (left) and Captains Jeff Slater and Holley Connors.

Congratulations to all of our award recipients and honorees!

The Walnut Creek Police Department’s 2025 Reserve Officer of the Year Tim Mahoney was honored by Chief Ryan Hibbs (left) and Captains Jeff Slater and Holley Connors.

In addition, Officers Jake Chaney, Shane Blatz, Brian Romero, Adam Cullen and  Eric Young, were recognized with the Firearms Interdiction Award.

Firearms Interdiction Award recipients Officers Jake Chaney, Shane Blatz, Brian Romero, Adam Cullen and Eric Young are joined by Chief Ryan Hibbs (left) and Captains Jeff Slater and Holley Connors (right).

We are proud of our team and their dedication to the community of Walnut Creek!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pittsburg Police investigate suicide of wanted felon following standoff

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Multi-agency effort; identified by County Coroner’s Office

By Pittsburg Police Department

On Monday, June 8, 2026, at approximately 2:19 p.m. Pittsburg Police officers attempted to stop a vehicle being driven by a 52-year-old male of Pittsburg known to have an active felony warrant for sexual abuse of a child. The suspect, who was the sole occupant, stopped the vehicle in the area of Loveridge Road and Pittsburg-Antioch Highway, but refused to cooperate with officers attempting to arrest him. Officers were able to see he was holding a firearm as he remained seated in the vehicle. Members of the Special Response Unit, including Crisis Negotiators immediately responded and began communicating with the suspect to reach a peaceful resolution. During this communication, the suspect expressed he wanted to end his life. Medical personnel were summoned and staged in the area throughout this encounter.

After over ten hours of communicating and attempting to negotiate a peaceful surrender, the suspect turned the gun on himself. The Special Response Unit and staged medical personnel immediately began life-saving measures, and he was transported to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, he did not survive the self-inflicted gunshot wound. No force was used by officers.

According to Jimmy Lee, Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office PIO, the man was identified as Jason Daniel Broers.

The Pittsburg Police Department would like to thank the Antioch Police Department, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and the Walnut Creek Police Department for their mutual aid support during this critical incident.

This is an active investigation. No further information will be released at this time. We ask anyone who has information related to this case to please contact Dispatch at (925) 646-2441.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood toddler who fell from second-story window released from hospital

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By Officer Chris Bollinger, PIO, Brentwood Police Department

On Monday, June 15, 2026, at approximately 12:30PM, officers and emergency personnel responded to a residence in the 600 block of Timberline Terrace, after a two-year-old girl fell from a second-story window.

Upon arrival, it was determined the child was on a bed near an open window when she leaned against a window screen, causing it to give way. The child fell to the ground below.

The child was transported by helicopter to UC Davis Medical Center, and she has since been released from the hospital.

Drone technology helps capture dangerous suspect following wrong-way pursuit, collision in Richmond

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Screenshots of Richmond Police drone video shows pursuit of suspect driving wrong way on city streets and I-80 freeway. Source: Richmond PD

Police K-9 Bane assists

By Richmond Police Department

On Monday, May 15, 2026, Richmond Police officers responded to reports of a reckless driver who was intentionally driving on the wrong side of the roadway in an apparent attempt to cause a collision.

When officers arrived, the suspect intentionally accelerated his vehicle toward a responding officer, forcing the officer to take immediate evasive action. A vehicle pursuit was authorized; however, after the suspect turned off his headlights and entered the freeway traveling the wrong direction, the pursuit was safely terminated.

Shortly afterward, the suspect collided with another vehicle and fled on foot into a wooded area where the suspect laid down and hid in the bushes.

Screenshots of Richmond Police drone video show suspect colliding with another vehicle while driving the wrong direction on I-80, then exiting his car and a police K-9 finding him hiding in the bushes. Source: Richmond PD

During the search, a K-9 officer yelled out, “Richmond PD K-9 unit. You are under arrest. Surrender, now. If the dog finds you, he may bite you.”

Fortunately, Richmond Police Department’s Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program was overhead throughout the entire incident, providing officers with real-time aerial intelligence and maintaining continuous visual contact with the suspect. This critical technology, combined with the efforts of our officers and K-9 Bane, led to the successful apprehension of this dangerous individual.

This incident highlights how innovative public safety technology can help officers make informed decisions, reduce risk to the community, and safely bring dangerous situations to a resolution.

Outstanding teamwork by our patrol officers, K-9 Bane, and DFR operators!

See video on Facebook or Instagram.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Concord Police Department to hold DUI Checkpoint June 19, 2026

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By Provisional Sgt. Lee Lawrence, Concord Police Department

Concord, Calif. – Concord Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint June 19, 2026, from 7:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M. The DUI Checkpoint will occur on westbound Willow Pass Road between Mount Diablo Street and Galindo Street.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on the history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The Concord Police Department is committed to keeping the traveling public safe.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Lt. Scott Smith said. “We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.”

Concord Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Richmond man arrested for killing older brother within hours of fatal assault

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By Lt. Joseph England, PIO, Richmond Police Department

Richmond, CA – As previously reported, the Richmond Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on the evening of Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in the 4500 block of Potrero Avenue.

At approximately 9:09 p.m., Richmond Police officers responded to a residence in the 4500 block of Potrero Avenue to assist fire and medical personnel with a medical call for service. Medical personnel requested police assistance after determining the victim’s injuries appeared to be the result of an assault. Officers arrived and found medical personnel performing life-saving measures on 68-year-old Jerome Timmons. Despite their efforts, Timmons succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Officers quickly identified 61-year-old Victor Doyle Blacknell, born 6/24/1964, as the suspect and determined that the victim and suspect were siblings. Detectives from the Richmond Police Department Homicide Unit responded and assumed responsibility for the investigation.

The preliminary investigation indicates Timmons and Blacknell were involved in a verbal argument that escalated into a physical altercation. Following the assault, Blacknell fled the scene. Officers quickly developed information regarding Blacknell’s whereabouts and responded to a residence in the 1500 block of Maine Avenue, where he was safely taken into custody without incident.

The investigation remains in its early stages, and detectives are continuing to determine what led to the altercation. Blacknell remains in custody and has been booked on one count of murder, in violation of California Penal Code 187(a). He is being held on $1,000,000 bail.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, seven-inch tall, 175-pound Blacknell is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility.

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.

During San Pablo traffic stop motorcyclist arrested for over 100 grams of meth

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108 ounces of meth confiscated on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Photo: San Pablo PD

By San Pablo Police Department

Tonight’s Attempt at a Getaway: 0/10 Stars

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at approximately 8:40 p.m., officers attempted a traffic stop on a motorcycle that was missing one important accessory: license plates.

As soon as the rider spotted the officer, he decided to test his luck and accelerated away. Unfortunately, while attempting to pass another vehicle, he failed to notice the center median and introduced himself to it rather abruptly.

Spoiler alert: he did not get away.

During a search, officers located approximately 108 grams of methamphetamine. The rider was treated for minor injuries and received a complimentary ride in an ambulance.

As for the motorcycle… let’s just say it took the collision a little harder than its rider did.

Two arrested for stealing sunglasses worth $45K from San Ramon store

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Stolen sunglasses recovered from thieves on June 11, 2026. Photos: San Ramon PD

By San Ramon Police Department

On Thursday June 11, 2026, San Ramon Police officers arrested two suspects following a retail theft at City Center that resulted in the recovery of more than $45,000 in stolen merchandise.

Emptied out sunglass cases inside store. Photos: San Ramon PD

A suspect entered a local business, filled a garbage bag with high-end sunglasses, and then fled the store. A Corporal assigned to our Organized Retail Theft Suppression Team, who was patrolling the area at the time, quickly located the suspect, who attempted to evade capture on foot before getting into a waiting vehicle.

Working together, patrol officers stopped the vehicle and safely took both suspects into custody. All stolen merchandise was recovered and returned to the business.

This case is a great example of the impact proactive patrols and teamwork can have on crime in our community. Because officers were already in the area and responded quickly, a significant theft was solved within minutes, stolen property was recovered, and those responsible were taken into custody.

Outstanding work by the officers involved!

In addition, following is a brief summary of the arrests made by officers from the San Ramon Police Department from in their police log for the week of June 4-11, 2026.

06/06/2026

  • A 44-year-old male was arrested for criminal conspiracy, shoplifting, petty theft with priors, and violating probation.
  • A 43-year-old female was arrested for criminal conspiracy, shoplifting, petty theft with priors, and violating probation.
  • A 33-year-old male was arrested for unlawful possession or use of tear gas, possession of a controlled substance, violating probation, violating parole, smuggling a controlled substance into jail, and pursuant to an arrest warrant.

06/07/2026

  • A 26-year-old female was arrested for shoplifting.
  • A 25-year-old male was arrested for violating a domestic violence court order.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pleasant Hill Police make 92 arrests in May

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Source: Pleasant Hill PD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

It’s June and you know what that means – it’s time to provide you with a look at some of the police activity that took place in our city in May 2026.

We’ll continue sharing this information monthly on social media, but for a more extensive look at our crime stats, please visit our website – https://www.phillca.gov/1384/Crime-Statistics.