Contra Costa Herald

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

3 Contra Costa men among 4 arrested for Tracy jewelry store smash-and-grab robbery

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From Antioch, Bay Point, Richmond; $150K of items stolen in organized retail theft

Antioch man has history of arrests, as does one other suspect from Hayward

By Tracy Police Department

On Thursday, March 21, 2024, at approximately 2:25 p.m., the Tracy Police Department Communications Center received reports of a robbery in progress at Don Roberto Jewelers located inside the West Valley Mall. During the robbery, eight (8) subjects, wearing face masks, entered the store and used hammers to smash the glass displays, proceeding to take approximately $150,000 in jewelry before fleeing the area.

As the subjects associated with the robbery were seen fleeing the area, witnesses reported observing a stolen white BMW SUV occupied by four (4) of the subjects was involved in a solo crash near the east entrance of the mall near Corral Hollow Road, while the other four (4) subjects were able to get away. As the four subjects involved in the crash fled on foot,

Due to the four subjects involved in the crash fleeing on foot, Stockton Police Department Air Support, the California Highway Patrol, and the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist in an area search. During their search, the four subjects, identified as Eric James Anderson (21 years old of Antioch, CA), Trevion Williams (21 years old of Bay Point, CA), Jayden Deonte Barnes (19 years old of Richmond) and Jamary Barnes (23 years old of Hayward, CA) were located within the perimeter set by Tracy PD and assisting agencies.

Investigators assigned to the General Investigations Unit (GIU) responded to the scene to continue the investigation.

All four subjects were arrested for PC 490.4 – Organized Retail Theft, PC 182 – Conspiracy to commit a crime, and PC 211 – Robbery by force or fear, and booked into the San Joaquin County Jail.

According to localcrimenews.com, the 6-foot, 7-inch, 140-pound Anderson, who is Black, has been arrested multiple times since June 2021 by Alameda County, Kern County and San Joaquin County Sheriffs’ Departments, Oakland PD and as recently as Feb. 29, 2024, by Fresno PD including for multiple gun crimes, vehicle robbery, burglary, receiving stolen property, vehicle theft and evasion with wanton disregard for safety.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-foot, four-inch, 160-pound Barnes, who is Black, also has a history of arrests dating back to Sept. 2019 by multiple agencies for crimes including street terrorism, possession of a machine gun, grand theft, gang conspiracy, drug possession and first-degree residential robbery.

At this time, the investigation is ongoing. If you have any information, contact Detective Kenneth Steele at Kenneth.Steele@TracyPD.com or (209) 831-6660, or Detective Lissette Ortiz at Lissette.Ortiz@TracyPD.com or (209) 831-6569. To make an anonymous tip, contact Tracy Crime Stoppers by calling (209) 831-4847 or by texting “TIPTPD” and your message to CRIMES (274637).

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Wayward sea lion enjoys luck of the Irish during rescue in Oakley on St. Patrick’s Day night

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Oakley Police Officers corral the sea lion on Sunday, March 17, 2024. Photos: Oakley PD

“Sea? We’re not lion when we say OPD is the best police department around! Good night, Oakley!”

The sea lion exits and Oakley Police vehicle at a local marina.

By Oakley Police Department

On Sunday, March 17, 2024 – St. Patrick’s Day — at 9:27 PM Oakley Police Officers C. Taylor and M. Jackson were dispatched to the Valero Station at the corner of E. Cypress Road and Knightsen Avenue for a young and wayward sea lion that was in the road and in danger of being hit by a car. Our officers worked with other citizens in corralling the sea lion and SEALing it into a specific area.

Our officers tried staying two steps ahead of the thoroughbred pinniped, but still found it difficult to coax it into the back of a patrol vehicle. The officers found that if one of them sat in the back of the vehicle and kept repeating, “free bass,” it would gain the attention of the seal lion and eventually it hopped right up and into the vehicle.

Our officers called the Marine Mammal Center, but nobody was available to pick up our passenger. With the exception of being a little lost, the sea lion seemed fine, uninjured and able bodied. The sea lion was given a chauffeured ride to a local marina and set free back into the Delta waters.

Two men shot, die following possible attempted Pleasant Hill cannabis-related robbery

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From San Pablo, Pleasant Hill; police seek second shooting suspect

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Tuesday, March 19th, 2024, the Pleasant Hill Police Department dispatch received reports of a shooting in the area of Twinbridge Circle near Longbrook Way. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots with two victims injured and lying on the ground.

Police and medical personnel responded to the scene. Upon arrival, two adult male victims were found with multiple gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to the John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek. One victim was pronounced deceased, the second was treated for life-threatening injuries.

On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, the second person shot during Tuesday’s incident on Twinbridge Circle has died in the hospital as a result of his injuries.

The identities of the two decedents are Pleasant Hill resident Peter Popovich, 63, and San Pablo resident Trevon Davis, 21. Pleasant Hill Police investigators have confirmed Popovich and Davis did not know one another.

This case is now being investigated as an attempted robbery resulting in homicide.

Investigators determined the victim, Peter Popovich, worked in the legal cannabis industry. The company he worked for sells packaging materials for the legal distribution and sales of cannabis. Earlier in the day, Popovich had been working in his capacity as a delivery driver, delivering packaging materials to Bay Area cannabis distributors.

At this time, the facts of this investigation indicate that Popovich was targeted for robbery by Trevon Davis and at least one other suspect while he was standing near his van parked on Twinbridge Circle. Both the suspects and Popovich were armed, leading to an exchange of gunfire. During this altercation, both Popovich and Davis were shot multiple times. At least one other suspect immediately fled the scene and, at this time, has not been identified. No arrest has been made.

Pleasant Hill Police investigators determined Popovich used his own firearm during the incident. Popovich’s firearm was recovered at the scene. Popovich possessed a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon which was issued by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.

During the initial investigation, witnesses told investigators they heard the shooting and then saw a vehicle fleeing the scene. Currently, there is no information to share regarding the suspect vehicle.

This incident remains an active investigation. Any person with information related to this crime is encouraged to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Investigations Bureau at (925) 288-4630.

 

Adult suspect arrested for shooting man multiple times in Brentwood Saturday night

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By Lt. Chris Peart, Brentwood Police Department

On Saturday, March 16, 2024, at approximately 8:00 pm, Brentwood officers responded to a report of a shooting at the 400 block of Orchard Drive. When officers arrived, they located an adult male victim who had been shot multiple times. The victim is recovering in a local hospital and is expected to survive.

After speaking to the victim and witnesses in the area, officers identified an adult suspect who was taken into custody without further incident.

This was an isolated incident and there is no further threat to the community. This investigation is ongoing and should you have any additional information to provide, please contact Detective Bascom at (925) 809-7822.

Brentwood traffic stop leads to arrest of Antioch duo on gun charges

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Gun and ammunition confiscated during arrest on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Photo: Brentwood PD

Both already out of custody one on bond, the other with no charges filed

By Brentwood Police Department

On Sunday night, March 10, 2024, a Brentwood officer conducted a routine traffic stop in the area of Lone Tree Way and Fairside Way. The stop was initiated due to multiple vehicle code violations observed by the officer.

During the course of the stop, the officer found an un-serialized loaded high-capacity firearm in the backseat of the vehicle. As a result, 19-year-old Daekaylah Leiloni Little and 20-year-old Louis Edward Quinn, Jr., both of Antioch, were placed under arrest and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

According to localcrimenews.com they were charged with carrying a loaded firearm on person or in vehicle while in a public place, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle and a large capacity magazine.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, as of Monday, March 11 Little bonded out of custody and Quinn was released with no charges filed on Wednesday, March 13.

According to an August 22, 2021, post on her Facebook page, Little was a cheerleader at Deer Valley High School in Antioch.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of routine traffic stops and the diligent efforts of our officers in keeping the community safe.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Young Pittsburg, Oakland women arrested for stealing over $6K of goods from Brentwood store

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The suspects’ car, the two suspects arrested, and the cash confiscated from the sale of the stolen merchandise from a Brentwood store on Monday, March 11, 2024. Photos: Brentwood PD

Sold it in Oakland, SF; Hercules PD assists

By Brentwood Police Department

IF YOU DECIDE TO STEAL IN BRENTWOOD

On Monday, March 11, 2024, around 1:30PM, Brentwood officers were dispatched to Ulta at the Streets of Brentwood for a report of a theft of over $6,300 in merchandise. The reporting party provided a description of the two suspects, who had just fled in a vehicle.

BPD officers contacted the Streets of Brentwood Security, who were able to obtain the license plate of the suspect car from video surveillance. The officers confirmed the car was a rental vehicle, as it is common for organized retail thieves to use rental vehicles to commit crimes in order to evade detection.

Later that day around 5:00 PM, Hercules PD located the suspect vehicle and detained two of the occupants identified as 19-year-old Andrea Glaser of Oakland, and 21-year-old Tyerra Destiny Townsend of Pittsburg. BPD detectives responded to the city of Hercules as soon as they were notified.

Both suspects admitted to stealing from Ulta and also said they sold the stolen merchandise in Oakland and San Francisco for cash. None of the stolen merchandise was recovered; however approximately $1,000 in cash was found on Glaser and Townsend.

Glaser had additional warrants and Townsend, who is on felony probation in Contra Costa County, received additional related charges. Both Townsend and Glaser were placed under arrest for organized retail theft.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the 5-foot, 4-inch, 120-lb. Townsend is being held on no bail in the West County Detention Center in Richmond. Her next hearing is scheduled for Thursday, March 14 at 1:30 PM in Superior Court. Additional information about Glaser could not be located online.

The cooperation and assistance provided by the Streets of Brentwood Security team and Hercules PD were instrumental in solving this case. Their collaboration exemplifies the collective commitment to maintaining public safety and combating criminal activity in our city.

Furthermore, this investigation highlights the dedication of Brentwood PD officers and detectives in solving crimes and ensuring accountability within the community.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

2 arrests, 3 vehicles seized, 32 citations issued during joint OTS enforcement operation

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Photos: Concord PD

Coordinated effort by Concord & Oakley PD, CHP Thursday night funded by grant from CA Office of Traffic Safety

Pursuit of one vehicle ends in Fairfield

By Concord Police Department

The Concord Police Department partnered with the Oakley Police Department and the California Highway Patrol to conduct a joint enforcement operation throughout the City last night, Thursday, March 7, 2024. The enforcement focus was on reckless driving, illegal side-show activity suppression and enforcement. During the operation, Officers wrote 32 citations, made two arrests and seized three vehicles.

Vehicles seized for reckless driving, or evading law enforcement, are subject to a 30-day hold. Owners can incur costs of nearly $3,000 to have the vehicles released. Simply put, it’s not worth it!

During the operation, a California Highway Patrol Officer attempted a traffic stop for a vehicle driving recklessly. The vehicle fled from the Officers and a pursuit was initiated, ultimately leading to the capture and arrest of the driver in Fairfield.

During a “side show” in the City of Pleasant Hill, thousands of dollars of damage was done to a private parking lot from vehicle’s driving recklessly. This type of driving behavior is not tolerated, and the Concord Police Department is committed to dedicating the patrol and investigative resources needed to apprehend those violators. Even after a side show event, Investigators are tasked with identifying vehicles in violation, conducting relevant follow up investigation, to include vehicle seizure warrants, to seize those vehicles.

These operations are made possible with a grant through the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and in response to a large amount of citizen complaints regarding this type of driving behavior in our City.

The City of Concord has a lot to offer! Please come, visit and enjoy our wonderful City, but do it safely. Multiple operations are planned in the future to curtail unsafe driving behaviors.

Brentwood, Antioch flashing suspect identified

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Photos: Brentwood PD

By Allen D. Payton

Following a post of photos and a request from the public for help, the suspect responsible for exposing his genitalia to victims at various retail businesses in both Antioch and Brentwood has been identified. The most recent incident occurred on Feb. 17, 2024, in Brentwood. The Brentwood Police Department thanked the public for their help but did not provide the suspect’s name or information.

In the post, Brentwood PD wrote: “The suspect typically wears a mask and has distinguishing features, including a cross-like tattoo on his right arm and script on the back of his left arm.

We understand this investigation may cause distress to the community. We want to remind the community to remain vigilant of your surroundings while in public and report any suspicious activity promptly.

If you have any information regarding the investigation or the suspect, please contact BPD Dispatch immediately at 925-809-7911 for non-emergency situations or for an emergency call 9-1-1. Callers may remain anonymous.”

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Pittsburg man arrested in Brentwood on gun, drug, evading police charges

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Gun, ammunition and drugs confiscated during Carlos Jobani Elizalde-Ortiz’s arrest on Feb. 28, 2029. Photos: Brentwood PD

Has history of arrests on similar charges

By Brentwood Police Department

Last Wednesday, Brentwood officers were in the area of Lone Tree Way and Highway 4 when they located a vehicle that was wanted for evading police. Upon locating the car, a CHP unit was also in the area and attempted to do a traffic stop but the vehicle evaded police and the car was last seen in the area of Claremont Drive and Brookdale Drive.

While Brentwood officers were searching the area for the vehicle, Dispatch received calls from residents in the area advising of an abandoned vehicle and suspicious person hiding in the bushes. Based on the time and distance of where the vehicle was last seen, Brentwood officers immediately responded to the area and established a perimeter.

Shortly after, officers spotted a male in all dark clothing with a mask, and the male fled from officers and started jumping nearby fences in adjacent yards.

A Brentwood officer, who was on the perimeter, saw the male, identified as 23-year-old Carlos Elizalde-Ortiz of Pittsburg, and he was taken into custody.

Officers located Elizalde-Ortiz’s vehicle and found fentanyl, ammunition and two magazines. A loaded firearm was located the following day, which was determined to be consistent with Elizalde-Ortiz’s path when he fled from police.

Elizalde-Ortiz, who is a convicted felon, was arrested for evading police, being a felon in possession of drugs and a firearm, and other related charges.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, 6-foot, 2-inch, 210-lb. Elizalde-Ortiz is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail and is scheduled for release on March 29, 2024.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was also arrested by Pittsburg Police on April 16, 2022, for multiple and similar drug and drug charges. Elizalde-Ortiz was arrested by Pittsburg Police on July 14, 2021, on similar drug and gun charges including selling and/or converting a firearm into a machine gun.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

San Pablo Police officer struck by car following chase, crash

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Vehicle ID’d, suspects sought

By San Pablo Police Department

On Friday, February 23, 2024, at 1:02PM, San Pablo police officers located a stolen vehicle driving in the area of San Pablo Dam Road and San Pablo Avenue. Officers attempted a traffic stop, however the driver fled in the vehicle. Following a brief pursuit, the suspect vehicle collided with a parked car in the 2100 block of Alfreda Boulevard.

A San Pablo police officer, believing the vehicle was disabled, exited his patrol vehicle to initiate a felony stop to apprehend the suspects. The suspect vehicle abruptly accelerated back into the roadway, directly toward where the officer was standing. The officer attempted to retreat backwards however, was struck by the front end of the suspect vehicle. At the same time, the officer discharged two rounds from his duty firearm, striking the front windshield of the suspect vehicle.

Additional San Pablo police officers continued to pursue the suspect vehicle however, lost sight of the vehicle in the City of Richmond. The suspect vehicle, a red 2018 Chevy Malibu (California license plate 8ZUH227), and suspects remain outstanding. The driver is described as an African American female adult, and there is no further information on the passenger at this time. It is unknown if the suspects were injured during the incident.

The San Pablo police officer was transported via ambulance to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

This incident remains an active investigation, and anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Department Investigations Division at 510-215-3150. If the suspect vehicle is located, please contact your local police department immediately.