Contra Costa Herald

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

5 arrested for July 4th shooting death of man in Pittsburg

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Victim Markel Benson-Braggs was 23 years old and leaves behind a one-year-old son. Photo source: GoFundMe.

2 in Rodeo, 3 in Pittsburg, four have arrest records; GoFundMe account setup for victim identified as Markel Benson-Braggs, leaves one-year-old young son

By Pittsburg Police Department

PITTSBURG, CA – In the late hours of July 4th, officers from the Pittsburg Police Department responded to a shooting reported near the intersection of W. 10th Street and West Street. Upon arrival, officers found and rendered medical aid to the victim, 23-year-old Markel Benson-Braggs, who was unfortunately pronounced deceased at the scene despite life-saving efforts.

Through swift and thorough investigative efforts, Pittsburg Detectives were able to identify multiple suspects involved in the shooting. On Friday, July 12th, detectives apprehended two suspects, 27-year-old Rohney Lee Stewart (born 2/8/97) and 21-year-old Jaylaun Kael Stewart (born 7/16/03), at a residence in Rodeo.

Continuing their efforts, the Pittsburg Police Department, in collaboration with the Central County SWAT Team and the FBI, executed search warrants at three different residences in Pittsburg early Wednesday morning, July 31st at 5:00 AM. This operation led to the arrest of three additional suspects: 26-year-old Israel Alejandro Dezama (born 6/15/98), 21-year-old Maxamillion Spaceman Holiday (born 7/19/03), 21-year-old Abraham Gomez (born 7/25/03) as well as the recovery of pertinent evidence to the investigation.

The Pittsburg Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community. The safe arrest of these individuals was made possible by the hard work of the men and women of the Pittsburg Police Department and welcomed assistance of our neighboring law enforcement agencies.

The investigation into this tragic event is ongoing, and the case will be presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney for review and prosecution. We ask anyone who has information related to this case to please contact Pittsburg Police Department Dispatch at 925-646-2441 or Detective Elmore at 925-252-4875.

According to localcrimenews.com, the five-foot, nine-inch tall, 209-pound Dezama has the most extensive criminal history of the five. He was also arrested on July 14 by Los Angeles PD for evading police with wanton disregard for safety; on June 24, 2024, by Pittsburg Police for possession of marijuana / hashish for sale; on Dec. 30, 2022, by Sacramento Sheriff’s Office for shoplifting less than $950 and organized retail theft; and on Feb. 12, 2022, by Pittsburg Police for being an addict in possession of a firearm possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm on a person or in a vehicle while in a  public place, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner and  possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Jaylaun Stewart is from Pittsburg and was also arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies on July 18, 2023, for DUI and again on Feb. 5, 2024, on possession of ammunition and revocation of probation.

Holiday was also arrested by Pittsburg PD on June 11, 2022, for carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle and the manufacture, import and/or sale of a large-capacity magazine. According to DocketAlarm.com, that case has been ongoing since July 20, 2022, he was released on his own recognizance and has a Felony Jury Trial / Minute Order scheduled for Monday, Aug. 5.

Gomez was also arrested by Pittsburg Police on May 16, 2021, for possession of narcotic or a controlled substance.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, DeZama is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $1.15 million bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for today, Friday, Aug. 2 at 1:30 p.m. in Superior Court, as are the five-foot, four-inch tall, 115-pound Holiday, and the five-foot, three-inch tall, 100-pound Gomez.

Rohney Stewart is six-feet tall, 200 pounds, is being held on no bail in the Martinez Detention Facility and his next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 5 in Superior Court.

Jaylaun Stewart is five-feet, eight-inches tall, 140 pounds, is being held on $1.4 million bail at the West County Detention Facility and his next court appearance is set for Friday, Aug. 16 in Superior Court.

GoFundMe Account for Victim’s Funeral

A GoFundMe account has been set up by Benson-Braggs’ mother, Sharnita Benson. She wrote, “I’m asking for  donations to help with funeral expenses for my 23 yr.old son. Markel Benson-Braggs was a sweet loving father of a one yr old son who was his entire world. Markel was tragically murdered on the 4th of July. He had a career at Tesla Car Factory as a Labor Production Associate. This was a unexpected tragedy making it a very difficult time for our family. Due to the circumstances of our unexpected loss we are asking for donations. Any donation amount will help and is greatly appreciated. Thank You” As of Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, a total of $682 had been raised toward the goal of $10,000.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood man dies from motorcycle vs SVU collision in Antioch Saturday night

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Speed was contributing factor

By Sergeant Rob Green #3639, Antioch Police Traffic Unit

On July 27, 2024, at approximately 7:43 PM, Antioch Police Officers responded to a report of a vehicle collision between a motorcycle and a SUV in front of Bev Box at 907 W. 10th Street. Officers found the 32-year-old male (Brentwood resident) motorcyclist on the ground and unresponsive. Officers performed lifesaving aid and the motorcyclist was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Traffic Accident Investigators took over the investigation and determined from witness statements and from video collected at the scene that speed was a contributing factor to the crash. This case is in the preliminary stages and the names of the parties involved are not being released at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441 or Traffic Collision Investigator Sergeant Green at 925-779-6864, email rgreen@antiochca.gov. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Murder charge filed against Richmond man in DUI collision

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Victim Ricardo Funes and his damaged car. Photos source: Impulso News Facebook page

Takes life of 16-year-old boy

Bail set at $1.1 million, already bonded out

Suspect arrested in 2021 for sex with and lewd acts upon a minor under 14

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

A Richmond man has been charged with murder that took the life of a 16-year-old minor in a DUI-related collision.

30-year-old Alexi Alexander Pineda Ticas faces a three-count felony complaint. In addition to the murder charge [PC 187(a)], Pineda Ticas was charged with driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury [VC23153(a)] and driving with a .08% blood alcohol content causing injury [VC23153(b)]. Both counts two and three come with enhancements alleging great bodily injury [PC12022.7(a)] that caused the offenses to become serious and violent felonies.

“This tragic incident has not only taken the life of a teenage boy, but it has also devastated his family,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “We will seek justice by holding the defendant accountable for actions that were both deadly and reckless. An incident like this is an emotionally wrenching reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.”

The fatal collision occurred just after midnight on July 15th in Richmond, when the victim was leaving his mother’s residence. As the teen was driving away, a vehicle driven by Pineda Ticas traveling at excessive speeds drove through a stop sign on Ohio Avenue and South 20th Street in Richmond and crashed into the teen’s vehicle. The severity of the collision caused the teen to die from his injuries shortly after the incident. Pineda Ticas sustained non-life-threatening injuries that were treated at a hospital in Walnut Creek.

On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Martinez, Pineda Ticas was arraigned on the charges. He is currently in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility and his bail was set at $1.1 million.

The scene of the fatal DUI collision in Richmond on July 15, 2024. Photo by Richmond PD

According to a report by Bay Area Telemundo Channel 48, the teen was identified as Ricardo Funes of Richmond. His aunt, Claudia Barajas said, “Ricardo’s car was parked here in front of the gate, he was going to leave when he was hit, and at the same speed that the other car was carrying, he pushed him to that yellow house.”

Marta Barajas, Ricardo’s mother, described him as a young man who was always happy and although his departure hurts her, she assured that she feels calm.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of July 16, Pineda Ticas had bonded out of custody.

According to localcrimenews.com, he is five-foot, eight inches tall, 165 pounds and was previously arrested in February 2021 in Kern County for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, lewd acts upon a child, rape by a foreign object on a victim under 14 who is more than 10 years younger and attempting to contact a minor with intent to commit an offense.

The night of July 15, the Richmond Police Department posted on their Facebook page about the fatal DUI collision writing, “Don’t Let a Drink Turn into a Tragedy.

The impaired driver’s decision to drive drunk robbed a family of their child. When you choose to drive under the influence, you’re not just risking your own life—you’re endangering everyone on the road. Alcohol impairs your judgment, slows your reaction time, and reduces your ability to make safe decisions. A single moment of poor judgment can lead to devastating consequences.

Before you head out, make a plan: arrange for a designated driver, use public transportation, or call a rideshare service. Your choices matter, and your safety is worth it.”

Case No. 02-24-00933 | The People of the State of California v. Pineda Ticas, Alexi Alexander

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report

Transient man arrested following discovery of woman’s burned body in San Pablo

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Held on $2.5 million bail

By San Pablo Police Department

San Pablo, CA – On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 1:23AM, San Pablo police officers were notified of a fire along San Pablo Creek, near the 1900 block of Road 20. The Contra Costa Fire Protection District (Con Fire) responded to the incident, and subsequently advised SPPD officers that a deceased subject, severely burned, had been located in the area of the extinguished fire.

Due to the condition of the decedent, SPPD investigators were unable to immediately determine the subject’s identity or cause of death. A subsequent autopsy revealed blunt force trauma injury to the subject’s head, indicating the possibility of criminal homicide.

During the course of the investigation, SPPD investigators identified 35-year-old William S. Ramirez (transient) as a person of interest, and a Ramey warrant, related to charges of murder and arson, was issued for his arrest.

On July 11, 2024, at approximately 7:00AM, SPPD officers served a search warrant in the 1800 block of 23rd Street, where Ramirez was taken into custody without incident. SPPD investigators subsequently recovered evidence linking Ramirez to the crime. Ramirez was booked on the Ramey warrant and remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility, pending filing of formal charges by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. There are no further outstanding suspects at this time.

The victim is believed to be a 40-year-old adult female (transient). According to Contra Costa County Deputy Coroner Sanchez she has not yet been identified and is listed as a “Jane Doe at this point.”

This incident remains an active investigation, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Department at 510-215-3150.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

16-year-old sentenced to six years for 2023 stabbing of Brentwood cop

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CASE UPDATE

By Brentwood Police Department

You may recall that on October 11, 2023, Brentwood officers responded to the Brentwood City Park for a juvenile armed with a kitchen knife. As officers arrived on scene, they contacted the 16-year-old juvenile.  After numerous attempts to de-escalate the situation, the juvenile stabbed a Brentwood officer who was attempting to take the juvenile into custody.

The officer, who sustained life-threatening injuries, was transported to a local hospital we were relieved and grateful the officer survived. (See related article)

The juvenile, who cannot be named due to his age, was arrested and transported to Juvenile Hall and has been in custody ever since.

On July 3, 2024, members of the Brentwood Police Department and the victim (officer) attended the hearing for this case.  The case was adjudicated and resulted in the juvenile being sentenced to a maximum six-year sentence which was the maximum sentence allowed by law.

This incident had a profound impact on not only our officer and his family, but also on the Department and our community. The involved officer is still recovering from his injuries but wishes to express his sincere appreciation to the community for your support.

Oakland man arrested in Hercules in stolen car from Antioch

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The suspect was found with stolen credit cards and driver’s license, a fraudulent check, mailbox keys and a To-Do list inside a stolen car from Antioch on Monday, July 8, 2024. Photos: Hercules PD

Found with stolen credit cards & driver’s license, fraudulent check, To-Do list

By Hercules Police Department

Halfway through the year—how are those New Year’s resolutions holding up? This guy’s definitely been busy…

An officer spotted a Honda Civic with no front plate and a temporary rear plate backing into a Safeway parking spot. The driver quickly exited and walked inside. A records check on the plate and VIN revealed it was a stolen vehicle out of Antioch. Officers apprehended the driver inside Safeway without incident.

A search of the driver (male out of Oakland) was conducted and revealed several stolen credit cards, a stolen driver’s license, mailbox keys, a fraudulent check, and a to-do list in his pocket: 1. Laundry 2. Talk to kids 3. Get some money 4. “Boost.”

Guess he’s keeping up with his goals… sort of.

 

Zero tolerance on fireworks violations in Brentwood

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How to report illegal fireworks

By Lt. Mike Aguiar, Brentwood Police Department

BRENTWOOD, CA – As we approach the 4th of July, the Brentwood Police Department wants to remind its residents about the dangers associated with fireworks and the use of firearms when celebrating our country’s Independence Day.

Contra Costa County (and City) is a “fireworks-free-zone”; therefore, the possession or use of fireworks of all types and sizes (including Safe and Sane fireworks) are banned in the county and City of Brentwood (County Ordinance 44-2.002 and Brentwood Municipal Code 8.48.020). Possession of dangerous fireworks that leave the ground or explode may constitute a felony and could result in fines of up to $5,000 and imprisonment.

Additionally, the firing of firearms into the air is against the law. Bullets fired into the air return at some point and descend at approximately 300 to 400 feet per second, which poses a high danger because it can penetrate roofs and cause damage to property and unwary residents. Statistics show that fireworks and celebratory gunfire seriously injure thousands of people annually. The Brentwood Police Department will be taking a zero tolerance approach when dealing with these violations.

It’s important to also keep in mind dry conditions create some additional safety concerns. High weeds and water-stricken lawns are extremely vulnerable to stray embers or sparks caused by fireworks. Please avoid the temptation of putting yourself and your neighbors at risk.

On July 4th, the Police Department will be assigning additional officers to patrol residential neighborhoods and proactively enforce fireworks violations. Instead of setting off fireworks, the Police Department encourages people to consider free July 4th fireworks displays in nearby cities. For more information and locations visit: https://sf.funcheap.com/category/event/event-types/holidays/4th-of-july/

Reporting Illegal Fireworks

Holidays like the 4th of July result in a significant, higher caller volume each year. Should you need to contact Police for a firework related call please use appropriate numbers and be patient with call takers.

  • Injuries or fire related calls dial 9-1-1
  • Knowledge of exact location of where fireworks are being set off in real time, call 925-809-7911

Please be prepared to answer questions from the call-taker such as the location of where the incident is occurring and if anyone is injured.

Please do not report noise complaints unless you can provide the exact location of the fireworks being set off. Additionally, please do not report incidents on social media as the sites are not monitored regularly.

If you witness a violation, please contact our 24-hour Dispatch Center at 925-809-7911.

The City of Brentwood wishes everyone a fun and safe 4th of July holiday!

CHP distributes over $25 million in grants to fight impaired driving

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Photo: CHP

Marijuana tax proceeds given to law enforcement agencies, crime labs & nonprofits

Three Contra Costa agencies benefit

By Synthia Ramirez, CHP Media Relations

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) announced today more than $25 million in grant funding to 102 California law enforcement agencies, crime laboratories, local government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to help address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The grants are the result of Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act, which tasked the CHP with administering grants for education, prevention, and enforcement programs to help communities combat impaired driving. Money is also available to crime laboratories conducting forensic toxicology testing. Funding for the grants comes from a tax on the sale of cannabis and cannabis products sold in California.

“The substantial increase in the amount of grant funds being dispersed this year to even more recipients will help make California’s roadways safer for all who use them,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “The funds will be allocated to enhance traffic safety by educating the public about the dangers of impaired driving, conducting enforcement operations to remove impaired drivers from the roads, and advancing research on this critical issue.”

Eighty-two recipients of law enforcement grants will use funds to address impaired driving within their communities. In addition to traditional impaired driving enforcement, funds will also be used for drug recognition evaluator training to enhance their respective agency’s ability to detect drug-impaired drivers. Additionally, funding will allow for public outreach campaigns, including educational presentations and community events.

Listed below are the law enforcement grant recipients for state fiscal year 2024-2025, which begins July 1:

  1. Angels Camp Police
  2. Arroyo Grande Police Department
  3. Auburn Police Department
  4. Azusa Police Department
  5. Baldwin Park Police Department
  6. Barstow Police Department
  7. Bell Gardens Police Department
  8. Berkeley Police Department
  9. Brawley Police Department
  10. Brea Police Department
  11. Burbank Police Department
  12. Calexico Police Department
  13. Calistoga Police Department
  14. Chula Vista Police Department
  15. Citrus Heights Police Department
  16. City of Corona Police Department
  17. City of El Monte Police Department
  18. City of Fullerton Police Department
  19. City of Glendale Police Department
  20. City of Huron Police Department
  21. City of Lodi Police Department
  22. City of Montebello Police Department
  23. City of Palo Alto Police Department
  24. City of Visalia Police Department
  25. Claremont Police Department
  26. Covina Police Department
  27. Danville Police Department
  28. Dixon Police Department
  29. Dublin Police Services
  30. El Cajon Police Department
  31. El Centro Police Department
  32. El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office
  33. Emeryville Police Department
  34. Folsom Police Department
  35. Galt Police Department
  36. Garden Grove Police Department
  37. Gilroy Police Department
  38. Greenfield Police Department
  39. Grover Beach Police Department
  40. Hanford Police Department
  41. Hayward Police Department
  42. Huntington Beach Police Department
  43. Imperial County Sheriff’s Office
  44. Irvine Police Department
  45. La Habra Police Department
  46. La Mesa Police Department
  47. La Palma Police Department
  48. Lakeport Police Department
  49. Lincoln Police Department
  50. Los Angeles Police Department
  51. Manteca Police Department
  52. Marysville Police Department
  53. Menifee Police Department
  54. Modoc County Sheriff’s Office
  55. Montebello School Police
  56. Monterey Park Police Department
  57. Morgan Hill Police Department
  58. Napa Police Department
  59. Oceanside Police Department
  60. Oakland Police Department
  61. Ontario Police Department
  62. Orange Police Department
  63. Oxnard Police Department
  64. Pacifica Police Department
  65. Petaluma Police Department
  66. Pismo Beach Police Department
  67. Pittsburg Police Department
  68. Riverside Police Department
  69. Rocklin Police Department
  70. San Bruno Police Department
  71. San Diego Police Department
  72. San Fernando Police Department
  73. San Gabriel Police Department
  74. San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office
  75. Shasta County Sheriff’s Office
  76. Sierra Madre Police Department
  77. Simi Valley Police Department
  78. Soledad Police Department
  79. Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department
  80. Sutter County Sheriff’s Office
  81. Union City Police Department
  82. Wheatland Police Department

Nine recipients of education grants will use funds to teach local communities about impaired driving laws, while highlighting the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Below are the education grant recipients for state fiscal year 2024-2025:

  1. Amador County Sheriff’s Office
  2. Chino Police Department
  3. City of Lancaster
  4. City of Long Beach
  5. County of Solano-District Attorney’s Office
  6. Imperial County Sheriff’s Office
  7. Sacramento County District Attorney Laboratory of Forensic Services
  8. Solano County Office of Education
  9. Tulare County Office of Education

Eight recipients of two-year toxicology crime laboratory grants will use funds to eliminate backlogs in the analysis of forensic science evidence and to purchase and/or upgrade laboratory equipment to improve testing capabilities.

Below are the toxicology crime laboratory grant recipients for state fiscal years 2024-2026:

  1. Contra Costa County, Office of the Sheriff, Forensic Services Division
  2. Imperial County Sheriff’s Office
  3. Oakland Police Department Crime Lab
  4. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, City and County of San Francisco
  5. Orange County (CA) Crime Laboratory
  6. San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
  7. Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office
  8. Ventura County Forensic Services Bureau

Three recipients of two-year toxicology medical examiners/coroner’s office grants will use funds to help improve and advance the data collection in cases involving driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Below is the medical examiners/coroner’s office grant recipient for state fiscal year 2024-2026:

  1. Imperial County Sheriff’s Office
  2. Orange County Sheriff’s Department Coroner’s Division
  3. San Diego Medical Examiner Department

The application process for future grant funding is expected to open again in early 2025. Additional information is available on the CHP website, at CHP’s Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide safety, service, and security.

Richmond, Hayward men charged for cutting 911 service in parts of West Contra Costa

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Arraignment scheduled for Thursday afternoon

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

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed charges on June 25th against two men who cut a utility line that severed 911 service for residents in Pinole, Hercules, and San Pablo.

31-year-old Jesus Francisco Arias-Ayala of Hayward and 49-year-old Daniel Antonio Mena-Diaz of Richmond were arrested by Pinole Police on June 22nd. On that evening, around 7:15 pm, officers responded to reports of a 911 system outage. They traced the issue to a bridge near the Pinole-Hercules city line on San Pablo Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found Arias-Ayala and Mena-Diaz under the bridge.

After a brief chase, both suspects were apprehended, arrested, and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

After reviewing the case, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office charged Arias-Ayala with a felony for cutting utility line [PC 591], felony vandalism [PC 594(a)], a misdemeanor for resisting, obstructing, or delaying a peace officer [PC 148(a)(1)], and a misdemeanor for possession of burglar’s tools [PC 466].

Mena-Diaz’s two felony charges are the same as Arias-Ayala, as is one misdemeanor charge of resisting, obstructing, or delaying a peace officer.

Both men are scheduled to be arraigned at 1:30 pm on Thursday, June 27th in Martinez.

Case No. 02-24-00829 | The People of the State of California v. Arias-Ayala, Jesus Francisco

Case No. 02-24-00830 | The People of the State of California v. Mena Diaz, Daniel Antonio

Richmond, Hayward men arrested for cutting 911 service in West Contra Costa

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Phone lines down twice in June due to theft of copper cables affecting Pinole, Hercules and San Pablo Police, some city departments

Calls continue to be answered by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office

Third arrest for Daniel Mena-Diaz this year; third suspect still at large

By Commander Matt Avery, Pinole Police Department

At approximately 7:20 PM on Saturday, June 22nd, our Communications Center was alerted to a disruption in our 911 and business lines. Our dedicated communications staff promptly reached out to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, swiftly rerouting our 911 calls to their communications center. Simultaneously, our patrol units were dispatched to the area where the previous copper cable theft occurred on June 4th, which led to the disabling of our 911 and business lines. Upon arrival, three male subjects, in defiance of officers’ orders, fled into an open field toward a residential area.

Our officers established a perimeter with the assistance of Hercules officers. Recognizing the need for additional resources, they requested the aid of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office helicopter and a canine unit. This joint effort led to the successful apprehension of two suspects, with the third remaining at large. A thorough search of the scene revealed tools used for cutting copper cables, and one of the suspects was found in possession of such tools upon arrest.

The suspects are Jesus Arias-Ayala, a 31-year-old male out of Hayward, and Daniel Mena-Diaz, a 49-year-old male out of Richmond. Officers questioned both and they were later booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges:

That same day, a message to the public was posted on the Pinole PD’s Facebook page reading, “Our phone lines are still down. AT&T is working on restoring service but we do not have an estimated time.

In the interim:

  • Emergencies: call 911 and the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office will transfer the call to Pinole Dispatch for police emergencies
  • Non-emergencies: call 510-724-1111 or 510-900-4246 to be connected to Pinole Dispatch
  • Records: call 510-914-0375 or email pdrecords@ci.pinole.ca.us

Additionally, many lines are down throughout the other City departments. Please visit: www.ci.pinole.ca.us for email contact information.”

Then, a week later on June 11th, a message was posted on the department’s Facebook, “911 PHONE LINE HAS BEEN RESTORED

911 service has been restored to the Pinole Dispatch Center. 911 calls in the cities of Pinole, Hercules, and San Pablo are being answered by our dispatchers.

The 911 and business phone outage was the result of two incidents where multiple phone cables were cut and stolen for their copper content. City staff has been working with AT&T and CalOES since the thefts to restore 911 service as well as establish temporary phone lines. City staff will continue to work with AT&T and third-party vendors to restore full telephone to all City departments.

Some Pinole and Hercules community members with traditional landline service also remain affected by the outage.”

Then in a post on the Pinole PD’s Facebook page on Saturday, June 22, the public was informed, “Our 911 and non-emergency lines are down again. The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office is answering 911 calls and transferring the calls to our Dispatch Center, which is operating on a secondary phone system.
For Emergencies

-Call 911: will be answered by CCCSO and forwarded to our Dispatch Center

-Text 911: will be answered by our Dispatch Center.”

Then, in a Facebook post on Wednesday morning, June 25, the public was informed by Pinole PD, “Our phone lines remain down. The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office is answering 911 calls and transferring the calls to our Dispatch Center, which continues to operate on a secondary phone system. We have restored our 510-724-1111 line but our main business line, 510-724-8950, remains down.” Alternate contact information was also provided.

911 calls for Pinole, Hercules and San Pablo continue to be answered by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and transferred to our Communication Center.

  • For emergencies, call or text 911 (text-to-911 is direct to the Pinole Communication Center)
  • For non-emergencies, call 510-724-1111 or 510-900-4246
  • For Pinole Records: call 510-588-1226
  • Please visit https://tinyurl.com/3apnxxen for other Police Department contact information

Several business lines for other City departments are also down. For contact information for other City departments, please visit www.pinole.gov/contact/contact_us.

The incident is still under investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Pinole Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 510-724-111.

According to localcrimenews.com, this was the third arrest for Mena-Diaz this year, including on March 4th for warrants or holds and on May 8th for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was also arrested in March 2023 for grand theft of lost property, obstructing or resisting an executive officer, and in November 2020 for trespassing.

According to localcrimenews.com, Arias-Ayala was also arrested in July 2023 by Emeryville PD for petty theft.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.