Contra Costa Herald

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

Four arrested on gun charges during two traffic stops in Brentwood

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A gun confiscated during one of the traffic stops and subsequent arrests. Photo: Brentwood PD

Two men from Martinez, Oakley with histories of arrests, two women from Pittsburg, Brentwood; busy week for one officer

By Brentwood Police Department

Last week, a Brentwood officer was patrolling the area of Brentwood Blvd and Beverly Place and did a car stop on a vehicle for tinted windows.

The officer contacted the driver, 41-year-old James Charles Blevins of Martinez, and two additional occupants, 32-year-old Taylor Berdett Michelson of Oakley and 29-year-old Alexandra Angelina Wehr of Pittsburg. Blevins told the officer he did not have a driver’s license and was also on probation.

After the occupants were detained, a loaded “ghost” gun and ammunition were found inside the car. Blevins and Michelson, who had prior felony convictions, were arrested, along with Wehr, for gun-related charges. All three were transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.

A few days later, the same officer responded to the areas of Oak Street and First Street for a welfare check and arrested 35-year-old Kenya Elizabeth Orochena of Brentwood, for possession of a loaded gun.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of Tuesday, July 25, Blevins was out of custody, released by court order. According to localcrimenews.com this is his second arrest this year. He has a history of arrests dating back to 2016 by multiple agencies including several times for grand theft, vehicle theft, drug possession, burglary and drunk driving.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Michelson was still in custody as of Friday, July 21. He, too, has a history of arrests since 2013 according to localcrimenews.com by multiple agencies for crimes including possessing a stolen ID with intent to defraud, drug possession, vehicle theft, and gun charges including carrying a loaded firearm on person or in vehicle while in a public place. This is Michelson’s third arrest this year.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, as of Tuesday, July 25, Wehr was out of custody and no charges have been filed.

No other information about Orochena could be found.

A busy week for one officer – and a reflection of the hard work of all Brentwood officers.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Police seek suspect in Concord strong arm robbery of woman removing child from car seat

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At Park ‘N’ Shop

By Lt. Robert Garcia, Field Operations Division, Concord Police Department

On Friday, July 21st at approximately 3:00 pm, Concord Police Department received a report of a strong-arm robbery that just occurred in the 1700 block of Willow Pass Road at Park ‘N’ Shop. The victim was getting her child out of the rear car seat of her vehicle when the suspect attempted to grab her purse. The victim and the suspect struggled over the purse, but the suspect was able to get away after punching the victim. The victim sustained minor injury as a result. The suspect got into a black SUV and drove off toward the freeway on Willow Pass Road. The suspect was described as a black male with a thin build, wearing a mask.

As this is an ongoing investigation, no other information is being released at this time. If anyone has any additional information regarding this incident, please contact Concord Police Department Major Crimes Unit at (925) 671-5074. You can also contact us on our Anonymous Tip line at (925) 603-5826.

 

Suspect in stolen car arrested for San Pablo carjacking at knifepoint

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Photo: San Pablo PD

By San Pablo Police Department

SPPD Officers received a call early Sunday morning, July 23, 2023, regarding a carjacking. The victim was held at knifepoint and ordered the victim to give him the car.

SPPD Officers were able to quickly obtain suspect and vehicle information from the victim. It didn’t take long before officers located the vehicle parked at a nearby apartment complex.

Officers were able to successfully deploy spike strips to stop the vehicle. The driver was arrested and transported to jail.

Brentwood woman arrested following husband’s stabbing death

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By Brentwood Police Department

On Tuesday, July 25th, 2023 around 10:15a.m., Brentwood officers responded to the 300 block of MacArthur Way for a welfare check for an adult male and adult female at a residence.

When officers arrived they made contact at the residence with an adult female, and there was evidence indicating a potential violent crime had just occurred. Officers quickly detained the female and upon searching the residence located a deceased adult male who had sustained several stab wounds. There were no other victims inside the residence or on scene.

The female suspect and male victim are in a marital relationship and live at the residence. We are not releasing the names at this time until next of kin has been notified.

The female is in police custody and there is no known threat to public safety. This appears to be an isolated incident.

If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact Detective Goold at 925-809-7872.  Callers may remain anonymous.

Brentwood: Burglary in progress leads to arrests of three including Brentwood, Antioch teens

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Brentwood Police arrested three teens during a burglary in progress on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Photo: Brentwood PD

Two out of custody with no charges filed; Antioch teen’s father of same name has history of arrests from 2014 to 2023

By Brentwood Police

On Wednesday afternoon, July 19, 2023, Brentwood Police officers were called to a residence located at the 700 block of Allbrook Court for a burglary in progress. When officers arrived to the residence the suspects fled.

With the help of a citizen witness, officers were able to successfully locate the suspects, identified as 18-year-old Keoni Mikala Temple, Jr. of Antioch, 19-year-old Rashad Lewis of Brentwood, and a 16-year-old juvenile. All three were placed under arrest for burglary.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of Friday, July 21, both Temple and Lewis were out of custody with no charges filed.

According to localcrimenews.com, Temple’s father, Keoni Mikala Temple, Sr. has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 including three arrests in March of this year.

We want to thank the alert citizen who provided us the critical information needed to ensure all involved were arrested. We always appreciate when our citizens help us out. This is a friendly reminder to our community, if you see something, say something!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood: Pittsburg man arrested for drugs, Rodeo man, woman arrested for WinCo robbery

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Cash and drugs seized during traffic stop arrest on Sunday, July 16, 2023, and the recovered WinCo merchandise stolen on Monday, July 17, 2023. Photos: Brentwood PD

Rodeo man out on bail; robbery suspects out of jail with no charges filed

By Brentwood Police Department

Last week was a busy week for Brentwood PD, but rest assured we are working hard and committed to keeping our community safe.

During the weekend of July 15 and 16, a Brentwood officer was driving in the area of Second Street and Brentwood Blvd., when he saw a vehicle with expired registration. The officer pulled the vehicle over, and during the traffic stop he saw drugs inside the vehicle in plain view. All in all, marijuana, heroin, and ecstasy were ultimately recovered from inside the car.

The driver, 20-year-old Mario Miranda Ortiz of Pittsburg, was placed under arrest for being in possession of drugs for sale along with other drug related charges. He was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking on Monday, July 17. According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office he bonded out on Tuesday, July 18.

Arrests in Grocery Store Robbery

On Monday, July 17, officers were dispatched to WinCo Foods for a report of two suspects stealing. When loss prevention confronted the suspects, they fought the employee and fled in a vehicle with stolen property. Thankfully, the victim was ok, only sustaining minor injuries.

A Brentwood officer quickly located the suspect’s vehicle, and subsequently placed the two occupants, identified as 30-year-old Reginald Lee Jackson of Contra Costa County and 20-year-old Sammone Kiara Weaver of Rodeo under arrest for robbery (and other charges) and transported them to the Martinez Detention Facility. The property was recovered and returned to the store.

As of Wednesday, July 19 both Jackson and Weaver were out of custody and no charges had been filed.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Less than nine months in permanent position Antioch Police Chief Ford announces retirement

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“…with a heavy heart” his last day will be August 11th; while 35 officers on paid leave due to two investigations

Antioch Police Chief Dr. Steven A. Ford. Source: APD

By Allen D. Payton

With rumors beginning to circulate in the community Antioch Police Chief Steve Ford announced his retirement on Wednesday afternoon, July 19, 2023. His last day will be August 11th.

After less than nine months in his permanent position as the leader of the department, Ford wrote to his staff, “Dear members of the Antioch Police Department,

It is with a heavy heart that I forward this email to inform that I will be retiring as of August 11th. My time here has been both a tremendous opportunity and quite challenging. What is most meaningful to me are the relationships I have forged. I’m grateful for the way you embraced me and the changes we made.

I firmly believe with your help and determination this organization is poised to move forward in a very meaningful way and evolve where anyone would want to work.

It’s been my privilege to have worked with all of you.

Sincerely,

Steve”

——–

Screenshot of Chief Ford’s resignation email sent Wednesday, July 19, 2023.

Although he had just started his tenure as interim police chief following a grand oath of office ceremony on April 27, 2022, Ford is named in a federal lawsuit regarding the Antioch officers’ racist text scandal which covered a time period ending that month. He is also scheduled to testify at a hearing this Friday, July 21, in a murder case involving four defendants whose attorneys claim officers violated their civil rights.

In addition, during their meeting on April 11, 2023, the council majority moved forward with an effort to directly hire the police chief instead of leaving it up to the city manager, as is done with all other department heads.

It will leave the City with an acting city manager, no assistant city manager, an acting public works director, currently no acting community development director as of Monday afternoon due to the departure of Forrest Ebbs last Friday, and no assistant city attorney. Unless the city council takes action to change who appoints the police chief, Acting City Manager Kwame Reed will be tasked with appointing an acting or interim chief. Captain Tony Morefield filled the position after former Chief Tammany Brooks left for a new job in Boise, Idaho in October 2021, until Ford came on board.

UPDATE 1: When reached for comment District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica said, “this took us all by surprise. I learned of it this evening. I’ve worked with the chief closely during the time he has been here. Now, that he has made his decision, what we need to do is regroup and talk about who to appoint as acting or interim chief. Kwame is going to need the support of the city council. We cannot be without a chief.”

UPDATE 2: Chief Ford Issues Statement to Community

The following press release was issued Wednesday night:

July 19, 2023 – Antioch, California

The Antioch Police Department announces the retirement of Chief Steven A. Ford effective August 11, 2023. The following is a statement from Chief Ford to the Antioch Community.

To the Antioch Community,

I am writing to inform you of my decision to retire from the Antioch Police Department as of August 11, 2023. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have served as your Chief. I have worked with some very talented and passionate people – it has been a great privilege to learn and grow from them.

I am proud of what we have accomplished and firmly believe the groundwork has been laid for organizational success. I know our work to align us with the tenants of Procedural Justice and Constitutional Policing will keep this Department headed in the right direction. I sincerely hope our engagement with the Community will continue and flourish.

I attribute our numerous accomplishments to support from the City Council, the tremendous Citizens of Antioch, and the talented members of this Police Department, who continue to embrace organizational changes with enthusiasm and dedication. Because of this, the Antioch Police Department has become more inclusive, equitable, and a better place to work.

Sincerely,

Steven A. Ford

Chief of Police

———-

Efforts to reach Ford for further comment and the other four council members for their responses were unsuccessful prior to publication Wednesday evening. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

 

Walnut Creek man in Friday Brentwood shootout ID’d, arrested for attempted murder, robbery, more

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Bail set at $2,575,000; 17-year-old Antioch suspect died from his injuries; victim is 21-year-old Antioch man

By Brentwood Police Department

The surviving suspect in Friday night’s shooting that occurred in the 800 block of Marjoram Drive in Brentwood at approximately 7:45 P.M. was identified as Antonio Barajas, a 20-year-old Walnut Creek resident. Barajas (born 12/29/2002) was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility, Saturday morning (7/15/23) for the following:

  1. Attempted Murder
  2. Attempted Robbery
  3. Conspiracy
  4. Assault w/ a Deadly Weapon
  5. False Imprisonment
  6. Discharging a firearm at an occupied vehicle
  7. Carrying a loaded firearm in public

As previously reported, Barajas was not injured but the 21-year-old victim from Antioch was. The 17-year-old suspect from Antioch was transported to an area hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries.

Anyone with information related to this shooting is asked to contact Detective Inerbichler or Detective Goold at 925-809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Walnut Creek man arrested for attempted catalytic converter theft Friday morning

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Brian Dodds arrested for attempted catalytic converter theft Friday morning July 14, 2023. Photos: Walnut Creek PD

Burglary tools, firearms seized; has history of arrests

By Walnut Creek Police Department

Early Friday morning  (3:48 am to be exact) July 14, 2023, an alert WC citizen reported a catalytic converter theft in progress in the 2700 block of Larkey Lane. The citizen reported they were seeing someone underneath a parked car with a flashlight and could hear loud grinding noises as well. Your graveyard Team-4 was able to get there in time to detain the responsible, Brian Phillip Dodds (41, Walnut Creek, DOB 9-2-81).

Dodds was arrested for the attempted theft in addition to multiple other charges ranging from burglary tools to felon in possession of firearms. He was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility.

Guns and burglary tools seized Friday morning, July 14, 2023. Photos: WCPD

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Dodds is now in the West County Detention Facility on no bail.

According to localcrimenews.com Dodds has a history of arrests dating to 2019 by Walnut Creek PD, Pleasant Hill PD, Concord PD and Martinez PD for firearms violations, receiving stolen property, burglary, trespassing, ammunition and drug possession and on Jan. 18, 2023 for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle.

WCPD values our community and stakeholders who consistently aid in the fight against crime. We can’t do our job without you!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

During investigation police shoot, kill Richmond man, arrest second man, seize multiple firearms

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Video screenshot of body-worn camera shows a Richmond Police officer shooting a suspect inside a home on June 28, 2023. Source: Richmond PD

DA files felony charges for assault with a deadly weapon, brandishing a firearm, illegally possessing firearm

By Richmond Police Department

On June 28, 2023, officers from the Richmond Police Department were involved in an officer-involved shooting in the 1200 block of Sanderling Island, Richmond, CA. This press release provides additional information on the incidents preceding the shooting and what occurred during the shooting.

On June 18, 2023, at 8:47 pm, officers responded to a report of a subject brandishing a firearm from a vehicle at pedestrians in the 900 block of West Cutting Blvd. in Point Richmond. The victims provided a description of the suspect, his vehicle, and the firearm that was brandished. The suspect fled before officers arrived and was not identified at that time.

On June 26, 2023, at 1:32 am, officers responded to another report of a subject brandishing a firearm at pedestrians in the 100 block of Washington Avenue. During this incident, the suspect discharged the firearm. One of the victims in this incident identified Jose Jamir Martinez, a 63-year-old resident of Richmond (born 10/22/59), as the suspect.

Seized handguns and rifles on June 28, 2023. Photos: Richmond PD

Detectives conducted a follow-up investigation and developed probable cause to arrest Jose Martinez for brandishing a firearm, discharging a firearm in a negligent manner, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Officers also identified Jose Martinez as the suspect in the brandishing incident on June 18, 2023.

On June 28, 2023, at 4:09 am, officers located Jose Martinez on I-580 near Regatta Blvd. Officers stopped his vehicle and took him into custody. He admitted to possessing a firearm, and a firearm was located in his vehicle.

Martinez has numerous prior felony arrests which would prohibit him from legally possessing a firearm. He admitted to detectives that he lived at a residence in the 1200 block of Sanderling Island. He also admitted to possessing additional firearms that he stored in his bedroom.

Detectives authored and were granted a search warrant to retrieve the additional firearms and evidence from his residence.

On June 28, 2023, at 9:08 am detectives arrived at the residence in the 1200 block of Sanderling Island to serve the warrant. Officers approached the residence and knocked on the door making numerous announcements identifying themselves as police officers while demanding entry into the residence. Officers continued to make numerous announcements prior to entering the residence, utilizing a key that was provided by Jose Martinez.

Officers then slowly and methodically searched the interior of the two-story residence for occupants. During this time, officers continued to announce they were from the police department while demanding that any occupants show themselves.

Grenade, bullets and AR pistol seized on June 28, 2023. Photos: Richmond PD

Officers approached a closed bedroom door, which they opened while they announced themselves as being “Richmond Police”. As officers opened the door, officers located Kevin McDonald seated on a bed, armed with an AR-15-style pistol. McDonald raised his weapon toward officers, at which time an officer-involved shooting occurred.

Officers provided medical aid to McDonald, who was pronounced deceased, by responding medical personnel. McDonald was a 66-year-old Richmond resident who had prior felony convictions that prohibited him from possessing firearms.

A subsequent search of the residence resulted in detectives locating a total of 53 firearms, including 23 pistols, 8 revolvers, 20 rifles, and two shotguns. A live hand grenade along with a large quantity of ammunition was seized. Materials to manufacture illegal firearms were also seized.

On June 30, 2023, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed felony charges against Jose Martinez for nine felonies. These charges include assault with a deadly weapon, brandishing a firearm, and illegally possessing a firearm. Jose Martinez remains in custody on these charges.

This officer-involved shooting is being investigated as part of a joint investigation by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and the Richmond Police Department.

Video footage from one of the officer’s body worn cameras can be viewed here. WARNING: Graphic, violent content.