Contra Costa Herald

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

Antioch teen dies from shootout during attempted robbery of Antioch man in Brentwood Friday night

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Walnut Creek man also involved, arrested; victim who shot back not yet arrested

By Captain Walter O’Grodnick, Brentwood Police Department

On Friday, July 14, 2023 around 7:45 PM Brentwood Police officers were dispatched to the 800 block of Marjoram Drive for a shooting that just occurred. A preliminary investigation suggests two males exchanged gunfire, both were hit by gunfire and transported to local hospitals for treatment, one of which sustained serious injuries.

Others were detained on-scene as part of the investigation. This was an isolated incident with no apparent threat to public safety and the motive for the shooting is still under investigation.

While a group of people were leaving a home on Chili Court in Brentwood, two suspects, a 17-year-old male resident of Antioch, and a 20-year-old male resident of Walnut Creek attempted to rob a 21-year-old male resident of Antioch, while all three were armed. All three exchanged gunfire on Marjoram Drive, striking the 17-year-old suspect and 21-year-old victim. The 20-year-old suspect was not injured. Three firearms were recovered at the scene.

The 21-year-old victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The 17-year-old was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. The teen later succumbed to his injuries.

The 20-year-old from Walnut Creek has been arrested but not the 21-year-old from Antioch, yet.

All names are being withheld at this time and there remains no threat to public safety. The investigation is ongoing and no additional information is being released at this time. 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.

Two Antioch men shot, one killed in Pittsburg, drive to police station Friday

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Con Fire and Pittsburg Police personnel investigate the fatal shooting in the Pittsburg City Hall parking lot Friday, July 14, 2023. Photos by Ronn Carter. Redacted by the Herald.

24-year-old killed, 21-year-old suffering from multiple gunshot wounds transported to local hospital is in serious, but stable, condition.

By Pittsburg Police Department

On July 14, 2023, at 5:12pm Pittsburg Police officers responded to the 2100 block of Crestview Lane after dispatch received a call of gunshots heard in the area. As officers were responding, a vehicle entered the Pittsburg Police Department parking lot and the driver summoned officers to his car. The officers stopped and found the driver and one passenger inside the vehicle, both suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers rendered medical aid to the two men until paramedics arrived. Unfortunately, the passenger, a 24-year-old male of Antioch, did not survive. UPDATE: He was later identified as Trevon Richardson.

The driver, a 21-year-old male of Antioch, was transported to a local hospital where he was listed in serious, but stable, condition.

As these officers were tending to the victims in the police department parking lot, more officers responded to the area of Crestview Lane in Pittsburg where the original caller heard gunshots. This is where officers located evidence of a shooting. Detectives were called in and are actively working leads.

Due to this being an active investigation, the identities of the victims are being withheld and there will be no further information released at this time.

We ask anyone who has information related to this case to please contact Dispatch at 925-646-2441, or Detective Gutierrez at 925-252-4095

 

Antioch man fatally struck by vehicle while walking in Walnut Creek Monday

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By Lt. Holley Connors, Walnut Creek Police Department

On July 3rd, at 1:21 p.m., a 911 caller reported a vehicle collided with a pedestrian on Ygnacio Valley Road, east of the intersection at Lennon Lane. Officers arrived and found a male pedestrian conscious, but with significant injuries. Preliminary details indicated the driver’s vehicle drifted to the right, hopped the curb, and struck the pedestrian who was doing maintenance work at that location. The driver of the vehicle was uninjured.

Officers and AMR personnel provided medical aid to the pedestrian before he was transported to the hospital. Unfortunately, the pedestrian later succumbed to his injuries. The driver remained on scene and cooperated with responding officers.

According to Bay City News, the victim was identified by the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office as Cornelio Tovar Sanchez, age 54 of Antioch.

The cause of this accident is under investigation. If you have any information about this case, please contact Walnut Creek PD Dispatch at 925-935-6400.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Driver, three other drunk men arrested in felony hit and run collision in Oakley early Sunday

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By Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard

On Sunday, July 2, 2023 at 12:09AM Oakley police officers were dispatched to the intersection of Main Street at Charles Way for a traffic collision where a Toyota truck was completely rolled over. Our officers quickly arrived on scene and contacted the victims who were out of the vehicle and suffering injuries. Our officers started investigating the collision and determined a black sedan struck the victim vehicle and fled the location, which at face value is a violation of the California Vehicle Code, but when injuries are involved, these actions are classified as a felony offense. Our officers located the black sedan on nearby Babbe Street parked at the intersection of Martin Street. Our officers found three local men (aged 43, 43 & 28) near the vehicle and determined all three were associated with the vehicle and all three were intoxicated.

These three men were uncooperative with our investigation, but nonetheless our officers were able to determine they were not the driver of the black sedan and we continued to seek out the actual driver. The three men we were dealing with were all arrested for public intoxication and transported to the police department. While dealing with the three public intoxication suspects our officers were alerted the actual driver may have been walking on Main Street. Our officers responded to the area and located Jesus Leon-Lopez (55, local) and took him into custody before interviewing him and booking him into the main jail for felony hit and run.

“This investigation, and arrest, underscores the types of issues that never need to really rise to the level of criminal culpability. The largest issue facing the suspect in this case may very well be the mere fact he decided to not stop, as per the law, and cooperate with law-enforcement after a traffic collision with quite an egregious aftermath – to include injuries. When accidents happen, please just do the right thing, it will make your life much easier even when you are already going through a negative experience. Stay safe Oakley!”

Richmond woman arrested for Oakley gym locker room robbery

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Stole wallets, cell phones, debit cards and cash; tried to buy $5,000 worth of merchandise

By Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard

On June 26, 2023 at 4:58PM Oakley Police Officers were dispatched to the Diamond Hills Gym, located at 1510 Neroly Road, on the report of multiple thefts that had just occurred. Upon arrival our officers learned a woman used a fake name to gain entry into the gym and then proceeded to physically break into multiple lockers in the women’s locker room. Approximately 5-6 patrons reported being victims of the thefts and items such as: wallets, cell phones, debit cards, and cash were reported as being stolen. Our officers interviewed victims, witnesses, and obtained video surveillance of the suspect. Some of the victims were alerted by their bank institutions, their credit cards were already being used at the Nordstrom store, in Concord at the Sun Valley Mall.

Officer Hurtado responded to the Nordstrom store to continue his investigation and obtain additional video surveillance. Officer Hurtado learned the suspect had left the store by the time he arrived. Officer Hurtado continued his investigation by talking to security and store employees when he saw a woman walk back into the store.

Officer Hurtado recognized the woman from the Diamond Hills Gym surveillance, and also from the Nordstrom store surveillance. Officer Hurtado approached the woman and promptly arrested her for the crimes, the woman continued her nefarious ways by providing a false name to Officer Hurtado.

Officer Hurtado was ultimately able to identify the woman as Andrania Yancy (37, Richmond). It was further determined, Yancy attempted to purchase over $5,000 worth of merchandise using six different stolen credit cards, all of which were denied. Yancy was arrested for grand theft, false impersonation of another, identification theft, and an outstanding warrant.

“I would like to thank everybody who brought this criminal matter to our attention. Because of quick reporting by witnesses and victims our officers were able to get an early jump on their investigation and they were able to develop information even as another related crime was taking place in another jurisdiction. At the time of this crime we had additional resources available to us in the form of a fully staffed swing shift team. This fully staffed team is the direct result of a commitment by the Oakley City Council and City Management to listen to Oakley residents and business owners to fund appropriate law-enforcement services. This commitment is not only leading to safer streets, but it has also resulted in the recruitment of some of the best law-enforcement candidates in the industry, such as Officer Hurtado, and I am grateful for all of them. Stay safe Oakley.”

According to information from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Yancy bonded out and is no longer in custody as of Wednesday afternoon, June 28.

According to localcrimenews.com Yancy has a history of arrests for various criminal activity dating back to 2014 including for grand theft, burglary, forgery in multiple cities and counties.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Female suspect wanted for Brentwood, Antioch bank, credit union robberies

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Photos by Brentwood PD.

By Brentwood Police Department

On June 26, 2023 at around 1:58 p.m., Brentwood PD officers responded to the 5600 block of Lone Tree Way to investigate a silent hold up alarm at the Patelco Credit Union. Upon officer’s arrival, it was determined what appears to be a Hispanic female adult passed a note to the bank teller demanding money. The suspect then fled the bank on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

At around 3:53 p.m., Antioch PD officers responded to the 2700 block of Lone Tree Way to investigate another silent hold up alarm at the Travis Credit Union. Upon their arrival, it was determined what appears to be the same female suspect passed a note to the bank teller again demanding money. The suspect fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of money. Antioch PD Officers believe the suspect may have fled in a gray four-door Honda or Nissan with tinted windows. Thankfully, nobody was physically injured in either robbery.

Our agencies have since confirmed the same female suspect committed the pair of robberies; however, wore different clothing during each incident. The suspect was described to officers as a Hispanic female, early to mid-twenties, between approximately 5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 5 inches tall, with brown hair. Do not approach the suspect if she is seen.

If you have any information about the suspect or the suspect vehicle, please contact Brentwood PD Detective Agostinho at 925-809-7870 or the Antioch Police Department Investigations Division at 925-779-6926. Callers can remain anonymous.

 

Former Antioch cop charged with assault for July 2022 traffic stop incident

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Former Antioch Police Officer Matthew Nutt in June 2019 after he was hired, and screenshot of him striking the detainee with his knee while forcing him into the back of a police vehicle, from Officer Dustin Dibble’s body cam video footage on July 1, 2022. Source: APD

Hired in June 2019, Matthew Nutt was terminated this year; APD provides body cam footage

By Lt. Michael Mellone, Community Engagement, Antioch Police Department

As has been previously reported, former Antioch Police Officer Matthew Nutt was terminated from his employment as the result of an internal investigation into his use of force against an individual during a traffic stop on July 1, 2022. During the incident, Mr. Nutt learned the driver of a vehicle stopped for not displaying license plates had an outstanding felony warrant for shooting at an inhabited dwelling or occupied vehicle and conspiracy. Upon placing the individual under arrest, he refused to sit in the back of a police vehicle and displayed physical resistance. Mr. Nutt used force against the arrestee, consisting of a series of punches and kicks, along with knee and elbow strikes.

Mr. Nutt’s application of force triggered an automatic review of his body-worn camera footage. The reviewing supervisor had concerns about what was depicted in the video and believed Mr. Nutt may have violated Antioch Police policies governing use of force. The supervisor communicated his concerns through official channels, and an internal review was initiated. Mr. Nutt was placed into an assignment with no direct public contact.

Video screenshot from Officer Dustin Dibble’s body cam footage of former Officer Nutt’s fist striking the detainee in the torso while forcing him into the back of a police vehicle on July 1, 2022. Source: APD

After a thorough investigation, Mr. Nutt was sustained on four (4) use of force policy violations, including using unreasonable force, failure to de-escalate, and failure to use alternative tactics. Chief Steven Ford reviewed the findings of the investigation and terminated Mr. Nutt from his employment with the Antioch Police Department on April 21, 2023.

Members of the Antioch Police Department Professional Standards Unit initiated a criminal investigation into the matter and presented their findings to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. On June 13, 2023, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office charged Mr. Nutt with one misdemeanor count of assault by a public officer.

Chief Steven A. Ford released the following statement regarding this incident:

“Police officers are entrusted with the authority to use reasonable force to protect the public and themselves in the lawful performance of their duties. This requires close supervision and evaluation to maintain public legitimacy and preserve the sanctity of human life. The Antioch Police Department is committed to accountability and full transparency – my hope is our community will see the actions of our personnel to investigate and bring this matter to my attention as an expression of their commitment to accountability and the core tenets of their oath. This unfortunate incident is not reflective of the women and men who serve our community – please join me in continuing to offer our support of their hard work.”

Video screenshot from Officer Dustin Dibble’s body cam footage of former Officer Nutt forcing the detainee into the back of a police vehicle on July 1, 2022. Source: APD

Mr. Nutt was hired in June 2019 and employed with the Antioch Police Department for four years and had two years of prior experience with the Los Angeles Police Department. (See related article)

In the interest of transparency – and in accordance with State Law – we are releasing the following documents and evidence:

(WARNING – violence and profanity)

Internal Investigation Report – https://antioch.nextrequest.com/documents/21707013

Former Officer Nutt Body Cam Video #1

Former Officer Nutt Body Cam Video #2 (labeled #6)

Officer Dustin Dibble Body Cam Video (labeled #4) – This video shows Nutt punching and kicking the detainee.

Sergeant Josh Evans Body Cam Video (labeled #5)

Redactions have been made to these items in accordance with State Laws governing release of certain privileged and/or protected information.

The Antioch Police Department trains officers and has several policies on use of force, de-escalation, and alternative tactics, which can be reviewed on our transparency website: https://www.antiochca.gov/police/sb-978-policy-manual-training-materials

The Antioch Police Department recently joined a Trust Building Campaign https://www.theiacp.org/iacp-trust-building-campaign with 25-key policy enhancements we have pledged to implement within a 36-month period. We have also begun a process to seek accreditation of our Police Department and Dispatch Center, which includes regular audits of our policies and practices by an internationally recognized organization.

Antioch man arrested in 2007 Pittsburg cold case homicide

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DNA evidence linked suspect to killing

By Pittsburg Police Department

Nearly 16 years after the killing of a Pittsburg man, DNA evidence has led to the arrest of his killer. On June 7, 2023, Pittsburg Police Department detectives arrested 40-year-old Desante Lavelle Blake of Antioch for the 2007 murder of Larry Abercrombie.

On June 8th, 2007, Abercrombie was found suffering from gunshot wounds in front of his home in the 200 block of S. Catamaran Circle. Despite an extensive investigation at the time, no arrests were made, and the case remained unsolved for nearly two decades.

Recently, a Pittsburg Police Department Cold Case detective, who has been actively working this case, submitted evidence collected from the crime scene to the Contra Costa County Crime Lab for additional DNA testing, utilizing modernized technology. The crime lab was able to get a DNA match for the suspect and after a thorough investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Blake’s arrest. Detectives also conducted a search warrant at Blake’s home in Antioch where additional evidence was located that further implicated him in the crime. Blake was booked into the Contra Costa County Jail for murder.

Additionally, the case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, which filed murder charges against Blake.

“Pittsburg PD is dedicated to solving unsolved cases and bringing justice to victims and their families,” said Chief Steve Albanese, “The arrest in this cold case homicide serves as a reminder that justice can be served no matter how much time has passed.”

If anyone has additional information related to this case, we ask you to please contact the Investigations Division at 925-252-4151

 

7 arrested in child sex ring during Brentwood PD-hosted “Operation Spring Clean”

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Four of the seven suspects arrested. Photos: Brentwood PD

Including suspects from Brentwood, Oakley and San Ramon; effort by 15 agencies also nabs 40 illegal guns

By Brentwood Police Department

During the week of May 31st, our agency hosted the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force for a week-long operation targeting adults who were seeking to meet minors for sex with the goal of identifying victims of child sexual abuse. A total of 15 law enforcement agencies participated in “Operation Spring Cleaning,” which encompassed over 1,200 law enforcement work hours throughout the week. The ICAC Task Force seized approximately 40 illegal firearms and 39 electronic devices, executed eight (search warrants, and impounded five (5) vehicles.

40 illegal guns were confiscated during the operation. Photos: Brentwood PD

In total seven (7) arrests were also made: 29-year-old Nhouel Dulay (Oakley), 42-year-old Michael Patterson (Brentwood), 25-year-old Carlos Vera (Brentwood), 54-year-old Robert Stearns (San Ramon), 43-year-old Jeffrey Pallesen (Stockton), 21-year-old Edward Stinson (Merced) and 29-year-old Randall Alston (Berkeley). All have been arrested and remain in custody pending preliminary hearings.

Police action nabs suspects at a gas station on Brentwood Blvd. and an apartment complex. Photos: Brentwood PD

The ICAC program helps state and local law enforcement agencies develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and internet crimes against children. This includes forensic and investigative services, training, technical assistance, victim services, and community education. Our agency remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our community and would like to thank all of the participating agencies for their contributions last week in combatting child exploitation.

 

Contra Costa DA drops charges against two suspects in mutilation, burning of Antioch woman’s remains over cops’ racist texts

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Police and fire department personnel investigate the scene of Mykaella Kayla Sharlman’s body found on fire along the Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail in Antioch, Monday morning, Oct. 17, 2022. Herald file photos

People vs. Montalvo and Boone cases can be brought back; among cases under review by DA, Public Defender; suspects released; responding officers, lead detective not implicated in texting scandal

By Allen D. Payton

According to Public Information Officer Ted Asregadoo, on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office determined the prosecution of The People of the State of California vs Ashton Montalvo and Deangelo Boone could not proceed to trial and moved to dismiss the case.

A dismissal at this juncture affords the District Attorney’s Office the ability to refile criminal charges against Montalvo and Boone and reinitiate legal action if new evidence is developed.

In this case, the prosecution of 42-year-old Deangelo Laraye Boone of Antioch and 33-year-old Ashton Kentrell Montalvo, of either Bay Point or Antioch, for mutilation and arson of the remains of 25-year-old Mykaella Kayla Sharlman found on the Mokelumne Trail in Antioch on October 17, 2022, relied heavily on the investigative work of Antioch Police Officers who are associated with racist text communications. (See related articles here, here, here, here and here)

After thoroughly reviewing the officers’ role in this case, applying relevant legal principles, and considering ethical responsibilities, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office no longer has confidence in the integrity of this prosecution.

“Our office extends our deepest sympathies to the family of Mykaella Sharlman and we aspire to renew this prosecution if presented with the opportunity to do so,” Asregadoo shared.

Case No. 04-22-01086 | The People of the State of California vs. Montalvo, Ashton

Case No. 04-22-01085 | The People of the State of California vs. Boone, Deangelo Laraye

As previously reported, District Attorney Diana Becton, Public Defender Ellen McDonnell, Betty Barker from the Alternate Defender Office, and the Director of the Contra Costa Conflict Program, Oksana Tsykova met in April to discuss the creation of a process to address cases affected by the disclosure of cruel, racially insulting, and hostile text messages written or received by members of the Antioch Police Department.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is working to identify cases that are potentially compromised by the text messages. Once we’ve identified those cases – and any overlapping conflicts — they will initiate a detailed review process for potential dismissal, resentencing, or the preservation of convictions.

The DA’s Office was asked for the names of the officers associated with the two cases and if the suspects have been released.

Asregedoo responded, “APD should have the information on what officers were involved in the investigation of the Boone/Montalvo case. As to whether both men are out of custody, unless they have holds on priors, they are likely out.”

“The texting scandal was only part of it,” he added. “There were other issues with the case. But we’re hopeful APD can pursue other investigative avenues and bring more evidence to review for a charging decision.”

Antioch Police Department PIO Corporal Price Kendall was then asked for the names of the officers and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office spokesman Jimmy Lee was asked if the suspects had been released.

Lee responded, “They are no longer in custody.”

UPDATE: Kendall responded, “We will not be releasing the names of the officers involved in the investigation. However, none of the officers that initially responded to the call or the lead detective that filed the case were implicated in the text messages.”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.