Contra Costa Herald

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

Brentwood traffic stop leads to fraud, drug charges

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Police seized items purchased through fraud, a crack pipe and drugs from the suspects’ vehicle. Photos: Brentwood PD

Three women from Bay Point, Pittsburg, Antioch arrested

By Brentwood Police Department

During a recent proactive patrol, Brentwood Police Day Shift officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle displaying expired registration. The front passenger was known by the officer to be on searchable probation for identity theft-related offenses.

During a probation search of the vehicle, which was determined to belong to the passenger, officers located suspected narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia. Several items in the trunk appeared to have been recently purchased from Home Depot, but the occupants were unable to produce a receipt or provide the credit that was used.

Two occupants were cited for narcotics-related violations and released at the scene.

The investigation did not end there. Officers followed up with Home Depot regarding the recently purchased merchandise and discovered the items had been obtained through fraudulent transactions. Officers later contacted the victim, who confirmed she had not authorized anyone to make purchases using her personal information.

As a result of the investigation, several felony charges related to identity theft and fraudulent purchases are being submitted to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for review.

According to Community Engagement Officer Chris Bollinger, who said, “I am not able to release names at this point but I can tell you the suspects age and location,” those arrested were a 47-year-old female from Bay Point, 31-year-old female from Pittsburg and a 28-year-old female from Antioch.

Great work by our Day Shift officers for their thorough investigation and commitment to protecting our community from fraud and identity theft.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Discovery Bay driver arrested for San Francisco fatal vehicle collision

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Killed pedestrian, struck 3 more people

By San Francisco Police Department

On May 25, 2026, at approximately 12:13 am, San Francisco Police officers responded to the area of 16th and Mission Streets regarding a vehicle collision.

Officers were advised that a collision occurred between a vehicle and a pedestrian.

Officers arrived on scene and located a pedestrian victim being treated by paramedics for life threatening injuries. Paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital.

Despite lifesaving efforts of medical staff, the victim was later declared deceased at the hospital.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a vehicle collided with a pedestrian and struck three additional victims.

The three victims were medically assessed on scene for non-life-threatening injuries.

Through the course of the investigation, officers located the suspect vehicle and detained the occupant of the vehicle.

The Traffic Collision Investigations Unit (TCIU) responded to scene and conducted their investigation.

Through the course of the investigation, TCIU investigators developed probable cause to arrest the driver identified as 57-year-old Samuel Powell of Discovery Bay on June 30, 2026.

Powell was arrested and charged for vehicular Manslaughter 192(c)(2) PC and the driver’s responsibility to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian within the roadway 21955(b)(3) CVC.

Although an arrest has been made, this remains an open and active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.

 

Concord residential, vehicle burglaries under investigation

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Photos: Concord PD

By Concord Police Department

The Concord Police Department is actively investigating a series of residential and vehicle burglaries that have occurred throughout our community over the past several weeks. Detectives are actively pursuing investigative leads and working diligently to identify and apprehend those responsible.

As part of this investigation, we are sharing surveillance images of two individuals believed to be involved. In several incidents, the suspects have approached homes during the early morning hours, checking parked vehicles and using garage door openers left inside unlocked vehicles to gain access to garages. Once inside, they have primarily targeted tools and other valuable property.

On multiple incidents, the suspects were captured on surveillance video while armed with handguns outside a garage. Although no confrontations with homeowners have been reported, these images serve as an important reminder to remain vigilant and take simple steps to reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

Help protect your property by:

  • Always lock your vehicles, even when parked in your driveway.
  • Never leave garage door openers, keys, wallets, or other valuables inside your vehicle.
  • Keep your garage door closed and secured, especially overnight.
  • Report suspicious activity immediately to the Concord Police Department.

If you recognize either of the individuals pictured or have surveillance footage or information that may assist investigators, please contact the Concord Police Department at (925) 671-3333.

We appreciate our community’s continued partnership as we work to identify those responsible and prevent additional crimes.

Walmart donates 40 kids’ bicycles to Martinez Police Officers during Grand Re-Opening

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Boys & Girls Club to help with distribution

By Martinez Police Officers Association

The Martinez Police Officers Association would like to extend our sincere thanks to Walmart for their generous donation of 40 children’s bicycles during the Walmart Martinez Grand Re-Opening celebration.

Community partnerships like this make a real difference. We are proud to accept this donation on behalf of the Martinez Police Department and grateful for Walmart’s continued commitment to supporting the Martinez community.

The MPOA has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Martinez to identify children and families who will benefit most from these bicycles, ensuring they are placed in the hands of local kids who need them.

Together, we can continue building a stronger, safer, and more connected community.

Thank you, Walmart, for investing in Martinez and helping create smiles that will last far beyond today.

Oakland man arrested in Hercules for human trafficking of a minor

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Deyonne Anthony White was arrested for human trafficking and more charges. Photo: Hercules PD

Held on $425K bail, has history of arrests

By Hercules Police Department

The Hercules Police Department announced the arrest of 30-year-old Deyonne Anthony White (born 2/16/1990) of Oakland in connection with a multi-agency human trafficking operation. White was arrested during a U.S. Probation Office visit in San Francisco with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. He faces felony charges including human trafficking of a minor for commercial sex, pimping and pandering, and witness intimidation, with bail set at $425,000.

The arrest stems from Operation Cross Country, a federal operation conducted July 28, 2023, in partnership with the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Task Force, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 163-pound White has his next court appearance scheduled for July 17, 2026, at 8:30 AM in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, he is Black and was also arrested last October by Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputies for assault with a firearm on a person and being an addict in possession of a firearm and by Oakland PD in 2022 for murder, street terrorism, assault with firearm on person, being an addict in possession of a firearm and violation of parole: Felony.

Report suspected human trafficking to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 (24/7), Hercules PD at (510) 724-1111, or text “HELP” to 233733. This investigation involved collaboration with the FBI, HSI, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Task Force, U.S. Marshals Service, and Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. The charges are allegations; White is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Safe drug disposal available inside Brentwood Police Department

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A Safe Drug Disposal depository is located in the lobby of the Brentwood Police Department. Photos: Brentwood PD

By Brentwood Police Department

Do you have unused or expired medications sitting in your medicine cabinet? As a reminder, the Brentwood Police Department lobby has a Safe Drug Disposal depository available for community members to safely and anonymously dispose of unwanted medications.

Properly disposing of unused medications helps prevent accidental poisonings, prescription drug misuse, and keeps medications out of our waterways and environment.

  • The secure disposal depository is located inside the Brentwood Police Department lobby and is available during normal lobby hours. Informational signage in both English and Spanish is posted next to the depository and outlines what items are accepted for disposal.
  • Please note: The depository does not accept sharps (needles, syringes, or lancets) or illicit drugs. Community members are encouraged to review the posted signage before depositing any items.

All medications collected are periodically serviced by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and transported to a DEA-designated facility for proper destruction.

Take a moment to check your medicine cabinets and dispose of any unwanted or expired medications safely.

The Brentwood Police Department is located at 9100 Brentwood Blvd.

Police take another gun off San Pablo streets

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Photo: San Pablo PD

By San Pablo Police Department

June 24, 2026 – Thanks to a concerned community member, San Pablo Police officers located another firearm. Officers responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle in one of our neighborhoods. During their investigation, officers observed a loaded firearm inside the vehicle. The subject was arrested and transported to county jail.

Robbery by two masked men inside Sunvalley Shopping Center under investigation

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Police seek suspects

By Concord Police Department

On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at approximately 3:12 p.m., Concord Police Department officers responded to a report of a robbery at Sunvalley Shopping Center.

The incident occurred inside the mall near Macy’s Women’s. Two masked male suspects approached the victim and grabbed his necklaces. A physical struggle occurred, and the suspects fled from the mall with the victim’s necklaces.

The victim sustained minor injuries as a result of the confrontation.

Concord Police officers are reviewing surveillance footage from the area to help identify the suspects and determine whether any suspect vehicles were involved.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. No further information is being released at this time.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Concord Police Department Major Crimes Unit at 925-671-3030 or via our Anonymous Tip Line at (925) 603-5836.

13 firearms removed from Richmond streets since May 1st

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Source: Richmond PD

By Richmond Police Department

Since May 1st, Richmond Police Officers have proactively confiscated 13 firearms from our streets through proactive policing efforts. These firearms were recovered because our officers are out every day and every night working to keep Richmond safer.

Each firearm taken off the street has the potential to prevent violent crime, save a life, and make our neighborhoods safer. Behind every recovery are officers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our community and ensure Richmond remains a safer place for everyone.

The Richmond Police Department remains committed to reducing gun violence through proactive policing, strong community partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. We are proud of the work our officers do every day and thank our community for continuing to partner with us to help keep Richmond safe.

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

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Andre Barocio, Jr. Photo source: Pleasant Hill PD

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

Accomplice from Antioch previously arrested

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.