Contra Costa Herald

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

Driver arrested with ghost gun parts during multi-agency task force effort Thursday night

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Ghost gun parts ammo and other items confiscated by police Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. Photos: SPPD

Walnut Creek PD assisted by San Pablo, Oakley and Antioch PD’s

Axe, knife and more confiscated items.

By San Pablo Police Department

Thursday night, Feb. 17, 2022, SPPD assisted Walnut Creek PD in a vehicle task force assignment formed to suppress crime in participating agencies in the Contra Costa County. Officer Howes and Officer Agredano performed a proactive traffic stop on a suspicious car and through the course of their investigation they found a loaded firearm inside of the car along other gun parts to make more unserialized firearms aka Ghost guns.

The driver was arrested and taken to jail. SPPD would like to give a shout out to Oakley Police Departments and Antioch PD for their assistance.

Pittsburg PD also joins statewide operation to combat human trafficking

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LA Sheriff Aex Villanueva commends Pittsburg Police Detectives during a press conference about the operation on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022. Video screenshot

L.A. County Sheriff commends Pittsburg Detectives for their efforts during 7th Annual Operation Reclaim and Rebuild

By Pittsburg Police Department

During the second week of February, in conjunction with Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Pittsburg Police Department personnel took part in a statewide human trafficking operation. The 7th Annual Operation Reclaim and Rebuild is an annual multi-agency initiative that focuses on rescuing victims of human trafficking, providing victims with much-needed services, and identifying and arresting their captors. Police agencies and other trafficking task forces throughout the state, including Brentwood PD joined in the operation to continue a no tolerance focus on human trafficking and sex crimes. (See related article)

This year, the Pittsburg Police Department joined with the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Task Force and over 100 other agencies throughout California to combat Human and Sex Trafficking. This statewide Task Force is an example of how individual law enforcement agencies can work together to be more effective when they join together.

As the operation took place throughout the state, Pittsburg Police Detectives were hard at work in our community, making several arrests related to human trafficking and other crimes. In addition, several other suspects in human trafficking cases were identified, and many victims were contacted and connected with resources. These arrests are part of the over 494 arrests and 82 rescues made throughout the statewide operation. During a recent media conference by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, the great work by Pittsburg Detectives was highlighted.

We were proud to do our part in making Operation Reclaim and Rebuild a big success in Contra Costa County, and a special thank you to our law enforcement partners, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, and Community Violence Solutions for working with us.

 

Richmond PD asks help to ID suspect in Feb. 5 assault of woman, children

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Alleged suspect in Richmond assault of a woman and her young children on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. Photos: Richmond PD

CAN YOU IDENTIFY THIS ASSAULT SUSPECT?

Rammed her car into victim’s vehicle dragging her across the parking lot more than 150 feet

By Richmond Police Department

Richmond PD detectives are requesting our community’s assistance to identify the suspect of a violent, unprovoked attack against a mother and her young children.

On Saturday, February 5th, 2022, at approximately 12:16 PM, the victim entered the McDonald’s drive-thru at 2301 MacDonald Avenue, with her children in the car. The suspect (pictured) accused the victim of cutting in line and rammed her car into the victim’s vehicle.

When the victim got out of her car, the suspect drove directly toward the victim, striking and dragging her across the parking lot for more than 150 feet before stopping. The suspect then got out of the car and punched the victim several times as she remained on the ground, before quickly fleeing the scene.

Investigators believe this incident was an unprovoked attack upon the victim and her children. We need your help to identify this violent and dangerous suspect! If you recognize the suspect (pictured), please contact Detective O. Guzman at OGuzman@RichmondPD.net or 510-672-2493.

Brentwood PD, Contra Costa task force arrest 28 for sex, human trafficking in February

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Suspects arrested, cash and firearms confiscated during the operation. Photos: Brentwood PD

Part of statewide 7th Annual Operation Reclaim and Rebuild which nabbed 494, rescued 82 victims

A victim is interviewed.

By Brentwood Police Department

Between February 6 and 12, 2022 our agency partnered with the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Task Force (CCCHTTF) in a state-wide operation dubbed “Operation Reclaim and Rebuild.” The operation involved more than 80 federal, state, and local agencies across California who partnered with victim advocacy groups. The purpose of the operation was to safely rescue and identify sexually exploited victims; however, to also identify and apprehend suspected human traffickers. In total 494 criminal arrests were made statewide, while 74 adults and 8 juveniles were rescued from sexual exploitation. Of those 494 arrested, 201 were sex buyers and 34 were suspected traffickers.

Our local agencies focused on enforcement operations wherever the trafficking of human beings took place, from confronting the reality of sidewalk prostitution to challenging the virtual reality of the cyber world where traffickers believe they can operate anonymously using the internet. But don’t take our word for it – the results speak for themselves! CCCHTTF made a total of 28 arrests and recovered a total of 8 firearms while a total of 18 commercial sex workers were contacted and provided victim services.

While this was a great success, one of our agency’s ongoing goals is to continue our efforts to stop modern day slavery. Our partnership with CCCHTTF is an example of how individual agencies can be far more effective when they join together in a shared mission. If you or anyone you know is a victim of human trafficking, we are here for you.

For more information, you can go to humantraffickinghotline.org and contracostacoalition.org to find out more about the various forms of human trafficking and what you can do to help.

 

Richmond standoff with armed, barricaded man de-escalated by SWAT, crisis negotiation teams Tuesday

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Gun confiscated from the suspect in a standoff in Richmond on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022. Photo: Richmond PD

“Threatened to shoot the victim’s entire family”

“Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office helicopter kept an eye from the sky.”

By Richmond Police Department

Tuesday night, Richmond police officers successfully negotiated a peaceful resolution with an armed and barricaded suspect – through patience, collaboration and care.

On Feb. 15, 2022, RPD officers responded to the 2300 block of Grant Avenue on reports of a man armed with a gun. Officers learned that the suspect was a neighbor who had entered the victim’s home, pulled out a gun, and threatened to shoot the victim’s entire family. After a brief struggle, the victim was able to push the suspect outside of their home. The suspect was then seen entering his own house by arriving RPD officers.

Richmond police officers quickly guided the victim and her family to safety, and established a perimeter around the suspect’s house and the neighborhood. Officers from the RPD Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) established communication with the suspect, who refused to exit his house.

As this dangerous situation continued to unfold, the RPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was called upon to respond, along with additional members of the Crisis Negotiations Team. CNT officers patiently negotiated with the suspect for several hours, while the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office helicopter kept an eye from the sky.

Through patience, communication, and collaboration, the suspect eventually agreed to a peaceful surrender, and was safely detained by RPD officers. A realistic-looking replica firearm was also located at the scene.

We would like to thank our community for their patience and understanding during this volatile incident. Additionally – to our partners at the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, thank you for your assistance in providing additional resources to help ensure the safety of our officers and our community!

We are relieved that this incident ended with a safe and peaceful resolution, and we are proud of the patience and professional composure exhibited by our patrol officers, SWAT, and CNT members during this dangerous situation! Excellent work, officers!

Search continues for Oakley woman missing since January 26 and last seen in Antioch

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Alexis Gabe – Missing fliers have been posted throughout East County. Source: Oakley PD

24-year-old Alexis Gabe’s car was found in Oakley the next day

One of the digital billboards on Highway 4 and I-680 provided by Mesa Outdoor. Source: Del Rey Advertising.

By Allen D. Payton

Today, Wednesday, February 16, 2022, Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard issued the following brief update on the search for the woman missing since January 26 and last seen by her ex-boyfriend in Antioch that night. (See related article)

“The investigation into the disappearance of Alexis Gabe has remained at the forefront of the Oakley Police Departments daily operations. We have also remained in frequent contact with the Gabe family throughout our investigation and we support them in their efforts as they try to locate Alexis as well.

We understand there is a great deal of public interest in this case. We remain committed to the tenets of completing a thorough investigation and making sure the integrity of our investigation outweighs public curiosity. The Oakley Police Department remains committed to locating Alexis and we are continuing on our path towards a complete investigation.”

Fliers about Gabe have been distributed and posted throughout East County, as well as posts on social media and ads have been placed on digital billboards along Highway 4 and I-680 to help in locating her.

If you have any information, please contact Oakley PD at (925) 625-8060.

Oakley arson suspect arrested for Brentwood fires after monthslong investigation

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Arson suspect from Oakley arrested by Brentwood Police Detectives on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022. Photos: Brentwood PD

Torched car, damaged yard of home with Molotov cocktail

By Brentwood Police Department

On Nov. 26, 2021, an unoccupied vehicle was torched in the area of Viola Court and Wildflower Loop in Brentwood and on Dec. 30, 2021, the side yard of a home in the 500 block of Foxglove Court was damaged with a Molotov cocktail. Both incidents involved the same victim and fire personnel confirmed the fires were a result of arson. Through the course of the investigation, the victim stated he knew the suspect, later identified as Justin Eric MartinSilva, a 25-year-old Oakley resident.

Brentwood PD Detectives confirmed these were targeted incidents involving MartinSilva. On Feb. 3, 2022, Brentwood PD Detectives conducted a search warrant related to this investigation at a residence located in the 1300 block of Gamay Circle in Oakley; where MartinSilva resides and was subsequently placed under arrest for several charges, primarily arson and possession of arson material.

On Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against MartinSilva for: Arson, Possession of arson material, possession of explosive device with intent to injure, and other charges. As of today, Saturday, Feb. 12, MartinSilva is still in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility with bail set at $625,000.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Man arrested in Pittsburg with “ghost gun” Wed. night, arrested again Thurs. night with “ghost gun” parts

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Ghost gun parts and other items confiscated from the suspect during his second arrest in two nights on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. Photo: Pittsburg PD

K-9 officer assists in the arrest detecting the odor of ammunition, explosives; police, DA asked why suspect was released

2/14/22 UPDATE: DA claims Pittsburg PD has offered no report of arrest night before, won’t respond to “multiple inquiries”

By Pittsburg Police Department

Last night, Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, one of our proactive graveyard officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop for CVC (vehicle code) violations on Railroad Avenue. Upon contacting the driver, he was recognized as being previously arrested the night before for being in possession of a “ghost gun”.

K9 Kyra responded to the traffic stop to assist, which resulted in her alerting on the trunk of the vehicle (smelling/locating/detecting the odor of ammunition/explosives). A search of the vehicle was ultimately conducted, which resulted in officers locating 1 pound of marijuana, as well a large capacity magazine and ammunition. The driver was placed under arrest for the on-view charges.

However, officers weren’t done just yet. A search warrant was later authorized and served at the arrestee’s residence by multiple swing shift and graveyard officers. Upon searching the residence, multiple firearm manufacturing kits, high-capacity magazines, heroin, an assault rifle, and miscellaneous “ghost gun” parts were found. The driver had several additional felony charges added to his booking sheet and was transported to county jail.

Our officers are notorious for going the extra mile to making our city a safer place to be, along with our 4-legged furry partners.

A call was made to Pittsburg PD Investigations and an email was sent Saturday to Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton asking why the man was back out on the street to commit more crimes on Thursday following his arrest the night before.

2/14/22 UPDATE: DA’s Office Responds, Claims Can’t Get Response from Pittsburg PD

In response on Monday, Feb. 14, Simon O’Connell, Contra Costa County Chief Assistant District Attorney wrote in an email, “The suspect was booked in custody just after midnight Thursday 2/10 following a probable cause arrest by the Pittsburg Police Department. Today, Monday 2/14 the Pittsburg Police Department presented that arrest to the District Attorney’s Office for filing review and prosecution.

O’Connell further offered that, “generally speaking with regard to pre-filing custody or release, the District Attorney is not party to the decision by an officer book or release a suspect who is arrested on probable cause.  The decision to arrest or cite release is that of the arresting agency. If a judge approves the probable cause, the arresting agency will then present the case for any in custody filing. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for filing criminal charges when submitted for prosecutorial review.  Once charges are filed, the arraignment court judge will review the bail set at filing along with Probation Department’s recommendation regarding continued custody.”

As of Tuesday, Feb. 15 Pittsburg PD has not yet responded to the call from the Herald about the arrest the night before and why the suspect was released.

Please check back for any additional updates to this report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pittsburg Police arrest Antioch man, Sacramento woman in September 2021 homicide of two women

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Another Antioch man is wanted; victims were Pittsburg and San Leandro residents

By Pittsburg Police Department

Early Sunday morning, September 19, 2021, shortly before 6:30 A.M., Pittsburg Police Officers responded to the 7-11 store at 4600 Century Boulevard regarding a shooting. As officers arrived, they located a car parked in front of the business with two women inside. Both women were suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper torso. Unfortunately, 23-year-old San Leandro resident Courtnee Allen and 21-year-old Pittsburg resident Angelique Abercrombie died due to their injuries.

Initially, there was limited information for detectives to work with or identify the responsible in this case. Over the past few months, members of the Investigations Division, including the Pittsburg Police Department VICE Team, worked diligently to identify several subjects involved. After completing numerous interviews and working through a vast amount of evidence, detectives identified 28-year-old Lonnie Stewart of Antioch, 22-year-old Destiny Boyd of Sacramento, and 20-year-old Jordan Pierre Crear of Antioch as being involved in the incident. Crear was identified as the subject who shot and killed Courtney and Angelique. Detectives are continuing to determine the motive for the shooting.

Last week detectives presented the case to the Contra Costa County District Attorney for review. The DA charged all three subjects for Murder with enhancements. Boyd was arrested late last week in Elk Grove and is currently in custody on $3,000,000 bail. Wednesday, Crear was located and arrested at his home in Antioch and remains in custody with a $7,000,000 bail. A $3,000,000 warrant is issued for Stewart, and detectives are working to locate him.

The Pittsburg Police Department would like to thank our citizens and business community for their support during this investigation.

Oakley woman missing under suspicious circumstances since Thursday

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Alexis Gabe – Missing fliers have been posted throughout East County. Source: Oakley PD

Last seen in Antioch, fliers posted throughout community

By Oakley Police Department

The Oakley Police Department received a call of a missing person, under suspicious circumstances, on January 27, 2022. The missing person is identified as Alexis Gabe, 24, of Oakley. She was last seen on Benttree Way in Antioch.

Gabe is described as an Asian female, 5’7”, 170 pounds and last known to be wearing a white tank top, silver/black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and green/white shoes.

Oakley Police patrol personnel and detectives began immediate efforts to locate Gabe. The Oakley Police Department has been in contact with Gabe’s family and have spoken to key people who were last known to be with her. The efforts to locate Gabe are continuing as detectives analyze evidence and patrol personnel continue to field tips and conduct physical searches for Gabe.

Posters of Gabe have been posted throughout East County over the past two days.

Please report any credible sightings of Gabe, or any information that will lead to her discovery by calling the Oakley Police Department at 925-625-8060.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.