Contra Costa Herald

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

Two juveniles arrested for June robbery inside Sun Valley mall near Macy’s

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By Concord Police Department

As previously reported, 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 store. 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.

July 2, 2026 – Two suspects were identified in this case and arrested by the Concord Police Department. The suspects were juveniles and as such their names are not being released at this time.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed felony charges against the two juveniles.

This incident is not related to the recent press release regarding the jewelry store robbery inside Sun Valley mall on June 28.

Five suspects from San Francisco arrested for San Valley mall jewelry store robbery

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Stolen jewelry and price tags recovered from suspects. Photos: Concord PD

By Concord Police Department

On June 28, 2026, at approximately 1:24 PM, the Concord Police Department Communications Center received multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a robbery in progress at the Sun Valley Mall.

Officers arrived on scene and learned that at least four suspects had smashed display cases at the Banter jewelry kiosk and pepper sprayed a patron during the commission of the robbery.

The suspects fled the area prior to officers’ arrival.

Through investigative efforts and coordination with the San Francisco Police Department, the suspects were quickly identified and ultimately located in the City of Richmond. All five suspects were taken into custody on charges related to the robbery, as well as various additional offenses. Stolen jewelry from the business was recovered. Multiple firearms were located as well.

The swift identification and arrest of the suspects highlights the strong partnership between the Concord Police Department and the San Francisco Police Department. Continued collaboration and real-time intelligence sharing between agencies remain critical in investigating and disrupting organized retail crime throughout the Bay Area.

This case was jointly investigated by the San Francisco Police Department and the Concord Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit. The case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration on the following arrested individuals, who were charged:

  • Cameron Haynes, 21-year-old, San Francsico
  • Terry Franklin, 29-year-old, San Francisco / Daly City
  • Lavar Kent, 18-year-old, San Francisco
  • Eric Howard, 18-year-old, San Francisco
  • Teric Howard, 20-year-old, San Francisco

No further information is being released at this time.

This robbery is in addition to the robbery on June 23rd inside the mall near Macy’s Women’s store.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Contra Costa County-wide protocol invoked for in-custody death of Rio Vista woman

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Arrested for outstanding DUI warrant July 9th by Antioch Police

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

On Friday, July 10, 2026, at about 12:24 AM, a deputy sheriff at the West County Detention Facility was conducting safety checks when she saw an unresponsive inmate who had a ligature around her neck.

Deputies immediately began life-saving measures while Health Services medical staff at the facility responded and continued life-saving efforts. The fire department and an ambulance also responded. The inmate was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

The inmate is identified as 59-year-old Robi Lynn Perley, a white female, of Rio Vista. Perley, who had an outstanding arrest warrant for driving under the influence and probation violation, was taken into custody yesterday by the Antioch Police Department. She was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility at about 1:30 PM.

According to Antioch Police CitizenRIMS, Perley was five-feet nine inches tall, 135 pounds and was arrested at 12:05 p.m. in the 5700 Block of Lone Tree Way on the misdemeanor outside warrant. Case Number: 26-6379.

The county-wide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol was invoked and the investigation into this in-custody death is being conducted by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and the Contra Costa D.A.’s Office.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us  or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood Police to hold DUI Checkpoint July 17th

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By Brentwood Police Department

The Brentwood Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, July 17th from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at Balfour Road and Griffith Lane.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Brentwood PD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

Captain Walter O’Grodnick appointed 13th Brentwood Chief of Police

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Interim Chief of Police & Captain Walter O’Grodnick. Source: Brentwood PD

By Terrance Davis, Acting Brentwood City Manager

BRENTWOOD, CA – On Monday, July 6, 2026, Acting City Manager Terrance Davis announced the appointment of Captain Walter O’Grodnick as the 13th Chief of Police for the City of Brentwood, effective July 16, 2026. O’Grodnick has served as Interim Chief of Police since September 2025.

As part of the selection process, the city sought input from residents, business owners, employees, and community stakeholders through a Police Chief Community Survey. More than 240 individuals participated and identified public safety, integrity, accountability, communication, leadership, and community-oriented policing as the qualities most important in Brentwood’s next Police Chief. The priorities identified by our community closely aligned with the leadership qualities of Chief O’Grodnick.

With more than 32 years of law enforcement experience, including 28 years with the Brentwood Police Department since 1998, Chief O’Grodnick possesses a deep understanding of our community and the evolving needs of our residents. “Through his 28 years of service to Brentwood, Chief O’Grodnick has demonstrated the leadership, humility, character, and vision necessary to lead the Brentwood Police Department into its next chapter. We’re thrilled to have someone of Chief O’Grodnick’s integrity and caliber in this critical role,” Davis said.

Brentwood is a community that values safety, accountability, compassion, and strong relationships between law enforcement and the public. Chief O’Grodnick understands those values and honors the Brentwood Police Department’s proud history, while preparing for the future through employee development, technology, innovation, and regional partnerships that strengthen public safety services.

Chief O’Grodnick said of the appointment, “I am deeply honored and humbled to be appointed as the Chief of Police for the Brentwood Police Department. I am committed to this opportunity to continue to serve and work collaboratively with our officers, community members, and city leaders to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability.”

The Brentwood Police Department will host an open house at the Police Department on August 22, 2026, from 11:00am – 1:00pm, for the public to engage with the Chief.

Merced man arrested for attempted murder in 2025 Hercules shooting

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Daniel Avery Glass, Jr. was arrested on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Photo: Hercules PD

By Hercules Police Department

The Hercules Police Department has made an arrest in connection with an August 2025 shooting that endangered a local resident. On August 2, 2025, a man sitting in his parked vehicle near Bayfront Blvd. and Earnest Street was allegedly approached on foot by an armed suspect who concealed his face and opened fire, striking the victim’s vehicle as he fled.

Through the diligent work of our Criminal Investigations Division — including Flock ALPR data, cellular records, surveillance video, and ballistic testing — detectives identified 32-year-old Daniel Avery Glass, Jr. as the primary suspect. On July 1, 2026, Glass was arrested on an attempted murder warrant with bail set at $1.4 million. The case has been forwarded to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

HPD is fully committed to solving crimes and holding accountable those who threaten our community. We extend our sincere gratitude to California Department of Corrections Parole, the FBI, and our neighboring agencies for their invaluable assistance.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, three-inch tall, 215-pound Glass was born on Aug. 13, 1993, has a bail amount of $140,000 but his being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, July 6 at 8:30 am in Martinez Superior Court.

According to localcrimenews.com, Glass is Black, from Merced and was previously arrested on Feb. 13th by Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputies for giving false information to a peace officer and felony parole violation, and in 2014 by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies for burglary and drug possession.

Public safety is a shared responsibility. If you see something, say something — report suspicious activity to HPD, or call 911 in an emergency. Anonymous tips are welcome. Stay alert when parking in dark or rural areas. Whenever possible, park in well-lit locations, keep your doors locked, and remain aware of your surroundings.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

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.