Contra Costa Herald

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

Parents arrested for murder, child abuse of 5-week-old infant in Richmond Thursday

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Source: Vinelink.com

By Richmond Police Department

On Thursday, February 4th at approximately 6:30 pm Richmond Police Department Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call from an employee at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel at 3150 Garrity Way, in Richmond. The information received was a couple rushed out of the hotel with their infant baby telling the employee the child was not breathing and they were going to a hospital.

At 6:55 pm Richmond Communications Center received a phone call from Kaiser Hospital-Richmond stating they had a non-breathing five-week-old infant enter their emergency room. The child was pronounced deceased soon after arriving at the hospital.

Richmond Police officers converged on the hotel and hospital and immediately began an investigation that appeared to be child abuse resulting in death. The child had obvious signs of abuse. The Marriott Courtyard is currently being utilized by Contra Costa County to assist with housing unsheltered members of our community during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Richmond Police Department Homicide Unit was notified and assumed the investigation. Detectives responded to the Police Department to conduct interviews of both parents, they also met with other witnesses that were able to provide helpful information and followed up on other investigative leads to assist in the investigation.

The father, Ray Ray Darn (35-years-old) and mother Marilyn Northington (28-years-old) were ultimately arrested for murder and child abuse causing great bodily injury. The couple had two other small children that were taken into protective custody and turned over to Child Family Services (CFS). This case will be presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office early next week for review of criminal charges.

The City of Richmond Police Department is committed to solving crimes that occur in our city. We ask that any person, who may have any information related to this incident please contact Homicide Detective Brian Hoffman at (510) 621-1755, email him at bhoffman@richmondpd.net or they can contact Richmond’s anonymous tip line at (510) 307-T1PS (8177).

Any media inquiries can be directed to Sergeant Aaron Pomeroy at (510) 620-6616 or email at apomeroy@richmondpd.net. RICHMOND POLICE CASE #2021-00001208​​​​

 

Man shot twice by acquaintance in Pittsburg Wednesday morning, in critical condition

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By Pittsburg Police Department

Early Wednesday morning, Feb. 3, 2021, shortly after 10:30 A.M Pittsburg Police Officers responded to the 1500 Block of Jensen Drive on the report of a man possibly injured and laying in the street. As officers arrived on scene, they located the man and found him to be suffering from two gunshot wounds to the upper torso. The man stated he was in an altercation with another subject prior to the shooting. Officers immediately started life saving measures until paramedics arrived. The man was taken to an area hospital and is listed in critical, but stable condition.

Pittsburg Police Department Detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to the location to assist in the investigation. From initial information it is unknown why the man was shot, but it appears the man and the suspect know each other, and this is an isolated incident. Detectives are currently contacting witnesses and obtaining statements. Additional information is not available at this time.

The Pittsburg Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance and asks anyone with additional information to please contact the Pittsburg Police Department Tip-Line at 925-252-4040.

 

Five arrested for human trafficking, 3 rescued in Contra Costa during 7th Annual statewide Operation Reclaim & Rebuild

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450 arrests, 39 rescues by more than 100 state, federal and local agencies and tax forces

By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Office of the District Attorney, Contra Costa County

Contra Costa victim service providers and law enforcement agencies participated in the 7th Annual statewide “Operation Reclaim & Rebuild” enforcement event organized by the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Taskforce. This operation focuses on rescuing victims of sex trafficking, identifying and arresting their abusers, and disrupting demand for these vulnerable victims. This is the third straight year that Contra Costa has participated in the operation, since organizing its own Human Trafficking Taskforce. (See press conference video.)

“Our collective goal to end human trafficking and exploitation locally and statewide is evidenced in our unified regional and state-wide approach to combat these heinous crimes. The trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable victims will not be tolerated in Contra Costa or California,” said Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton.

Participating agencies made five arrests and rescued three victims in enforcement action occurring in East and Central Contra Costa County. Statewide, a total of 450 arrests and 39 rescues were made by more than 100 state, federal and local agencies and taskforces.

Contra Costa law service and service provider agencies included:

  • Contra Costa Human Trafficking Taskforce
  • Pittsburg Police Department
  • Brentwood Police Department
  • Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
  • Walnut Creek Police Department
  • Richmond Police Department
  • San Pablo Police Department
  • California Highway Patrol
  • Contra Costa County Probation Department
  • Community Violence Solutions
  • Victim-Witness Assistance Program, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Contra Costa’s Human Trafficking Taskforce brings together local, state and federal law enforcement and prosecution partners who enhance collaboration with victim service partners in order to investigate and prosecute all forms of trafficking our community in a trauma-informed manner while connecting survivors to culturally-competent services and support.

To report suspected trafficking, call the Human Trafficking Tip Line and leave a message: 925-957-8658

To get help, call Community Violence Solutions 24-hour crisis hotline: 1-800-670-7273

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

 

Pittsburg Police join statewide operation to combat human and sex trafficking

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Dozens rescued, hundreds arrested

By Pittsburg Police Department

On January 29th, in conjunction with Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Pittsburg Police Department personnel took part in a statewide human trafficking operation. 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 joined in the operation this year to continue a no tolerance focus on human trafficking and sex crimes.

This year, the Pittsburg Police Department joined with the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Task Force, and over 100 other agencies throughout the state of 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 own community, making three arrests related to human trafficking crimes. In addition, several other suspects in human trafficking cases were identified. These arrests are part of the over 450 arrests and 39 rescues that were made throughout the statewide operation.

We were proud to do our part in making Operation Reclaim and Rebuild a big success in Contra Costa County.

 

Hercules man part of multi-state crew arrested for stealing over $4.5 million of goods from The Home Depot

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Some of the stolen merchandise from The Home Depot recovered from Alderete’s truck. Photo: HPD

By Hercules Police Department

On January 29, 2021, at 11:19 am, an officer located a vehicle associated with multiple thefts from The Home Depot throughout the state.

On January 28, 2021, Hercules Officers were alerted of a suspect known throughout the state to steal items from The Home Depot and then make returns on some of the items stolen to make back the money for the purchased item. The Home Depot has been working cases for this suspect for over three years and believes he has stolen over $4.5 million from The Home Depot. Since September of last year, it is confirmed that the suspect had stolen over $500,000 from multiple different Home Depot stores up and down the west coast.

An officer located the suspect vehicle, a 2006 Ford Econoline Van, backed into a 1500 Sycamore Avenue parking stall. Officers waited for the man, identified as Miguel Alderete, age 49 of Hercules and Los Angeles, to return to his vehicle, where he was contacted and detained. His vehicle’s search resulted in approximately $10,000 of stolen merchandise from The Home Depot in the van. The occupants of the van were arrested and transported to jail.

A multi-state organized retail theft crew was apprehended after four years of stealing from The Home Depot. The estimated loss during that time is about $4.5 million. This crew averages about $105,000 per month in thefts.

After eluding multiple agencies, Hercules Police were able to catch the culprits, including a second suspect, identified as Antonio Marquez, age 56 from Southern California, in a shopping center across from The Home Depot. The crew had approximately $10,000 of merchandise in their possession from thefts that day in Tracy, Fairfield and Vallejo.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

 

Police seek additional victims of sex crimes by Hercules man at Brentwood restaurant

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Carlos Gonzalez. Photo: Brentwood PD

By Brentwood Police Department

In December 2020, we initiated an investigation where Carlos Gonzalez, male, 35 years old, from Hercules was accused of sexual assault involving a male juvenile. Gonzalez was formerly the manager of the Chipotle restaurant in Brentwood where the sexual assault took place against the victim seeking employment at the restaurant. The preliminary investigation resulted in an arrest warrant being issued for Gonzalez. On 12/30/2020, Gonzalez was arrested without incident at his residence in Hercules. Gonzalez was booked into county jail on multiple felony sex crimes involving a minor.

Further investigation has revealed additional victims who communicated with Gonzalez through social media platforms. These victims met Gonzalez while he was managing other Chipotle restaurants throughout the Bay Area. Due to the fact Gonzalez was exposed to an unknown number of individuals while managing different Chipotle restaurants, it is believed there may be more victims that have yet to come forward.

The Brentwood Police Department is requesting anyone with information to contact Detective Talley at 925-809-7793.

Hayward man arrested for armed hostage incident in Discovery Bay Monday morning

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From Vine.com through CCCSheriff’s website.

A felon on parole for kidnapping, Sheriff’s SWAT Team assisted by Antioch Police and CHP

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

Monday morning, Jan. 18, 2021, at about 5:49 AM, Delta Station deputy sheriffs responded to multiple reports of a person pointing a gun in the Starbucks located at 14804 Highway 4 in Discovery Bay.

There were reports that there were several people inside the store at the time the suspect entered.

One customer ran into one of the bathrooms, locked the door, and called Sheriff’s Dispatch.

At the time, it was first believed the employees were possibly hiding in a back office, but it was later discovered they had escaped out the backdoor shortly after the suspect entered the business.

Deputies quickly set up a perimeter and made announcements for the suspect to surrender.  The suspect was seen pacing back and forth inside. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Antioch Police Department and the CHP. The Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team responded.

At about 7:04 AM, the suspect opened the back door and eventually stepped outside.  A react team of deputies entered through the front door and was able to rescue the customer who was still inside the bathroom.

The suspect was initially non-compliant, but eventually surrendered and was taken into custody. A loaded handgun was found in one of the bathrooms during a safety sweep of the business.

The suspect is identified as 29-year-old Lamont Dwayne Lomack of Hayward. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges: false imprisonment, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition by person prohibited, carrying a loaded firearm, brandishing a firearm, and parole violation. Lomack is currently on parole for kidnapping. He is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

 

Following attempted police stop, car crash three arrested in Richmond with illegal guns Friday night

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Guns seized by Richmond Police Friday night, Jan. 15, 2021. Photo: RPD

By Richmond Police Department

Friday night, Jan. 15, 2021, Central District Officer Fuller attempted to stop a car with stolen license plates. The driver refused to yield and shortly after, the car crashed into another vehicle in the intersection of Marina Way and Barrett Ave. Three suspects fled the vehicle and ran onto the Union Pacific train tracks. Officers searched the area and located all three subjects.

A search of the vehicle revealed five firearms, all fully loaded. Two of the guns were rifles and three were handguns with extended magazines. The two rifles were an AK-47 and AR-15 with high-capacity magazines.

All three suspects were either on parole or had outstanding warrants for their arrests.

It is a relief to have these firearms off the streets and we are extremely proud of our officers and their commitment to keeping our community safe.

#RichmondPDCali  #richmondpd

 

San Ramon Police ID, seek public’s help locating suspect in NYE shooting

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Terence “Terene” Brown. Photo: SRPD

By San Ramon Police Department

San Ramon PD needs your assistance.

On New Year’s Eve San Ramon PD officers responded to the 100 block of Amberstone Lane for a shooting.

The victim was life flighted to a local hospital and is in stable condition.

The suspect was identified as 19-year-old San Ramon resident Terence “Terene” Brown who fled the location. Brown is wanted for assault with a deadly weapon. The firearm has not been accounted for.

If you have any information about Brown’s whereabouts please contact SRPD at 925.973.2779 or 9-1-1.

 

Contra Costa DA Becton issues new policy on civil asset forfeiture cases

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Doubles minimum cash amount to $1,000; notices must be issued in multiple languages; plus more requirements

By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Office of the District Attorney, Contra Costa County

Martinez, Calif. – Today, Dec. 15, 2020, Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton formalized a new policy for civil asset forfeiture cases within the DA’s Office. In June 2019, DA Becton implemented an interim policy to address growing concerns with certain types of civil asset forfeiture cases. This interim policy is now permanent for the DA’s Office and applies to the entire county. Civil asset forfeiture cases are a civil procedure for law enforcement to seize cash and other property from suspects alleged to have ties to drug trafficking and drug sales.

The policy covers the following items:

  • A new threshold for any case, the amount seized must total at minimum $1,000 for the DA’s Office to consider using the civil asset forfeiture process. Previously, under prior administrations, the amount seized could be as low as $500 for the office to initiate civil asset forfeiture proceedings.
  • The seizing law enforcement agency must serve a Notice of Non-Judicial Forfeiture Proceedings and a Claim Opposing Forfeiture on any person who has, or may have, an interest in the seized property. Under this new policy and for the first-time, this notice is now required to be translated into multiple languages, including Spanish and Mandarin.
  • A criminal case will accompany any civil asset forfeiture proceeding. This will align the DA’s Office charging standards to mirror all criminal cases. Some exceptions include:
  • If the property is abandoned or not claimed, then our policy would not apply.
  • Where the property subject to forfeiture is claimed by a third party who does not appear to own the property or have an interest in the property.

“The community rightfully has tremendous concerns about the use of the civil asset forfeiture process by law enforcement. I have listened to the concerns and instituted this new policy on a permanent basis. We must only use civil asset forfeiture when absolutely necessary and in conjunction with a criminal case,” Becton stated.