Contra Costa Herald

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

Protest in Walnut Creek gets confrontational with police as 6 p.m. curfew sets in

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Walnut Creek police enforce curfew near City Hall. Tear gas shot at protesters. Herald reporter and other members of the media affected by the gas. Forced to leave the area.

Posted by Contra Costa Herald on Monday, June 1, 2020

Report by Allen Payton  Videos by Contra Costa Herald staff

WARNING: Graphic language in videos.

A large group of protesters descended on Walnut Creek’s downtown, Monday and held a rally in Civic Park across from City Hall. Things were peaceful with speeches in the park. That was followed by a few confrontations as protesters marched down North Broadway toward a police line. That lasted until the city’s 6:00 p.m. curfew set in and police forced the protesters to leave. Cannisters of tear gas were shot at the protesters, some of whom threw them back at the officers. (See 48-second mark of video above)

Screenshot from Contra Costa Herald staff video of Civic Park rally and speeches in Walnut Creek on Monday, June 1, 2020.

Earlier during a rally in Civic Park, near the iconic gazebo, speeches were given and responsive chants of “no justice” yelled out by one person, with “no peace” yelled by the crowd, followed by “no racist” by the leader and “police” yelled by the crowd in response.

Protest in downtown Walnut Creek right now. Exclusive to the Herald.

Posted by Contra Costa Herald on Monday, June 1, 2020

At one point, a few police officers took a knee to the delight of the crowd who cheered, and some of the protesters showed their appreciation for the officers demonstrating their solidarity with fist and elbow bumps.

Walnut Creek police kneel with protestors.

Posted by Contra Costa Herald on Monday, June 1, 2020

There were chants of “no justice, no peace, prosecute the police,” “hands up, don’t shoot,” the responsive chants of “say his name” and “George Floyd”, as well as “I can’t breathe” – Floyd’s final words – as the protesters stood or kneeled in front of the police line on North Broadway. They were then warned about the 6:00 p.m. curfew and told a few times “you have five minutes to leave” by a voice over a loud speaker. 

Protest in Walnut Creek continues — graphic language warning.

Posted by Contra Costa Herald on Monday, June 1, 2020

There were chants of “no justice, no peace, prosecute the police,” “hands up, don’t shoot,” the responsive chants of “say his name” and “George Floyd”, as well as “I can’t breathe” – Floyd’s final words – as the protesters stood or kneeled in front of the police line on North Broadway. They were then warned about the 6:00 p.m. curfew and told a few times “you have five minutes to leave” by a voice over a loudspeaker. That’s when things took a turn for the worst with police resorting to firing tear gas cannisters at the protesters forcing them to disperse from the intersection of the North Broadway and Civic Drive. Some of the cannisters were tossed back at the police.

 

Antioch, Brentwood police prepare for possible looting Monday

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Screenshot of post on Twitter from Antioch by a person who claims to be from Oakland (whose account we will not identify due to its graphic content), which includes a photo of shops in the Streets of Brentwood shopping center at 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2020. The tweet has since been removed.

Some stores already closed or are closing early as a result of threat on social media

By Allen Payton

Due to a comment posted on Twitter by someone who claims to be from Oakland, telling people in Oakland to go to Antioch and the Streets of Brentwood shopping center to loot, on Monday, both the Antioch and Brentwood Police Departments are making preparations.

Screenshot of the Twitter profile showing the account owner claims he’s from Oakland.

The message, posted in Antioch at 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2020 reads, “Oakland, we need to make our way to Antioch and the streets of Brentwood today and take EVERYTHING. The outlets is outside so it’ll be easier to break in and take everything! THIS IS ALL FOR GORGE DONT FORGET! REPOST!” That refers to George Floyd, the man who died after a Minneapolis police office had his knee on Floyd’s neck pinning him to the street for nine minutes, while two other officers also had him pinned down, while a fourth officer stood by guarding them. The tweet has since been removed.

When asked about the message, Antioch Police Chief Tammany Brooks responded, “Already on it.”

Brentwood Police posted the following about their actions to prepare their city, and specifically the shopping center:

“While we stand by everyone’s right to peacefully protest in this difficult time, threats of looting and vandalism will be taken seriously. We have learned of such threats being spread on social media directed at the Streets of Brentwood.

Streets of Brentwood. Photo by Brentwood PD.

As a result, Streets of Brentwood will be closing businesses early today and we will be adding additional staffing to the area to monitor the safety of the public and protection of property. In the interest of everyone’s safety, we ask that you avoid the Streets of Brentwood since businesses will be closed and access to the property will be closed off.”

As of 3:40 p.m., witness said they saw Antioch Police are gathering at the Somersville Towne Center and asking the stores to close. Another resident reported the Lowe’s and Target stores are closed in Antioch.

Also, Brentwood PD posted on their Facebook page at 3:40 p.m. that “Home Depot contacted us to let us know they have closed early today for the safety of their employees and customers.”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Fatal collision in Concord claims life of 52-year-old man Thursday morning

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Concord Police closed Monument Blvd. for four hours following the fatal collision on Thursday, May 28, 2020. Photos by CPD.

By Concord Police Department

On May 28, 2020, at approximately 6:14 AM, Concord PD Officers were dispatched to a report of a solo vehicle collision on Monument Blvd. near Virginia Lane. The vehicle traveled eastbound on Monument Blvd. and veered off the road, colliding with a support pole on the south sidewalk of Monument Blvd., near 1500 Monument Blvd. The male driver, 52-year-old Concord resident, and sole occupant of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Monument Blvd., between Lacey Lane and Virginia Lane, was closed for approximately four hours. As this is an ongoing investigation, no further details are being released at this time.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Traffic Investigator Justin Wilson at the Concord Police Department, 925-603-5962. -482

Man crashes into apartments after tossing automatic weapon out of car during Pittsburg Police chase Sunday night

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Photos by Pittsburg PD.

By Pittsburg Police Department

Sunday night, May 24, 2020, Pittsburg Police officers were patrolling the city like always and came across a car driving recklessly in the area of Rose Ann Avenue and W 17th Street. The driver saw police and decided to flee the area and threw a full auto sub machine gun out the window.

The driver lost control on Power Avenue and crashed into several apartments at the Belmont Apartments. The driver was transported to the hospital and later transported to our county jail. Luckily there were no major injuries.

Please continue to let us know if you see any reckless drivers. #PPD #ConFire #AMR #FullAuto – 374 @Pittsburg, California.

Detroit man arrested for Thursday shootout in Walnut Creek, police seek public’s help finding two others involved

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By Walnut Creek Chief of Police Thomas Chaplin

Suspect Description: Both suspects are described as adult males with dark skin. Both suspects had on masks that covered their faces. Vehicle Description: Light colored sedan

The Walnut Creek Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying two suspects involved in a shooting that occurred in the 1200 block of Newell Avenue. On Thursday, May 21, 2020, at approximately 6:23 p.m., Walnut Creek Police Officers responded to the report of gunshots heard in the area of the 1200 block of Newell Avenue. Officers arrived on scene and located bullet casings, shattered glass and drops of blood in the area.

At approximately 6:36 p.m., officers learned that two adult males were transported to local hospitals for gunshot wounds related to this incident. Both males sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are in stable condition. Further investigation revealed that this incident occurred in the parking lot of a business. Officers located video surveillance of the parking lot, which showed two suspects armed with handguns approach the passenger side of a parked vehicle. At the time of the incident, one victim was seated in the passenger side of the parked vehicle. The suspects, who were wearing face masks, immediately shot at the victim. The victim was struck at least one time. The driver of the parked vehicle, 27-year-old Detroit, Michigan resident John Rankin (born 9/28/1992), returned fire at the two suspects and struck an innocent bystander, who was seated in a nearby vehicle. The shots fired by Rankin also struck a second vehicle that was parked in the parking lot. The suspects fled the scene in an unknown make and model vehicle. At this time, the suspects have not been identified.

As a result of the investigation, Rankin was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Shooting into an Inhabited Vehicle.

Walnut Creek PD released the surveillance video. At this time, a motive for the shooting has not been determined. If anyone has information regarding this incident, please call Detective Leonard at 925-256-3523. WCPD Case Number: 20-13675

Woman on probation for burglary arrested for attempted burglary in stolen car in Concord Wednesday

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Suspect Hannah Nichols. Photo by Concord PD.

By Concord Police Department

With more people staying indoors, opportunities for residential burglaries have decreased. However, that didn’t stop this young lady from trying….

Wednesday morning, May 20, 2020, a few minutes before 6:00 a.m., a resident who lives off of San Simeon Drive, went outside and saw a woman trying to break into her garage. Just before calling the police, the homeowner confronted the woman who fled on foot.

Concord Officers quickly responded to the scene and detained a woman a few blocks away who matched the description of the suspect. The woman was identified as 24-year-old, Hannah Nichols, who also happened to be on felony probation for burglary. The witness positively identified Ms. Nichols as being the woman trying to break into her garage. Additionally, it was determined Ms. Nichols drove to area in a vehicle that was stolen in Concord the previous night.

We want to thank the community member for calling and providing us with a detailed description of the suspect. Also, we want to let you know that despite the Zero-Bail Order, we will continue to respond, investigate, and do everything we possibly can to make sure people who commit crimes in our city are held accountable for their actions. ~454

#stolenvehicle #burglary #concordpd

Detectives arrest man in Pittsburg for Thursday murder

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By Pittsburg Police Department

Thursday evening, May 21, 2020, at approximately 6:45 P.M. Pittsburg Police Officers were called to the 4000 block of Harbor Street after receiving reports of a man suffering from multiple injuries. When officers arrived, the man was found suffering from life threatening injuries and officers began to preform life saving measure. Medical staff arrived and transported the man to a local hospital where he died.

The Pittsburg Police Department’s Investigations Division responded to continue this investigation. During the investigation it was learned that the victim and suspect knew each other and had engaged in an argument prior to the incident. During the argument, the suspect retrieved a weapon and repeatedly struck the victim. The victim left the area and was later located by officers where he was found suffering from multiple wounds to the legs and rear torso.

Detectives were able to learn of the suspect’s identity and officers began a search for his whereabouts. Just after 2:00 A.M. this morning, officers located the suspect and place him under arrest. The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Gabriel Young, was later interviewed by detectives and is now being held at the Martinez Detention Facility.

This continues to be a very active investigation and no further details are available at this time. The Pittsburg Police Department will be presenting this case to the District Attorney next week to file charges on the suspect. This is the City of Pittsburg’s second homicide of the year.

Firey fatal collision in Pittsburg Sunday night under investigation

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Photo by Pittsburg PD.

By Pittsburg Police Department

Just after midnight Monday morning, May 11, 2020, Pittsburg Police Officers responded to a report of a traffic collision with injuries in the 900 block of Garcia Avenue. As officers arrived on scene, they found a car had just collided with the front of a parked Semi-Truck Tractor Trailer.

The car was engulfed in flames and officers could see the driver unconscious and trapped inside. Several Pittsburg Police Officers used fire extinguishers to hold back the flames as they began to pull the man from the vehicle. Contra Costa County Fire arrived on scene to assist and took over medical aid. The man was later transported to John Muir Medical Center for further treatment. Unfortunately, due to the extent of his injuries the man was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

The Pittsburg Police Department’s Fatal Accident Response Team took over the investigation to determine the cause of the collision. During the investigation, several witnesses described the car traveling at a high rate of speed on Garcia Avenue just prior to the collision. It is unknown at this time if impairment was a factor in the collision.

The man’s identity is being withheld at this time pending next of kin contacts. No additional information is available at this time.

Four teens arrested for Danville, Dublin store robberies

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Charged with looting due to coronavirus state of emergency

By Danville Police

Four teenagers are in custody following a Friday afternoon robbery of a Danville CVS store. Danville Police Chief Allan Shields said the incident occurred at approximately 4:53 p.m. on April 17, 2020, when police received a call from an employee of the CVS in the 600 block of San Ramon Boulevard reporting a robbery. The caller stated that two suspects entered the pharmacy, simulated a firearm, and demanded access to the narcotics safe. When employees stated they did not have access, the suspects fled.

Dublin PD had reported a similar incident two hours earlier and provided a description of the car. A deputy from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff located the vehicle on northbound I-680 near Treat Boulevard and initiated a traffic stop. Two of the suspects were identified by the victim of the Danville robbery and two were identified from the Dublin incident. All four have been booked into juvenile hall on charges of robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and looting. Looting is a unique charge that is applied when a person enters a building to commit any theft during state of emergency.

Chief Shields said he was pleased they were able to locate and detain the suspects quickly and praised the efforts of his officers along with officers from Dublin Police Department and the deputies from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff.

“This was an excellent example of how police work together to keep the community safe by capturing criminals,” said Shields. “During this ongoing crisis our officers are busy, but rest assured we will continue to aggressively arrest and seek prosecution for those wishing to do harm in our Town.”

For more information, contact Lt Jason Ingrassia at (925) 314-3700 or jingrassia@danville.ca.gov.

 

Concord Police seek help finding dognapping suspect and puppy missing since Saturday

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https://www.facebook.com/ConcordPolice/videos/543299893283830/?t=12

By Concord Police Department

PLEASE HELP US FIND THIS ADORABLE PUPPY!

Warning, you’re about to get really mad!

This is Max. He is an 11-week-old Malinois puppy. Today, around 10:00 am, Max was stolen from the garage of his owners’ house on Montgomery Ave.

The suspect is described as an adult male, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt (red patches on elbows), dark ball cap, blue jeans, dark shoes, and blue rubber gloves. He carried Max away from the area riding a gold and white bicycle.

If you see Max, know his whereabouts, or recognize this thief, please call Concord Dispatch at (925) 671-3333 and refer to case #20-4193.

Max’s family misses him so much. ~454

 

Max and screenshots of suspected dognapper oon April 18, 2020. Photos by Concord PD.

Monday, 04-20-20 UPDATE: Here are some clearer still images of the DOGNAPPER. We’re hoping something helps someone recognize this man. If so, please contact Concord PD’s Financial Crimes Unit at (925) 671-3030 or if you wish to remain anonymous you can call our tip line at (925) 603-5836. ~454

#findmax #dognapper #pleasehelp #concordpd