Contra Costa Herald

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

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

By Leave a Comment

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

By Leave a Comment

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

By Leave a Comment

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

By Leave a Comment

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

By Leave a Comment

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

Three arrested for stealing catalytic converters in Concord early Monday morning

By 4 Comments

Suspects’ car and catalytic converters Monday April 20, 2020. Photos by Concord PD.

By Concord Police Department

Catalytic converters thefts have become all too common because of their value and lack of identifying markings. So, when we’re able to catch one of these rampant thieves in action, we want to make sure to let you know!

Earlier this morning, Monday, April 20, 2020 around 3:00 am, employees from Wave Broadband found three men on their property trying to saw off a catalytic converter from one of their vehicles. The trio fled the scene in an SUV, but not before the driver almost hit one of the witnesses (fortunately, he was able to quickly jump aside).

The employees got in their vehicle and were able to follow the suspects from a safe distance while providing Dispatch with their updated location. Officers quickly responded, conducted an enforcement stop, and apprehended the suspects. A search of the SUV yielded burglary tools and two catalytic converters.

All three suspects were placed under arrest. The driver was also sent to County Jail for attempted assault with a deadly weapon. ~454/493

Martinez man arrested for stolen car, tools following hit-and-run collision and police chase into Concord

By 2 Comments

Suspect Antonio Neely arrested and stolen SUV on Saturday April 18, 2020. Photos by Concord PD.

By Concord Police Department

In case you weren’t aware, social distancing is not an excuse to run from the police!

On Saturday, April 18, 2020 several callers reported a black SUV driving recklessly while exiting southbound HWY 242 at Solano Way and Grant St. The left front tire completely came off of its wheel, but that didn’t stop the suspect from continuing to drive while dwindling down the rim.

Once the SUV reached the city streets of Concord it came to its resting point on the center median. The suspect frantically exited, but not before grabbing a backpack and a few boxes of tools. He then ran into a nearby neighborhood where several callers witnessed him jumping fences into various backyards.

At this point, our Dispatch received information from Martinez PD that the SUV was involved in a hit-and-run collision in their city after the driver stole tools from the Martinez Home Depot. Minutes later, Concord Dispatch got a call from a Concord resident wanting to report their SUV stolen. Turns out, the license plate number provided by the registered owner matched the one that the suspect used in his crime spree.

While Concord Officers were searching the area, another caller reported seeing the suspect jumping fences. Officers arrived at the address within seconds and found the suspect, who continued on his path of poor decisions, and ran. Officers gave chase and after a brief foot pursuit were able to apprehend the suspect without incident. Additionally, the suspect attempted to discard a backpack he was carrying while running, which was discovered to contain the stolen tools from Martinez.

The suspect in this case was identified as 24-year-old Martinez resident, Antonio Neely. A records check revealed he is on felony probation for robbery and evading police. For his actions, Concord PD placed Neely under arrest for a surfeit of criminal violations and provided him with a ride to County Jail.

A big thanks to all of the amazing witnesses who called and helped us apprehend Mr. Neely. As we repeatedly say, we couldn’t do this without you! ~454

#stolenvehicle #criminal #teamwork #concordpd #incustody

Two arrested for stealing Amazon delivery van in Antioch, recovered in Pittsburg

By Leave a Comment

Amazon van theft suspects with their car and packages inside on Saturday, April 18, 2020. Photos by APD.

By Antioch Police Department

Be a good neighbor that you can always count on.

You wanna know what makes East county strong? Read below and I’ll tell you…

Just before 2 pm on Saturday, April 18, 2020, APD was notified that an Amazon delivery van had been stolen on West 9th and B Streets. Our awesome dispatchers put out a quick alert to all surrounding police departments to be-on-the-lookout. A short time later, an observant Pittsburg Police Department, Pittsburg, CA Police Officer found the van and began recovering it. While doing so, an equally observant Pittsburg resident approached the officer and said they saw some suspicious characters removing packages from the van, placing them into a silver Mitsubishi with Colorado plates.

The witness took a picture of the plate and gave it to the officer, which was relayed back to us. At about 3:30 pm, Officer Angelini (pictured upper left fitting the first crook with new bracelets) spotted said Mitsubishi on the south side of our fine city and halted this criminal spree. Officers found several stolen packages in the back of the vehicle and will be working with Amazon to get them back to their intended destinations.

Note to criminals: Stealing vehicles and packages are not essential activities. Your failure to #StayAtHome and your decision to mess with Antioch and Pittsburg resulted in an express trip to the County Motel (AKA jail).

Amazon packages APD Officer Angelini on April 18, 2020.

This incident is the classic example of “See Something, Say Something! This was a collaborative effort between two cities, two police departments, and a very alert citizen. Please continue to report suspicious incidents to our Dispatch at (925) 778-2441, or 9-1-1 if you think it’s an emergency.

A special thanks to the Pittsburg resident and Pittsburg PD for continuing to show they are a great neighbor!!! #EastCountyStrong #AntiochPD #PittsburgPD

Some of you have asked more about Officer Angelini after his good bust yesterday from the Amazon package theft caper. Here’s a picture of him taking a moment away from his investigation to proudly pose next to his find. Did you know Officer Angelini is originally from Brazil, speaks three languages, loves riding dirt bikes, and (sorry ladies!) is happily married! #OfficerAngelini #DontStealPackages

 

Richmond Police investigate Oakland Police shooting death of kidnapping suspect following chase Thursday

By 1 Comment

Suspect’s van rams Oakland Police car on April 16, 2020 injuring two officers. Richmond PD video screenshot.

Suspect rammed Oakland Police cars injuring two officers

By Richmond and Vallejo Police Departments

Deceased kidnapping suspect Juan Ayon-Barraza. Photo by Vallejo PD.

On Thursday, April 16th, 2020, at approximately 8:08 AM, the Vallejo Police Department received a call from concerned family members about a missing 29-year-old female.

Family members last saw the victim at approximately 7:35 AM, in the 900 block of Kentucky Street in the City of Vallejo with suspect Juan Ayon-Barraza, a 24-year-old Vallejo resident.

The victim told family members that she was leaving to get breakfast with him and would return. A short time later, Barraza, made contact with a family member of the victim via telephone, where he made an unsettling comment – causing them to be extremely concerned for her well-being.

At approximately 8:00 AM, the victim’s family contacted Barraza in person and confronted him in an attempt to determine the victim’s whereabouts. Barraza was evasive with the family and then fled from them.

Utilizing every resource available, the Vallejo Police Department Detective Division worked this case diligently as an at-risk missing person case.

According to a KTVU Fox 2 report, the man was suspected of kidnapping and beating the woman, then leaving her in the Oakland hills.

At 6:45 PM the Oakland Police Department Communications Division received a report from a concerned citizen in the city limits of Moraga after observing a subject discarding what appeared to be a body on the side of the road from a white van.

The body reported in Moraga was found to be a female victim abandoned on the side of the road in the area of Pinehurst Road and Skyline Boulevard, in unincorporated Contra Costa County, which at the time was believed to be related to Vallejo’s investigation. She was later confirmed to be the at-risk missing person from Vallejo. She was still alive but unresponsive and transported to a local hospital, where she was treated for at least one gunshot wound. The victim is presently in critical condition.

Due to the location of the incident Oakland and Moraga Police, and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the area as it is a remote, rural area along the border of Alameda and Contra Costa counties. A witness provided of the suspect vehicle as a white Chevy Astro van.

As officers responded to the area, a Moraga Police officer located the suspect vehicle and attempted a traffic enforcement stop. The suspect vehicle failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued. As the pursuit went toward Oakland, Oakland PD officers joined in and ultimately became lead as it entered their jurisdiction.

The suspect vehicle led Oakland PD officers on a pursuit via the freeways to the city of Richmond. During the pursuit, officers could see Barraza was armed with a handgun as he was driving at high speeds. The pursuit went through multiple streets in Richmond to the area of South 37th Street and Stege Avenue. The pursuit lasted for approximately twenty minutes in length.

While making a U-turn on S. 37th Street at Carlson Boulevard, the suspect pointed his firearm at pursuing officers. Multiple Oakland police officers and a Richmond police officer fired their weapons in defense of their and/or other lives, simultaneously, the suspect vehicle crossed over into traffic on South 37th Street and Stege Ave. and collided with an Oakland police vehicle. (See Richmond PD video)

Oakland PD officer on ground after he and one other officer were struck by suspect’s van. RPD video screenshot

Two Oakland police officers were injured during the collision, both considered moderate and non-life threatening. One officer has been treated and released while the other officer remains in a local hospital. The suspect sustained a fatal gunshot wound during this incident. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The female victim sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The female victim is currently listed in critical condition and is on life support.

This is an ongoing investigation that involved multiple agencies including Oakland Police Department, Richmond Police Department, Vallejo Police Department, Moraga Police Department, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, Contra Costa County Crime Lab and Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. This incident is being investigated as a part of the Contra Costa County Law Enforcement Incident Fatality (LEIF) protocol.

If you have any additional information regarding this investigation, please contact the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office at 925-957-2200 or Sergeant Pomeroy with the Richmond Police Department at 510-620-6616 or Vallejo Police Detective Craig Long at (707) 648-4514 or Detective Josh Caitham at (707) 648-4342.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood Police arrest machete man from Saturday morning incident on other charges Friday morning

By 1 Comment

Knives and billy club suspect Adam Ortega was arrested with on Friday, April 17, 2020. Photo by Brentwood PD. Adam Ortega in screenshot of security camera video from Saturday morning April 11, 2020.

By Brentwood Police Department

Friday morning April 17, 2020 at around 8 AM, an alert Brentwood resident called in a report of a suspicious person with a large knife in his back pocket. He was not brandishing the knife and was last seen walking near a creek in the area of Tuckahoe Way.

Officers arrived minutes later and located Adam Ortega, a 35-year-old resident of Brentwood. Ortega was cooperative with police and was found to be in possession of the following items: a machete, hatchet, a knife and a billy club.

Ortega is the same man arrested for vandalism and petty theft from a homeowner on Baird Circle on April 11. Both of these investigations will be updated and forwarded to our District Attorney’s Office for review. (See related article)

Ortega was arrested for felony possession of a billy club and a misdemeanor probation violation. He was transported and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

We appreciate our community for their support and remaining vigilant.