Contra Costa Herald

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

Richmond Police honor officer who passed suddenly while off duty

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Source: Richmond PD

By Richmond Police Department

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of RPD Motor Officer Jonathan Platzner. Officer Platzner died unexpectedly after suffering a medical emergency this morning while off duty.

Officer Platzner had been a dedicated member of the Richmond Police Department since 2012. Throughout his years of service, he demonstrated professionalism, compassion and a steadfast commitment to the safety of our community. His loss is deeply felt by his fellow officers, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

We extend our deepest condolences to Officer Platzner’s family, loved ones and colleagues during this difficult time. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as we grieve the loss of a dedicated public servant and friend.

A procession by Richmond Police and Fire Departments personnel was held in Antioch, Friday afternoon, Sept. 26, 2025, as Platzner’s body was transported from Sutter Delta Medical Center. Antioch Police and CHP Officers assisted by blocking traffic on Lone Tree Way to Highway 4.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Three men charged for orchestrating San Ramon jewelry store smash and grab armed robbery

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Surveillance video footage shows about 20 masked suspects entered Heller’s Jewelers in San Ramon for the smash and grab armed robbery on Monday. Source: Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) / X

Michael Lamont Ray, Jr., 31 & Ira Raheem Austin, 19, of San Francisco, Jimmy Mack Ray, 27, of Vallejo

Among about 20 thieves who stole over $1 million of merchandise, used stolen vehicles for getaway

Michael Ray held on $300K bail; Jimmy Ray with history of arrests dating back to 2017 held on no bail; Austin bonded out of custody

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – Three Bay Area men are facing serious felony charges after orchestrating a brazen smash and grab armed robbery at a San Ramon jewelry store on Monday, September 22, 2025, stealing more than one million dollars in merchandise.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office announced charges on Thursday, September 25, 2025, against Michael Lamont Ray, Jr., 31, and Ira Raheem Austin, 19, both of San Francisco, along with Jimmy Mack Ray, 27, of Vallejo, in connection with the September 22nd robbery involving about 20 masked suspects at Heller Jewelers in the City Center Bishop Ranch mall on Bollinger Canyon Road.

The trio executed a scheme that began with stealing vehicles and culminated in an escape that involved gunfire. Each defendant now faces 13 counts of second-degree robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit a crime, with special enhancements under Proposition 36 due to the value of the stolen property.

The conspiracy charges detail 11 overt criminal acts that involved a coordinated operation. The individuals stole vehicles to use in the crime, forcibly entered the jewelry store, smashed display cases to access and steal valuable merchandise and fired a weapon to shatter a glass door during their getaway.

The suspects then fled the scene in the stolen vehicles and evaded pursuing San Ramon Police officers until officers with Oakland Police were able to apprehend the suspects after they were seen leaving a building on the 9900 block of International Boulevard in Oakland.

“Our communities deserve safety from conduct like the audacious daylight robbery in San Ramon,” said Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton. “Thanks to the excellent investigative work by the San Ramon Police Department, these defendants will face significant punishment for the offenses they committed.”

Becton emphasized her office’s commitment to prosecuting theft crimes, stating, “My Office will continue to work with San Ramon PD and other law enforcement partners to identify other perpetrators who participated in this brazen robbery and charge them accordingly.”

Jimmy Ray will be arraigned on September 29th at 1:30 pm in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, 11-inch tall, 170-pound suspect is non-Hispanic, was born 2/20/1998 and being held on no bail. According to localcrimenews.com, Jimmy Ray has a history of arrests by multiple agencies dating to 2017, including by Solano County Sheriff’s Deputies on July 19, 2025, for crimes including possession of ammunition, manufacturing, importing or sale of a large-capacity magazine and violation of probation. Plus, five times for robbery, three times for grand theft, twice each for burglary, use of a firearm, addict in possession of a firearm, elder or dependent adult abuse, threats of violence and vandalism, as well as for human trafficking of a victim under 18, unlawfully causing a minor to engage in a commercial sex act, petty theft and a variety of other charges.

According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, 10-inch tall, 185-pound Michael Ray is Black, was born 7/21/1994 and is being held in the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin on $300,000 bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 30 at 8:30 AM in Alameda County Superior Court, Dept. 112 of the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland.

Michael Ray was also arrested on an outstanding warrant for charges including PC1170(B)-F circumstances in aggravation under CRC 4.421, carrying a concealed firearm on person and in a city, corporal injury to a relationship partner, grand theft exceeding $950 and vandalism under $400 damage.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 5:19 AM Austin had bonded out of custody.

Case No. 01-25-03128 | The People of the State of California v. Michael Lamont Ray, Jr.

Case No. 01-25-03129 | The People of the State of California v. Jimmy Mack Ray

The People of the State of California v. Ira Raheem Austin

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

43-year-old man arrested for Walnut Creek double murder

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Two adult women victims discovered inside residence knew 43-year-old Howard Wang

By Sgt. Mike Watson, Walnut Creek Police

On Thursday, September 18, 2025, at approximately 11:45PM, Walnut Creek Police officers responded to a 911 call reporting a disturbance with possible gunfire in the 100 block of Kelobra Court. Upon arrival, officers discovered two adult women deceased inside the residence.

Following the initial investigation, on Sept. 19th, an adult male – Howard Chen Hao Wang, 43-year-old resident of Walnut Creek (born 4/21/1982), who was known to both victims – was taken into custody. He was charged with two counts of 187 P.C. Murder, is currently booked at the Martinez Detention Facility and is being held without bail.

At this time, investigators do not believe there are any outstanding suspects and there is no indication of an ongoing threat to public safety. This investigation remains active, and no additional details are available for release.

The Walnut Creek Police Department would like to thank the Concord Police Department and the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff for their assistance in this investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at (925) 943-5844 or provide information anonymously through the tip line at (925) 943-5865. Case # 25-29002

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 183-pound Wang has his next court appearance in Superior Court, Dept. 5 in Martinez at on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 1:30 p.m.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was also arrested on Jan. 7, 2023 by Walnut Creek Police for battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse, removing, destroying or  damaging a wireless communication device to prevent summoning assistance or law enforcement. He was previously arrested in November 2014 by Coalinga CHP for driving with a suspended license, a restricted view and speed over 70 MPH.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Bay Point, Concord men arrested, charged with attempted murder for shooting of 3 in Concord parking garage

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31-year-old Justino Lopez-Perez held on $2.3 million bail, 23-year-old Erickson Melendez arrested last year for violent crimes held on $750K bail; third suspect also arrested

By Concord Police Department

As previously reported, on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, shortly after 10:20 PM, three gunshot wound victims arrived at John Muir Medical Center in Concord and reported they were shot while in a parking garage in the 2000 block of Salvio Street in downtown Concord. Patrol officers responded and descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle were developed. These descriptions were shared with area law enforcement agencies. Just over an hour later, deputies from the Contra Costa County, Office of the Sheriff located the suspect vehicle. From that stop, two occupants were detained and arrested. Detectives from the Investigations Division were called to take over the investigation and continue following up on leads throughout the night and the next day.

On Wednesday, at about 6:30 PM, a third suspect was arrested in relation to the shooting. During the arrest and subsequent search, evidence related to the shooting was found. On Thursday, the Contra Costa County, District Attorney’s Office filed charges related to the shooting.

The following two men were charged with the shooting: Justino Lopez-Perez (31 years old, resident of Bay Point, born 11/16/1993) was charged with 664/187 PC- Attempted murder, 182(a)(1) PC- Conspiracy, 26100(c) PC- Discharge a firearm from a vehicle, 245(b) PC-Assault with a firearm, and use of a firearm enhancements. Erickson Adoni Melendez (23 years old, resident of Concord, born 6/2/2002) was charged with 182(a)(1) PC – Conspiracy and 26100(c) PC- Discharge a firearm from a vehicle.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, eight-inch tall, 143-pound Lopez-Perez is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $2.3 million bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 1:35 p.m. in Dept. 5, Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Melendez was also arrested on Sept. 15, 2024, by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies for kidnapping, battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse and assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, 10-inch tall, 175-pound suspect is also being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $750,000 bail. He has the same court appearance date, time and location as Lopez-Perez.

We would like to thank the deputies from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, staff at John Muir Hospital, and community members who supported and assisted in this investigation. The three men who were shot were treated at area hospitals and are expected to survive. If you have any information about this incident, please contact Detective Enrique Espino at (925) 671-3426.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa DA Becton issues statement on Antioch, Pittsburg police corruption cases

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On September 18th, 2025, a federal jury in Oakland, CA found a former Antioch police officer guilty of conspiracy against rights, marking another step toward accountability in a painful chapter for Antioch and Pittsburg. (See related article) (See related article)

This case is part of a broader investigation that began in 2021 into misconduct by several officers entrusted to protect the public, including actions that fall under the broad category of crimes involving moral turpitude.

When a law is broken—especially by those sworn to enforce it—it is not just a legal violation, but an offense against the entire community. That is why in every criminal case, the District Attorney represents The People of the State of California. The harm caused by these individuals was felt by the public at large, and it is our duty and responsibility to pursue justice on behalf of all those affected.

I am grateful to our federal partners, our state and local investigators, and prosecutors who worked tirelessly on these cases on behalf of the residents of Antioch and Pittsburg. Thanks to these combined efforts, both cities have begun to rebuild trust and take meaningful steps toward restoring integrity in their public institutions. These efforts are crucial to ensuring safer, more just communities for all. Our office remains firmly committed to that mission.

Diana Becton

District Attorney, Contra Costa County

2024 Brentwood armed robbery suspects face 13-, 7-year prison sentences

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Following the crash of the suspects’ car, Orey Douglas was arrested, and a gun was recovered on August 4, 2024. Photos: Brentwood PD

28-year-old Orey Douglas of Antioch and 38-year-old Sam Gray of Oakley

Douglas has a history of arrests since 2014 for murder, corporal injury, assault, sex with a minor, vehicle theft, false imprisonment, more

By Brentwood Police Department

On August 4th, 2024, Brentwood officers responded to an armed robbery that occurred at 50 Sand Creek Road. The victim reported being robbed at gunpoint by two suspects, identified as 28-year-old Orey Azniam Douglas of Antioch and 38-year-old Sam Donte Gray of Oakley (born 11-10-85). After both suspects were identified they were placed under arrest and charges were filed.

As previously reported, they robbed Los Mexicanos Market, Douglas was arrested that night and Gray remained at large until he was arrested on August 8, 2024. Douglas was charged with second-degree robbery and three firearms-related charges.

On March 3, 2025, the suspectswere found guilty of armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, along with numerous firearm charges and enhancements.

As of early this month, Gray will serve a 13-year prison sentence and Douglas will serve a 7-year prison sentence.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-feet, three-inch tall, 215-pound Douglas is Black and has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by multiple agencies including police departments in Antioch, Hayward, Fremont, BART, Oakland, San Jose, Vacaville, as well as Sheriff’s Departments in Contra Costa, Alameda and Solano counties, and Contra Costa CHP. Charges include murder, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, multiple gun crimes, sex with a minor and unlawfully causing a minor to engage in a commercial sex act by force, carjacking, vehicle theft, receiving stolen property, false imprisonment, threatening a witness, evading police and resisting arrest.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, nine-inch tall, 217-pound Gray is Black and was held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $140,0000 bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was arrested for conspiracy to commit a crime, robbery, assault with a firearm on a person, felony parole violation and addict in possession of a firearm. Gray was previously arrested on Sept. 8, 2023, by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department on order for a person’s removal from prison to appear in court.

This case was a collaborative effort with our officers, Detectives, along with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. We are pleased this investigation has resulted in sentencing, and we commend the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in bringing this case forward.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Former Antioch Police Officer found guilty of civil rights violations

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Former Antioch Police Officer Devon Wenger was found guilty by a jury on September 18, 2025. Herald file photo

Devon Wenger could face 10 years in prison

Previously convicted on steroid, obstruction charges, claims innocence, is a whistleblower being framed, suing APD

One of 10 Antioch, Pittsburg cops investigated by DA, FBI

By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California

OAKLAND – A federal jury, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, convicted former Antioch police officer Devon Wenger of one count of conspiracy against rights.  The jury’s verdict follows a seven-day trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White.

Wenger, 33, was previously employed as a police officer with the Antioch Police Department.  According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Wenger conspired with other Antioch Police Department officers to use unreasonable force to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate residents of Antioch, California.

“Public trust must be at the forefront of the duty to protect.  By using unnecessary and unreasonable force under the guise of law enforcement, Wenger betrayed the community he was entrusted to protect.  Officers who hold themselves above the law and dishonor their oath of office will be held to account.  The people of Antioch deserve no less,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian.

“Today’s conviction makes clear that when an officer violates the civil rights of those he was sworn to protect, it will not be overlooked or excused. This marks the second time a jury has held Devon Wenger accountable, and it reflects the FBI’s commitment to pursuing justice in every instance where authority is abused. We will continue working with our partners to ensure that those who betray the public’s trust face consequences,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Agustin Lopez.

According to the evidence at trial, Wenger and two other Antioch Police Department officers, Morteza Amiri and Eric Rombough, communicated with each other and others about using and intending to use excessive force against individuals in and around Antioch.  The uses of excessive force included deployment of a K9, deployment of a 40mm “less lethal” launcher, and other unnecessary violence.  The evidence showed that Wenger and others deployed uses of force as punishment to subjects beyond any punishment appropriately imposed by the criminal justice system.  Wenger also withheld details about uses of excessive force from police reports and other official documents.

The jury convicted Wenger of one count of conspiracy against rights in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 241.  The court dismissed a second count that charged Wenger with deprivation of rights under color of law in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242.

Previously, Wenger claimed one incident of excessive use of force in which a 40mm less lethal round was deployed was under direct order of his superior officer.

Previously Convicted on Steroid, Obstruction Charges, Claims Innocence, is a Whistleblower Being Framed, Suing APD

As  previously reported, Wenger was convicted in May of conspiracy to distribute steroids and obstruction of justice following a jury trial in April 2025. However, following that conviction the former Antioch officer said, “Despite what the government is falsely boasting nationwide about me I never have had anything to do with steroids. Never took them, never possessed them, and sure as heck never conspired to distribute them. I took PEPTIDES, gonadorelin to be specific. It’s legal and NOT a steroid. I took the peptides to recover from COVID, COVID almost killed me and had me in a hospital bed and left my body in shambles. I still feel the effects of it to this day and will never fully recover. The FBI even seized gonadorelin and numerous other peptides failed to disclose that.”

He also provided further explanation of the steroid charges.

Regarding the obstruction of justice charge, Wenger said, “Additionally, the government falsely claimed I deleted contacts and Venmo contacts from my phone, yet that is not true. These contacts and Venmo contacts remain in my phone to this day. They never left. Now, my phone was backed up to iCloud the night before the phone seizure and the government could have searched my iCloud and seen that I never deleted anything from my phone, yet they did not even though they seized everybody else’s iCloud. This is because they are pushing a false narrative.”

Further, he claimed earlier this year he’s a whistleblower being framed.

“I am innocent. I am a whistleblower facing a whistleblower retaliation prosecution to silence me. I am being framed on fabricated and tampered evidence. Yes, the FBI and the US Attorneys on this case have fabricated and tampered with evidence, in addition to misrepresenting evidence and even lying to the court, and the public. They have gone so far as to manipulate and suppress the documents that prove this (including exculpatory evidence) in the metadata data of their own discovery documents in order to push their false narrative. The truth will surface. That’s all I can say.”

“In addition to this we have filed a civil lawsuit against APD which outlines everything they put me through which led to these bogus charges against me,” Wenger added.

He shared copies of both his Motion of Acquittal and for a New Trial, and lawsuit against the Antioch Police Department and former Antioch Police Lieutenant Powell Meads, who was Wenger’s superior officer. The complaint claims retaliation, discrimination, hostile workplace harassment, failure to prevent harassment, discrimination or retaliation and requests damages and a trial.

In addition, in a November 2024 interview, Wenger and his then-attorney Nicole Castronovo  argued evidence used against Wenger was unlawfully obtained, undermining his right to a fair trial. Castronovo further alleged prosecutors improperly withheld key exculpatory information from the defense.

They further claimed, in testimony given on October 25, 2024, Larry J. Wallace, Senior Inspector with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, admitted he illegally mishandled sensitive data and failed to seal private information during his involvement in the FBI investigation of the Antioch Police Department in 2021. The mishandling of that evidence resulted in the unauthorized use of Wenger’s personal communications and violated his legal right to privacy. It also violated the stringent rules of CalECPA (California Electronic Communications Privacy Act).

Remanded to Custody Awaiting Dec. 2 Sentencing

The Court ordered Wenger remanded to custody pending sentencing, which is scheduled for Dec. 2, 2025.  He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.  Any sentence will be imposed by the Court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

The case is being prosecuted by the National Security & Special Prosecutions Section and the Oakland Branch of the United States Attorney’s Office.  This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Office of the Contra Costa County District Attorney.

One of 10 Antioch, Pittsburg Cops Prosecuted, Convicted Part of DA, FBI Investigations

These civil rights charges against Wenger were brought as part of an investigation into the Antioch and Pittsburg police departments that resulted in multiple charges against 10 current and former officers and employees of these two police departments for various crimes ranging from the use of excessive force to fraud.  The status of these cases, all of which are before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White, is below:

below:

Case Name and Number Statute(s) Defendant

(Bold: multiple case numbers)

 Status
Fraud

23-cr-00264

 18 U.S.C. §§ 1349 (Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud; 1343 (Wire Fraud) Patrick Berhan Sentenced to 30 months custody, 2 years supervised release concurrent with 24-cr-157 on 9/5/24
Morteza Amiri Sentenced to 84 months custody, 3 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-269 on 6/24/25
Amanda Theodosy a/k/a Nash Sentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release 11/15/24
Samantha Peterson Sentenced to time served, 3 years supervised release 4/24/24
Ernesto Mejia-Orozco Sentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 9/19/24
Brauli Jalapa Rodriguez Sentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 10/25/24
Obstruction

23-cr-00267

 18 U.S.C. §§ 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations); 1512(c)(2) (Obstruction of Official Proceedings); 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law) Timothy Manly Williams Pleaded guilty 11/28/23, status conference 10/7/25
Steroid Distribution

23-cr-00268

 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids), 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Possession with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids) Daniel Harris Pleaded guilty 9/17/24, status conference 10/7/25
21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids);

18 U.S.C.§ 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations)

 Devon Wenger Convicted at trial 4/30/25, sentencing pending
Civil Rights

23-cr-00269

 18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law); § 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations) Morteza Amiri Sentenced to 84 months custody, 3 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-264 on 6/24/25
18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law) Eric Rombough Pleaded guilty 1/14/25, status conference 10/7/25
18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law) Devon Wenger Convicted at trial 9/18/25, sentencing 12/2/25
Steroid Distribution

24-cr-00157

 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Possession with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids) Patrick Berhan Sentenced to 30 months custody, 2 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-264 on 9/5/24
Bank fraud

24-cr-00502

 18 U.S.C. § 1344(1), (2) (Bank fraud) Daniel Harris Pleaded guilty 9/17/24, status conference 10/7/25
Updated September 18, 2025
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

3 suspects arrested for armed robbery at Brentwood gas station

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One of three armed robbery suspects arrested on Wed., Sept. 17, 2025. Photo: Brentwood PD

Christian Sanchez & Jonathan Sanchez of Brentwood being held on $130K and $20K respectively; Ruben Carrion-Rojas of Knightsen also arrested

By Brentwood Police Department

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, around 7:45AM, Brentwood officers were called to the ARCO gas station located at the 6900 block of Brentwood Blvd. for an armed robbery with a knife that just occurred. The reporting party provided Dispatch with a detailed description of the suspects who were last seen walking in the immediate area.

As officers began circulating the area, one of our officers saw the suspects who attempted to flee, however they were ultimately taken into custody.

24-year-old Christian Sanchez of Brentwood (born 4/9/2001), 21-year-old Jonathan Sanchez of Brentwood (born 8/3/2004), and 29-year-old Ruben Carrion-Rojas of Knightsen, were all placed under arrest and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

Thankfully, no one was injured as a result of this incident.

UPDATE 1: On Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against three defendants.

• Christian Sanchez was charged with Robbery and Assault with a Deadly Weapon

• Jonathan Sanchez was charged with Robbery

• Ruben Carrion Rojas was charged with Robbery

This investigation was a collaborative effort between patrol officers and Investigations to ensure a thorough and diligent investigation.

According to localcrimenews.com, Sanchez was also arrested by Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Deputies on August 9, 2024, for battery on a person. According to the Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, 11-inch tall, 125-pound suspect is being held on $130,000 bail.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, eight-inch tall, 180-pound Jonathan Sanchez is also being held on $20,000 bail.

UPDATE 2: According to the Sheriff’s Department, as of Saturday night, September 20, 2025, Carrion-Rojas had bonded out of custody. According to localcrimenews.com, he was also arrested on August 17, 2025, by San Jose Police for violating a court order to prevent domestic violence.

Thanks to the reporting party’s detailed description and the prompt response from officers, this case concluded successfully.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Armed felon arrested in San Pablo

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A San Pablo Police Officer with the armed felon’s gun Tuesday night, Sept. 16, 2025. Photo: San Pablo PD

By San Pablo Police Department

Tuesday night, Sept. 16, 2025, an alert citizen reported a suspicious vehicle circling the block and possibly casing vehicles. Officers arrived on scene and located the vehicle. As officers approached the vehicle, the driver got out of the vehicle and began to run away from officers.

Officers were able to detain the suspect and during a search of the vehicle they located a loaded handgun.

The driver is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing any firearms. The driver was arrested and booked into county jail.

We would like to thank our community for being vigilant.

Street racing enforcement in Danville ends with cars in impound lot

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One of two cars impounded following a street racing incident in early September. Photo: Danville PD

By Danville Police Department

Earlier this month, Danville Police officers observed two vehicles racing at nearly double the posted 30 MPH speed limit on San Ramon Valley Boulevard.

One driver was stopped at the scene, while the second vehicle was later identified through license plate reader technology and impounded for 30 days.

We remain committed to keeping our community safe and will take strong enforcement action against reckless driving and street racing.