Contra Costa Herald

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

Concord Police Department to hold DUI Checkpoint June 19, 2026

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By Provisional Sgt. Lee Lawrence, Concord Police Department

Concord, Calif. – Concord Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint June 19, 2026, from 7:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M. The DUI Checkpoint will occur on westbound Willow Pass Road between Mount Diablo Street and Galindo Street.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on the 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.

The Concord Police Department is committed to keeping the traveling public safe.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Lt. Scott Smith said. “We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.”

Concord Police Department 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.

If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.

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.

Richmond man arrested for killing older brother within hours of fatal assault

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By Lt. Joseph England, PIO, Richmond Police Department

Richmond, CA – As previously reported, the Richmond Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on the evening of Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in the 4500 block of Potrero Avenue.

At approximately 9:09 p.m., Richmond Police officers responded to a residence in the 4500 block of Potrero Avenue to assist fire and medical personnel with a medical call for service. Medical personnel requested police assistance after determining the victim’s injuries appeared to be the result of an assault. Officers arrived and found medical personnel performing life-saving measures on 68-year-old Jerome Timmons. Despite their efforts, Timmons succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Officers quickly identified 61-year-old Victor Doyle Blacknell, born 6/24/1964, as the suspect and determined that the victim and suspect were siblings. Detectives from the Richmond Police Department Homicide Unit responded and assumed responsibility for the investigation.

The preliminary investigation indicates Timmons and Blacknell were involved in a verbal argument that escalated into a physical altercation. Following the assault, Blacknell fled the scene. Officers quickly developed information regarding Blacknell’s whereabouts and responded to a residence in the 1500 block of Maine Avenue, where he was safely taken into custody without incident.

The investigation remains in its early stages, and detectives are continuing to determine what led to the altercation. Blacknell remains in custody and has been booked on one count of murder, in violation of California Penal Code 187(a). He is being held on $1,000,000 bail.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, seven-inch tall, 175-pound Blacknell is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Richmond Police Department Investigations Bureau at (510) 621-1288.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

During San Pablo traffic stop motorcyclist arrested for over 100 grams of meth

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108 ounces of meth confiscated on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Photo: San Pablo PD

By San Pablo Police Department

Tonight’s Attempt at a Getaway: 0/10 Stars

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at approximately 8:40 p.m., officers attempted a traffic stop on a motorcycle that was missing one important accessory: license plates.

As soon as the rider spotted the officer, he decided to test his luck and accelerated away. Unfortunately, while attempting to pass another vehicle, he failed to notice the center median and introduced himself to it rather abruptly.

Spoiler alert: he did not get away.

During a search, officers located approximately 108 grams of methamphetamine. The rider was treated for minor injuries and received a complimentary ride in an ambulance.

As for the motorcycle… let’s just say it took the collision a little harder than its rider did.

Two arrested for stealing sunglasses worth $45K from San Ramon store

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Stolen sunglasses recovered from thieves on June 11, 2026. Photos: San Ramon PD

By San Ramon Police Department

On Thursday June 11, 2026, San Ramon Police officers arrested two suspects following a retail theft at City Center that resulted in the recovery of more than $45,000 in stolen merchandise.

Emptied out sunglass cases inside store. Photos: San Ramon PD

A suspect entered a local business, filled a garbage bag with high-end sunglasses, and then fled the store. A Corporal assigned to our Organized Retail Theft Suppression Team, who was patrolling the area at the time, quickly located the suspect, who attempted to evade capture on foot before getting into a waiting vehicle.

Working together, patrol officers stopped the vehicle and safely took both suspects into custody. All stolen merchandise was recovered and returned to the business.

This case is a great example of the impact proactive patrols and teamwork can have on crime in our community. Because officers were already in the area and responded quickly, a significant theft was solved within minutes, stolen property was recovered, and those responsible were taken into custody.

Outstanding work by the officers involved!

In addition, following is a brief summary of the arrests made by officers from the San Ramon Police Department from in their police log for the week of June 4-11, 2026.

06/06/2026

  • A 44-year-old male was arrested for criminal conspiracy, shoplifting, petty theft with priors, and violating probation.
  • A 43-year-old female was arrested for criminal conspiracy, shoplifting, petty theft with priors, and violating probation.
  • A 33-year-old male was arrested for unlawful possession or use of tear gas, possession of a controlled substance, violating probation, violating parole, smuggling a controlled substance into jail, and pursuant to an arrest warrant.

06/07/2026

  • A 26-year-old female was arrested for shoplifting.
  • A 25-year-old male was arrested for violating a domestic violence court order.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pleasant Hill Police make 92 arrests in May

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Source: Pleasant Hill PD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

It’s June and you know what that means – it’s time to provide you with a look at some of the police activity that took place in our city in May 2026.

We’ll continue sharing this information monthly on social media, but for a more extensive look at our crime stats, please visit our website – https://www.phillca.gov/1384/Crime-Statistics.

Walnut Creek Police Department’s K9 Rollo to get donation of body armor

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Walnut Creek Police K9 Rollo. Photo: WCPD

By Walnut Creek Police Department

K9 Rollo will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Rollo’s vest was sponsored by Buddy the Basset and Friends of Scottsville, VA and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Buddy the Basset – A friend to all”. Delivery is expected within ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,513 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

Back-to-back gun arrests by San Pablo Police graveyard officers

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Guns confiscated during arrests on June 14 and 15, 2026. Photos: San Pablo PD

Richmond police assist

Included two juveniles, one sent to Juvie Hall, the other released to guardian

By San Pablo Police Department

Zero Dark Thirty Activities

On Sunday, June 14, 2026, at around midnight, San Pablo Police graveyard officers pulled over a car at the intersection of Church Lane and Dover Avenue for a vehicle code violation.

The officers were instantly greeted by the unmistakable smell of marijuana drifting out the car. Officers saw the driver acting nervously and appeared to be hiding something in his waistband. Based off these peculiar behaviors, officers asked the driver to step out of the car. Low and behold, Officers found a loaded gun in his waistband.

The suspect’s midnight joyride was cut short, and he was promptly fitted with silver bracelets and booked into the local Juvenile Hall.

The gun was found to be stolen and no person in the car was over the age of 21 with a medical permit.

On Monday, June 15, 2026, around 11 p.m. graveyard officers pulled over a car at the area of San Pablo Avenue and Van Ness Street for a vehicle code violation. The male driver must have thought the officer’s lights and siren were a polite suggestion, so he decided to not stop for a few blocks. When the car eventually stopped, officers got out of their cars, but simultaneously so did two female passengers at a much hastier pace.

The wild sequence of events unfolded as follows:

One female took off running, but while being chased, she decided to shed some weight by casually tossing a loaded 9mm Glock on someone’s lawn. Spoiler alert, she was shortly captured after.

Another female decided her best camouflage was to hide directly underneath a parked car. Shout out to the helpful neighbors who ratted her out to our officers!

Less of an aerodynamic (but just as effective) arrest. This female was found to be a juvenile out past her bedtime.

Meanwhile, the male driver left the two females and casually drove to his home in Richmond where Richmond Police Department officers were patiently waiting for his arrival for his complimentary ride to jail.

The car was slapped with a 30-day vacation at the tow yard, the adults were sent off to the county jail, and the juvenile was released to her guardian.

Richmond Police investigate Tuesday night homicide

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By Richmond Police Department

The Richmond Police Department is currently investigating a homicide that occurred in the 4500 block of Potrero Avenue.

Officers responded to the area and are actively conducting an investigation. Detectives remain on scene gathering evidence and following up on leads.

At this time, there is no additional information available for release. More details will be provided as they become available and when it is appropriate to do so without compromising the investigation.

We ask community members to avoid the immediate area and expect an increased police presence while investigators complete their work.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Richmond Police Department or submit an anonymous tip through the department’s tip line at (510) 223-1214.

The Richmond Police Department appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.

More information will be released when available.

East County Vehicle Theft Suppression operation results in six arrests, four illegal firearms seized, more

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12 law enforcement agencies participated in the operation on May 21, 2026. Photos: Antioch PD

Multi-agency effort in Antioch, Pittsburg, Oakley

By Antioch Police Department

On Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Antioch Police Department hosted a Vehicle Theft Suppression and Enforcement Team (VSET) operation involving the cities of Antioch, Pittsburg and Oakley. The operation brought together 65 officers from 12 law enforcement agencies across Contra Costa County, including the CHP Contra Costa and Contra Costa County Probation Department.

As a result of the coordinated enforcement effort, officers conducted 112 enforcement stops, leading to:

  • 6 felony arrests
  • Recovery of 4 illegal firearms
  • 22 citations issued
  • Arrest of three subjects following a pursuit of a vehicle wanted in connection with felony charges
  • Recovery of an occupied stolen vehicle and the arrest of its occupant
  • Recovery of 5 abandoned stolen vehicles
  • 9 vehicles impounded

In addition to enforcement activities, officers partnered with Contra Costa County Probation to conduct probation searches at 11 locations and worked alongside CHP on a business inspection.

This operation highlights the effectiveness of regional collaboration in addressing crime, enhancing public safety, and improving the quality of life throughout our communities. We thank all participating agencies for their commitment and teamwork in making this operation a success.

One of two Lafayette shoplifters arrested following pursuit, crash

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Suspects drive wrong way; assistance from multiple agencies includes two helicopters, Sheriff’s K-9

43-year-old from Oakland has history of arrests

By Lafayette Police Department

On Tuesday afternoon, June 2, 2026, at about 2:13, Lafayette police officers responded to a business on the 3500 block of Mt. Diablo Blvd. for a report of two shoplifters who stole items and then fled in a silver-colored Honda.

On Pleasant Hill Road, the suspect vehicle drove past a Lafayette Police officer who attempted to stop the car. The Honda fled leading the officer on a pursuit which the officer terminated and pulled over when the suspect vehicle drove north in the southbound lanes.

The officer later came upon a collision involving the Honda and another vehicle a short distance away. The suspects fled on foot.

Officers from the Orinda Police Department and deputy sheriffs from Valley Station responded to set up a perimeter and help search for the suspects. Helicopters from the California Highway Patrol and East Bay Regional Park District Police also provided assistance.

Pleasant Hill Road was closed at Springhill Road and Green Valley Drive.

A Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office police K-9 located one suspect who was taken into custody and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. Another suspect remains outstanding. The two occupants in the car that was struck by the suspect vehicle were taken to a local hospital as a precaution.

According to a report on X (Twitter) by Henry K. Lee of KTVU FOX 2, the business is the BevMo and William Ware, age 43, was arrested.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 210-pound William Pierr Ware, born 9/26/1982 is Black and being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he lives in Oakland and has a history of arrests dating back to 2021 by multiple agencies for crimes including grand theft, organized retail theft, burglary, receiving stolen property, evading with wanton disregard for safety and resisting, obstructing and/or delaying a peace officer.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Lafayette Police Department at (925) 284-5010. Tips can be emailed to: 94549tip@gmail.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.