Contra Costa Herald

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

Sheriff’s Marine Patrol searches for Delta boater missing since Thursday morning

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Photo by CCCSheriff.

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

A search for a missing boater is continuing this morning by the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Marine Patrol Unit.

On Thursday, May 28, 2020, at about 10:30 in the morning, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing boater who had gone into the waters in the San Joaquin River, north of Webb Tract.

The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit responded and were assisted by Solano County, Sacramento County, San Joaquin County and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Umut Felik, a 27-year-old man from San Francisco, was swimming when he apparently had trouble staying above the water. At one point he went underwater and did not resurface. His friends on a boat went into the water to search for him but were not able to find him. They reported the incident to the Sheriff’s Office.

A search of the area with a sonar was suspended at 8 PM. Felik was not located.

Anyone with any information on this incident to asked to contact the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit at (925) 427-8507.

El Sobrante man arrested for murder of 90-year-old grandma Sunday morning

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

This morning, May 10, 2020, at about 9:28 a.m., Bay Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a medical-police call at the 700 block of Pebble Drive in El Sobrante.  Deputies found a 90-year-old woman who suffered from trauma in a bedroom. She was later pronounced deceased at the scene. She is not being identified at this time.

While at the residence, Deputies detained the victim’s grandson. He was later arrested for homicide. He is identified as 42-year-old Sean Johnson of El Sobrante. He was later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

The Crime Lab and Office of the Sheriff homicide detectives responded to the scene.

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

Suspect sought for murder of San Pablo man with criminal history in Rodeo on Friday

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

Victim Olajawon Walker in a 2013 photo on his Facebook page.

On Friday, April 24, 2020, at about 7:52 PM, Bay Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report that someone was shot at the 1000 block of Mariposa Avenue in Rodeo.

Deputies arrived finding a man on the street suffering from a gunshot wound. The fire department and an ambulance responded. The man was later pronounced deceased at the scene. He has been identified as 24-year-old Olajawon Walker of San Pablo.

According to his Facebook page and an internet search, he attended Pinole Valley High School and John Swett High School. According to friends, he leaves behind one child. In addition, Walker was arrested multiple times by Richmond, Oakland and Pinole Police Departments and the Contra Costa, Solano and San Bernardino Counties Sheriff’s Departments between 2016 and 2020 on charges of pimping, loitering with intent to commit prostitution, false imprisonment/human trafficking, spousal/cohabitant abuse, petty theft, receiving or concealing stolen property, unlawful use of willfully obtained personal identification, failure to appear, resisting arrest and probation violations.

Detectives from the Homicide Unit and personnel from the crime lab responded to the location. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Sheriff Livingston calls $0 bail “irresponsible”, explains Brentwood machete man case

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Adam Ortega with machete on Brentwood residents’ porch, Sat. morning April 11, 2020. Sheriff Livingston’s badge. Herald file photos.

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

35-year-old Adam Ortega, a transient in Brentwood, was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility at about 10 AM on Friday, April 17, 2020. He was booked for the offenses requested by the Brentwood police, possession of a dangerous weapon and probation violation. (See related articles, here, here and here)

Because of the Judicial Council of California’s mandatory emergency rule of zero bail for misdemeanors and non-violent/non-serious felonies, both of the alleged offenses committed by Ortega were zero bail. He was later cite released. (See related article)

“I like most California Sheriffs believe the Judicial Council’s decision to implement $0 bail for a wide range of criminal offenses was irresponsible, unnecessary and an overreaction,” said Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston. “A state-wide solution to local issues is almost never good policy – that is certainly the case here. People who commit offenses against others should be held accountable, COVID-19 or not.”

UPDATE: It was a prank – Danville resident receives fraudulent COVID-19 Sheriff’s Dep’t violation letter

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

Tuesday, April 21, 2020 UPDATE: Further investigation of this incident by the Danville Police Department has determined that the COVID-19 notice was put on the door by a member of the household as a prank.

ORIGINAL POST: The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff would like to call your attention to a phony “cease and desist” letter that appears to have originated from the Sheriff’s Office.

A Danville resident on Lakefield Ct. notified the Danville Police Department that she found the warning letter on her door this morning. The letter is titled, ‘Notice to Cease and Desist for Specific Activity.’ The letter mentioned the reason was ‘non-essential construction activity,’ a reference to activities (or businesses) that are not allowed during the Health Officer order to shelter at home because of COVID-19. The letter included a Sheriff’s Office badge and warned of civil penalties for violations.

The Sheriff’s Office has not issued any such letters. Anyone who receives one should ignore it and notify the Office of the Sheriff at (925) 646-2441.

The Danville Police Department is looking into this fake letter. Any resident who might have received a similar letter or has any information is asked to contact Sergeant S. Stapleton of Danville PD at (925) 314-3700.

 

UPDATE: Contra Costa Sheriff issues misdemeanor citation to North Richmond church for holding Easter service

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All Nations Church of God in Christ from Google Maps and Pastor Wyndford Williams, Sr. from the church’s Facebook page.

UPDATE: Filed the case with DA’s office for prosecution; parishioners weren’t wearing masks nor practicing social distancing according to the Deputy Sheriff. Pastor denies those claims.

By Allen Payton

In a press release from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s spokesman Jimmy Lee wrote, “at about 12:32 PM on Sunday, April 12, 2020, the Office of the Sheriff received an anonymous complaint of an unlawful assembly at the All Nations Church of God in Christ at 1225 York Street in North Richmond.

A deputy responded to the location and saw approximately 40 people inside the church. None of them were wearing a face mask and they did not practice social distancing.

The deputy first spoke to the deacon and asked to speak to the pastor who was in front of the parishioners. The pastor was uncooperative and refused to talk to the deputy.

The deputy left the location and wrote a report.

On April 13, 2020, a Deputy responded to the church and issued a misdemeanor citation for violation of the Health Officer order (California Health and Safety Code § 120295).

The Sheriff’s Office later filed a case with the Contra Costa DA’s Office for prosecution.

‘Our focus has been on education of the Health Officer Order and in the vast majority of cases we ask for voluntary compliance and that solves the problem,’ said Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston. ‘This was different. The pastor refused to cooperate and put the lives of dozens of parishioners at risk.’”

Asked if the deputy attempted to interrupt the church service to speak to the pastor, Lee responded, “no” and reiterated that the deputy first spoke to the deacon. Asked if the deputy waited until after the church service was over to speak to the pastor, Lee responded, “I don’t have that detail but the Deputy made several attempts to talk to the pastor, who refused to talk to him.”

Attempts to reach the church’s pastor, Wyndford Williams, Sr., for comment by phone and email were unsuccessful prior to publication time. A message on the church’s Facebook page Thursday afternoon stated media inquiries were to be sent to the pastor’s email address and that “a reply will be sent within 24 hours.”

5:11 PM UPDATE: The following “official statement” was received from the pastor refuting the Sheriff Deputy’s claims in his report – “Easter Sunday is one of the most important celebrations in the Christian faith. A small service was held with approximately forty people in attendance. Masks were worn. Hand sanitizers were provided. Families that lived together sat together. Otherwise, social distancing was observed.”

On Monday, U.S. Attorney General Barr issued a statement on “Religious Practice and Social Distancing”.

In it, he wrote, “In exigent circumstances, when the community as a whole faces an impending harm of this magnitude, and where the measures are tailored to meeting the imminent danger, the constitution does allow some temporary restriction on our liberties that would not be tolerated in normal circumstances.

But even in times of emergency, when reasonable and temporary restrictions are placed on rights, the First Amendment and federal statutory law prohibit discrimination against religious institutions and religious believers.  Thus, government may not impose special restrictions on religious activity that do not also apply to similar nonreligious activity. For example, if a government allows movie theaters, restaurants, concert halls, and other comparable places of assembly to remain open and unrestricted, it may not order houses of worship to close, limit their congregation size, or otherwise impede religious gatherings.  Religious institutions must not be singled out for special burdens.”

The Department of Justice filed a Statement of Interest in support of a church in Mississippi that sought to hold “parking lot worship services, in which congregants listened to their pastor preach over their car radios, while sitting in their cars in the church parking lot with their windows rolled up.” That was because the “city (of Greenville) appears to have…singled churches out as the only essential service (as designated by the state of Mississippi) that may not operate despite following all CDC and state recommendations regarding social distancing… while permitting citizens to attend nearby drive-in restaurants, even with their windows open.”

In the case of the All Nations Church of God, neither the pastor nor parishioners were following the guidelines and practices of social distancing as outlined in the county health officer’s order of “no gatherings”. (See related article)

Asked if the Sheriff’s Office wouldn’t have cited the church if the parishioners had been wearing masks and practiced social distancing, or if it was because more than 10 people were gathered, Lee responded, “Everything we want to say is in the press release.”

See the complete statement by Attorney General Barr, here:

Attorney General William P. Barr Issues Statement on Religious Practice and Social Distancing; Department of Justice Files Statement of Interest in Mississippi Church Case

Attorney General William P. Barr issued the following statement:

“In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the President has issued guidelines calling on all Americans to do their part to slow the spread of a dangerous and highly contagious virus.  Those measures are important because the virus is transmitted so easily from person to person, and because it all too often has life-threatening consequences for its victims, it has the potential to overwhelm health care systems when it surges.

To contain the virus and protect the most vulnerable among us, Americans have been asked, for a limited period of time, to practice rigorous social distancing.  The President has also asked Americans to listen to and follow directions issued by state and local authorities regarding social distancing.  Social distancing, while difficult and unfamiliar for a nation that has long prided itself on the strength of its voluntary associations, has the potential to save hundreds of thousands of American lives from an imminent threat.  Scrupulously observing these guidelines is the best path to swiftly ending COVID-19’s profound disruptions to our national life and resuming the normal economic life of our country.  Citizens who seek to do otherwise are not merely assuming risk with respect to themselves, but are exposing others to danger.  In exigent circumstances, when the community as a whole faces an impending harm of this magnitude, and where the measures are tailored to meeting the imminent danger, the constitution does allow some temporary restriction on our liberties that would not be tolerated in normal circumstances.

But even in times of emergency, when reasonable and temporary restrictions are placed on rights, the First Amendment and federal statutory law prohibit discrimination against religious institutions and religious believers.  Thus, government may not impose special restrictions on religious activity that do not also apply to similar nonreligious activity. For example, if a government allows movie theaters, restaurants, concert halls, and other comparable places of assembly to remain open and unrestricted, it may not order houses of worship to close, limit their congregation size, or otherwise impede religious gatherings.  Religious institutions must not be singled out for special burdens.

Today, the Department filed a Statement of Interest in support of a church in Mississippi that allegedly sought to hold parking lot worship services, in which congregants listened to their pastor preach over their car radios, while sitting in their cars in the church parking lot with their windows rolled up.  The City of Greenville fined congregants $500 per person for attending these parking lot services – while permitting citizens to attend nearby drive-in restaurants, even with their windows open.[1]  The City appears to have thereby singled churches out as the only essential service (as designated by the state of Mississippi) that may not operate despite following all CDC and state recommendations regarding social distancing.

As we explain in the Statement of Interest, where a state has not acted evenhandedly, it must have a compelling reason to impose restrictions on places of worship and must ensure that those restrictions are narrowly tailored to advance its compelling interest.  While we believe that during this period there is a sufficient basis for the social distancing rules that have been put in place, the scope and justification of restrictions beyond that will have to be assessed based on the circumstances as they evolve.

Religion and religious worship continue to be central to the lives of millions of Americans.  This is true more so than ever during this difficult time.  The pandemic has changed the ways Americans live their lives.  Religious communities have rallied to the critical need to protect the community from the spread of this disease by making services available online and in ways that otherwise comply with social distancing guidelines.

The United States Department of Justice will continue to ensure that religious freedom remains protected if any state or local government, in their response to COVID-19, singles out, targets, or discriminates against any house of worship for special restrictions.”

 

 

Sheriff, DA asked to make exception for jailing, prosecuting man with machete arrested by Brentwood Police Saturday morning

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Security camera video screenshot of Adam Scott Ortega with what appears to be a machete on Saturday morning, April 11, 2020. Posted on Facebook by resident and victim Voltaire Apse.

Cited for misdemeanors and released, after menacing family twice in the same night; “We’ll get it submitted to the DA” – Brentwood Police Chief Tom Hansen 

By Allen Payton

In an effort to get the man put in jail, who Brentwood Police arrested early Saturday morning for vandalism after menacing a family outside their front door, twice and once with a machete at 4:00 a.m., and stealing their security cameras, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s office said they will consider the case once the police send it to them.

“We are still filing cases but only if they are serious or violent felonies and certain misdemeanors, like domestic violence,” wrote Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer for the Contra Costa District Attorney on Thursday, “Brentwood PD can bring the case over to us for a filing decision. They have a year to do so if it is a misdemeanor and three years for a felony. For this instance, they did not bring the case over for our review given the ongoing crisis and impacts on the court. Since March 30 we have been able to file only the most serious cases.”

“We are working well with our justice partners to reduce the threat of COVID-19 among our jails,” he continued. “We are doing the following with our partners (Sheriff, Public Defender, Probation and Courts): Delayed the prosecution of non-violent crimes and other crimes which do not impact Public Safety; Identified and released elderly and vulnerable inmates whose release does not impact Public Safety; and Arranged the early release of inmates with less than 60 days left to serve in their sentences.”

Later Saturday morning, the homeowner, Voltaire Apse, posted a comment to the Brentwood Police Facebook page along with a screenshot of the surveillance video of the man, showing a scene that appeared to be straight out of a horror movie, which was shared on social media and with the Herald late Tuesday night. Apse explained the frightening ordeal he and his family experienced.

A KTVU Fox 2 news report on Wednesday showed the surveillance video of the man approaching the residents’ front door with a machete in hand and stealing the surveillance cameras. The report claimed the man wasn’t taken to county jail due to COVID-19 concerns and was merely cited for misdemeanors and released.

Then according to a KPIX CBS 5 news report on Thursday, the Brentwood Police explained why they had only charged the man with misdemeanors of vandalism, for stealing the family’s security cameras and slashing one of the tires on their car, citing and then releasing him. That’s because they weren’t aware the man had a machete, since the homeowner hadn’t shared that information.

Screenshots of security camera video of suspect Adam Scott Ortega on the porch of Voltaire Apse’ home, early Saturday morning, April 11, 2020 without a machete visible in his hand. Photos posted by BPD on their Facebook page Thursday, April 16.

“We didn’t know about the machete until later,” said Brentwood Police Chief Tom Hansen Thursday evening.

The suspect’s name is Adam Scott Ortega.

“We know this guy. He’s a regular,” the chief stated. “That was a poor Channel 2 news report that people weren’t going to jail (because of COVID-19). The picture was scary. We arrested him.”

“Even if it wasn’t COVID-19, possession of a machete isn’t a crime,” Hansen explained. “You have to brandish or assault someone with it. It was a misleading story that got everyone worked up. That’s why I got on it, this morning. I got messages out to the city council. We put it out on our Facebook page.”

“The county chiefs talked to the sheriff, today and we talked about these kinds of cases,” he shared. “The sheriff is very supportive of the chiefs, as is the DA. We’ll get it sent to the DA. We have to meet certain elements of crime in order to arrest and charge someone. We didn’t recover a machete. We don’t know if he wasn’t using it to pry off something. He stole some stuff. It looks like a machete. He didn’t threaten anyone. He did scare some people. I would have been scared, too if he came to my house.”

Asked if the case was sent over to the DA’s office, Hansen replied, “not today, but it will go over with the misdemeanors. I’m hoping with the information that I released, today that it didn’t take 15 minutes to get there, it took five minutes, then it took a minute and 30 seconds to get there (the second time), it will help alleviate some concern in the community.”

The post on the Brentwood Police Department’s Facebook page reads as follows:

“We are receiving a lot of feedback about a story on social media and the local news that has raised concerns with some in the community. And, that response is understandable given the partial information that has been reported.

The story involved a suspect, holding a machete, who was on the front porch of a Brentwood home, who vandalized the property, and ultimately was arrested and cited by our officers for a misdemeanor and not taken to county jail.

But, there is a key element missing from this story.

As far as our officers were concerned when they responded that morning, there was no machete. Nor was there any reason to think a machete was part of this incident. The homeowner did not report that the man had a machete. The photos from the video surveillance the homeowner provided did not show the suspect holding a machete. When officers found the suspect, he wasn’t holding a machete.

The photos attached to this post are the images the officers saw that morning.

It was only on the NEXT DAY that we were provided a new portion of the video by the homeowner showing the suspect holding a machete.

It was clearly a traumatic night for the homeowner and his family. Often times, in situations like this, important information does not come out immediately and, given the dramatic nature of these events, that’s not unreasonable.

At the time, what our officers were confronted with was a suspect that had knocked on the homeowner’s door shortly after 2 AM, was seen on-camera wearing a mask and looking into cars, he slashed a car tire, and had damaged and removed two security cameras.

Officers responded within five minutes but the suspect was not there. He did return to the home at around 4 AM, and this time our officers, responded in one minute and found the suspect near the home.

All of the stolen items, which were returned to the homeowner, were valued at $300. Under state law this is petty theft, a misdemeanor. He was arrested but released with a notice to appear in court. This is how petty theft and vandalism investigations are currently handled.

If the officers had information at the time about a machete, it could have altered the outcome of the investigation and arrest. This new evidence will be delivered to the District Attorney’s Office for further consideration of additional charges.

In addition, we are working under this new directive provided by Sheriff Livingston to all Contra Costa Police Agencies:

‘The highest risk of exposure and spread of the virus will come from arrestees brought into the facility. Therefore, the Office of the Sheriff will only be accepting arrestees charged with felony on-view crimes and warrants, domestic violence related misdemeanors, and restraining order violations. We ask all arresting agencies make reasonable efforts to limit the number of transports to the Martinez Detention Facility by exercising authority to cite release in the field in lieu of transporting and booking. If exceptions to this policy become necessary, please have your on-duty supervisor or watch commander contact the jail supervisor or sheriff’s office watch commander to discuss.’

We have received several questions as to how we would allow an armed person with a machete get away.

We hope this provides an understanding of what we did, and why, given the information we had at the time.

Sometimes the law can be very frustrating and confusing, but know that we will always do our utmost to provide our community with the best service possible.”

Apse responded to the post by the Brentwood Police in a post on his own Facebook page, Thursday evening, writing:

“After the officers left (that would be approximately between 4:30-5am) I took time to review my video footage. That was when I saw the suspect holding the machete and was attempting to get inside the house. (Banging on the door). Right after this, I downloaded the video footage, and sent it via text message right away to the responding officer. I sent the message exactly at 6:48 am. She did not respond to me. This is not the NEXT DAY.

This was just a couple of hours after the incident. I even called her once around 10am, she did not respond. So, I called BPD exactly at 10:15am. I was told that the only person who can help was the responding officer herself. So, whoever answered the phone transfered [sic] me to the responding officers voice mail. Around 6:45pm, she was calling me and left a voice message stating that she received the video I sent earlier that day.

So, that means, she acknowledged that I informed her about the machete, on the same day. Eventually, late that evening, I was able to talk on the phone with the responding officer and she said she will add the machete incident to the case.”

Reached for comment about the incident on Wednesday night, Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor said he would call the police chief Thursday morning, and Councilwoman Claudette Staton said she would call District Attorney Diana Becton on Thursday, as well.

“The Chief of Police got right on it,” Taylor said on Thursday. “He heard from the city manager. He covered every detail of what we were upset about. He did a recap of what happened, and he took action where it was appropriate” and now the case is going to be sent to the DA’s office.

“There’s even more to the story. The Sheriff’s Office wouldn’t take him,” Taylor added. “And they’re letting out the criminals. I don’t want them to catch the virus. But, meanwhile I’m in an 8 by 12 cell, myself.”

“I put a call into District Attorney Diana Becton, today,” said Councilwoman Staton. “DA Becton told me she’s aware of the incident but that it will have to be brought to her for her to consider it. It hasn’t been brought to the DA’s office, yet.”

Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs for the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff was asked Wednesday night if Sheriff David Livingston would make an exception in this case and put the man in jail.

He responded Thursday evening, “I have not heard back from him, yet.”

However, Livingston can’t make a decision until the case has been sent to the DA’s office and they decide to file charges against Ortega. Then the sheriff can decide if he will make an exception to the COVID-19 situation and put the suspect in jail.

Pittsburg man arrested in assault with a deadly weapon incident Saturday in Pacheco

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Charged with kidnapping, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats, and probation violation; at least the third time suspect was arrested in Contra Costa County

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

On Saturday, April 11, 2020, at about 8:29 PM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff received reports of a stabbing at the 5800 block of Pacheco Boulevard in Pacheco.

Deputy Sheriffs arrived finding two stabbing victims. The suspect, who apparently used scissors, fled the scene. The fire department and an ambulance responded to the location. One of the victims was treated on scene, while the other was transported to a local hospital as a precaution.

Deputies, assisted by Pleasant Hill PD and the California Highway Patrol, set up a perimeter and began looking for the suspect. At about 9:55 PM, Deputies located him hiding nearby. He was taken into custody without incident.

The suspect is identified as 35-year-old Alonso Villa-Garcia of Pittsburg. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges: kidnapping, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats, and probation violation. He is being held in lieu of $315,000 bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, Villa-Garcia was also arrested by Sheriff’s Deputies on May 8, 2019 on multiple charges, including: Possession of Controlled Substance, Possess Control Substance Paraphernalia, Revocation Of Probation, Possession Of Burglar’s Tools, Receiving Stolen Property – Motor Vehicle, Take Vehicle W/O Owner’s Consent, Warrants Or Holds Only and Possession Of Ammunition. He had been previously arrested on Sept. 6, 2018 by Concord Police also for Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession Of Burglar’s Tools and for Take Vehicle W/O Owner’s Consent.

The investigation into the motive and relationship between the suspect and victims is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Sheriff’s Deputies arrest Oakley man for shooting of woman near Oakley Monday night

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For attempted murder, assault, burglary and drug charges. Suspect has criminal record with multiple arrests dating back to 2014. 

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

On Monday, April 6, 2020, at about 9:38 PM, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report of a shooting at the 2600 block of Dutch Slough Road in unincorporated Contra Costa County.

Deputies arrived on scene finding a 35-year-old woman suffering from a gunshot wound to her leg. The suspect reportedly fled the scene. The woman was transported by helicopter to John Muir Walnut Creek, according to Battalion Chief Craig Auzene of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District.

A Sheriff’s Office K-9 located the suspect hiding nearby in a shed on Dutch Slough Road. He surrendered and was taken into custody.

The suspect is identified as 44-year-old Terrell Medley of Oakley. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges that include attempted murder, assault, burglary, and drug charges. Medley also had two warrants for his arrest. He is being held in lieu of $1,130,000 bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, Medley has a history of arrests dating back to 2014, including use/under the influence of a controlled substance in San Mateo on Oct. 14, 2014; possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia in Contra Costa County on Nov. 6, 2015; on Jan. 31, 2018 by the Antioch Police for a bench Warrant/failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge; for warrants/holds only in Contra Costa County on Dec. 1, 2018; and then again for violation of probation in San Mateo County on Dec. 3, 2018.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Sheriff’s Office seeks witnesses in Tuesday vehicle rollover ejection crash on Kirker Pass Road

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Emergency responders at the scene of the rollover crash on Kirker Pass Road, Tues., Feb. 11, 2020. Screenshots from Bay News Video by Art Ray.

Domestic violence related; suspect arrested

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

On Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at about 3:24 PM, the California Highway Patrol received a call of a rollover vehicle accident in the area of Kirker Pass Road and Hess Road near Concord.

During the initial CHP investigation, it was discovered that the cause of the accident was apparently domestic-related. The Office of the Sheriff responded to the location and started an investigation.

Deputy Sheriffs found the incident involved a woman and a man who were in a previous relationship. The woman was driving a tan colored 2004 Chevy Tahoe SUV with two passengers. The suspect, who was in a white colored 2015 Mercedes Benz, followed behind and later pulled in front of the victim’s car causing her to lose control and flip over an embankment.

The driver of the Chevy Tahoe, who was ejected from the vehicle according to ConFire personnel, was taken to a local hospital and is said to be in critical condition. According to the CHP many vehicles  pulled over and passersby turned the vehicle onto its side. One of the other occupants, a young girl,  was treated and released from the hospital. The last occupant of the SUV was uninjured.

The driver of the other vehicle was later arrested by Deputy Sheriffs. He is identified as 28-year-old Alejandro Arriaga of Concord. He was later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on three felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon and one felony count of child cruelty. Arriaga is being held in lieu of $190,000 bail.

Anyone with any information on this case or who might have witnessed it is asked to contact detectives at (925) 313-2600. Tips could be emailed to: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.