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Bay Point man killed by Sheriff’s Deputies during Knightsen shootout identified, had history of arrests

July 10, 2020 By Publisher 8 Comments

Eduardo Martinez with shotgun during standoff with Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs on Thursday, July 9, 2020. Photos by CCCSO

“Female victim reported that she was held hostage overnight by an ex-boyfriend who sexually assaulted her, threw her on a coffee table, tied her to a chair with duct tape, and poured gasoline on her.”

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

Shotgun used by Eduardo Martinez during standoff and shootout.

The investigation into an officer involved shooting Thursday night in Knightsen is ongoing. Per the county’s law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol this case is being investigated by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. (See related article)

Yesterday, at about 9:38 AM, Delta Station Deputy Sheriffs responded to a home on the 1700 block of Green Acres Lane in Knightsen, in an unincorporated area east of Brentwood, regarding a report of spousal abuse.

The female victim reported that she was held hostage overnight by an ex-boyfriend who sexually assaulted her, threw her on a coffee table, tied her to a chair with duct tape, and poured gasoline on her. The suspect is identified as 44-year-old Eduardo Martinez of Bay Point. He also threatened to burn down the house with her in it. The victim, who said Martinez had a shotgun and pistol, also reported that he made threats to shoot law enforcement and said he did not want to go back to jail. The victim, who is not being identified, was able to escape from the house.

Deputies set up a perimeter around the house and made numerous announcements for Martinez to come out. There was no response. The Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) responded to the location at about 12:40 PM.

HNT communicated with Martinez during the afternoon and into the evening asking him to surrender. Martinez fired the shotgun into the ground and shot at Deputies several times during the day and would not give up.

At about 8:58 PM, Martinez came out of the house advancing on deputies and fired his shotgun at SWAT Team members. Three of them were struck. Deputies returned fire hitting the suspect. Martinez was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

One Deputy was struck in his chest but was saved by his bulletproof vest. Another was hit in his head by shotgun pellets and the third was shot in his arm. All have been treated and released from the hospital.

Martinez has had extensive contacts with law enforcement. His previous arrests include: domestic battery, spousal abuse, making criminal threats, false imprisonment, obstruction, receiving stolen property and multiple counts of driving under the influence.

Anyone with any information on this incident 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.

 

Filed Under: East County, News, Sheriff

Contra Costa Deputy Sheriffs shot, barricaded suspect killed during Knightsen shootout following day long standoff Thursday

July 10, 2020 By Publisher 1 Comment

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

Two Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs were injured Thursday evening after being shot by a suspect in a barricaded subject incident in Knightsen. They were taken to a local hospital. The suspect, who is not being identified at this time, was shot by Deputies who returned fire.

Thursday morning, July 9, 20202 at about 9:42 AM, Deputies were called to the 1700 block of Green Acres Lane in Knightsen, in an unincorporated area east of Brentwood, regarding a domestic violence incident.

The female victim reported that the suspect held her hostage overnight, pushed her onto a coffee table breaking her ribs and poured gasoline on her threatening to set her on fire.

Deputy Sheriffs responded to the location to investigate and talk to the suspect who was at the residence. The victim was able to flee the house.

The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office SWAT team was called out at about 12:40 PM. Sheriff’s Office HNT (Hostage Negotiation Team) also responded and communicated throughout the afternoon and into the early evening with the suspect asking him to surrender.

The suspect shot at Deputy Sheriffs several times during the day and would not give up.

At about 8:58 PM, the suspect came out of the house and fired his shotgun at members of the SWAT team. Three of them were struck. Deputies returned fire hitting the suspect. He was later pronounced deceased at the scene. Two of the deputies were transported to the hospital.

Per the county Officer Involved Fatal Incident protocol, this incident is currently being investigated by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation is ongoing. More details will be provided in a press release Friday.

Filed Under: East County, News, Sheriff

Sheriff, Marshals Service seek San Pablo man identified for April murder in Rodeo

July 1, 2020 By Publisher Leave a Comment

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

Angelo Ramirez. Photo by CCC Sheriff.

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff has identified 30-year-old Angelo Ramirez of San Pablo as the suspect in a fatal shooting in Rodeo, California. (See related article).

On 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. 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. The victim was identified as 24-year-old Olajawon Walker of San Pablo.

Detectives investigating the case later identified Ramirez as the suspect. The case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office which charged him with murder. A warrant was issued for Ramirez’s arrest.

It is believed that Ramirez fled the area after the murder. He is currently being sought by the Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service. It is believed Ramirez may be receiving assistance in avoiding apprehension. Anyone associated with harboring Ramirez may be arrested for being an accessory to murder after the fact.

Ramirez should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached by the public. If he is seen, please call 911 immediately. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at (925) 646-2441 or 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.

Filed Under: Crime, News, Sheriff, West County

Professional soccer player identified as Delta boater who went missing Friday night, body discovered Sunday morning

June 29, 2020 By Publisher 1 Comment

Joseph “The Jet” Cairel tributes. Photo top left from death-obituary.com, photo top right and bottom graphic by Ontario Fury.

Formerly of Livermore; Sheriff’s investigation continues

By Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

On Sunday morning, June 28, 2020 at about 9:48 am, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Dive Team responded to Indian Slough, west of Lido Bay to assist patrol deputies with a report of a deceased body found in the water.  The Dive Team recovered the decedent who was turned over to the Coroner’s Division for identification and determination of cause of death.

On Monday, June 29, 2020 the Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner’s Division identified the decedent as 29-year-old Joseph Thomas Cairel of Marina, CA near Monterey. He was the boater reported missing on Friday, June 26, 2020. (See related article)

According to his Facebook page, Cairel was a professional soccer player and former resident of Livermore. His team, the Ontario Fury, in Southern California announced his passing on their Facebook page on Monday writing, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we report the sad news that Fury Midfielder Joseph Cairel passed away this past weekend. He will be greatly missed by us all. We extend the deepest condolences and sympathy to all of his family and friends. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.”

The Fury, part of the Major Arena Soccer League had just posted on Friday, a “Happy Birthday” message to Cairel on their Facebook page. See below a video from 2016 of Cairel posted on the Facebook page of the Tacoma Stars for whom he used to play.

Player Profile: Joseph Cairel

You may have seen a blur of long, flowing hair and legs shooting across the turf at the ShoWare Center this season. Well, that blur was Joseph Cairel, and LEVYfilms was able to get him to sit still long enough for us to get to know him a little better. #Enjoy

Posted by Tacoma Stars on Wednesday, February 24, 2016

The investigation into the cause of Cairel’s death is continuing. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff at (925) 646-2441.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Area of Indian Slough where boater went missing Friday night, June 26, 2020. Photo by CCCSheriff.

Filed Under: Coroner, East County, News, Sheriff, Sports, The Delta

Contra Costa Sheriff’s Marine Patrol searching for missing Delta boater since Friday night

June 27, 2020 By Publisher 4 Comments

Photos by CCCSheriff.

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

A marine search is continuing today in the Delta for a missing boater.

On Friday, June 26, 2020 at about 8:25 pm, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Marine Patrol Unit was dispatched to a report of a missing boater on Indian Slough in Discovery Bay.

It is not known how the boater, a 29-year-old man, went into the water. He is not being identified at this time. Occupants on the boat, who said that he never resurfaced, immediately searched for him.

Marine patrol deputies searched the water while Deputies checked the levee shoreline. A sonar search was also conducted. Sheriff’s Office STARR 3 helicopter did an aerial search. The missing boater was not located.

The investigation and search are continuing. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff at (925) 646-2441.

Filed Under: News, Recreation, Sheriff, The Delta

Supervisors hear protests over proposed $2.8 million Sheriff’s Office increase, layoff librarians, reduce library hours

June 17, 2020 By Publisher Leave a Comment

OK spending $10,000 on sales tax poll

By Daniel Borsuk

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors got an earful of complaints on Tuesday from citizens upset over a proposal to award Sheriff David O. Livingston’s department a $2.8 million pay raise up and a department request to buy a $275,000 LDV Custom Specialty Vehicle at a time library hours are being slashed and librarians are getting pink slips.

At the last minute, a proposal to layoff up 16 Department of Child Support Services workers was scuttled from the agenda when county officials learned that the Governor’s Office has proposed state funding that could keep the child support services positions on the payroll. County officials were unaware of the new state funding source before Tuesday’s meeting and details were not provided at Tuesday’s meeting.

In the Black Lives Matter era, supervisors listened via teleconference how speakers objected to the county’s proposal to give Sheriff Livingston, who has been the target of numerous complaints from citizens about how his deputies abuse the rights of male and female prisoners of color, should not receive a $2.8 million increase for fiscal year 2020/2021 when many other county services like libraries are taking funding cuts.

County Administrator David Twa said because of the uncertainty of the state’s fiscal situation due to COVID-19, the supervisors will not get around to passing a 2020-2021 budget until August, not June.

Speakers also opposed Sheriff Livingston’s request to use a $275,000 2017-2018 State Homeland Security Grant Program to buy a 2019 or 2020 Ford F550 Logistics Support Vehicle.

“Now is not the time to increase the Sheriff’s budget,” protested Harry Baker of Pleasant Hill, who had demonstrated a day earlier in front of Sheriff Livingston’s Danville home. Speaking to supervisors’ telephone, Baker said. “Keep the libraries open. Police brutality is on the rise. Don’t increase the sheriff’s budget.”

“You should not increase the sheriff’s budget when you’re making cuts in the library and child support services,” complained Francisco Torrez of Pittsburg. “Libraries are part of our democratic process. Hospitals are needed in West county   Talk about militarization. We don’t have any faith in our Sheriff.”

“I oppose increasing the Sheriff’s budget,” protested Rachel Cohen of Danville. “He has proven to be a racist. Juvenile Hall should be closed. Fund social programs, public housing, libraries. Look at Minneapolis, San Francisco, Portland, Oregon, at what police should look like.”

Several speakers like Raymond Hutchins called on supervisors Diane Burgis of Brentwood, Karen Mitchoff of Pleasant Hill and Federal Glover of Pittsburg for accepting collectively $22,500 in campaign funds from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Association.

None of the three supervisors addressed the charge about accepting sheriff’s association campaign funds, especially Glover who faces a runoff election this November against county assessor Gus Kramer.

Neither the sheriff nor a spokesman was available to comment about the protestor’s statements at Tuesday’s meeting.

Concerning the sheriff’s request for a $275,000 LDV Custom Specialty Vehicle, speakers questioned why the Sheriff’s Office needs an armored vehicle for search and rescue purposes and other speakers thought the vehicle will be improperly used by deputies to patrol peaceful BLM demonstrations.

“This truck will used to respond to wildfires,” said Supervisor Mitchoff. “This is an armored vehicle. Its main use is for support.”

Supervisors unanimously approved the state grant for the sheriff to buy the CSV.

Libraries Reduce Hours, Cut Staff

County librarian Melinda Cervantes relayed the bad news to supervisors that because of the dwindling revenues, several cities have to cutback operating hours to the county’s mandatory 35 hours per week schedule. As a result of the reduced operating hours, the library is laying off 32 librarians, mostly library assistant -journey level employees.

The Brentwood library will cut hours per week from 56 to 35, Clayton from 56 to 35 hours, Concord from 52 to 48 hours, Danville from 60 to 56 hours, El Cerrito from 50 to 46 hours, Hercules from 43 to 39 hours, Lafayette from 58 to 54 hours, Moraga from 39 hours to 35 hours, Orinda from 60 per week to 56, San Pablo will reduce hours from 47 to 35, and San Ramon from 58 hours to 54 hours.

County Administrator Twa said the librarians will be offered positions elsewhere in the county, most likely clerical positions.

Supervisors voted 5-0 in approving the reduction in library operations and staffing.

Agree to Spend $10,000 on Sales Tax Poll

In the county’s quest to draw additional funds to support public services, the supervisors agreed on a 4-1 vote to spend $10,000 for a polling firm to test prospective voters whether a tax increase could muster voter approval this November.

Board chair Candace Andersen of Danville cast the lone dissenting vote on the proposal suggested by District 1 Supervisor John Gioia of Richmond. Some $21,000 has already been raised to conduct a poll from labor unions and other organizations.

Certain features of the 75-word poll would test the public’s opinion about the pandemic, willingness to pay more in taxes in the areas of hospitals, sheriff services, abuse, senior services, mental health, youth services, and criticism in the community.

Hair Salons, Barber Shops Allowed to Open

Supervisors were informed from Deputy Public Health Officer Dr. Tom Warren that the county is taking another step toward alignment with the state’s guidance on opening businesses and activities, while recommending that residents stay home as much as possible and take steps to protect themselves and each other when leaving the house.

Dr. Warren told supervisors the county’s health order now allows hair salons and barber shops to reopen for business beginning Wednesday morning. They must follow state health guidance to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

The new order also increases the number of swimmers who may share a pool to 1 person per 75 square feet, as allowed by the state. The social distancing order also allows as many as 100 persons to attend a funeral or other religious service at an indoor place of worship, in line with the state health guidance.

Planning Review to Begin on Walnut Creek Area Senior Development

The Contra Costa County Conservation & Development Department got the green light to begin general plan amendment study of Spieker Senior Development Partner’s congregate care/senior housing development (CCSHD) in unincorporated Walnut Creek, at the end of Seven Hills Ranch Road.

The project is regulated by the State of California Department of Social Services to provide lifetime occupancy and support services, instead of ownership interests.

The development consists of two independent living units providing about 351 total units and a health care center with 100 total units – 50 units for skilled nursing, 20 units for memory care and 30 units for assisted living.

The proposed development would provide a clubhouse, recreation building, parking, and maintenance buildings.

Filed Under: Finances, Library, News, Sheriff, Supervisors

Suspect arrested Wednesday in El Sobrante homicide, decomposed body discovered, victim identified

June 11, 2020 By Publisher Leave a Comment

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

On Wednesday, June 10, 2020, at about 4:05 pm, Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs from Bay Station were dispatched to a suspicious circumstance at an apartment building on the 4800 block of Appian Way in El Sobrante.

Deputies arrived at the location and discovered a body that was decomposed. The Homicide Unit of the Investigation Division responded along with the Crime Lab.

The autopsy of the body took place this morning. The person is identified as 64-year-old John Birdseye Sussdorff of El Sobrante. The cause of death is listed as blunt force chest injury and sharp force head injury.

Detectives identified a suspect in the case. 48-year-old Anthony Mark Rodriguez of El Sobrante was arrested and later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for murder. He is being held in lieu of $1 million bail. Detectives say the two knew each other and had lived in the same residence.

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.

Filed Under: Crime, News, Sheriff, West County

County Supervisors pass local emergency proclamation and countywide curfew order beginning tonight at 8 p.m. due to civil unrest

June 2, 2020 By Publisher 1 Comment

Applies to everyone; but cities can have more stringent terms and stricter time limits

By Susan Shiu, Director, Office of Communications and Media, Contra Costa County

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a proclamation of local emergency, Tuesday morning, June 2, 2020, in response to civil disturbances after peaceful protests in the county following George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis. The Board also adopted an order imposing a curfew in Contra Costa County due to civil unrest to begin Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 8:00 pm. The curfew requires people in the county to stay indoors from 8:00 pm until 5:00 am the following day, until further notice.

“These are challenging times. The sorrow and pain that have filled our hearts here in our Bay Area home cannot be denied. The need and right to protest and be heard are ones that we all support,” said Supervisor Candace Andersen, chair of the county Board of Supervisors. “Today’s emergency proclamation and curfew order will help the county respond to looting, vandalism and any violence that should not be part of peaceful protests. That we do not support, as they only hurt our communities. We want peaceful protests, and we want all members of the public to be safe.”

The proclamation states that “Conditions of disaster or extreme peril to the safety of persons and property, including to public facilities, have arisen within the County, caused by civil unrest, commencing in the County on or about May 31, 2020. Civil unrest in the form of riots and looting have arisen from protests in response to the tragic death of an unarmed man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, while being detained by a police officer. The majority of protestors have acted peacefully and lawfully. But some protests throughout the nation, including in cities such as Walnut Creek, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, have given rise to injuries, looting, and property destruction.”

“Mr. Floyd tragically died just over a week ago. We recognize the importance of peaceful protests,” said County Administrator David J. Twa, who serves as the Administrator of Emergency Services. “We also want to emphasize the need for residents to stay home in the evenings and at night to stay safe. Our job is to protect lives, all lives. We want all people to stay safe during these difficult times.”

In response to a question about the jurisdiction of the order and whether it only applies to unincorporated areas in the county outside city limits, Shiu responded, “The Order provides that, ‘In the event that the terms of the County’s curfew order are more stringent (e.g. that the start time is earlier or the end time is later) than any city’s curfew order within the County, the County’s curfew order will apply within that city and supersede the city’s order to that extent.’ And if a city’s order on time is stricter, the city’s stricter curfew time will be in place.”

See Emergency Order of Curfew.

EMERGENCY ORDER IMPOSING A CURFEW WITHIN THE COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA DUE TO CIVIL UNREST

WHEREAS, on June 2, 2020, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Contra Costa proclaimed, pursuant to Government Code section 8630 and Contra Costa County Ordinance Code Chapter 42-2, the existence of a local emergency because the County of Contra Costa (“County”) is affected or likely to be affected by a public calamity due to conditions of disaster or of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property arising as a result of civil unrest in the County.

WHEREAS, Government Code Section 8634 authorizes the Board of Supervisors to promulgate orders and regulations necessary to provide for the protection of life or property during a local emergency, including imposing a curfew where necessary to preserve the public order and safety.

WHEREAS, there exists imminent danger to life and property during the hours of darkness, and it is especially difficult to preserve public safety during these hours.

WHEREAS, a curfew is necessary to preserve the public order and safety in the County.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:

  1. A curfew is imposed Countywide, within the unincorporated and incorporated areas of the County.
  2. The hours of curfew are between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. of the following day.
  3. No person, except as set forth in Section 4, below, shall be upon a public street, avenue, boulevard, place, walkway, alley, park or any public area or unimproved private property within the boundaries of the County between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. of the following day.
  4. This Order shall not apply to peace officers, firefighters, and National Guard deployed to the area, individuals traveling to and from work, people experiencing homelessness and without access to a viable shelter, and individuals seeking medical treatment.
  5. This Order shall be effective immediately as of June 2, 2020, commencing at 8:00 p.m. and extending until the termination of this Order. The County Administrator is authorized to amend and terminate this Order in accordance with Government Code Section 8634.

Any violation of this Order is a misdemeanor as provided by Government Code section 8665 and any applicable state or local law, and violators may be subject to immediate arrest.     In the event that the terms of the County’s curfew order are more stringent (e.g., that the start time is earlier or the end time is later) than any city’s curfew order within the County, the County’s curfew order will apply within that city and supersede the city’s order to that extent.

Dated: June 2, 2020

See Proclamation of Local Emergency (Resolution No. 2020/155).

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY Resolution No. 2020/155

IN THE MATTER OF Proclaiming the Existence of a Local Emergency (Gov. Code, § 8630)

The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County RESOLVES as follows:

Contra Costa County Ordinance Code Chapter 42-2 empowers the Board of Supervisors to proclaim the existence or threatened existence of a local emergency when the County is affected or likely to be affected by a public calamity.

The Board of Supervisors has been requested by the Director of Emergency Services of the County to proclaim the existence of a local emergency therein.

The Board of Supervisors finds as follows:

  1. Conditions of disaster or extreme peril to the safety of persons and property, including to public facilities, have arisen within the County, caused by civil unrest, commencing in the County on or about May 31, 2020. Civil unrest in the form of riots and looting have arisen from protests in response to the tragic death of an unarmed man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, while being detained by a police officer. The majority of protestors have acted peacefully and lawfully. But some protests throughout the nation, including in cities such as Walnut Creek, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, have given rise to injuries, looting, and property destruction.
  2. These conditions, by reason of their magnitude, are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of this County, and will require the combined forces of other political subdivisions to combat.
  3. These conditions fit the circumstances described in Government Code section 8558.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY PROCLAIMED that a local emergency now exists throughout the County; and

IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED that, during the existence of the local emergency, the powers, functions, and duties of the emergency organization of this County shall be those prescribed by state law, and by ordinances and resolutions of this County, and by the County of Contra Costa Emergency Operations Plan, as approved by the Board of Supervisors on June 16, 2015.

PASSED on June 2, 2020, on a unanimous 5-0 vote.

ATTEST: David J. Twa, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and County Administrator

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: News, Sheriff, Supervisors

Sheriff encourages county residents to stay home Monday night through Tuesday morning at 5:00 a.m.

June 1, 2020 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Board of Supervisors to consider curfew at Tuesday morning meeting

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

This is a message from Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston

Due to continuing civil unrest, ongoing disturbances and sporadic looting of businesses, all Contra Costa residents are encouraged to remain indoors today, June 1st from 8:00 PM until tomorrow, June 2nd at 5:00 AM. There is currently NO countywide curfew order.

However, that is subject to change.

Please note that some cities have implemented their own curfews and residents should check their city’s website for updates. Please try to avoid calling for non-emergency police services until tomorrow if possible.

Please be assured law enforcement throughout the county is working together and has brought in additional resources to address incidences of civil unrest.

According to Jami Napier, Chief Assistant Clerk of the Board and Senior Deputy County Administrator that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is holding an emergency meeting tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m. to consider a curfew. Please see the meeting agenda by clicking here.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Crime, News, Sheriff

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

May 29, 2020 By Publisher Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: East County, News, Recreation, Sheriff, The Delta

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