Contra Costa Herald

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

County’s CASE Team arrests Bethel Island man for multiple weapons violations

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Weapons seized by the CASE Team. Photo by CCCSheriff.

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

Earlier this month the Contra Costa Anti-Violence Support Effort (CASE) team, led by a Pittsburg Police Department task force officer, launched an investigation after receiving information from the state Armed Prohibited Persons System (APPS) that a Bethel Island resident had firearms registered to him despite being prohibited. Further investigation found he attempted to purchase silencers through the mail.

The CASE team obtained a search warrant for his residence from a judge.

On Thursday, January 30, 2020, CASE agents executed the search warrant at the residence on the 2000 block of Taylor Road in Bethel Island. CASE agents seized four AR-15-style assault rifles, nine handguns, 10 rifles, one shotgun, four lower receivers, one silencer, 20 large capacity magazines, and approximately 5,000 rounds of ammunition.

The man was arrested. He is identified as 57-year-old Jeffery Irvine. Irvine was later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility (MDF) on the following charges:

-Manufacturing an assault rifle

-Possession of an assault rifle

-Prohibited person in possession of a firearm

-Prohibited person in possession of ammunition

-Ghost gun

-Illegal transfer of a firearm

Irvine was being held at the MDF, in lieu of $240,000 bail. He has since bailed out.

The CASE Team is a joint effort by the Office of the Sheriff, California Department of Justice, California Highway Patrol, Pittsburg Police Department, Walnut Creek Police Department, Contra Costa County Probation Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. CASE was created in November 2011 as a collaborative effort to reduce violent crimes in Contra Costa, especially those related to illegal firearms.

Following chase Concord Police arrest wanted felon with help of Pittsburg Police K9 and Sheriff’s helicopter

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Wanted felon arrested with the help of Pittsburg Police K9 Kyra who was rewarded for her efforts. Photos by CPD and PPD.

By Concord Police Department

On Saturday night, Jan. 25 our Special Enforcement Team located a subject wanted on a felony warrant in the 3000 block of Willow Pass Road As we set up to try and take him into custody the male, identified as Kevin Villatoro, decided to try and make a run for it out a back window. Unfortunately for him we were ready for that.

Mr. Villatoro ran though a residential area off Euclid Drive where he tried to hide himself. Again, we had a plan for that too!

With help from Contra Costa Sheriff helicopter Starr 3 and Pittsburg Police Department K9 “Kyra”, Mr. Villatoro was quickly located hiding behind a house. He chose to ignore multiple commands from officers and was ultimately apprehended by K9 Kyra. Mr. Villatoro was treated for his injuries and later booked into county jail on multiple felony charges.

As a thank you to K9 Kyra one of our officers Venmo’d her handler to treat her to some In-N-Out. Kyra’s eyes tell the ending to this story.

According to the Pittsburg Police Department, “Officer Oreja and K9 Kyra were requested by the Concord Police Department to help locate a violent, possibly armed, wanted felon believed to be hiding within an established perimeter. Once on scene, Officer Oreja and K9 Kyra began searching yards with the assistance of STARR 3 (helicopter) overhead. STARR 3 advised they had a heat source coming from a backyard which Officers were about to enter. K9 Kyra searched the yard and apprehended the hiding, motionless, suspect making it safe for Officers to enter and take him into custody.

This is another great example of why Police K9’s are such a useful tool in our day to day job. Concord PD bought Kyra a cheeseburger for a job well done! Scroll right to see how happy she was to eat her treat.” #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #winforthegoodguys #youcanrunbutyoucanthide #PPD #k9unit #workingdog #CPD #Police

 

Barricaded suspect from last week’s West County standoff arrested, charged

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Suspect Jimmey Allen Parrish and the weapons seized. Photos by CCCSheriff.

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

A suspect who barricaded himself inside his residence in Tara Hills near San Pablo, last week has been charged with four felonies and a misdemeanor by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. 30-year-old Jimmey Allen Parrish was charged with two counts of possession of an assault weapon, possession of a machine gun, discharge of a firearm with gross negligence and resisting/obstructing a peace officer.

On Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at about 8:43 PM, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report of a person with a gun at a home on the 2400 block of O’Toole Way in the Tara Hills neighborhood in unincorporated Contra Costa. At the time Parrish apparently brandished a weapon and possibly fired some shots. There were no injuries.

Deputy Sheriffs attempted to make contact with Parrish but were not able to. At about 11:30 PM, the Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and negotiators responded to the location. Negotiators continued trying to make contact with him. The SWAT Team on Wednesday morning entered the heavily fortified home and detained Parrish. He was later taken to the hospital and arrested on Thursday, January 23, 2020.

Parrish is currently in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility. He is being held in lieu of $353,000 bail.

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

Fairfield woman arrested for Alamo bank robbery Tuesday

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Linked to two other robberies in Pleasant Hill and Martinez

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

On Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at about 11:07 AM, Valley Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to the Union Bank on the 3100 block of Danville Boulevard in Alamo for a reported bank robbery. A woman apparently fled with some cash after threatening a bank teller.

Deputy Sheriffs, assisted by the Danville Police Department, immediately launched an investigation. The Crime Lab responded to the location.

During the investigation, 37-year-old Chelsea Michelle Smith of Fairfield, was identified as the suspect. Sheriff’s Office Detectives determined she was in the City of Fairfield and notified the Fairfield Police Department, which detained her.

Detectives later responded to Fairfield and arrested Smith who was then booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on a first degree robbery charge. She was being held in lieu of $100,000 bail. Smith has since bailed out.

Smith appears to be linked to two other robbery incidents that occurred in Contra Costa yesterday. One was in Pleasant Hill and the other was in Martinez.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Unit at (925) 313-2600. Tips could be emailed to: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Following hours long stand-off, barricaded man brandishing gun removed from West County home Wed. morning

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Screenshot of KPIX CBS5 news report about the stand-off at a West Contra Costa County house on Wed., Jan 22, 2020.

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

On Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at about 8:43 PM, Bay Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report of a person with a gun at a home on the 2400 block of O’Toole Way in the Tara Hills neighborhood near San Pablo in unincorporated Contra Costa County.

A person apparently brandished a weapon and possibly fired some shots. There were no injuries.

Deputy Sheriffs attempted to make contact with the person but were not able to. At about 11:30 PM, the Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and negotiators responded to the location. According to a KPIX CBS5 news report, the deputies surrounded the home.

Negotiators continued trying to make contact with him. The SWAT Team later this morning entered the home and detained the man.

The 30-year-old resident is not being identified. He was later taken to the hospital for evaluation.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Coroner’s inquest jury finds in custody death of El Cerrito woman was suicide

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

Sheriff-Coroner David O. Livingston announces that a Coroner’s Jury has reached a finding in the April 13, 2019 death of 36-year-old Maria Barraza of El Cerrito. The finding of the jury is that the manner of death is a suicide. (See related article).

The Coroner’s Jury reached the 12-0 verdict after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by the hearing officer, Matthew Guichard.

A Coroner’s Inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving police officers, is a public hearing, during which a jury rules on the manner of a person’s death. Jury members can choose from the following four options when making their finding: accident, suicide, natural causes, at the hands of another person, other than by accident.

Felony charges filed against Orinda, Alamo burglary suspects from Clayton

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Suspects James Lipston and Devaughn Cooper. Photos: CCCSheriff

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

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has filed five counts of first degree burglary against 57-year-old James Lipston and 25-year-old Devaughn Cooper both of Clayton. This comes after Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff detectives presented the case this morning.

The Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation after detectives were able to connect a recent burglary in Orinda to an attempted burglary in Alamo. The Investigation Division, along with the specialized patrol unit J-Team, were able to identify Lipston and Cooper as the suspects, as well as the vehicle they were using. They were linked to at least six residential burglaries in Alamo and Orinda.

On Tuesday, January 7, 2020, detectives began surveillance of the suspects. On Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at about 1145 AM, detectives arrested them in the area of Kaitlin Place and Court Lane in Concord. Lipston and Cooper were arrested as they exited a residence with stolen property.

Both were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges of residential burglary. Cooper is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail. Lipston, who is on parole, is being held without bail.

Detectives later executed a search warrant at the suspects’ residence in Clayton. During the search of their vehicles and residence, a large amount of stolen property was recovered, in addition to a significant amount of narcotics.  Detectives believe Lipston and Cooper may be responsible for numerous other burglaries. The Sheriff’s Office is now in the process of attempting to return the stolen property to the rightful owners.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. Tips could be email to: tips@so.ccounty.us. Anonymous voice messages could be left at (866) 846-3592.

Wanted felon arrested in stolen car following police pursuit from Orinda to San Leandro Thursday

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Photo: CCC Sheriff

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

On Thursday, January 2, 2020, at about 11:16 PM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff was advised about a stolen vehicle on Highway 24. The vehicle was stolen out of Alameda County.

A Lafayette Police Officer located the stolen vehicle on westbound 24 at the Wilder exit and followed it. Sheriff’s Office STARR 1 helicopter provided aerial support for the officer.

In the area of Marina Boulevard and Highway 880 in San Leandro, the officer, assisted by other agencies, attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop. The suspect did not yield and drove away at a high rate of speed. The officers terminated the pursuit, while STARR 1 stayed overhead monitoring the vehicle’s location.

CHP helicopter. Photo: Wikimedia

The suspect drove to the Bay Fair BART station where he abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot along the tracks. STARR 1 and a CHP helicopter located the suspect who was trying to hide from officers. The suspect was later arrested after surrendering.

The suspect is identified as 20-year-old Joseph Willis. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges that include felony evading, obstruction, vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, and multiple weapons violations including felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a stolen firearm and having large capacity magazines. Willis also had three outstanding out of county arrest warrants. Willis, who was also booked for a probation viola-tion, is being held without bail.

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.

Sheriff investigates death of inmate from Brentwood at county hospital

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Contra Costa Regional Medical Center. Photo by Contra Costa Health Department.

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

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is investigating the death of inmate Samuel Martinez that occurred at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC) in the City of Martinez.

61-year-old Martinez was a resident of Brentwood. He was arrested by the Office of the Sheriff on February 8, 2018 for felony elderly abuse and felony arson.

On Tuesday, December 24, 2019, Martinez, who was housed at the West County Detention Facility (WCDF), was taken by ambulance to Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center after suffering multiple seizures.

On Wednesday, December 25, 2019, Martinez was transferred by ambulance from Kaiser Richmond to CCRMC where he was admitted.

On Thursday, December 26, 2019, Martinez was cleared by medical staff to return to WCDF.

At about 6:40 PM, while still inside the hospital, Martinez apparently suffered a medical emergency and collapsed. Hospital staff administered CPR. Martinez was pronounced deceased at 7:08 PM.

The investigation by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Sheriff is ongoing.

Sheriff’s Office investigates shooting death of robbery suspect by store clerk in Bay Point

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Screenshot of surveillance video of store clerk being pistol whipped by robbery suspect at Kam’s Market in Bay Point on Sun., Dec. 22. Source: KTVU Fox 2 News

Seek possible second suspect

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

On Sunday, December 22, 2019, at about 11:04 PM, Muir Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a market on the 200 block of Port Chicago Highway in Bay Point for a report of an assault with a deadly weapon and shooting. (See KTVU news report and store surveillance video – WARNING: contains violence)

Deputies found a clerk inside the store suffering from a head injury. A man was located on the ground near the store at the intersection of Lynbrook Street and Desanie Way. The man suffered from a gunshot wound and was later pronounced deceased at the scene. He is not being identified pending next of kin notification.

Forensic Services Division Crime Lab and Homicide Detectives responded to the scene. Detectives say the man struck the clerk in the head with a gun during a robbery at the market. During the attack, the clerk shot the man. The clerk was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

A second unknown suspect may also be involved.

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.