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Wanted suspect leads Sheriff’s Deputies on pursuit on I-80 in West County, Friday night

January 18, 2017 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Sheriff seeks public’s helping in locating suspect

Eddie Nute

On Friday, January 13, 2017, at approximately 9:40 PM, Deputy Sheriffs in North Richmond attempted to stop a red Acura that was believed to be driven by 22-year-old Eddie Nute of Citrus Heights, who has a $1 million dollar arrest warrant for auto burglary and conspiracy with a gang enhancement.

The vehicle failed to yield and led Deputies on a pursuit, which headed westbound on Highway 80. While fleeing, the suspect collided with a minivan and did not stop. As the suspect approached the Bay Bridge, he struck a Mercedes, which lost control. A Deputy attempted to stop, however he collided into the back of the Mercedes. The pursuit was terminated.

The drivers of the two vehicles were transported to local hospitals as a precaution. The Deputy was not injured.

While on scene Deputies were notified that there was a nearby vehicle disabled in the median. It was later determined it was the wanted vehicle. The driver fled and is still outstanding.

Nute is described as African American, 5’, 7” tall, 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

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

Filed Under: Crime, News, Sheriff, West County

Tree crashes into Diablo area home, Tuesday afternoon

January 10, 2017 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Photos courtesy of C.C. Sheriff

A 40-foot tree fell onto a home on Alameda Diablo in the Diablo area this afternoon. The tree damaged the roof above the garage. Fortunately there were no injuries.

Rain is in the forecast the next few days. There are also some flood and high wind advisories. Please monitor local media for the latest updates on the weather.

For anyone needing sandbags, please visit: http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/5976/Sandbags

Here are some tips for the storms:

-Be careful of standing water, localized flooding, and fallen branches and trees.

-Do not drive through any flooded roadways.

-Never touch a downed power line. Treat them as if they are energized and dangerous.

-Call 911 for emergencies only.

-Please take extra time to get to your destination.

-When driving during a storm, please slow down and keep more distance between vehicles.

-Speeding and slippery roads are a dangerous combination.

-If your windshield wipers are on, your headlights must also be.

-Use your seatbelt and make sure children are properly buckled into their car seats.

 

Filed Under: News, San Ramon Valley, Sheriff

Contra Costa Sheriff investigates Dec. 28th shooting death of teen in Bay Point

January 4, 2017 By Publisher Leave a Comment

On Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at about 9:40 AM, Deputy Sheriffs were requested at a medical call on the 2200 block of Willow Pass Road in Bay Point. A person was reported to be bleeding.

Deputies arrived finding a person suffering from a gunshot wound.

The victim, an 18-year-old man, was taken to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. He is not being identified at this time. An autopsy was scheduled for Dec. 29th.

Detectives and Crime Lab personnel responded to the scene; several people were interviewed.  The investigation is ongoing. At this point, the shooting appears to be accidental.

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

Filed Under: Crime, East County, News, Sheriff

West County families “Shop with a Cop” for Christmas

December 21, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Deserving children from the west Contra Costa County area were paired up with Deputy Sheriffs who took them out for some holiday fun and on a shopping spree for them and their families.

It was all part of the annual Shop with a Cop, which is a national program established to build positive relationships between law enforcement officers and the children of the community. It is also our way of recognizing deserving children.

Thank you to the YMCA in Rodeo and the many community partners that helped make this event a success.

To view the video of this year’s Shop with a Cop, click here.

Filed Under: Community, Families, Sheriff, West County

Second and third suspects in November El Sobrante homicide in custody

December 21, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Daniel Ortega

The remaining homicide suspects wanted in connection with the murder of William Sims on November 12 in El Sobrante are in custody, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff announced.

On Friday afternoon, December 16, 2016 at about 3:30 PM, Homicide Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff arrested 31-year-old Daniel Ortega of Novato. There was a warrant for his arrest for murder and robbery. He was later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. Ortega is being held without bail.

On Saturday, December 10th, Office of the Sheriff Homicide Detectives were informed that suspect Ray Simons was in custody at the Monterey County jail in Salinas. He was apparently being held on a domestic-related charge and gave a false name when he was booked. A check of his fingerprints revealed his true identity. 32-year-old Simons of Hercules was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility and is being held without bail on charges that include murder, robbery, shooting at a person from a vehicle and intimidating a witness.

Ray Simons

Earlier, Detectives arrested 31-year-old Daniel Porter-Kelly of Richmond. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on November 16, 2016 on murder and robbery charges. The D.A.’s Office has formally charged him with robbery and murder, with a hate crime enhancement. He is being held without bail.

On November 12, 2016, at about 2:11 AM, a Sheriff’s Office Sergeant discovered William Sims lying in the roadway in the area of Appian Way and Garden Lane in El Sobrante. Sims had been beaten and shot and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Sims was 28-years-old and was from Richmond, where he was a musician and worked in retail. He had no gang ties and no criminal history. Detectives believe Sims was at the Capri Club on the 4100 block of Appian Way, where he was robbed and murdered.

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

 

Filed Under: Crime, Sheriff, West County

Following collision, vehicle recovered in Monday Alamo carjacking

December 21, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Porsche that was carjacked in Alamo on Monday, Dec. 19, 2016 was recovered following a collision on Tuesday morning. Photo courtesy of CCCSheriff.

Tuesday morning, Dec. 20 at about 10:00 AM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff was notified that the vehicle that was carjacked in Alamo on Monday was apparently involved in a multi-vehicle collision on northbound 880, near 66th Avenue, in Oakland. The unknown driver, who may have been injured, and passenger fled the scene on foot.

A Deputy Sheriff responded to the location and confirmed it was the Porsche Boxster that was carjacked.

On Monday, at about 2:30 PM, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report of an armed robbery in a shopping center located on the 3100 block of Danville Boulevard in Alamo.

The victim’s husband called in to report that his wife had been carjacked. Upon arrival, Deputies contacted the victim, who stated approximately 15 minutes earlier she was sitting in the driver’s seat of her vehicle with the door open when the suspect forced her out of the car at gunpoint. The suspect entered the car and drove away. The victim was not harmed. Law enforcement agencies were notified to be on the lookout for the stolen vehicle. The vehicle was not located in spite of an extensive search. The vehicle was a white colored, convertible, 2-door, 2015 Porsche Boxster with California license plate – 7JEE656.

The investigation is still ongoing. A photo of the vehicle is attached.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message or email: tips@so.cccounty.us.

 

Filed Under: Crime, News, San Ramon Valley, Sheriff

Suspects identified in El Sobrante murder on Nov. 12, one in custody

November 30, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Suspect Daniel Porter-Kelly IN CUSTODY

Suspect Daniel Porter-Kelly IN CUSTODY

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff have identified three suspects in a homicide that occurred in El Sobrante on November 12, 2016.

On Saturday, November 12, 2016, at about 2:11 AM, a Sheriff’s Office Sergeant discovered William Sims lying in the roadway in the area of Appian Way and Garden Lane in El Sobrante. Sims had been beaten and shot and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Sims was 28-years-old and was from Richmond, where he was a musician and worked in retail. He had no gang ties and no criminal history.

Detectives believe Sims was at the Capri Club on the 4100 block of Appian Way, where he was robbed and murdered. Three suspects have been identified and one has been arrested.

Suspect Ray Simons

Suspect Ray Simons

31-year-old Daniel Porter-Kelly of Richmond is in custody. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on November 16, 2016 on murder and robbery charges. The D.A.’s Office has since formally charged him with robbery and murder, with a hate crime enhancement. He is being held without bail. Porter-Kelly’s photo is attached.

Detectives are looking for two outstanding suspects: 32-year-old Ray Simons of Hercules and 31-year-old Daniel Ortega of Novato or Richmond. Both have Ramey warrants for robbery and murder for their arrest.

Additionally, detectives have also arrested 54-year-old Renee Brown of Novato, the mother of outstanding suspect Daniel Ortega. She was booked into jail on an accessory charge for interfering in the investigation. She is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.

Suspect Daniel Ortega

Suspect Daniel Ortega

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this incident or the whereabouts of Ortega and Simons is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff at (925) 646-2441. They are considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Their photos are attached.

For tips, call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message or email: tips@so.cccounty.us.

Filed Under: Crime, News, Sheriff, West County

County Coroner identifies three Antioch victims in possible food-related deaths

November 30, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By Allen Payton

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Coroner’s Division has identified the three victims in the possible food-related deaths that occurred in Antioch, on Wednesday afternoon.

They are identified as: 43-year old Christopher Cappetti, 59-year-old Chooi Keng Cheah and 69-year-old Jane Evans. They were residents at assisted living facilities in Antioch.

Autopsies for the victims show all three had similar intestinal abnormalities. The Forensic Pathologist is trying to determine the causes of death, which are pending the results of various tests.

The Coroner’s Division continues to work with Contra Costa Health Services on this case.

According to Michael Weston, spokesperson for the California Department of Social Services, “two of the deceased individuals were from Minerva’s Place on Palo Verde Way and the third individual was from Minerva Place IV which is on El Paso Way” in Antioch.

In a Wednesday afternoon interview, he shared additional information about the homes where those who died resided.

Owned and operated by Emerito Ramon and Minerva Gonzalez, they have “four different facilities in two different licensing categories,” Weston stated.

Two are “residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFE) assisted living. They can be for seniors age 60 and over,” he explained. “But it can be individuals with like needs. There’s some flexibility in that area.”

When told of the one man who died who was age 43 and another age 59, Weston replied, “That wouldn’t be uncommon to have. It just depends on the needs of that individual. I don’t know the exact type of clients they serve. An RCFE may be a better fit for somebody even if they’re not at the age of 60, yet.”

The Gonzalez’ also own two adult residential facilities (ARF) in Antioch, which are “basically a residential care home for people age 18 through 59 with mental health care needs or people with physical or developmental disabilities,” Weston stated.

Those are Minerva Place II with State License #79200259 at 2831 Vista Way and Minerva Place III with license #079200232 at 1128 Monterey Drive.

Two more locations with the Minerva name in Antioch are listed on the internet, including Minerva’s Place Arf at 1911 Wilson Court and Minerva’s Place #2 at 2833 Fortuna Court, but don’t appear on the state’s website.

“They may have other facilities that don’t require a license,” Weston explained. “It depends on the level of care need, like a boarding house and if people administer their own medications. The licenses are for 24-hour care facilities.”

“Room and boards, (also known as) board and care homes, don’t require licenses,” he continued. “Halfway houses don’t require licensing, either. You’d have to talk to the local city or the county, whoever is in charge, regarding any restrictions they may have for that.”

Residents from another home in Antioch were also at the Thanksgiving dinner served by the church.

“We were made aware that Rose’s Garden Adult Residential #3, license number 079200512, also had individuals at the event,” Weston shared. “That’s an adult residential facility.”

But, he couldn’t share if any of those residents had fallen ill or went to the hospital due to health privacy laws.

“So five different facilities we’ve been in contact with regarding this,” he added. “The fatalities are related to the Minerva Place locations.”

Attempts to reach the Gonzalez’ for comment and to answer questions about the matter have been unsuccessful.

Filed Under: East County, News, Sheriff

Marsh Creek Detention Center inmates continue 25 year tradition of making toys, bringing joy to local, deserving children

November 22, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Photo courtesy of the CCC Sheriff's Office

Photos courtesy of the CCC Sheriff’s Office

From the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

For 25 years now, representatives from Contra Costa County non-profit agencies were on hand for the annual Marsh Creek Detention Facility Wood Shop Toy Show. They were able to choose from numerous newly handcrafted wood toys and bicycles refurbished by student-inmates. These gifts will then be given to the children who are being served by these agencies during the upcoming holidays.

mcdc-toys-3Joining the non-profit-agency representatives were Contra Costa County’s Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata and Under-Sheriff Michael Casten, as well as numerous representatives from both agencies to celebrate this longtime successful partnership that benefits the community and the student-inmates.

These organizations were able to choose from more than 1,115 beautifully handcrafted wooden toys, such as doll houses, spinning carousels, fire trucks, cars, baby cradles, toy tractors, train sets, and many more. In addition, there were also 95 beautifully refurbished bicycles, ready to ride. All of the toy makers and/or bike mechanics are students in the Contra Costa Adult School, an accredited school directed by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE), located within the detention facility.

Contra Costa County non-profit organizations participating in this special event included: Bay Area Rescue Mission, Brighter Beginnings, Contra Costa County Independent Living Skills Program, CCCOE Early Start Program, El Cerrito Rotary, Friends of Oakley, Shelter Inc., The Salvation Army-Antioch Corps, Shepherd’s Gate, Ujima Family Recovery Services/La Casa, and VESTIA, Inc.

 

Filed Under: Children & Families, Community, Sheriff

Antioch woman almost hit by driver who struck husband with car, before jumping off bridge in Martinez, Monday

November 8, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Martinez Police Officers, County Sheriff Deputies and ConFire personnel attend to three victims of a hit and run, at the intersection of Court and Main Streets in Martinez, Monday morning, November 7, 2016. Photo by Angrett Davies

Martinez Police Officers, County Sheriff Deputies and ConFire personnel attend to three victims of a hit and run, at the intersection of Court and Main Streets in Martinez, Monday morning, November 7, 2016. Photo by Angrett Davies

Angrett Davies from Facebook.

Angrett Davies from Facebook.

By Allen Payton

In a post on Facebook, Monday evening, Antioch resident Angrett Davies shared how she narrowly escaped being hit by a woman who drove her car into her husband and two others, outside a family court house in Martinez, Monday morning. A short time later the woman jumped to her death from the Benicia Bridge.

“I praised the Lord for my life tonight,” Davies wrote. “This morning as I went to Martinez family court building, I started praying parts of Psalm 91 for no reason other than I felt the urge to pray. I kept speaking and praying these words as I drove.”

“When my appointment was over, 30 seconds after I crossed the street where the white van is located, the women (sic) waiting at that intersection to hurt her husband saw her husband in the intersection crossing and she hit the gas peddle to run him over,” Davies shared. “I was spared by 30 seconds. I was in the crosswalk she went through to hit him.”

“I cried and sang praises all the way home and cried more when I told my family,” she added. “I am so grateful to God and Jesus. Thank God those people were not killed.”

Davies, who was recently certified as a new chaplain in the county, then quoted verses 3-15 from the passage in the Bible in her Facebook post.

Emergency personnel treat one of the victims of the hit and run. Photo by Angrett Davies

Emergency personnel treat the injuries of one of the hit and run victims. Photo by Angrett Davies

The woman apparently waited outside of the Family Court Center and drove her car into her estranged husband and two others, before later committing suicide by jumping off the Benicia Bridge.

According to a press release by Commander Eric Ghisletta of the Martinez Police Department, “at 10:33 a.m., Martinez Police Dispatch received a call of an injury accident at the intersection of Court St. and Main St. The reporting party advised the suspect had fled in a light blue vehicle.

Upon MPD arrival, several Contra Costa County Sheriff Deputies were already on scene rendering first aid to three injured subjects. In speaking with witnesses, it appears the suspect intentionally struck three pedestrians in the crosswalk and then fled the area. All three subjects were transported to local hospitals with moderate injuries.

It appears one of the victims left a family court hearing at the Family Law Center (751 Pine St.) just prior to the incident. He was accompanied by two friends and as they were crossing the street, the victim’s estranged wife accelerated her vehicle toward the three subjects in the crosswalk. The drive struck all three pedestrians then stopped the vehicle and reversed directions. She struck one of the victims a second time with her vehicle before fleeing the scene.

Approximately twenty minutes later, Benicia Police Department received a report of a female that appeared to have jumped from the Benicia Bridge. Martinez PD, Benicia PD, CHP and the United States Coast Guard responded to the area where they located a deceased female under the bridge. A vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle in the hit and run was located on the bridge in the area where the female had jumped.

Based on all indications, it appears the female who jumped from the bridge was also the driver of the vehicle who struck the pedestrians. Her name is being withheld until positive identification from the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office.

Investigation is ongoing.”

A call into Detective Miles Williamson who is investigating the case, received a response from Detective Craig Schnabel who said he had no updates, at this time. He has a call into the hospitals but has not heard back. He also stated that the woman’s name has not yet been released.

Please check back later for updates to this story.

Filed Under: Central County, Crime, News, Sheriff

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