Fourth arrest since 2018; also arrested by U.S. Marshalls, alleged to be hit man for organized crime
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California – On May 18, 2026, a Contra Costa County jury convicted a Hayward man of attempted murder with premeditation, shooting at an occupied vehicle, reckless evasion, and being a felon in possession of a firearm — along with firearm enhancements for personally using a firearm.
The convicted man, 26-year-old Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi, (born 12/31/1999) attacked a victim in Oakley on August 27, 2025. Evidence at trial showed that Tangi drove from Alameda County to Oakley and waited approximately three hours outside the victim’s home. When the victim arrived, Tangi approached the vehicle and fired 17 shots at close range. The victim survived. Tangi then fled the scene and disposed of the firearm. Minutes later, a Contra Costa County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to pull Tangi over, but Tangi refused to yield, leading officers on an 11-mile high-speed chase before law enforcement apprehended him.
According to Oakley Police, after Tangi’s arrest, Oakley Detectives Dombrouski, Gill and Pistello worked tirelessly to determine the motive and the actions of Tangi leading up to the shooting. Through collaborative investigative efforts with other law enforcement agencies, Oakley detectives were able to backtrack Tangi’s movements from Oakley to Alameda County. Detectives also determined Tangi waited for the victim to show up at his girlfriend’s house on Trenton Street for more than three hours before the shooting occurred.
The Antioch Police Department assisted by setting up spike strips on Deer Valley near Prewett Ranch Drive. The suspect vehicle became disabled by the spikes and the driver was taken into custody. (See original Oakley PD press release)
The District Attorney’s Community Violence Reduction Unit prosecuted the case. District Attorney Diana Becton said, “This conviction reflects the outstanding work of our entire team, and we are grateful to everyone who helped bring justice for the victim in this case.”
Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard said “This was a very violent act that represented a significant threat to not only the victim, but also to all of the nearby neighbors on Trenton Street on that very early morning. Throughout this case, our Detectives and Special Service Team Officers worked very hard and we received assistance from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Antioch Police Department, and the California Highway Patrol. It is very clear to me that Mr. Tangi is a dangerous person and I am grateful the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office tried the case in the way they did. This case is indicative that you never know who is coming into your neighborhood at night, so families should take precautions for themselves and their personal security. This event is also evidence that the presence of strong police forces that work together cohesively can make all the difference; I am proud to be part of the cohesive nature of the law enforcement agencies in East Contra Costa County. I hope the victim in this case continues to heal from his injuries.”
Tangi’s violent conduct extends beyond the United States. Authorities in New Zealand currently want him for the murder of a courier in Auckland.
His sentencing hearing for the Contra Costa County offenses is scheduled for June 29, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Department 4 of the Richard E. Arnason Justice Center in Pittsburg.
Case No. 04-25-01632 | The People of the State of California v. Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi
According to localcrimenews.com, Tangi is Asian Pacific Islander and has been previously arrested three other times in 2018 and 2020 for burglary, robbery and use of a deadly and/or dangerous weapon.
Arrested by U.S. Marshalls for New Zealand Murder as Hit Man
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he is six-foot, one-inches tall, 225 pounds, and is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility. Tangi was also arrested on Sept. 5, 2025, by U.S. Marshalls for the New Zealand case.
According to the Kaniva Tonga news source in New Zealand, Tonga Independent and Helm.news, Tangi is accused of being sent from California to New Zealand in 2024 to commit murder, leading to the death of an Auckland courier and he now, faces extradition. “Police say a United States national (Tangi) alleged to have acted as a contracted ‘hitman’ in the killing of Auckland courier driver Tuipulotu Kokohu Vi.”
“New Zealand Police alleged the 26‑year‑old flew into the country in August 2024, carried out the fatal shooting, and then fled back to the US before investigators were able to identify him. New Zealand police say he is also the subject of an extradition request relating to the Auckland killing.”
Tangi “is accused of traveling from California to New Zealand in 2024 at the direction of a U.S.-based organized crime group to carry out a murder. He is charged in New Zealand with the fatal shooting of 59-year-old Auckland courier Tuipulotu Vi, who was found dead in his van; police believe Vi was not the intended target. After the incident, Tangi returned to the U.S., where he was arrested in August 2025 following a separate shooting attempt. Extradition to New Zealand is pending, with three others now charged in connection with the case. The investigation remains active, and suppression orders have been lifted, allowing further details to be reported.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
