Contra Costa Herald

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

Richmond Police investigate Wednesday morning homicide

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By Richmond Police Department

On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 5:51 a.m., Richmond Police Dispatch received a call about a disturbance in the 300 block of South 36th Street. The caller reported that a subject had been injured at the location and needed medical assistance. Medical personnel and RPD officers responded to the location where they had located a victim. Unfortunately, the victim succumbed to their wounds at the scene.

RPD Homicide Detectives are at the scene actively investigating this incident. Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact RPD Detectives at (510) 233-1214.

3 Contra Costa men among 4 arrested for Tracy jewelry store smash-and-grab robbery

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From Antioch, Bay Point, Richmond; $150K of items stolen in organized retail theft

Antioch man has history of arrests, as does one other suspect from Hayward

By Tracy Police Department

On Thursday, March 21, 2024, at approximately 2:25 p.m., the Tracy Police Department Communications Center received reports of a robbery in progress at Don Roberto Jewelers located inside the West Valley Mall. During the robbery, eight (8) subjects, wearing face masks, entered the store and used hammers to smash the glass displays, proceeding to take approximately $150,000 in jewelry before fleeing the area.

As the subjects associated with the robbery were seen fleeing the area, witnesses reported observing a stolen white BMW SUV occupied by four (4) of the subjects was involved in a solo crash near the east entrance of the mall near Corral Hollow Road, while the other four (4) subjects were able to get away. As the four subjects involved in the crash fled on foot,

Due to the four subjects involved in the crash fleeing on foot, Stockton Police Department Air Support, the California Highway Patrol, and the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist in an area search. During their search, the four subjects, identified as Eric James Anderson (21 years old of Antioch, CA), Trevion Williams (21 years old of Bay Point, CA), Jayden Deonte Barnes (19 years old of Richmond) and Jamary Barnes (23 years old of Hayward, CA) were located within the perimeter set by Tracy PD and assisting agencies.

Investigators assigned to the General Investigations Unit (GIU) responded to the scene to continue the investigation.

All four subjects were arrested for PC 490.4 – Organized Retail Theft, PC 182 – Conspiracy to commit a crime, and PC 211 – Robbery by force or fear, and booked into the San Joaquin County Jail.

According to localcrimenews.com, the 6-foot, 7-inch, 140-pound Anderson, who is Black, has been arrested multiple times since June 2021 by Alameda County, Kern County and San Joaquin County Sheriffs’ Departments, Oakland PD and as recently as Feb. 29, 2024, by Fresno PD including for multiple gun crimes, vehicle robbery, burglary, receiving stolen property, vehicle theft and evasion with wanton disregard for safety.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-foot, four-inch, 160-pound Barnes, who is Black, also has a history of arrests dating back to Sept. 2019 by multiple agencies for crimes including street terrorism, possession of a machine gun, grand theft, gang conspiracy, drug possession and first-degree residential robbery.

At this time, the investigation is ongoing. If you have any information, contact Detective Kenneth Steele at Kenneth.Steele@TracyPD.com or (209) 831-6660, or Detective Lissette Ortiz at Lissette.Ortiz@TracyPD.com or (209) 831-6569. To make an anonymous tip, contact Tracy Crime Stoppers by calling (209) 831-4847 or by texting “TIPTPD” and your message to CRIMES (274637).

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Richmond man arrested again, charged with multiple felonies for illegal weapons possession

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Guns seized from Hansen’s home in Richmond during his first arrest announced in February. Photos: CA DOJ

Cache of weapons included machine guns, assault rifles, silencers, homemade explosives

CA Attorney General announced first arrest in Feb., but state DOJ didn’t request prosecution and suspect was released, re-arrested March 17

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed a 21-count felony complaint against a Richmond man for possessing a large cache of illegal weapons, high-capacity magazines, and homemade explosives.

68-year-old Lawrence Robert Hansen (born 7/15/55) of Richmond is in custody after he was arrested on an outstanding warrant on March 17th by Richmond Police. Hansen is also listed on the Armed and Prohibited Persons System which tracks individuals who are barred from owning or possessing firearms.

Between 2022-2023, Hansen made several violent firearm-related threats to medical staff at a Walnut Creek clinic while seeking treatment. Staff members reported those threats to Walnut Creek Police on September 18th, 2023. In a separate incident, Hansen was transported to a hospital in Walnut Creek on September 26th, 2023, for a medical issue. During an examination, a staff member saw that Hansen had a handgun (later determined to be loaded) in his waistband area. The weapon was taken from Hansen and police were informed.

Because of the legal prohibition against Hansen possessing firearms, as well as threats made to medical employees, members from the Contra Costa Anti-Violence Support Effort Task Force, California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Bureau of Firearms, and Contra Costa County Probation Officers searched Hansen’s residence with a court-ordered warrant in Richmond on January 31, 2024. During the search, agents found 11 machine guns, more than 130 handguns, 37 rifles, 60 assault rifles, 7 shotguns, 3,000 large capacity magazines, several grenades (inert), homemade explosives, incendiary ammunition, and around one million rounds of ammunition.

Hansen was arraigned on March 18th in Martinez. He entered a plea of not guilty and is being held without bail in the Martinez Detention Facility. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 27th in Department 23 at 8:30 am.

As previously reported, following the Jan. 31 search, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Feb. 15 the arrest of Hansen. Asked why he was out of custody and arrested again on March 17, Asregadoo responded, “Upon receiving a request for prosecution (RFP) from the arresting police agency, a case undergoes review to determine whether to file charges. The RFP should include investigative reports and evidence relevant to the case. In the instance of Lawrence Robert Hansen, the arresting agency, Cal DOJ, did not immediately request prosecution at the time of arrest. Instead, Cal DOJ chose to finalize their investigation before submitting the request for prosecution along with associated reports and evidence to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office.”

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Hansen is a 5-foot, 11-inch, 190-pound Hispanic man.

Case No. 02-24-00234 | The People of the State of California v. Hansen, Lawrence Robert

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Richmond man charged with smuggling ammunition from U.S. to Brazil

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Could face 10 years in  prison and $250,000 fine

By U.S. Attorney, Northern District of California

OAKLAND – On Monda, March 4, 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Edijalma De Souza Ferreira, charging him with smuggling ammunition from the United States to Brazil without an export license, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King.

According to the indictment, filed February 27, Ferreira, 46, of Richmond, Calif., smuggled thousands of rounds of ammunition in two container shipments that were exported from the Port of Oakland in 2021. Export of the ammunition was contrary to the Export Control Reform Act and associated regulations. The indictment charges Ferreira with a felony violation of 18 U.S.C. § 554.

Ferreira was arrested on February 29, 2024, and made his initial appearance in federal court in Oakland the same day. He was released on bond and his next appearance is scheduled for March 6, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna M. Ryu for identification of counsel.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Ferreira faces a maximum sentence of ten years of imprisonment, and a fine of $250,000 for the 18 U.S.C. § 554 violation. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle J. Kane is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kathy Tat. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI with assistance from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Container Security Initiative, the HSI Brasilia Attaché Office, and the Customs and Revenue Service of Brazil.

See case details at U.S. v. Ferreira, 4:24-cr-00120-YGR-1 (DMR) |

Young Pittsburg, Oakland women arrested for stealing over $6K of goods from Brentwood store

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The suspects’ car, the two suspects arrested, and the cash confiscated from the sale of the stolen merchandise from a Brentwood store on Monday, March 11, 2024. Photos: Brentwood PD

Sold it in Oakland, SF; Hercules PD assists

By Brentwood Police Department

IF YOU DECIDE TO STEAL IN BRENTWOOD

On Monday, March 11, 2024, around 1:30PM, Brentwood officers were dispatched to Ulta at the Streets of Brentwood for a report of a theft of over $6,300 in merchandise. The reporting party provided a description of the two suspects, who had just fled in a vehicle.

BPD officers contacted the Streets of Brentwood Security, who were able to obtain the license plate of the suspect car from video surveillance. The officers confirmed the car was a rental vehicle, as it is common for organized retail thieves to use rental vehicles to commit crimes in order to evade detection.

Later that day around 5:00 PM, Hercules PD located the suspect vehicle and detained two of the occupants identified as 19-year-old Andrea Glaser of Oakland, and 21-year-old Tyerra Destiny Townsend of Pittsburg. BPD detectives responded to the city of Hercules as soon as they were notified.

Both suspects admitted to stealing from Ulta and also said they sold the stolen merchandise in Oakland and San Francisco for cash. None of the stolen merchandise was recovered; however approximately $1,000 in cash was found on Glaser and Townsend.

Glaser had additional warrants and Townsend, who is on felony probation in Contra Costa County, received additional related charges. Both Townsend and Glaser were placed under arrest for organized retail theft.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the 5-foot, 4-inch, 120-lb. Townsend is being held on no bail in the West County Detention Center in Richmond. Her next hearing is scheduled for Thursday, March 14 at 1:30 PM in Superior Court. Additional information about Glaser could not be located online.

The cooperation and assistance provided by the Streets of Brentwood Security team and Hercules PD were instrumental in solving this case. Their collaboration exemplifies the collective commitment to maintaining public safety and combating criminal activity in our city.

Furthermore, this investigation highlights the dedication of Brentwood PD officers and detectives in solving crimes and ensuring accountability within the community.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

San Pablo Police officer struck by car following chase, crash

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Vehicle ID’d, suspects sought

By San Pablo Police Department

On Friday, February 23, 2024, at 1:02PM, San Pablo police officers located a stolen vehicle driving in the area of San Pablo Dam Road and San Pablo Avenue. Officers attempted a traffic stop, however the driver fled in the vehicle. Following a brief pursuit, the suspect vehicle collided with a parked car in the 2100 block of Alfreda Boulevard.

A San Pablo police officer, believing the vehicle was disabled, exited his patrol vehicle to initiate a felony stop to apprehend the suspects. The suspect vehicle abruptly accelerated back into the roadway, directly toward where the officer was standing. The officer attempted to retreat backwards however, was struck by the front end of the suspect vehicle. At the same time, the officer discharged two rounds from his duty firearm, striking the front windshield of the suspect vehicle.

Additional San Pablo police officers continued to pursue the suspect vehicle however, lost sight of the vehicle in the City of Richmond. The suspect vehicle, a red 2018 Chevy Malibu (California license plate 8ZUH227), and suspects remain outstanding. The driver is described as an African American female adult, and there is no further information on the passenger at this time. It is unknown if the suspects were injured during the incident.

The San Pablo police officer was transported via ambulance to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

This incident remains an active investigation, and anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Department Investigations Division at 510-215-3150. If the suspect vehicle is located, please contact your local police department immediately.

 

Two Hercules men arrested for guns during traffic stops

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Guns confiscated Feb. 22, 2024 (left) and on Feb. 25, 2024 (right). Photos:: Hercules PD

By Hercules Police Department

On Thursday, February 22, 2024 an officer conducted a traffic stop on a tan Chevy Tahoe. The vehicle yielded in front of the Dead Fish restaurant at 20050 San Pablo Avenue in Crockett. The 31-year-old male driver, from Hercules had a felony warrant out of Solano County, and he was subsequently detained. The subject was also in possession of a firearm which he had concealed in his waistband. The subject was arrested and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.

“Another one” (DJ Khaled’s voice)

Then, on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 4:54 PM an Officer conducted a traffic stop on a BMW for a traffic offense. A 22-year-old male of Hercules was contacted. A search of the car was conducted, and a loaded firearm was located under the driver’s seat. The weapon was determined to be registered to the subject. The subject was arrested and transported to Hercules PD for further investigation.

 

Hayward man charged with felonies including taking women’s Israel flags, burning one at El Cerrito protest

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Christopher Khamis Victor Husary during the Jan. 6, 2024, protest in El Cerrito (Photo: El Cerrito PD) and at another protest in his profile photo posted on his Facebook page on Feb. 7, 2024, and his Instagram account on or before Feb. 1, 2024.

For hate crimes, robbery, arson during actions at Israel-Gaza protest, counter-protest

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has filed a three-count felony complaint with special hate crime allegations attached to each charge against 36-year-old Christopher Khamis Victor Husary of Hayward for criminal offenses that occurred during a protest in El Cerrito. (See related article)

On January 6th, 2024, a gathering of protesters and counter-protesters assembled in Albany for a demonstration on the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza’s Palestinian territory. While participating in the protest in El Cerrito, Husary attacked a woman, taking an Israeli flag she was carrying, and set it on fire. Also, Husary pushed another woman and took another Israeli flag that was draped around her shoulders.

The El Cerrito Police Department initiated an investigation into the incident, and with the assistance of the public, police investigators were able to identify Husary as the individual responsible for the offenses. On February 28th, a warrant for his arrest was issued. Police also served Husary with a search warrant of his residence in Hayward – which produced additional evidence that linked him to the charged crimes.

He is currently in the Martinez Detention Facility and will be arraigned in Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa on the following charges:

  • Second Degree Robbery [PC 211]
  • Grand Theft Person [PC 487(c)]
  • Arson of Property of Another [PC 451(d)]
  • Special Allegations – Hate Crimes [PC 422.75(a)]

District Attorney Diana Becton emphasized that “While the First Amendment is fundamental to our democracy, it doesn’t protect threats, injury, intimidation, or property damage. Moreover, when such actions stem from biases related to race, gender, religion, ancestry, or national origin, they become hate crimes.”

Case No. 02-24-00279 | The People of the State of California v. Husary, Christopher

Christopher Khamis Victor Husary seen with a megaphone at a protest on Solano Avenue in Albany, CA in a photo posted on his Instagram account on or before Feb. 1, 2024.

In a video posted on his Instagram account on or before Feb. 1, 2024, Husary can be seen marching with other protesters on Solano Avenue in Albany, CA and heard yelling chants through a megaphone which were repeated by the others, “Free, free, free Palestine. Occupation is a crime. Genocide is a crime. Netanyahu, you can’t hide. Killing children is a crime. Killing women is a crime.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

After child found alone in car with engine running two arrested in Hercules for large quantities of weed, firearms charges

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Bags of marijuana packaged for sale and guns seized from two suspects on Feb. 19, 2024. Photo: Hercules PD

By Hercules Police Department

On Feb. 19, 2024 at approximately 4:24PM Hercules Police Officers were dispatched to Home Depot for a theft in progress. Officers contacted the two subjects as they exited Home Depot and approached a Chevy Cruze parked in a handicap spot, with the engine running, and an infant left alone in a car seat. Officers recognized the subjects, and one subject was known to be on Felony Probation for Robbery.

A probation search of the vehicle was conducted. Officers located large quantities of marijuana packaged for sales and promethazine with no prescription label. Officers arrested both subjects for suspected drug violations and child endangerment. A family member responded to the scene and took custody of the child.

Officers then conducted a probation search of one of the subject’s residence located in Hercules. Located inside of the residence was a larger quantity of marijuana as well as an unregistered Micro Draco assault weapon, and an unregistered pistol.

Both subjects were booked at Martinez Detention Facility on various firearm and marijuana charges.

Following police chase from Lafayette to El Sobrante suspects arrested for armed robberies in 3 counties

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7-year-old boy discovered in suspects’ vehicle was child of driver; both suspects have history of arrests

By Lafayette Police Department

Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 28, 2024, at about 2 PM, Lafayette police officers responded to a report of a robbery at a fast-food restaurant on the 3500 block of Mt. Diablo Boulevard in Lafayette.

Officers identified the suspect vehicle and determined it was involved in armed robberies in Solano and Marin Counties earlier in the day.

At about 2:12 PM, a Lafayette officer located the suspect vehicle traveling westbound on Highway 24. The vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed leading the officer on a pursuit that went west on Camino Pablo toward El Sobrante.

While on Camino Pablo (which turns into San Pablo Dam Road), the suspect vehicle apparently lost traction and collided with another car traveling in the opposing lane.

Two occupants in the suspect vehicle were taken into custody. They are identified as 24-year-old Jajuan Ojeda of Oakland and 39-year-old Aevra Traylor of Sacramento. Officers discovered a 7-year-old boy in the suspect vehicle who turned out to be the child of the driver. Ojeda and Traylor were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility and are facing charges that include robbery, felony evasion, and child endangerment. Both also had multiple warrants for their arrest.

The driver of the vehicle who was struck on San Pablo Dam Road was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

The investigation is ongoing.

According to localcrimenews.com, the 5-foot, 6-inch, 160-lb. Ojeda has a history of arrests dating back to 2017 inclulding once in December 2023, by the Sheriff’s Departments of Marin and Alameda counties and Oakland PD for crimes including carjacking, assault with a firearm, and multiple charges of evasion and resisting arrest.

According to localcrimenews.com, 5-foot, 5-inch, 165-lb. Traylor also has a history of arrests dating to 2017, including three times in December 2023, by the Sheriff’s Departments of Marin, Sacramento and Solano counties, Solano CHP and Castro Valley CHP for crimes including multiple vehicle thefts, driving with a suspended license, receiving stolen property, DUI, multiple gun charges, evasion of a police officer – driving on the wrong side of the road and wanton disregard for safety, and drug possession.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.