Contra Costa Herald

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

Hung jury in trial of former Richmond cop for striking man multiple times with Taser

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Images of former Officer Eric Smith, Jr. and body cam video screenshot of him striking Saul Mendoza, Jr. with a Taser during the attempted arrest on April 9, 2022. Source: Richmond PD and KTVU FOX2

Eric Smith, Jr. charged with assault with a deadly weapon, inflicting great bodily injury

Jurors voted 11-1 not guilty; attorney says, “he was forced to protect himself in this dangerous situation.”

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

Martinez, California – A jury was unable to reach a verdict on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, in the trial of former Richmond Police officer Eric Smith, Jr.

Smith, who is 31 years old, was charged by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office with assault with a deadly weapon and inflicting great bodily injury during an attempted arrest on April 9, 2022.

On August 3, 2022, the District Attorney’s Office filed a felony assault charge with the two enhancements against Smith. That same day Richmond Police announced that Smith, Jr. was terminated from the agency.

The incident happened around 1:00 a.m. in Richmond during an attempted traffic stop of Saul Mendoza, Jr. At one point during the encounter, Officer Smith struck Mr. Mendoza multiple times with a Taser, causing great bodily injury to the victim. (See police body cam video of incident published by KTVU FOX2)

Count 1-Assault with a Deadly Weapon PC245(a)(1)

Enhancement 1 – Special Allegation – Great Bodily Harm PC12022.7(a)

Enhancement 2 – Special Allegation – Use of Deadly Weapon PC12022(b)(1)

Because the jury could not reach a verdict, Judge John W. Kennedy dismissed the jurors. The case will return to court on February 2, 2026, to schedule either a new trial or other pre-trial matters.

UPDATE: Smith’s Attorney Responds

In response, Smith’s attorney, Harry Stern, of Rains Lucia Stern, praised the jury for their diligence and attention to detail.

“It’s really hard to get 12 people to come to a unanimous verdict,” he said. “The fact that 11 out of 12 jurors found Eric not guilty is extremely gratifying. He was an excellent witness and clearly explained why he was forced to protect himself in this dangerous situation.”

Case No. 02-22-00665 | The People of the State of California v. Eric Smith, Jr.

Police identify victim in Richmond IHOP restaurant homicide

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Romario Garcia in photos posted on his Facebook page on June 20, 2023, (left) and June 20, 2024 (right).

Person of interest who shot co-worker has also died from self-inflicted gunshot wound, not yet ID’d

By Allen D. Payton

On Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, Richmond Police Chief of Staff and Public Information Officer Lt. Donald Patchin reported that the victim in the homicide on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, “has been identified as Romario Rayo Garcia.”

Family members shared the name of the victim with KTVU-FOX2 which reported on Friday his age as 31 years old, and also reported the death of the 44-year-old male person of interest in the case. The two were coworkers at the I-HOP Restaurant in Richmond where the shooting occurred.

The following day, Dec. 30, as previously reported, while addressing an unrelated call for service in the parking lot of the San Pablo Police Department, SPPD officers were approached by an adult male subject – the person of interest in the Richmond shooting – who attempted to make contact with officers. Due to a language barrier, communication was limited. Following a brief interaction, the male subject walked away, and the officer resumed addressing the original call for service.

Shortly thereafter, officers heard a single gunshot near the Police Department parking lot. Officers immediately responded and located the male subject suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers rendered life-saving aid, and the male was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

However, Patchin added, “The suspect has not been identified. I am waiting for confirmation that next of kin has been notified from Alameda County.”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

20-year-old Richmond man arrested for kidnapping, sexually assaulting Porterville girl

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Human trafficking suspect Mario Anthony Godinez of Richmond and the agencies that assisted in his arrest Dec. 31, 2025. Photo: Porterville PD

Human trafficker behind bars; committed felony while released on bail

Contra Costa Sheriff’s & DA’s Offices, Richmond & Benicia PD’s assist in operation

By Porterville Police Department

Incident: Meeting with a minor for the purpose of committing a lewd or sexual act, Kidnapping, Committing a Felony While Released on Bail

The Porterville Police Department is investigating a human trafficking case that resulted in the arrest of a Richmond man following a multi-agency operation.

On December 29, 2025, a female victim reported being contacted by an adult male through the social media platform Snapchat. Investigators identified the suspect as Mario Anthony Godinez (20, born 7/1/2005) of Richmond, California. Detectives determined Godinez arranged to meet the victim in Porterville, CA and subsequently transported her to his residence in Richmond, where she remained for several days before being returned to Porterville.

During the investigation, detectives learned Godinez had previously been arrested on multiple human trafficking-related charges and was on court-ordered supervision at the time of this incident.

On December 31, 2025, detectives served an arrest warrant and search warrant at Godinez’s residence in the 3400 block of Richmond Parkway in Richmond, California. The operation was conducted with assistance from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, Richmond Police Department and Benicia Police Department. Godinez was taken into custody without incident.

Godinez was booked into the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office South County Detention Facility and is being held without bail. The case has been forwarded to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Evidence recovered during the search indicates there may be additional victims of Human Trafficking connected to this investigation.

According to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, Godinez is Black and his next court date is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 5 at 1:30 P.M.

According to recentlybooked.com, he is five-feet, eight inches tall, 140-pounds and was also arrested on May 26, 2025, in Solano County on a Benicia felony case.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Det. Madrigal or Sgt. Stark with the Porterville Police Department at (559) 782-7400, through the department’s Facebook or Instagram pages, or submit information anonymously.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

San Pablo man shoots himself, is person-of-interest in Richmond homicide

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Coworker of victim killed the day before

By Peggy ChouSan, PIO, Pablo Police Department

San Pablo, CA – On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at approximately 5:29 p.m., while addressing an unrelated call for service in the parking lot of the San Pablo Police Department, SPPD officers were approached by an adult male subject who attempted to make contact with officers. Due to a language barrier, communication was limited. Following a brief interaction, the male subject walked away, and the officer resumed addressing the original call for service.

Shortly thereafter, officers heard a single gunshot near the Police Department parking lot. Officers immediately responded and located the male subject suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers rendered life-saving aid, and the male was transported to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition.

During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the male subject (44-year-old, San Pablo resident) is a person-of-interest in a homicide investigation which occurred in the City of Richmond on December 29, 2025. Following the shooting incident on 12/30/2025, Richmond PD Detectives responded to the San Pablo Police Department to process the scene and assume their investigation.

This incident remains an active investigation, and limited further information is available at this time. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Department at (510) 215-3150.

Police investigate Richmond homicide, possible shooting

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Victim’s coworker shoots himself in San Pablo following day

By Lt. Donald Patchin, Richmond Police Department

Richmond, CA — On December 29, 2025, at approximately 1:43 p.m., Richmond Police Department (RPD) officers responded to assist the Richmond Fire Department (RFD) at a business located in the 3400 block of Klose Way, Hilltop Mall area, for what was initially reported as a medical call.

The victim, who had been alone, was discovered unconscious by coworkers with an apparent head injury. This prompted a call for medical assistance. Upon arrival, RFD personnel determined the victim’s injuries did not appear to be accidental and requested police respond. Emergency medical personnel immediately rendered first aid and life-saving measures; however, the victim succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

A preliminary investigation revealed evidence leading officers to believe the victim may have been shot. Richmond Police Department Homicide Detectives responded and assumed the investigation. Through diligent investigative efforts, detectives identified a person of interest in this homicide.

The person of interest, who is not being identified at this time, is a coworker of the victim and a resident of San Pablo. Detectives obtained a warrant for the individual’s arrest and were actively attempting to locate him.

On the evening of 12/30/25, the person of interest, an adult male, arrived at the San Pablo Police Department and attempted to make contact with SPPD officers before walking away. Shortly thereafter, SPPD officers heard a single gunshot and located the subject nearby, suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Please refer to the press release issued by the San Pablo Police Department for additional information regarding that incident.

This homicide investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Homicide Detective Marecek at (510) 621-1835. RICHMOND POLICE CASE 25-12467

Two Richmond residents shot in San Pablo, one dies

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Both 36 years old

By Peggy ChouSan, PIO, Pablo Police Department

On Monday, December 29, 2025, at approximately 9:07 p.m., San Pablo Police officers responded to the 1400 block of Rumrill Boulevard regarding reports of a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers located two adult male victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Despite life-saving efforts, one victim, a 36-year-old Richmond resident, succumbed to his injuries. The second victim, also a 36-year-old Richmond resident, remains in critical condition. The identities of the victims are being withheld pending further notification.

San Pablo Police Department Detectives responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. This incident is being investigated as a homicide, and the investigation remains active. No additional details are available at this time. The suspect(s) remain outstanding.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Department Investigations Division at (510) 215-3150.

El Sobrante woman among 13 arrested in statewide organized retail theft investigation

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Stolen merchandise recovered during the CHP’s “Operation Silent Night” targeting an organized retail theft ring. Photos: California Highway Patrol

Operation Silent Night executed in Richmond, 3 other cities, recovers 44,140 stolen items worth more than $800K 

53-year-old Bach Ngoc Thi Bui previously arrested in 2023 for grand theft and organized retail theft

By Officer Ruben Jones, PIO, CHP Valley Division

SACRAMENTO — Thirteen suspects were arrested, and more than $800,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered following a coordinated, multi-agency operation targeting an organized retail theft network operating across Northern California.

In September, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Valley Division Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) was alerted to a pair of retail theft suspects who stole merchandise in Placer County and at multiple other locations throughout the state. The Valley Division ORCTF includes investigators from the CHP, Sacramento Police Department and the Placer County District Attorney’s Office.

On October 1, the Rocklin Police Department conducted a traffic stop involving the suspects and requested assistance from the Valley Division ORCTF. During the investigation, the suspects provided information identifying individuals who were purchasing stolen merchandise from them and reselling it for profit. Investigators also learned the stolen goods were being distributed and sold at flea markets in Oakland, San Jose, Galt, Modesto and Stockton.

Based on this information, ORCTF investigators conducted surveillance operations that corroborated the suspects’ statements and established links among the theft suspects, those purchasing and reselling the stolen merchandise, and the flea-market distribution locations. Investigators subsequently obtained multiple search warrants covering six residences, three storage lockers, and one storage lot.

On December 11, a coordinated multi-agency enforcement effort, Operation Silent Night, was executed in Oakland, Richmond, San Leandro and Galt. The operation resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects. Investigators seized two firearms, more than $10,000 in cash, five vans, two passenger vehicles and two trailers. More than 400 boxes and 200 bags of stolen merchandise were recovered, including cosmetics, household goods, clothing, power tools, toys, alcohol, and diapers. All suspects were transported to the Placer County Jail for booking.

Stolen merchandise recovered. Photo: CHP

On December 12, Cal Expo provided an exposition hall to assist with the processing and cataloging of the recovered merchandise. In partnership with affected retailers, investigators documented a total of 44,140 stolen items valued in excess of $800,000.

The following are those who were taken into custody:

  • Bach Ngoc Thi Bui, 53, El Sobrante
  • Isaid Garcia Chapas, 41, Oakland
  • Irene Cruz Barragan, 35, Oakland
  • Daniela Cruz Barragan, 33, Oakland
  • Robert Lorenzo Luna-Varela, 34, Oakland
  • Jefferson Isaed Garcia-Rivera, 22, Oakland
  • Jennifer Garcia Cruz, 19, Oakland
  • Elan Rosales Montes, 35, Oakland
  • Claudia Ivet Cruz Barragan, 42, Oakland
  • Yolanda Carrillo Martinez, 45, Oakland
  • Ivan Miranda Espinoza, 33, Oakland
  • Yuridia Sandoval Ramirez, 35, Oakland
  • Eryn Wilfred Corea Guevara, 29, Oakland

“Organized retail theft is not a victimless crime. It impacts businesses, workers, and communities across California. This investigation highlights the strength of collaboration between law enforcement and our retail partners, and our commitment to holding organized theft networks accountable.”- CHP Valley Division Chief Tyler Eccles

The Placer County District Attorney’s Office announced on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, the filing of criminal charges of organized retail theft, conspiracy to commit felony crimes, receiving stolen property, among numerous allegations against the 13 defendants.

The charges stem from numerous thefts that had occurred within Placer County that culminated in a multiple agency operation last week in Oakland that recovered over $700,000 worth of stolen merchandise and extensive counterfeit merchandise. This collaborative investigation and prosecution is made possible by Placer County’s retail theft initiative.

The defendants appeared in court that afternoon and defense attorneys were appointed to represent them. The next court date was scheduled for December 22 in Department 20 at 8:30 am.

Since the ORCTF’s inception in 2019, the CHP has been involved in over 4,200 investigations, leading to the arrest of more than 4,700 suspects and the recovery of nearly 1.5 million stolen goods valued at over $68.7 million statewide as of November 30.

According to localcrimenews.com, Bui is a female and was also arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department in August 2023 when she was a Pittsburg resident for conspiracy to commit a crime, grand theft, receiving or concealing stolen property and organized retail theft.

The CHP extends its appreciation to all participating law enforcement agencies, task force members, Cal Expo, and retail partners whose collaboration led to the success of this investigation. The case remains ongoing.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Kensington Police Department launches Blue Envelope Program for inclusive, neurodiversity-aware policing

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Example of front and back of a Blue Envelope. Source: Kensington PD

Part of growing statewide and national effort to help facilitate smoother interactions between law enforcement officers and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder during traffic stops.

By Lt. Amit Nath, Kensington Police Department

The Kensington Police Department is launching its new Blue Envelope Program, a voluntary initiative designed to make traffic stops and other police contacts safer and less stressful for drivers with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, anxiety, dementia and other communication differences.

With the launch of this program, Kensington becomes one of the first police agencies in the Bay Area to offer a dedicated Blue Envelope option for drivers, joining a growing movement across California and the United States to better support neurodivergent community members during interactions with law enforcement.

The Blue Envelope is a clearly marked, bright blue envelope that participants keep in their vehicle. Inside, they can store their driver’s license, registration, proof of insurance, emergency contact information, and a brief description of their preferred communication style (for example, needing extra time to answer questions or preferring written instructions). During a traffic stop, drivers can hand the envelope to the officer s a quiet, respectful way to signal that they may need additional patience, clear language, or other accommodations.

“The Blue Envelope Program is about respect, understanding, and safety for everyone,” said Chief Mike Gancasz. “For some members of our community, a traffic stop can be overwhelming. This program gives drivers a simple tool to communicate their needs, and it gives our officers helpful guidance so they can respond with patience and compassion.”

Part of Growing Statewide & National Effort

Blue Envelope initiatives began on the East Coast, notably in Connecticut, and have since spread to multiple states, including Virginia, New York, Arkansas and others, where state agencies and local departments use the blue envelope as a standardized tool to support drivers with autism and similar conditions during police encounters.

In California, sheriff’s offices and police departments in communities such as San Bernardino County, San Diego County, Riverside County, Placer County, Sutter County, Ventura County, and several city departments have adopted Blue Envelope programs or similar models—often in partnership with regional centers and autism advocacy organizations.

Kensington’s program draws on these best practices while tailoring the materials and training to the unique needs of a small, community-focused police department.

National Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities (NPS-AID) Supports the Blue Envelope Program

Supported by the National Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities, the “Blue Envelope Program” is an initiative that is not mandated, but adopted by many law enforcement agencies across the U.S., designed to help facilitate smoother interactions between law enforcement officers and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during traffic stops.

The NPS-AID is a voluntary program designed to assist individuals with disabilities during emergencies by providing first responders with critical information.

Any time a disabled community partner joins the “National Public Safety Alliance for Individuals” program and resides in a NPS-AID supporting chapter jurisdiction where the “Blue Envelope Program” is in use, the oversight agency has the ability to quickly send notice via the NPS-AID system to the member which will provide the participant with information about the program and how to enroll. This notice will be delivered via email once the member completes their NPS-AID membership enrollment.

All agencies that adopt the “Blue Envelope Program” create thier own enrollment process and the exact steps can vary from agency to agency since there is no centralized program or support system for Blue Envelope. All supporting NPS-AID chapter agencies are provided special access to essential resources to help agencies create, launch, and manage their own “Blue Envelope Program”, such as envelope templates, draft policies and more, reducing the burden and simplifying the process.

How Residents Can Participate

  • Cost: The program is free and completely voluntary.
  • Privacy: No registration is required, and KPD does not collect or store medical information; all details remain with the driver and their family.
  • Where to get an envelope:

o In person at the Kensington Police Department lobby located at 10940 San Pablo, El Cerrito, CA 94530

o From a uniformed Kensington Police Officer or Kensington Police Volunteer

o At community events and outreach activities throughout Kensington

Available Outreach Materials

The following items are available free of charge at the Kensington Police Department and other participating locations:

  • Blue Envelope Program Brochure
  • Blue Envelope
  • Wallet Information Card
  • Lanyards
  • Seatbelt Covers
  • Buttons
  • Key Chains
  • Wristbands
  • Stickers

These materials help signal participation in the program and provide quick access to important information during a law enforcement interaction.

Residents can learn more about how the program works, download information, and see example materials by visiting: www.kppcsd.org/blue-envelope-program-kensington.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Police report results from Richmond’s Flock Automated License Plate Reader System

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Source: Richmond PD

Since April 2023 ALPR contributed to over 270 people arrested, over 250 vehicles recovered, more

By Richmond Police Department

The Richmond Police Department is committed to transparency and protecting the information we collect to keep our community safe. We want to share an update regarding our Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system operated by Flock Safety.

Since its inception in April 2023, ALPR data has become an essential investigative tool for both patrol officers and detectives conducting follow-up investigations, providing significant public-safety benefits. ALPR data has directly contributed to:

  • The arrest of over 272 individuals involved in criminal activity
  • The identification of a suspect vehicle in 12 separate homicide cases
  • The recovery of over 258 stolen vehicles
  • More than 889 cases where ALPR information directly led to the identification of a suspect or suspect vehicle
  • Alerted officers to the presence of over 6,670 stolen vehicles in our city
  • Alerted officers to the presence of over 759 vehicles that were wanted for felony crimes in our city

These outcomes demonstrate how the responsible use of technology helps us solve crimes, locate dangerous offenders, and support victims. Without the ALPR data provided by Flock, many of these cases, including murder cases, would most likely remain unsolved.

Earlier this year, Flock Safety notified us of a system configuration error that allowed certain external law enforcement agencies to run very limited, specific license-plate searches that could have revealed small portions of Richmond’s ALPR data. This was not full-system access and affected only narrow, plate-specific queries.

The issue was unintentional and was disabled immediately upon discovery. ALPR data is only stored for 30 days, and at this time, we have no evidence that any outside agency viewed or misused Richmond’s data, including for immigration enforcement. Because multiple agencies were affected, we temporarily turned off our ALPR system until Flock Safety provides verified safeguards and assurances to prevent future issues.

The Richmond Police Department will continue to use technology responsibly and transparently, in a manner that aligns with our community’s expectations and enhances our ability to solve crimes and keep residents safe. We remain committed to protecting your privacy, being transparent, and using technology in ways that reflect Richmond’s values and expectations. We look forward to implementing enhanced safeguards and reactivating our ALPR system so it can continue to provide valuable investigative leads, hold offenders accountable, and deliver justice for victims and their families.

Richmond Firefighters and Police to hold Toy Program Benefit Raffle Dec. 13

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Gift Giveaway Dec. 20

By The Richmond Fire & Police Toy Program

Each year, Richmond Firefighters and Police Officers come together to bring holiday cheer to families in need through the annual Toy Program. This special event helps ensure that every child can experience the joy of the season.

The joy of watching kids opening their presents is something most parents look forward to at Christmas.  Sadly, some families don’t get to see that joy because they can’t afford presents or even a nice meal.

West County families need your help. Many families struggle to make ends meet during the holidays. You can help a family having tough times. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation.

This Saturday, Dec. 13, a Benefit Raffle will be held at St. David of Wales Catholic School, located at 871 Sonoma Street, Richmond to support the Program. We will have food, games and more. Please bring new, unwrapped gifts.

The gift giveaway will take place on Dec. 20th at DeJean Middle School at 3400 MacDonald Avenue in Richmond, beginning at 9:00 a.m. (Sign-ups to receive gifts have already ended).

About The Richmond Fire and Police Toy Program  

In 1989, Richmond firefighter Rod Woods (now retired) saw the need in the community and organized a small local toy drive to help families in need.  At the same time and separately, the Richmond Police Department also saw the need in the community, only their focus was on providing families with food for that special meal and beyond.

After many years of growing their separate programs and having outgrown the space at the Booker T. Anderson Community Center where the event took place, Fire and Police decided to unite as one entity and file for non-profit status so they could get corporate sponsors to help more families.  Chevron Fire stepped up and continues their support.  El Cerrito Fire also joined for a time.

The E.M. Downer YMCA stepped up to offer a larger space in their gym, as well as providing support for the sign-ups, administrative support and smiles all around.  The program went from serving over 500 families with toys and food to over 1,500 with the addition of a chance to win a donated bicycle.

Corporate sponsors such as Chevron, Mechanics Bank, Richmond Sanitary, Richmond Rotary, Sims Metal, Costco, the Courtyard by Marriott and many others stepped up to the plate to offer not only money, but volunteers who helped with toy bagging, food bagging and at the event itself, handing out bags, helping to carry bags, handling the bike giveaway and much more.  There were bikes to build, trucks to drive to pick up toys, bikes, food and chicken.  Fire and Police, along with community volunteers, came together to make it happen.  The Richmond Police Explorers helped with the logistics and keeping the lines in order, and also with assisting those needing help carrying the bags of toys and food.

Rod Woods was the heart and soul of the program.  His outgoing personality, ability to talk people into giving support in many forms is sorely missed.

For more information or to make a donation visit https://richmondfireandpolicetoyprogram.com, call 510-375-3477 or email info@richmondfireandpolicetoyprogram.com.