Contra Costa Herald

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

Richmond teen arrested for armed robbery of San Pablo restaurant

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Get away car used by suspect Tyron Ratliff on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. Photos by San Pablo PD.

Following search with help of K9 officer

By San Pablo Police Department

Get away car impounded.

Great Police work and Technology are a tough team to beat!

On Tuesday afternoon, June 8, 2021 one of our local restaurants was robbed at gunpoint. The employee had just returned from the bank when he was confronted by the suspect in front of the business. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the suspect fled with a bag of cash. Investigators believe the employee was followed from the bank.

Detectives were called in with Detective Almir Dugonjic leading the charge. Luckily in San Pablo we have Public Safety Cameras which helped Detectives to immediately identify the vehicle and suspect, 19-year-old Richmond resident, Tyrone Ratliff. Later that evening, at around 1:30 in the morning, officers were alerted by our Public Safety cameras that the robbery vehicle had returned to San Pablo. Officers stopped the car and detained the occupants, who were not involved in the crime. The vehicle was towed as evidence. But Ratliff was still on the loose.

When cases call for a high-priority apprehension, Detectives call upon a group of specially trained investigators: the Priority Oriented Policing (POP) Unit.

The POP unit was able to track Ratliff down in Richmond. He tried to elude officers, but thanks to Officer Kullar (and his K9 partner Sultan), and Officer Brown, Ratliff had no choice but to surrender peacefully to officers. He was arrested and booked into county jail on robbery charges. Detectives served search warrants at Ratliff’s home and recovered evidence linking him to the crime.

We are grateful no one was injured as a result of this crime. We are also grateful for the hard work and commitment of our Investigators and Patrol teams to bring this case to a close in less than 24-hours! Great Job!

We are still looking for the gun used in this crime. Anyone with information in this case is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Department at 510-215-3150. All callers can remain anonymous.

 

Public’s help requested in Richmond homicide investigation, release audio of incident

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By Richmond Police Department

On June 9, 2021 at approximately 12:25PM, RPD received a ShotSpotter activation in the 3000 block of Shane Drive. Shortly thereafter, the RPD Communications Center received multiple emergency calls regarding an individual who had been shot.

Arriving RPD officers located an unresponsive victim who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving measures, the victim was pronounced deceased by medical personnel, on scene.

More than forty (40) rifle and pistol casings were located at the scene; attached is an audio of the incident captured by the RPD ShotSpotter system.

If you witnessed, or believe you have further information regarding this incident, please contact Detective Savannah Stewart at SStewart@RichmondPD.net or 510-620-6541, or call our tip line at 510-307-T1PS (510-307-8177); you can always remain anonymous while providing information.

#CommunityPolicing   #RichmondPDCali  #RichmondCA

Investigation of North Richmond murder, double shooting needs public’s help

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Vehicle of interest in the North Richmond murder and double shooting on Thursday, June 3, 2021. Photo: Richmond PD

By Richmond Police Department

On June 3, 2021 at approximately 1:38PM, the RPD Communications Center received emergency calls regarding a shooting that had occurred in the 1400 block of Kelsey Street, near the Shields Reid Community Center.

One victim sustained a gunshot wound to his head, and was airlifted to a local hospital in critical condition. A second victim was shot in his lower extremity and was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Multiple rifle and pistol casings were located at the scene.

Investigators are seeking additional witnesses who may have seen a white compact sedan in the area at the time of the incident. A ShotSpotter audio of the incident has been released.

6/7/21 UPDATE – HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION ***

Unfortunately, the victim who was airlifted in critical condition has succumbed to his injuries.

If you have further information regarding this incident, please contact Detective Michael Sagan at MSagan@RichmondPD.net or 510-620-6622, or call our tip line at 510-307-T1PS (510-307-8177); you can always remain anonymous while providing information.

#CommunityPolicing  #RichmondPDCali  #RichmondCA

Coroner’s inquest jury finds both El Sobrante, Antioch men’s in-custody deaths were accidents

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

Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston announced Friday, May 28, 2021 that a coroner’s jury reached a finding in the November 17, 2020 death of 30-year-old Ezekiel James McCoy of El Sobrante. The finding of the jury is that the death was an accident. (See related article)

McCoy sustained injuries during a fight with other inmates at the West County Detention Facility. After being treated and cleared by medical staff at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, he was placed in a negative air flow room at the Martinez Detention Facility pending the result of a COVID-19 test. He was checked on throughout the day and last checked at 4:23 PM. About nine minutes later, deputies found McCoy unresponsive.

The coroner’s jury, which heard two inquests on Friday, also reached a finding in the October 7, 2020 death of 31-year-old Kentreal Julius Irving of Antioch. The finding of the jury is that the death was an accident. (See related article)

Irving jumped to his death off the Highway 242 overpass while fleeing from Sheriff’s Deputies.  At that time, Sheriff’s Deputies believed Irving to be from Concord.

The coroner’s jury reached the verdicts in both inquests after hearing the testimony of witnesses. The hearing officer for the McCoy inquest was Matthew Guichard; the hearing officer for the Irving inquest was Laura Pagey.

A coroner’s inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving peace 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 or at the hands of another person, other than by accident.

 

Contra Costa College Foundation pays off debt of 2021 graduates through Finish Line Fund

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Photo: Contra Costa College.

Benefits 60 students

As part of its commitment to help students through the Covid-19 pandemic, the Contra Costa College (CCC) Foundation just erased all debt leftover from its May 2021 graduating class, wiping away outstanding fees owed to the college. The Finish Line Fund will help ensure that no student graduating in May 2021 is denied a diploma due to money owed to the school.

“Imagine the sigh of relief these students are taking right now. The Finish Line Fund is another example of how the Foundation is stepping up for our students during this difficult pandemic,” said CCC Interim President Damon A. Bell. “By erasing this debt for over 60 students, the Foundation is empowering students to move forward, whether it’s onto their continued educational journeys or meaningful careers.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed an even steeper financial burden on community college students like those at CCC, where 85% are low- or middle-low income and where 39% are first in their family to go to college. The Foundation’s Finish Line Fund, which covers an average debt of $214 per student, is a student support tool added to a toolkit including wrap-around emergency funding, technology/internet access support and scholarships.

Newsweek reports, Eric Zell, the president of the foundation, told ABC15, “We effectively, without even telling them, paid off every graduating student’s debt. The finish line fund was able to enable students to graduate because they had anywhere from, could have been as simple as $100. That might not sound like a lot to many people but it’s significant to many of these students.”

About Contra Costa College

Contra Costa College is a public community college that has served the diverse communities of West Contra Costa County and all others seeking a quality education since 1949. The College offers associates degrees and certificates in an extensive list of program majors, including for students looking to transfer to four-year institutions. It also offers excellent vocational and training programs through its Career Technical Education program. To learn more, visit www.contracosta.edu.

About the Contra Costa College Foundation

Established in 1967, the Contra Costa College Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Funds raised by the Foundation provide key support for student success initiatives such as the Wrap-Around Fund, scholarships, program enhancements and more. For more information on the Contra Costa College Foundation, visit www.contracosta.edu/foundation

District board to vote on chancellor’s recommendation for Contra Costa College president Tuesday

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Dr. Tia Robinson-Cooper during her online interview May 4, 2021. Video screenshot

The Contra Costa Community College District chancellor (4CD) has selected Dr. Tia Robinson-Cooper as the 14th permanent president of Contra Costa College (CCC). 4CD’s Governing Board will vote on ratification of her contract at their Tuesday, May 26, 2021, meeting. The announcement was made following a search that began in December 2020.

She was chosen from three candidates proposed by a district committee, following public interviews and review by Chancellor Bryan Reece who recommended Robinson-Cooper to the board. (See related articles here and here)

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Tia Robinson-Cooper to 4CD as the next president of CCC” said Reece. “She has a proven commitment to increasing student success outcomes and fostering an environment of equity and inclusion. We look forward to her leadership.”

Dr. Robinson-Cooper brings with her a lengthy, distinguished career in higher education, most recently serving as the provost and vice-president of academic affairs/chief academic officer at Inver Hills Community College, a campus of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. Dr. Robinson-Cooper earned her A.S. degree in Business from Kishwaukee College, a B.S. degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northern Illinois University, a M.B.A. degree and a M.S. degree in Managerial Leadership and Organizational Development both from National Louis University, and an Ed.D in Counseling and Adult Higher Education from Northern Illinois University.

4CD thanks Dr. Damon A. Bell, who held the CCC interim president position for the past 18 months. During this time, Dr. Bell successfully led the college during the pandemic as it transitioned to remote instruction and services, contributed to the college’s recent accreditation reaffirmation, and rebuilt the college’s leadership team.

The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The 4CD serves a population of 1,019,640 people, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. 4CD is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, as well as educational centers in Brentwood and San Ramon. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez. For more information visit www.4cd.edu.

 

Contra Costa Coroner’s inquest jury to hear cases in deaths of El Sobrante, Concord men May 28            

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

In accordance with the Contra Costa County Chiefs of Police Association Officer Involved Fatal Incident Protocol, Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston will hold an inquest into the death of 30-year-old Ezekiel McCoy of El Sobrante. This incident occurred on November 17, 2020 in Contra Costa County. The attempted murder suspect was killed while a county jail inmate during a fight while waiting for results of a COVID-19 test. (See related article)

That same day there will also be an inquest into the death 31-year-old Kentreal Irving of Concord. This incident occurred on October 7, 2020 in Contra Costa County. Irving jumped to his death off Hwy 242 overpass while fleeing Sheriff’s Deputies. (See related article)

Both proceedings will convene on May 28, 2021 at 8:30 AM at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse, 725 Court Street, Department 23, Room 200, Martinez, California. The inquest for McCoy will take place in the morning, while the one for Irving will happen in the afternoon.

The purpose of the inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving peace officers, is to present the facts of the incident to a jury for their deliberation and finding on the manner of death.

The inquest is open to the public and members of the media are invited to attend. However, no photographs or video and audio recordings may be taken during the proceedings.

The inquest will be held in-person. Face coverings are mandatory at the proceedings and state mandated social distancing guidelines will be followed.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Public’s help needed in two Richmond homicides in late April

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Vehicle of Interest in Richmond homicide on April 27, 2021. Photo: RPD

Richmond police officers responded to two separate homicide scenes within twenty minutes, prompting emergency mutual aid assistance requests from our neighboring agency and off-duty officers.

On Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at approximately 6:45PM, officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation in the area of South 2nd Street and Ohio Avenue. Responding officers located a victim in a car, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Approximately 15 minutes later, the RPD Communications Center received emergency 911 calls regarding another shooting incident in the city’s Southern District. Officers located the victim, also in a vehicle and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, in the parking lot of the Pullman Point Apartment complex. The second victim was also pronounced deceased at the scene.

RPD efforts to control both crime scenes resulted in the exhaustion of all available on-duty RPD resources. An urgent request for mutual aid was sent to the El Cerrito Police Department (ECPD), who immediately sent officers to assist RPD. Off-duty RPD officers were also requested to ensure the safety of Richmond residents, by responding to pending emergency calls for service.

We appreciate the teamwork, collaboration, and willingness of ECPD and our off-duty officers in answering our calls for assistance, without hesitation!

We are requesting the public’s assistance on both homicide cases – anyone with information is urged to contact RPD Homicide Detectives at the following:

South 2nd/Ohio: Detective Hoffman – Bhoffman@RichmondPD.net or 510-620-1755

Pullman Point Apartments: Detective Stewart – Sstewart@RichmondPD.net or 510-620-6541

 

College District posts videos of public forums for CCC president finalists, extends time for public comment

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Dr. Tina Vasconcellos, Dr. Tia Robinson-Cooper and Dr. Damon Bell during their online forums. Video screenshots

The recordings of the forums for the three finalists for president of Contra Costa College are now available to students, faculty, staff and the public to review and offer comment. In response to a challenge by the Herald of the brief amount of time previously allotted, the public review and comment period was extended until Wednesday, May 12 instead of ending tonight, Thursday, May 6. (See related article)

The community is encouraged to view the three separate forums for finalists Damon A. Bell, Ed.D., Tia Robinson-Cooper, Ed.D., and Tina Vasconcellos, Ph.D. and submit comments, which will be shared with Chancellor Bryan Reece for consideration.

Dr. Tina Vasconcellos Feedback:

 

Click here to submit comments for this candidate.

 Forum Recording:

 

Click here to view recording.
     
Dr. Tia Robinson-Cooper Feedback:

 

Click here to submit comments for this candidate.

 Forum Recording:

 

Click here to view recording.
     
Dr. Damon A. Bell Feedback:

 

Click here to submit comments for this candidate.

 Forum Recording:

 

Click here to view recording.

 

The community will be able to view the recordings and submit feedback until Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at midnight. Additional details related to the forums, finalists and process can be found on the District website at https://www.4cd.edu/career/ccc-president/index.html.

Following the comment period, Reece will then review and make his recommendation to the 4CD Board who will vote on which candidate to hire for the position.

 

Standoff with armed Pinole man ends peacefully Sunday night

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Suffering from delusions, shot dog, shot up house

By Lt. Matt Avery, Pinole Police Department

On Sunday, May 2, 2021 at approximately 10:30 PM, the Pinole Police Department responded to a residence in the 700 block of Marlesta Road regarding a mother reporting her 32-year-old son was suffering from delusions and making paranoid statements, and in possession of her handgun. The mother left the house for her safety to meet with officers at a secondary location.

Minutes later, a second caller reported hearing gunshots coming from the house. Officers responded to and searched the house but did not locate anyone. Officers did find a Pit bulldog in the house suffering from at least one gunshot wound and unfortunately the dog succumbed to its injuries. Officers discovered bullet holes and bullet casings in the house as well as a large capacity magazine to a second type of handgun leading officers to believe the subject was in possession of two handguns. Witnesses advised officers the subject left in a white Infiniti I30.

The subject’s vehicle alerted on ALPR cameras in the San Pablo area and around 12:45 AM cell phone information revealed the vehicle was back in the Pinole area. Approximately 2:00 AM, officers located the vehicle traveling without its lights on eastbound San Pablo Avenue near Sunnyview Drive. The vehicle continued travelling as officers positioned themselves to make an enforcement stop. The vehicle turned onto Kilkenny Way from Tara Hills Drive and then pulled to the curb before officers activated their emergency equipment. The driver, the only occupant, fled on foot west on Kilkenny Way.

With the assistance of the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department (CCCSO), the Hercules and San Pablo Police Departments, a perimeter was established, and officers followed the subject as he moved on foot on Kilkenny Way and then north on Kildare Way. Officers made contact with the subject verbally and via cell phone, but he refused to surrender, and repeatedly ducked between and hid behind vehicles parked in the area. A shelter in place was issued requesting residents to remain in their house, lock their doors and shut their windows.

Officers continued to negotiate with the subject, but he still refused to surrender. CCCSO negotiators responded and continued to negotiate with the subject. Just before 9:30 AM, the negotiators were able to convince the subject to discard two handguns he was in possession of and then surrendered peacefully to CCCSO SWAT members. The shelter in place was lifted shortly thereafter.

The subject was transported to the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center for a mental health evaluation. We are still investigating the incident and we will be pursuing the following criminal charges: unlawful possession of a firearm (PC 25850(c)(6)), felon in possession of a firearm (PC 30305(a)(1)), negligent discharge of a firearm (PC 246.3), carrying a concealed firearm (PC25400(a)(2)), possession of an extended magazine (PC 32310(a)), and animal cruelty (PC 597).

During the entire incident, the subject did not threaten officers, or threaten to harm himself or anyone else. Neither the subject or any officers were injured, and we want to thank the allied agencies for helping us resolve the incident peacefully.

The investigation is on-going and anyone with information is asked to call the Pinole Police Department’s non-emergency line at 510-724-8950.