West County | Contra Costa Herald

Following attempted police stop, car crash three arrested in Richmond with illegal guns Friday night

January 17, 2021 By Publisher 2 Comments

Guns seized by Richmond Police Friday night, Jan. 15, 2021. Photo: RPD

By Richmond Police Department

Friday night, Jan. 15, 2021, Central District Officer Fuller attempted to stop a car with stolen license plates. The driver refused to yield and shortly after, the car crashed into another vehicle in the intersection of Marina Way and Barrett Ave. Three suspects fled the vehicle and ran onto the Union Pacific train tracks. Officers searched the area and located all three subjects.

A search of the vehicle revealed five firearms, all fully loaded. Two of the guns were rifles and three were handguns with extended magazines. The two rifles were an AK-47 and AR-15 with high-capacity magazines.

All three suspects were either on parole or had outstanding warrants for their arrests.

It is a relief to have these firearms off the streets and we are extremely proud of our officers and their commitment to keeping our community safe.

#RichmondPDCali #richmondpd

West Contra Costa murder suspect in custody, held on $1,050,000 bail

January 16, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

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

Kenneth Jordan Lightfoot. Posted on his Facebook page Feb. 1, 2019.

The suspect in the Tara Hills murder that took place on Sunday was arrested by deputy sheriffs on Friday, January 15, 2021. He is identified as 30-year-old Kenneth Jordan Lightfoot of Tara Hills, a neighborhood in West Contra Costa County.

On Sunday, January 10, 2021, at about 12:39 PM, Bay Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report of shots fired at an apartment complex at San Pablo Avenue and Crestwood Drive in Tara Hills.

Deputies found a man who appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound in a vehicle. Deputies immediately began life-saving measures until the fire department and an ambulance arrived. The victim, later identified as 30-year-old Charles Johnson of San Francisco, was pronounced deceased at the scene. An autopsy revealed the cause of death to be multiple gunshot wounds.

Homicide detectives worked continuously on this case and identified Lightfoot as the suspect. They secured a warrant for his arrest.

On Friday, at about 2:39 PM, Bay Station Deputy Sheriffs were called to a report of shots fired at the same apartment complex where the murder took place. They detained a man who was confirmed to be Lightfoot. He was later interviewed by detectives.

At about 10 PM, Lightfoot was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges: murder and illegal discharge of a firearm. He is being held in lieu of $1,050,000 bail.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Hercules native helps command USS Sterett guided-missile destroyer

January 15, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Commander Christopher Descovich, Executive Officer of the USS Sterett (DDG 104). Photos: USN and from the ship’s Facebook page.

By Allen Payton

U.S. Navy Commander Christopher Descovich, a native of Hercules, California, serves as executive officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104). Sterett is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce.

According to Defenceweb.com, on January 5, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group left Somalia after assisting the US military withdrawal from the Horn of Africa nation.

The 38-year-old Descovich graduated from the California Maritime Academy in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Transportation and was commissioned through the Merchant Marine Reserve Program.

At sea he completed his Division Officer tours aboard USS Milius (DDG 69) as 1st Lieutenant and Fire Control Officer, then USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) serving as Weapons Officer then Combat Systems Officer.

Cmdr. Christopher Descovich fires an M240B machine gun from the USS Sterett (DDG 104) during a live fire exercise in the North Arabian Sea on Jan. 13, 2020. U.S. Navy photo 210113-N-NC885-2029 by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Drace Wilson

Ashore he served as Flag Aide to the President of the U.S. Naval War College, Branch Chief for Current Maritime Operations at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and post Department Head Detailer at Navy Personnel Command.

Commander Descovich holds a Master’s of Science degree in Systems Technology (JC4I) from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. His thesis was entitled Decreasing Variance in Response Time to Singular Incidents of Piracy in the Horn of Africa Area of Operation, and co-authored with then-Lt. Ryan J. O’Connell.

USS Sterett (DDG 104) – photo from the ship’s Facebook page.

His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various other campaign and unit awards.

According to the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance, in 2015 then-Lt. Commander Descovich was an Aegis BMD Ship-based Weapons and Combat Systems Operator on the USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) and was the Navy winner of the Pacific Theater Air and Missile Defender of the Year. Presented by then-U.S. Pacific Combatant Commander, Admiral Harry Harris, (now U.S. Ambassador to South Korea) the award was given to just ten recipients from the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines on their value in preserving the peace within the Pacific region.

Cmdr. Descovich, points to a target during the live fire exercise in the North Arabian Sea on Jan. 13, 2020. U.S. Navy photo 210113-N-NC885-2034 by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Drace Wilson.

MC2 Ethan Carter, Navy Office of Community Outreach, Media Outreach Department contributed to this report.

Sheriff’s Office investigates Sunday murder of San Francisco man in West County

January 12, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

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

On Sunday, January 10, 2021, at about 12:39 PM, Bay Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report of shots fired at an apartment complex at San Pablo Avenue and Crestwood Drive in the Tara Hills neighborhood of West Contra Costa County.

Deputies arrived finding a man who appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound in a vehicle. Deputies immediately began life-saving measures on the victim until the arrival of the fire department and an ambulance. The victim was later pronounced deceased at the scene. He is identified as 30-year-old Charles Johnson of San Francisco. An autopsy this morning determined the cause of death to be multiple gunshot wounds.

Sheriff’s Deputies arrest Richmond man for murder of older brother from Concord Sunday

January 5, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

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

On Sunday, January 3, 2021, at about 7:02 PM, Bay Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a home on the 1700 block of Lettia Road in the Montalvin Manor neighborhood for a medical-police call.

A resident reported that her injured son was unresponsive. Deputies arrived and started CPR on the victim. Other deputies conducted a protective sweep of the residence.

An ambulance arrived on scene and later pronounced the victim deceased. He is identified as 42-year-old Edward Mosqueda of Concord.

During the investigation, the brother of the victim was identified as the suspect. He was located by deputies several blocks away. He was arrested without incident. He is identified as 39-year-old Jason Mosqueda of Richmond. He was interviewed by homicide detectives and later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

Mosqueda is being held on the following charges: murder and violation of a protective order. In addition, he had arrest warrants for domestic violence, elder abuse, stalking, and violation of a protective order. He is being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

Three arrested in Tuesday night San Pablo drive-by shooting

December 26, 2020 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Photos by San Pablo Police Department.

Two suspects from San Pablo, one from Richmond

Photo: SPPD

By San Pablo Police Department

On December 22, 2020, at 10:11 p.m., officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation of reported gunshots in the 1400 block of 23rd Street in San Pablo. Officers arrived and found two adult victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to nearby hospitals for their injuries and are expected to survive. It was reported this was a drive-by shooting and the suspects had fled the scene.

SPPD Detectives responded to assume the investigation. With the assistance of the San Pablo Public Safety Cameras, Detectives were able to quickly identify the suspects as Darius Markel Buie (20-years old) of San Pablo, Thomas Angelo Trevino (20-years old) of San Pablo and Brian Michael Banuelos (18-years old) of Richmond. It is believed the suspects knew the victims as there was an ongoing dispute surrounding a dating relationship with another party.

On Wednesday, December 23, at 2:47 p.m., Buie was arrested in the area of Shasta Avenue at Yuba Avenue in San Pablo. Later at 3:38 p.m., Trevino and Banuelos were arrested in the 1300 block of Esmond Avenue in Richmond. Investigators impounded the vehicle used during the crime; a 1994 Burgundy Buick Park Avenue. The firearm suspected to have been used during the commission of the crime, a fully automatic 9mm handgun with a high-capacity magazine, was also recovered during the operation.

All three suspects were subsequently booked into Martinez Detention Facility on charges of conspiracy, and attempted murder with special circumstances (drive-by shooting). Banuelos had the additional charge of an illegal weapons possession for the automatic firearm. The case will be presented to the Contra Costa Office of the District Attorney for review and formal charging.

The San Pablo Investigations Unit is investigating this incident. Anyone with information in this case is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Department at 510-215-3150. All callers can remain anonymous.

We want to recognize the men and women of our Investigations Division for yet another example of exceptional police work! #WeAreSanPablo

Suspicious death of North Richmond man in Tuesday fire classified as a homicide

December 10, 2020 By Publisher Leave a Comment

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

The autopsy to determine the cause of death for Virillio Patino-Cruz whose body was found in a North Richmond house fire Tuesday, took place Wednesday. The cause of death of the 23-year-old North Richmond man is listed as carbon dioxide intoxication due to smoke inhalation. The Investigation Division has now classified the case as a homicide. (See related article)

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Investigation into suspicious death of North Richmond man in Tuesday morning fire

December 8, 2020 By Publisher Leave a Comment

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

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and arson investigators from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CON Fire) are investigating a suspicious death that occurred in a fire.

At about 4:45 this morning, deputy sheriffs were requested by CON Fire to assist with traffic control at a house fire on the 1800 block of Giaramita Street in North Richmond.

Deputies learned that an unresponsive man in the home was earlier transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

The person is identified as 23-year-old Virillio Patino-Cruz of North Richmond. An autopsy into the cause of death is scheduled for tomorrow.

Drive-thru Thanksgiving food and backpack giveaway by Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa in El Sobrante Tuesday

November 23, 2020 By Publisher 2 Comments

Contra Costa kids and families will have the opportunity to have a safe and socially distant Thanksgiving food drive-thru with local community members.

Moose Lodge 550 – With the holiday season approaching Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa decided to host a Thanksgiving drive-thru event. On Tuesday November 24, 2020, Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa will be taking over the Moose Lodge 550 parking lot and making it a family friendly drive-up Thanksgiving meal and backpack giveaway in a socially distant way! The event is a drive-thru event ONLY and will open to Contra Costa County families from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

“We know times are tough right now for families throughout Contra Costa. Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa is committed to doing whatever it takes to support kids and families,” said Keirstan Faulkner, Director of Education of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa.

Our Thanksgiving event will include packages of turkey’s, mashed potatoes, vegetables, mac & cheese, bread, and some fun additional snacks! Families must drive in and remain in the car as they come to pick up their food.

Extra precautions have been put in place by Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa to help ensure the health and safety of all guests wishing to participate in this year’s Thanksgiving Celebration.

If you are interested in participating or donating any food or supplies, please contact Keirstan Faulkner via email at kfaulker@bgccontracosta.org. Any monetary donations to the organization will go towards our COVID-19 relief fund so we can continue to support our community when they need us the most.

Thanksgiving Holiday Food Giveaway with Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa is scheduled for Tuesday November 24th from 3pm to 5 PM PST.

Event Details:

What: Thanksgiving Holiday food giveaway with Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa

When: Tuesday, November 24th, 2020

Where: Moose Lodge 550 at 4674 Appian Way, El Sobrante

For any additional information, please contact us at kfaulkner@bgccontracosta.org

We believe every kid has what it takes to be happy and successful. The mission and core beliefs of Boys & Girls Clubs fuel our commitment to promoting safe, positive and inclusive environments for all. For more information, please visit and get involved at https://www.bgccontracosta.org

Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office investigates death of El Sobrante attempted murder suspect from fight at Martinez jail

November 19, 2020 By Publisher 1 Comment

Following and awaiting results of test for COVID-19

By Jimmy Lee, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office continue to investigate an in-custody death at the Martinez Detention Facility per the officer-involved fatal incident protocol.

On Monday, November 16, 2020, at 5:07 PM, inmate Ezekiel McCoy sustained injuries during a fight with other inmates at the West County Detention Facility. He was transported by ambulance to the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC) in Martinez at 6:30 PM.

On Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at about 12:15 AM, McCoy arrived at the Martinez Detention Facility after being treated and cleared by medical staff at CCRMC.

McCoy was placed in a negative air flow room at MDF 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. Deputies and medical staff provided life-saving measures. The fire department was at MDF on an unrelated incident, and they responded immediately. McCoy was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

30-year-old McCoy of El Sobrante was originally arrested by the Pinole Police Department and booked into MDF on July 28, 2020. McCoy was being held on numerous charges that include attempted murder, child endangerment, burglary, having a concealed weapon in his car, domestic violence, making criminal threats, and probation violation. McCoy was being held in lieu of $1,480,000 bail.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Reporters who have inquiries on McCoy’s medical treatment should contact the Contra Costa Health Services Public Information Officer at (925) 608-5463 or at DOC.PIO@cchealth.org.