Contra Costa Herald

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

Suspect arrested in Richmond hit and run that killed four-year-old boy

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The victim of the hit-and-run, named Heitor, who died from his injuries on Friday, Feb. 7, 2020. Photo courtesy of RPD.

By Richmond Police Department

On Friday, Feb. 7, 2020 at 5:00 pm, Richmond Police officers responded to a hit and run collision in the 2200 block of Coalinga Avenue. A 4-year-old child was struck and killed in the collision.

RPD turned to social media, our community members, and local media outlets to request their assistance in locating the suspect vehicle.

Our community partners answered our request and assisted in sharing our request tens of thousands of times on social media platforms. Local media outlets assisted by providing extensive news coverage. All of these things combined to assist us in identifying the driver and suspect vehicle.

Saturday at 7:00 pm, RPD Traffic Investigators arrested the suspect for this hit and run. On Sunday, Feb. 9, the suspect and suspect vehicle were located and are in police custody. The suspect was booked on charges of hit and run resulting in death.

RPD is grateful for the outpouring of support from our community in helping us bring this driver to justice. Thank you from RPD and from the victim’s family for helping them achieve some closure.

Video screenshots of suspect vehicle. By RPD.

**Spanish Translation**

***SOSPECHOSO ARRESTADO EN COLISION QUE REAULTO EN MUERTE***

El Viernes, 7 de Febrero, a las 5:00 PM, Oficiales de la Policia de Richmond respondieron al bloque 2200 de la Avenida Coalinga en una investigación donde un vehicúlo atropello y mato a un niño de 4 años de edad.

La Policia de Richmond solicito la ayuda de nuestros miembros de la comunidad, usando redes sociales y noticias locales para encontrar el vehicúlo del sospechoso.

Nuestros miembros de la comunidad nos ayudaron con compartir este incidente miles de veces en redes sociales. Noticias locales asistieron con reportar una amplia cobertura de noticias sobre el incidente.

Todas estas cosas combinadas nos asistieron en identificar al sospechoso y el vehicúlo.

El Sabodo a las 7:00, Investigadores de tráfico arrestaron al sospechoso. El sospechoso fue transladado a la carcel con cargos de huir la escena de colision que resulto en murte.

La Policia de Richmond esta agradecido por el soporte de la comunidad por ayudarnos el traer el sospechoso ante la justicia.

Gracias de parte de la Policia de Richmond y de la familia de la victima en lograr un poco de cierre en este caso.

Three Contra Costa County Library branches to host and stream local candidate forums

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The Contra Costa County Library is hosting two candidate forums in advance of the March primary. Voters attending the forums can hear directly from the candidates about their experience and positions on relevant issues. The forums will stream live on Facebook and re-air on Contra Costa Television (CCTV).

The Hercules Library will host a forum for the Board of Supervisors District V race on Tuesday, February 4 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. East County residents interested in watching the District V forum can attend a viewing party at the Pittsburg Library from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the library community room.

The Brentwood Library will host a forum at the Brentwood Community Center on Thursday, February 6 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Candidates for the Board of Supervisors District III seat will take part in the moderated forum.

County residents unable to attend the forums can watch live on the Contra Costa County Library Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ccclib/. The forums will also be archived on the Library’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/theccclib.
All forums will re-air on Contra Costa Television (CCTV). CCTV is available on Comcast channel 27, AT&T U-Verse channel 99 or Astound channel 32. For a full schedule, visit ccclib.org.

The Library is partnering with the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley and the West County League of Women Voters, Contra Costa County Elections Department and Contra Costa Television (CCTV).

For more information, contact Rich Hall at rhall@ccclib.org, (925) 608-7770.

Barricaded suspect from last week’s West County standoff arrested, charged

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Suspect Jimmey Allen Parrish and the weapons seized. Photos by CCCSheriff.

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

A suspect who barricaded himself inside his residence in Tara Hills near San Pablo, last week has been charged with four felonies and a misdemeanor by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. 30-year-old Jimmey Allen Parrish was charged with two counts of possession of an assault weapon, possession of a machine gun, discharge of a firearm with gross negligence and resisting/obstructing a peace officer.

On Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at about 8:43 PM, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report of a person with a gun at a home on the 2400 block of O’Toole Way in the Tara Hills neighborhood in unincorporated Contra Costa. At the time Parrish apparently brandished a weapon and possibly fired some shots. There were no injuries.

Deputy Sheriffs attempted to make contact with Parrish but were not able to. At about 11:30 PM, the Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and negotiators responded to the location. Negotiators continued trying to make contact with him. The SWAT Team on Wednesday morning entered the heavily fortified home and detained Parrish. He was later taken to the hospital and arrested on Thursday, January 23, 2020.

Parrish is currently in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility. He is being held in lieu of $353,000 bail.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. Tips could be emailed to: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Following hours long stand-off, barricaded man brandishing gun removed from West County home Wed. morning

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Screenshot of KPIX CBS5 news report about the stand-off at a West Contra Costa County house on Wed., Jan 22, 2020.

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

On Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at about 8:43 PM, Bay Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report of a person with a gun at a home on the 2400 block of O’Toole Way in the Tara Hills neighborhood near San Pablo in unincorporated Contra Costa County.

A person apparently brandished a weapon and possibly fired some shots. There were no injuries.

Deputy Sheriffs attempted to make contact with the person but were not able to. At about 11:30 PM, the Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and negotiators responded to the location. According to a KPIX CBS5 news report, the deputies surrounded the home.

Negotiators continued trying to make contact with him. The SWAT Team later this morning entered the home and detained the man.

The 30-year-old resident is not being identified. He was later taken to the hospital for evaluation.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Human Trafficking Day of Action in Richmond Thursday, January 23

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By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton is proud to join the Richmond Police Department, the San Pablo Police Department, the 23rd Street Merchants’ Association, the Contra Costa County Family Justice Center, Community Violence Solutions, the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force and the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Coalition in hosting Richmond’s Human Trafficking “Day of Action” on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.

Inspired by California State Senate Bill 1193, the Day of Action intends to educate individuals on how to recognize signs of human trafficking and inform them on how they can help prevent it. Members of the business community are encouraged to participate by posting human trafficking awareness signs with resources for victims to reach out to. Our local businesses are the extra eyes of our community and can help significantly in combating the crime of human trafficking in Contra Costa County.

A training session will be presented from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the Family Justice Center’s West County office located at 256 24th Street in Richmond. From there, attendees will form teams and talk with local businesses about putting up posters with resource information for people who may be experiencing forced or coerced labor or commercial sex. The outreach will occur from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend and join with law enforcement, city leaders and community organizers to make a difference in our community.

If you or someone you know has information regarding any acts or suspicions of human trafficking, please call the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Hotline maintained by the District Attorney’s Office: 925-957-8658.

Local resources include Community Violence Solutions 24-hour resources line (800-670-7273) and Contra Costa’s Family Justice Center (925) 521-6366).

Contra Costa County was awarded a federal grant in October 2018 to form a Human Trafficking Taskforce that enhances collaboration between state, federal and local law enforcement and service providers for victims of both labor and sex trafficking.

 

Coroner’s inquest jury finds in custody death of El Cerrito woman was suicide

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

Sheriff-Coroner David O. Livingston announces that a Coroner’s Jury has reached a finding in the April 13, 2019 death of 36-year-old Maria Barraza of El Cerrito. The finding of the jury is that the manner of death is a suicide. (See related article).

The Coroner’s Jury reached the 12-0 verdict after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by the hearing officer, Matthew Guichard.

A Coroner’s Inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving police 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, at the hands of another person, other than by accident.

Sheriff’s Detectives investigate death of teen shot in North Richmond Tuesday morning

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

Tuesday morning, Nov. 26, 2019 at about 11:25 AM, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a 911 call of a person who was shot in front of a store located on the 500 block of Market Avenue in North Richmond.

Deputy Sheriffs arrived on scene finding a male on the sidewalk suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds.

The Deputies immediately performed CPR on the victim. The fire department arrived and took over life-saving measures

He was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The victim, a 17-year-old, is not being identified at this time.

Sheriff’s Office Homicide Detectives responded along with Criminalists from the Crime Lab.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. Tips could be emailed to – tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

 

Public invited to grand opening celebration to unveil new El Sobrante Library and Nancy Fahden House Nov. 23

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The Nancy Fahden House. Photo by the El Sobrante Historical Society.

A celebration to introduce the new El Sobrante Library and the adjoining Nancy Fahden House to the community is set for Saturday, November 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Supervisor John Gioia and the Contra Costa County Library will mark the occasion with a community ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. The all-day event is free and will include library tours, performers, a scavenger hunt, storytimes and special guests.

The Library, located at 4191 Appian Way has been closed since it sustained major damage in a February 2018 fire.   The severe smoke, fire and water damage required that the building be stripped down to the studs for appropriate renovation. The Library, constructed in 1961, also underwent asbestos abatement, accessibility improvements and plumbing and electric systems code upgrades.

The completely remodeled Library has new windows on all sides including two walls of windows and six skylights that allow natural light into the building. The roof, paint, carpet, furniture, shelving and books are all brand new. The remodel also includes new bathrooms, a new meeting room and all new computers.

The newly renovated adjoining building – the Nancy Fahden House (formerly the Friends of the Library building) – will also be introduced to the community. It will be home to both the Friends of the El Sobrante Library and the El Sobrante Historical Society. This building is named after former Supervisor Nancy Fahden, who was the first female elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1978 and once housed her District Office.

“The County is proud to re-open our completely remodeled library that better meets the needs of the El Sobrante community with state of the art technology and improved meeting space. In addition, the adjacent Nancy Fahden House will provide greater community space for local non-profits,” said John Gioia, Chair of the Board of Supervisors, who represents El Sobrante.

The project led by Contra Costa County Public Works and the Library, included Mark Scott Construction, BRW Architects and Humphries Poli/RATIO Architects.

“We are so thankful for the hard work and dedication of the many county departments, library staff and contractors who brought this library back to life,” said County Librarian Melinda Cervantes. “The new building is stunning, and we are thrilled to be serving the El Sobrante community once again.”

Entertainment for the celebration will include performances by Coventry and Kaluza, an award-winning physical comedy duo, guitarist Daniel Fries, musical storytimes, face painting, balloon-making, and a visit from Oakland Athletics mascot, Stomper. Guests can also participate in a scavenger hunt that will take them on a tour of the new library and grounds.

For more information about the grand opening, please call (800) 984-4636 or email ask@ccclib.org.

 

Richmond man sentenced to seven years in prison for possessing loaded gun

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OAKLAND – Saul Espinoza was sentenced on Tuesday to seven years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett.  The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Jeffrey S. White, U.S. District Judge.

Espinoza, 32, of Richmond, pleaded guilty to the charge on August 20, 2019.  According to his plea agreement, Espinoza admitted he was driving a Toyota 4Runner in Richmond, Calif., on October 4, 2018, when he turned at a high rate of speed and flipped his vehicle on its driver’s side.  Espinoza’s car came to a rest after colliding with an unoccupied van parked along the curb.  He remained in the car while officers approached and found him in possession of a Springfield XD-40 0.40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, with a fully loaded 16 round magazine.  Espinoza admitted that at the time of these events he was a convicted felon and therefore was not eligible to possess a firearm.

A federal grand jury indicted Espinoza on February 28, 2019, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).

In addition to the prison term, Judge White sentenced the defendant to a three-year term of supervised release. The defendant will begin serving the sentence immediately.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan U. Lee is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Jessica Rodriguez and Kathleen Turner.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Richmond Police Department.