Contra Costa Herald

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

Richmond Police shoot, kill man during home invasion early Thursday morning

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Identified by caller as their father, stabbed family members with knife

By Richmond Police Department

On April 11, 2019 at approximately 2:34 AM, Richmond officers were dispatched to 930 Wilson Ave., on a report of a home invasion. The caller reported that suspect was their dad who had broken a window and entered the residence. The suspect was armed with a knife and trying to stab the family. The caller reported that the family was trapped inside the residence and was unable to exit.

Richmond officers arrived on scene and the shooting occurred after officers confronted the armed suspect at the rear patio door. Officers interrupted the suspect’s physical assault on a family member, then fired when the armed suspect ignored commands and advanced on them. The suspect was later pronounced deceased on scene.

Officers rescued an adult female suffering from a laceration to her stomach and a male juvenile suffering from a laceration to his face. No other family members were harmed during the incident. The family was taken to a local hospital where they are currently being treated for non-life threating injuries.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office as well as the Richmond Police Department are actively working this on-going investigation, according to the Contra Costa County Fatal Incident protocol. There was an active Domestic Violence restraining order against the decedent, who has prior DV contacts.

Warming center for homeless to open in Richmond Monday, April 15

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West county will be opening its first warming center which will provide a space for unsheltered residents to have a warm space at night. The center will Be located at GRIP – Greater Richmond Interfaith Program.

While it isn’t a permanent solution to the great work that needs to be done to alleviate homelessness, it helps. If you know someone who needs help call 211.

Richmond has also started the Richmond-San Pablo CORE homeless outreach team to provide on the ground services to the unsheltered, including helping people get access to the warming center.

County Public Works deploys new tactic to battle illegal side shows

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By Steve Padilla, Public Information Officer, CCC Public Works Department

Contra Costa County Public Works installed approximately 100 raised pavement markers at the intersection of Alhambra Valley Road and Bear Creek Road to combat illegal side shows.  This is a first of its kind project to combat illegal side shows in the Bay Area.

The raised pavement markers (or domes) are six inches in diameter and 1¾ in height. While the new pavement markers will not inhibit everyday drivers, they should make it a less attractive and uncomfortable location for side show participants.  Over time, Public Works will rely on local residents, CHP and the Sheriff’s Department to see if they are having their intended effect, and if they notice a decrease in illegal side show activities at that intersection.

Public Works also upgraded the shoulder lines, added new reflector markers and put up advanced warning signs of “Traffic Calming” ahead to warn motorists of the new raised pavement markers.

75-year-old El Sobrante man dies in single car crash Sunday evening

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By CHP-Contra Costa

On Sunday, March 17, 2019, at about 6:13 pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of an overturned solo vehicle collision on a private maintained road near 5499 Sobrante Avenue. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, it was determined that a green Jeep was driven into an embankment and overturned. The solo male driver (75-year-old male from El Sobrante) was unresponsive, was extricated from the Jeep, and lifesaving efforts were performed but unsuccessful. The driver was pronounced deceased on scene. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of his identity.

In the initial investigation, it appears that the solo male driver of the Jeep was traveling south on the private road at an undetermined speed and then for reasons unknown at this time, accelerated into the dirt embankment, causing the Jeep to overturn. Upon emergency personnel arrival, the driver was unresponsive and ultimately pronounced deceased on scene.

Alcohol and/or drugs are believed to be a factor at this time in this collision but is still under investigation. Witnesses did stay on scene and were cooperative. If anyone else witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980. Thank you.

Contra Costa Animal Services’ 9th Annual St. Pitty’s Day adoption event Saturday March 16

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Event features free adoptions of all bully breed dogs, $25 adoptions of all other animals.

Martinez, CA – On Saturday, March 16th, Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) will be hosting its 9th Annual St. Pitty’s Day event. The St. Pitty’s Day event features free adoptions of all bully breed dogs, and $25 adoptions of all other animals. Interested adopters can take advantage of this free adoption promotion by visiting CCAS’ Martinez and Pinole adoption centers to meet our animals and adopt their new family member.

This annual event is an opportunity to showcase bully breed shelter dogs, enlighten and educate the public about this amazing breed and highlight the work of our rescue/transfer groups who specialize in this breed of dog.

CCAS Adoption Locations: 

Martinez Adoption Center – 4800 Imhoff Pl., Martinez, CA 94553

Pinole Adoption Center – 910 San Pablo Ave., Pinole, CA 94564

For more information, contact Contra Costa County Animal Services’ Media and Community Relations Manager Steve Burdo at 925-393-6836, or by email at steve.burdo@asd.cccounty.us.

Contra Costa Animal Services is the largest animal welfare organization in Contra Costa County. The department operates two shelters, in Martinez and Pinole, where they provide high-quality animal care services, shelter homeless, abandoned and lost animals, place animals in safe, caring homes, and provide education and services to enhance the lives of people and their animal companions. Additionally, the department’s Field Services Division plays a crucial role in protecting the health and safety of all people and animals in our community through enforcement of state and laws, protecting the public from animal injury and working to prevent animal cruelty, abuse and neglect.

Charges filed against El Sobrante murder suspect

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

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has filed formal charges against Jorge Ortega Campos in connection with the killing of Michael Bagwell in El Sobrante in January. (See related article).

On January 26, 2019, at about 12:22 PM, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report of shots fired with a man down in the intersection of Jasmine Court and Jasmine Way in El Sobrante. Deputies arrived on scene and found a man deceased at that location. He suffered from gunshot wounds. The victim was identified as 52-year-old Michael Bagwell of Richmond.

Homicide Detectives from the Office of the Sheriff identified 38-year-old Campos of Richmond/Pinole as the suspect in the killing. Detectives later that day discovered Campos was being held in the Martinez Detention Facility (MDF) on unrelated charges. Apparently, an alert resident called police when he saw Campos acting suspiciously on Mountbatten Court in Concord. That resident was able to detain him until police arrived. At the time, Campos was booked into the MDF on numerous charges including drug possession and parole violation.

Campos is still being held at MDF. His charges now include murder and carjacking in connection with the killing of Bagwell. He is being held without bail.

The investigation into this case is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message or email: tips@so.cccounty.us.

Sacramento man found guilty for 4 counts of murder from 2017 fatal DUI collision in San Pablo

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Screenshots of CBS13 Sacramento new report, Nov. 26, 2017.

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

On March 4, a Contra Costa County jury found defendant Fred Lowe of Sacramento guilty of seven felonies, including the murder of four victims from a collision caused by Lowe on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017. After the fatal crash, Lowe fled the scene of the incident and was later found by law enforcement officers. Lowe was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash and he had five prior DUI convictions. Lowe’s blood, drawn four hours after the crash was measured at .19% and an expert testified that his blood alcohol level at the time of the crash would have been approximately .24%. (See related CBS13 Sacramento rews report)

Lowe sideswiped the victim’s Nissan Rogue as he traveled at an unsafe speed east bound on Interstate-80 west of El Portal Drive in San Pablo. After the initial impact from the crash, Lowe’s vehicle forced the Nissan Rogue against the center divider at which point the Nissan Rogue went over the divider into oncoming west bound traffic, where it was hit by two westbound vehicles. Three additional people in those vehicles were treated for serious injuries.

The four deceased victims are Joseph Horn, his father Darryl, Baden Biddle and his father Troy Biddle. Joe Horn’s older brother Jared was the driver of the Nissan Rogue and was only slightly injured. The Biddle Family were relatives of the Horn’s visiting from out of state over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Lowe now faces a maximum sentence of over 125 years to life in state prison. Sentencing will occur on March 29, 2019 in front of the Honorable John W. Kennedy – Department 8 of the Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez. Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney Derek Butts prosecuted the case on behalf of the People. The case originated in the Office’s Homicide Unit.

The tragic loss of life in each of these incidents underscores the very real danger to the citizens of our County when drivers choose to get behind the wheel and drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The District Attorney’s Office and the law enforcement agencies of Contra Costa County are committed to ensuring the safety of the public on our roadways and to the prosecution of those who drive under the influence to the fullest extent of the law.

The felony counts against Lowe for his verdict:

  • Count 1, Murder
  • Count 2, Murder
  • Count 3, Murder
  • Count 4, Murder
  • Count 5, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Causing Injury Within 10 Years of Two Other DUI Offenses
    • Enhancement 1, Great Bodily Injury
    • Enhancement 2, Great Bodily Injury
    • Enhancement 3, Bodily Injury to More than One Victim
  • Count 6, Driving with a .08% BAC Causing Great Bodily Injury Within 10 Years of Two Other DUI Offenses
    • Enhancement 1, Great Bodily Injury
    • Enhancement 2, Great Bodily Injury
    • Enhancement 3, Bodily Injury to More than One Victim
  • Count 7, Leaving the Scene of an Accident
  • Special Allegation, Prior Serious Felony (Counts 1-4)
  • Special Allegation, Prior Serious or Violent Felony Prior (Counts 1-7)

Case information: People v. Fred Douglas Lowe, Docket Number 05-181540-6

El Sobrante man dies in car crash on I-80 near Pinole Wednesday morning

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By CHP-Contra Costa

Early this morning at about 1:10am, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a solo vehicle rollover collision on I-80 westbound just east of Pinole Valley Road. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, the 59-year-old male driver from El Sobrante was extricated and life-saving procedures were administered but unsuccessful and the driver was pronounced deceased. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased party.

In the initial investigation, it appears that the solo male driver of the 2000 Audi was traveling at a high rate of speed on I-80 westbound approaching Pinole Valley Road and veered off the roadway and into the concrete sound wall, and subsequently overturned and slid across the lanes and came to rest blocking the #2 & #3 lanes. Once emergency personnel arrived and extricated the driver, they began life-saving procedures but were unsuccessful and unfortunately the driver was pronounced deceased. A Sig-Alert was issued at 1:37 A.M. (w/ the #1 lane remaining open the entire time) and lifted at 3:02 A.M. when all lanes of traffic were opened.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs are a factor in this collision as it is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.

Pittsburg man steals car in Clayton arrested for shoplifting in Hercules

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Photo of suspect detained by a Hercules Police Officer on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2018. Photos by Hercules PD.

 

The SUV stolen in Clayton.

From Hercules Police Facebook Page

On Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 15, 2019, Hercules Officers responded to a shop lifting in progress at The Home Depot, four subjects being belligerent inside the store were seen taking some gloves.

In the grand scheme of things taking some gloves seems fairly minor, but upon contacting the four suspects the Officers determined they were in a car that had been stolen out of Clayton that morning, and being driven by a suspect, Joshua Leslie Vieth (44 years old from Pittsburg) who had three outstanding warrants for prior auto thefts.

When Officers respond to a call, even something that seems minor, they do not make assumptions. A stolen pair of gloves resulted in a car thief going to jail, but more importantly a theft victim getting their car back.

While Officers never assume a shoplifting call will end in a stolen car arrest, they always assume it could and treat each call as such.

This caper is another example of how out of town thieves are targeting our town, are being arrested over and over, and are being put back out on the streets to re-victimize our community. We will continue to proactively enforce our laws and send them to jail regardless of the outcome.

Mental Health Services Act forum for immigrant communities on January 16th in Richmond

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WHAT: Contra Costa Behavioral Health Services, a division of Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS), invites anyone interested in discussing local public mental health services in relation to Serving Immigrant Communities to participate in a public forum on Wednesday, January 16, in Richmond.

The forum offers the opportunity to express the needs of the community and meet with service providers to discuss current issues relevant to supporting mental health in Serving Immigrant Communities. These discussions will help inform future use of local Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funding.

WHO: All members of the public are welcome, including Immigrants, their families, people working with Immigrants and interested members of the community.  RSVP to attend a forum by emailing mhsa@cchealth.org – please include “MHSA Forum” in the subject line – or by telephoning (925) 957-2617.  Attendees may also mail RSVPs to MHSA, 1220 Morello Avenue, Suite 100, Martinez, CA 94553.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 16th at 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, Ca 94804. The first 30 minutes will allow for registration and networking with community-based organizations at the event.

WHY: Contra Costa County’s current MHSA budget provides $51.6 million to more than 80 mental health programs and services. Forum goals include identifying service needs, priorities and strategies to inform the county’s MHSA Three-Year Program and Expenditure Plan for fiscal years 2020-2023.
The forum will include an overview of how MHSA works and how funding is currently used in Contra Costa.

Visit  www.cchealth.org/mentalhealth/mhsa to read the plan and other information about the MHSA in Contra Costa.