Following “illegal narcotics deal gone bad”
Police search for shooter
By Oakley Police Department
On March 15, 2023, at approximately 10:12PM, Oakley police officers responded to the 1000 block of Quail Valley Run for the report of three males fighting inside a vehicle and gunshots being heard. Oakley Officers started towards the area, and they were advised one person fled from the vehicle after the gunshots and the vehicle was driven away too. Oakley Police Officers found the vehicle at the intersection of Laurel Road and Teton Road. As the officers started making contact with the occupants, they learned the vehicle was stolen out of Oakley on March 11, 2023. Officers quickly contacted the occupants and found the driver was a young adult male and he was shot in the upper chest. Officers also contacted a juvenile male in the front passenger seat. Our officers provided medical care to the driver and had paramedics respond.
Our officers began their investigation and they found both the driver and the passenger to be completely uncooperative with them. The driver was transported to a local hospital for advanced care and our detectives were called in. the stolen vehicle was seized as evidence, along with many personal effects of the driver and the passenger. Our investigation led to the recovery of the firearm that was used in this shooting.
Our investigation has so far revealed this incident appears to be an illegal narcotics deal gone bad. We are still actively working on identifying the person who fled on foot, who at this point is only known to be a male wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt.
The driver of the stolen vehicle, and the person who was shot, is identified as Nickolas Durham (18, Pittsburg). Durham was released from the local hospital into the custody of the Oakley Police Department, and we have arrested and booked him for:
- Possession of a stolen vehicle
The juvenile passenger in the vehicle was arrested and booked for:
- Possession of a firearm
- Assault with a deadly weapon
“This is the second major incident that occurred on Quail Valley Run in the span of just one day. At this point there is no evidence to suggest the two incidents are related in any way. Even though my detectives are still trying to identify the third party in this incident we have recovered the gun that was used, and we have taken two suspects into custody. I do not believe this incident still represents a threat to public safety due to the recovery of the gun and the arrests,” said Police Chief Paul Beard. “I do however acknowledge the good and hardworking residents of the Quail Valley Run area may be uneasy due to all of the recent activity. I want all of those residents to know I have issued an expectation to my officers to bolster patrols in that area for the next few days. I am also imploring everybody to call us if they see anything suspicious or out of place. The Oakley Police Department will always work hard to ensure the safety of our residents and our business owners. The more we know, or find out about, only helps us to do the best job we can do.”
I live in this subdivion and have to commend the agencies involved for handling these 2 unrelated incidences in a professional and timely manner. I have 2 small toddlers and all of this police activity had me a bit rattled. But, I must say that our tight knit community came together and was available to help with questions, answers and most importantly, actual facts to what occurred. The app “Next door” and frequent updates from OPD through FB, ContraCosta.news, IG and Newsbreak all provided perodic updates and added detailed information regarding both instances and helped my anxiety with facts and police presence. So again, I’m thanking all parties/agencies involved and know that you are appreciated!! We support your efforts and risks you all take to protect our community and city every day!!