Telecommunications personnel are crucial link

By Fran Clader, Director of Communications, California Highway Patrol

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Public safety dispatchers, often the first assistance people reach in an emergency, provide a crucial link between the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the public. In recognition of their service, the CHP joins other law enforcement agencies to recognize National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week on April 11-17, 2021.

California legislation enacted in 2020 reclassified public safety dispatchers as “first responders.” The new classification acknowledges their vital role in the state’s emergency response chain.

“As recognized first responders in California, our CHP public safety dispatchers and operators remain resilient in times of crisis,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “They are devoted professionals who provide the timely handling of all calls for services and are the lifeline between the public and emergency services.”

The CHP employs more than 700 dispatchers who provide critical services to communities throughout California. In 2020, these dispatchers who work out of one of the 24 CHP communications centers statewide handled more than 4.9 million 9-1-1 calls from the public.

In emergency situations, dispatchers must instantly determine the correct response to ensure the safety of all parties involved. They are also in constant communication with patrol officers, looking up license plates, driver license numbers, and running criminal record checks on wanted subjects.

Those interested in a rewarding career as a CHP public safety dispatcher are encouraged to apply for one of the more than 175 positions available statewide. Details are available at www.chp.ca.gov/chp-careers.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Hwy 4 Hillcrest Avenue offramp hit-and-run suspect’s car on Monday, March 22, 2021. All photos by Allen Payton

Driver and two passengers ran on foot from the scene leaving behind their car, two victims and their vehicles

By Allen Payton

A hit-and-run collision occurred Monday afternoon about 1:45 p.m. at the westbound Hillcrest Avenue offramp from Highway 4, near the BART station, in which one car striking another car, silver Honda and a PG&E utility truck. The driver and two passengers in the white sedan, were seen running on foot from the scene on the westbound sidewalk on Slatten Ranch Road toward Hillcrest Avenue.

According to CHP – Contra Costa Public Information Officer, Brandon Correia, “this just got classified as a three vehicle, no injury, hit-and-run collision. The at-fault party vehicle’s occupants, (reported as three black male adults) fled the scene and were not located.”

Victims’ vehicles of Monday’s hit-and-run at the Highway 4, westbound Hillcrest Avenue offramp.

The three males were also described by witnesses as in their late teens or early twenties. One had appeared to have a gold grill on his upper teeth and was wearing a black hoodie. Another, running with him, was wearing either red shoes or was wearing something red, according to one witness.

At-fault party’s car and CHP vehicle at the scene of the hit-and-run on Monday, March 22, 2021.

One victim, the driver of the silver Honda said he saw a white car that rear ended him as he was stopped at the light at the end of the westbound off ramp at Slatten Ranch Road next to the Antioch BART Station. He said he was in the far-left lane and the PG&E truck was in the right, left turn lane. The suspect’s car struck the back, passenger side of the Honda and the back, driver’s side of the PG&E truck, taking out both tires and wheels.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Vehicle in river and rescue of driver (light colored shirt) by Chris Arias (in black) with assistance by an unidentified man on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Photos by Keoua Medeiros via CHP

By CHP – South Sacramento

On Thursday, March 11, 2021 at approximately 10 am, a 2008 GMC Acadia was traveling westbound on Twin Cities Road approaching River Road. As the GMC approached the T-intersection, the driver, a 67-year-old male out of Oakland, had a medical emergency and accelerated the GMC to 50 MPH. The GMC continued through the intersection and left the roadway and flew into the Sacramento River. As the GMC began to sink below the surface of the river, the driver climbed to the top of his vehicle and yelled at witnesses on shore that he did not know how to swim.

Chris Arias, a 39-year-old male out of Antioch, had witnessed the incident and was standing on the bank of the river when he heard the driver state that he could not swim. Mr. Arias immediately jumped into the river and swam to the GMC. Mr. Arias told the driver to hold onto his back and swam back to shore with the driver holding on to him, saving the drivers life.

The driver of the GMC did not sustain injuries as a result of the collision but was transported to a local hospital as a precaution. When investigating officers spoke to the driver, he stated that he would have died if it wasn’t for Mr. Arias.

The South Sacramento CHP Area would like to commend Mr. Arias on his heroic actions. Without his brave actions, the driver of the GMC would surely have perished.

Antioch Police posted on their Facebook page Thursday afternoon, “Great work by a member of our Antioch community, Chris Arias! We are proud of you and thankful you were there to help.”

Both first responders in stable condition with non-life-threatening wounds; ambulance and police car also struck by gunfire; incident under investigation

By Lt. John Fortner, Investigations Bureau, Antioch Police Department & Steve Hill, Public Information Officer, ConFire

On Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, at approximately 8:51 PM, Antioch police officers were called to the 1900 block of Auto Center Drive on the report of a citizen requiring emergency medical attention. A fire engine from Contra Costa County Consolidated Fire Protection District (Con Fire), and an ambulance from Contra Costa American Medical Response (AMR) also responded to the medical call.

While tending to the patient in the parking lot near Auto Center Drive, a suspect in a silver SUV drove by the team of first responders and began shooting at the group. Afterwards, the suspect turned around and drove past the group again firing a second series of shots. A 31-year-old male Con Fire firefighter and a 58-year-old male AMR ambulance transport Alliance paramedic were caught in the crossfire of a drive-by shooting while responding to a serious medical emergency in Antioch Saturday night.

Shots were reported at 9:08 p.m. shortly after firefighters and paramedics arrived on scene. Both first responders and the original medical call patient were transported to local area hospitals at approximately 9:30 p.m.  The firefighter was shot in the foot and the paramedic was shot in the leg and their injuries were determined to be non-life threatening. An ambulance and a police car were also struck by gunfire.

Several Antioch officers gave chase onto Highway 4 as the suspect vehicle fled westbound towards the City of Pittsburg. The vehicle pursuit traveled through Contra Costa and Alameda Counties and ended in the City of Richmond after the suspect vehicle collided with a parked vehicle. The suspect attempted to flee from the scene of the collision, but he was quickly taken into custody by officers from Richmond PD and the California Highway Patrol. The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Air Support Unit also provided critical assistance. A firearm was collected at the scene.

“Tonight’s senseless shootings are a vivid reminder of the very real dangers our first responders face, often side-by-side with our law enforcement partners, as they work to save lives across our communities,” said Lewis T. Broschard III, fire chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. “We are grateful for the public outpouring of support for our wounded firefighter and AMR paramedic and for the work of law enforcement across the Bay Area to bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice.”

“As representatives of our firefighters, and in support of the police and EMS personnel we respond with on a daily basis, we are grateful to report both first responders injured in tonight’s shooting incident are expected to make full recoveries,” said Vince Wells, president, United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County. “I would like to thank the members of the community of Antioch and beyond for your words of concern and support regarding those injured in tonight’s incident. We expect to learn more as the investigation uncovers more details regarding this incident.”

Antioch Police Department detectives with the Violent Crimes and Special Operations Units responded to the scene, along with crime scene investigators, and took over the investigation. The investigation is still active, and evidence is being collected and evaluated.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441, or Detective Brogdon at (925) 779-6895. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Photos: CHP

By CHP – Golden Gate

A recent retail theft at a Lululemon store in Reno led to the recovery of more than $150,000 in suspected stolen merchandise, $7,000 in cash, one handgun, and the arrest of three suspects in the Bay Area, through the cooperation of several law enforcement agencies that are part of an Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF).

On February 5, 2021, nearly $50,000 of clothing was stolen from the Lululemon clothing store in Reno, Nevada, by five suspects in an organized retail theft. Some of the suspects were repeat offenders, known by Lululemon loss prevention investigators to have ties to the Bay Area.

The Lululemon investigators reached out to the ORCTF, a multi-agency effort of the Golden Gate Division of the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The task force includes members from the San Francisco Police Department and the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office.

With the help of information from the Lululemon loss prevention investigators, the ORCTF executed two search warrants in San Francisco and Antioch on February 11. The search warrants led to three arrests and the stolen merchandise, cash and handgun. The recovered merchandise included clothing, cosmetics, purses and sunglasses from multiple retailers including Lululemon, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Victoria’s Secret, JCPenney’s Sunglass Hut, Solstice Sunglasses, Ulta Beauty, Sephora, Burberry, Sax Off 5th, Louis Vuitton, Hermés, Gucci, Channel, and others.

Arrested were: Mario Omar Cisneros-Cruz, DOB 5/27/1979, of San Francisco; Owen Omar Cisneros/Rodriguez, DOB 9/23/2001, of San Francisco; and Saul Garcia Hernandez, DOB 3/11/1992, of Antioch, on suspicion of organized retail crime (490.4 PC), possession of stolen property (496 (a) PC), grand theft (487 (a) PC), theft of lost property (485 PC). Hernandez was also charged with carrying a loaded firearm (25850 (a) PC).

“It is our Task Force’s mission to detect, deter and dismantle organized retail crime,” said CHP Lieutenant Kevin Domby of the ORCTF. “If you have any information that may lead the detection of organized retail crime, please call our Tip Line at (510) 957-8247.”

UPDATE: CHP Officers have not yet interviewed female who was intubated

By Allen Payton

The CHP is investigating a solo vehicle crash on Highway 4 east of Somersville Road in Antioch that occurred Sunday night and injured two, a woman and man, both reported to be Hispanic and in their early 20’s.

Asked if it was caused by a DUI driver, CHP-Contra Costa Public Information Officer Brandon Correia responded, “the female driver was not under the influence, but the male passenger was. She rolled the vehicle and sustained major injuries but as far as officers know, not life-threatening, and was transported to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek.”

However, questions have arisen of who was the actual driver of the vehicle. It was reported the male’s mother arrived on the scene and drove him to a different hospital.

Asked which side of the vehicle sustained most of the damage, if there are any photos available, if either had alcohol in their systems when they arrived at the hospital, and who called 9-11, Correia responded, “all of this is under investigation.”

“The officers on scene went off what evidence was located and statements of involved and witnesses,” he continued. “I was told by officers they did not have enough information at the time of the crash and her interview at the hospital to place her under arrest for DUI.”

“The report investigation is not complete,” Correia added. “And there are no pictures to publicly share.”

10:35 AM 2/9/21 UPDATE – NO INTERVIEW OF FEMALE, YET

CHP-Contra Costa PIO Correia provided the following additional information Tuesday morning:

“Our preliminary collision report from the incident is as follows:

Our officers received a call of a solo vehicle collision on Hwy-4, east of Somersville Road, and reported by witnesses to have collided into the concrete center divider. Upon their arrival, they located a solo vehicle collision with two occupants. (One female and one male) The vehicle had consistent damage of colliding with the concrete center divider. The driver side of the vehicle had extensive damage and lots of blood, while the passenger side had little damage. (Both occupants were out of the vehicle upon Officers arrival.) Officers located the male with his parents (who were already on scene) and he had only suffered very minor injuries. Officers confirmed he had been drinking and he related he was the passenger and related the female was the driver.

Officers located the female in the back of the ambulance (already on scene) being treated by emergency personnel for major lacerations and injuries. The female was unable to provide a statement at the scene, but officers observed her injuries and her covered in blood (which is consistent with her being the driver and suffering injuries from the major damage to the vehicles drivers side and blood covering her driver’s side of the vehicle. She was transported to the hospital by the ambulance.

Once Officers arrived to the hospital, they contacted the female driver but she was put under intubation by the hospital staff and was unable to provide a statement. The officers did not observe any apparent signs and symptoms of intoxication/impaired.

At this point, due to evidence on scene, vehicle damage, blood in particular areas, passenger statement, and witness statements (including 911 calls), the Officers determined it was a solo vehicle, major injury, non-DUI collision.  The investigation is still pending as the officer needs to obtain a statement from the female driver and that should happen very soon when she is able to communicate.”

Officers will be on high alert for impaired drivers this weekend

By Jaime Coffee, Information Officer II, California Highway Patrol

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Football fans may have to come up with a new game plan for this year’s Super Bowl festivities, but the California Highway Patrol (CHP) still reminds everyone to put safety first.

California’s public health recommendations encourage residents to gather outdoors and with no more than three households.  In addition, Californians should stay close to home and limit non-essential travel to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.  If you must travel, the CHP wants to remind you of some important traffic safety tips to help you arrive safely:  drive sober, avoid distractions, always buckle up and leave plenty of time to get to your destination.

“The Super Bowl is one of the most celebrated sporting events of the year, and I am encouraging Californians to celebrate responsibly,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “If you choose to drink, do not get behind the wheel. Designate a sober driver.”

CHP officers will be on high alert for impaired drivers this weekend.  Alcohol is not the only substance that can lead to an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI).  Cannabis, prescription medications, and illegal drugs can all impair your ability to drive.

According to preliminary data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, four people died in alcohol-involved collisions in California on Super Bowl Sunday in 2020, and 120 people were injured.  In addition, the CHP made more than 300 DUI arrests that day.

The public can help keep California roadways safe by calling 9-1-1 if they suspect an impaired driver.  Callers should be prepared to give the vehicle’s description, location, license plate number and direction of travel.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

450 arrests, 39 rescues by more than 100 state, federal and local agencies and tax forces

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

Contra Costa victim service providers and law enforcement agencies participated in the 7th Annual statewide “Operation Reclaim & Rebuild” enforcement event organized by the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Taskforce. This operation focuses on rescuing victims of sex trafficking, identifying and arresting their abusers, and disrupting demand for these vulnerable victims. This is the third straight year that Contra Costa has participated in the operation, since organizing its own Human Trafficking Taskforce. (See press conference video.)

“Our collective goal to end human trafficking and exploitation locally and statewide is evidenced in our unified regional and state-wide approach to combat these heinous crimes. The trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable victims will not be tolerated in Contra Costa or California,” said Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton.

Participating agencies made five arrests and rescued three victims in enforcement action occurring in East and Central Contra Costa County. Statewide, a total of 450 arrests and 39 rescues were made by more than 100 state, federal and local agencies and taskforces.

Contra Costa law service and service provider agencies included:

• Contra Costa Human Trafficking Taskforce
• Pittsburg Police Department
• Brentwood Police Department
• Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
• Walnut Creek Police Department
• Richmond Police Department
• San Pablo Police Department
• California Highway Patrol
• Contra Costa County Probation Department
• Community Violence Solutions
• Victim-Witness Assistance Program, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Contra Costa’s Human Trafficking Taskforce brings together local, state and federal law enforcement and prosecution partners who enhance collaboration with victim service partners in order to investigate and prosecute all forms of trafficking our community in a trauma-informed manner while connecting survivors to culturally-competent services and support.

To report suspected trafficking, call the Human Trafficking Tip Line and leave a message: 925-957-8658

To get help, call Community Violence Solutions 24-hour crisis hotline: 1-800-670-7273