Antonio Morales. Photo courtesy of CCCSheriff

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff are looking for 22-year-old Antonio Morales of Oakley in connection to an attempted homicide incident in Byron.

At about 2:04 AM on September 2, 2017, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report of a shooting on the 3000 block of Taylor Road in Bryon. Callers also reported an unknown suspect speeding through a parking lot with his vehicle aimed toward a group of people. Initial reports indicated the vehicle, a Nissan Maxima, struck numerous people, shots had been fired and several people were injured.

The suspect vehicle fled the scene. Two people were hit by the car. They were treated and released from the hospital. Detectives later identified Morales, the driver, as the suspect. There is a warrant for his arrest for two counts of attempted murder.

Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Morales or on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or call the anonymous tip line at (866) 846-3592. Tips can also be emailed to: tips@so.cccounty.us.

On September 11, 2017, at 11:02 AM Antioch Police Officers responded to a reported robbery at Lauryn Jewelers located at 5887 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. It was learned that two individuals entered the business and assaulted the clerk with pepper spray. The suspects smashed multiple jewelry cases and stole an undisclosed amount of jewelry. They fled into the parking lot on foot. The clerk was uninjured and treated for the pepper spray exposure.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Antioch Police at (925) 778-2441. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

By Public Information Officer Brandon Correia, Contra Costa CHP

On Friday, September 8, 2017, at about 9:34 PM a freeway shooting occurred on Highway 4 eastbound around Somersville Road in Antioch. The driver in the victims’ vehicle was struck and his passenger was not. The victim drove himself and passenger to a local hospital in Antioch.  An unknown suspect vehicle with unknown occupants fled the scene and continued on Highway 4 eastbound.

CHP arrived on scene and at the hospital to contact the victim.  The male driver had indeed been shot in his upper extremity and his injury was non-life threatening. CHP also inspected the victims’ vehicle and it did appear that it had been shot.

CHP also shut down areas of Highway 4 by Somersville Road to search for, locate, and secure evidence located at the scene.

This is still an ongoing investigation and are still investigating whether this was a targeted shooting or an isolated road rage incident.

Richard Chew from his former LinkedIn profile.

Antioch Police Detectives assisted in investigation

On Wednesday, Lafayette police officers arrested 58-year-old Richard Chew of Lafayette. An arrest warrant had been issued for Chew.

On August 19, 2017, the Contra Costa Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force launched an investigation into Chew. Agencies involved in this investigation include the Office of the Sheriff, District Attorney’s Office, and Lafayette and Concord Police Departments.

During the investigation, a search warrant was served on Chew’s home on Harper Court in Lafayette and work location. Child pornography was found on Chew’s computer and other storage devices.

Chew was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for possession of child pornography. He is currently being held in lieu of $200,000 bail. The DA’s Office has already filed formal charges against Chew.

According to his Linkedin profile, which has since been removed, Chew stated that he is a Captain Of Fire for the Oakland Fire Department since 1989 until now and that he’s “Just a regular fire guy living the dream!”

ICAC is a multi-agency task force managed by the San Jose Police Department. In Contra Costa County, detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Antioch, Martinez, San Ramon, Concord, and Moraga police departments, the Office of the Sheriff, County Probation Department, and District Attorney’s Office participate in the task force.

Anyone with any information about this case can contact Deputy District Attorney Jordan Sanders at (925) 957-8602.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Screenshot of video by KRON4 TV of red Honda in fatal collision on HWY 4 in Concord, Tues. night, August 29, 2017.

Jacquelyn Irene “Jackie” Grimaldo. photo from Facebook

UPDATE: The victim has been identified by the County Coroner’s Office as 23-year-old Jacquelyn Grimaldo of Brentwood.

On Tuesday night, August 29, 2017 at about 10:23pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a two-vehicle traffic collision in the eastbound lanes of HWY 4 at Solano Way. Upon CHP and emergency personnel arrival, it was determined that a red Honda HR-V collided with the back of an unoccupied flatbed truck within the south shoulder. The female driver of the Honda tragically did not survive the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

In the initial investigation, it appears that the solo female driver of the Honda (23-year-old female from Brentwood) was traveling eastbound on HWY 4, partially within the south shoulder, and collided into the back of the unoccupied International 4700 flatbed truck, which was stopped within the shoulder. The Honda sustained major frontend damage and unfortunately the driver of the Honda succumb to her injuries at the scene. HWY 4 eastbound was shut down for about one hour and 40 minutes for the investigation and removal of the vehicles.

An earlier report that it was a hit-and-run and the truck was located later was incorrect, according to Contra Costa CHP Public Information Officer Brandon Correia.

Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor in this collision but it is still an ongoing investigation. If anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Graves. photo courtesy of Paul Graves for DA

The Antioch Police Officers Association along with nearly all of the law enforcement associations in Contra Costa County have announced their joint endorsement of Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Graves for the position of Interim D.A. They issued the following statement, this week:

“We have either met or are very familiar with all five finalists for the interim District Attorney position. We watched yesterday’s Board of Supervisors public forum and have read the applicants’ platforms and listened to input from our members.

“The work of fighting and prosecuting crime is ongoing. An interim District Attorney must be experienced and ready to step into the position and function effectively immediately. We believe there is one clear choice ready to lead the Contra Costa District Attorney’s office at this critical moment, and that choice is Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Graves.

“County Supervisors have also expressed their desire to appoint an interim District Attorney who can hit the ground running, and Paul Graves is uniquely ready as someone who already knows how to lead other prosecutors. He has supervised both the Homicide Unit and the Family Violence units with distinction – two of the toughest units in the DA’s office.

“Paul Graves’ extensive experience also makes him the best choice for improving public safety. As law enforcement officers, we know that our ability to protect and serve our communities is greatly strengthened by the experienced, seasoned judgement that Paul Graves will bring as a prosecutor with 22 years of experience right here in Contra Costa County. He has tried over 70 jury trials and prosecuted two capital cases, and over the course of that career he has worked extensively with our colleagues in law enforcement to build strong cases and fight for justice for the victims of crime.

“We have witnessed Paul Graves’ commitment to preventative justice that reduces incarceration rates. At each step in his career, Paul Graves has taken a proactive approach to crime prevention that emphasizes youth and community engagement and other preventative measures as evidenced by his support of the Children’s Interview Center and especially his leadership in the fight against human trafficking in Contra Costa.

“We encourage everyone who hasn’t had the benefit of our years of working with Paul Graves to read his application for interim District Attorney. There you will see the thoughtful, experienced, professional that we’ve come to know and respect.

“One last important point. The law enforcement officers we represent share a ’24-7’ full-time commitment to public safety. We know Paul Graves is a prosecutor who shares that dedication. We’ve been able to count on him over the years for counsel and advice on any case at any time, day or night. We believe that character and commitment is what the people of Contra Costa will value most in Paul Graves. He’s a ‘24/7’ leader who is fully committed to serving the people with dedication and integrity at all times.

“We stand ready to fully support Paul Graves as interim District Attorney. We hope the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa will support him as well. The events of the last few months have led us to this critical moment, and Paul Graves is the experienced, trusted prosecutor who is ready to meet that moment and move all of us forward.”

Respectfully Submitted,

Antioch POA, Brentwood POA, Clayton POA, Concord PA, Contra Costa Co DA Investigators Assn., Contra Costa Co Deputy Sheriffs Assn. (County Probation, Orinda, Lafayette, Danville Officers), El Cerrito PA, Hercules POA, Martinez POA, Moraga POA, Oakley POA, Pinole PEA, Pleasant Hill PA, Richmond POA, San Pablo PEA, San Ramon POA, and Walnut Creek PA.

Graves is one of five finalists who have applied for the appointment by the Board of Supervisors which is expected to make their choice at either their Sept. 12 or 19 meetings.

By Lieutenant D. Bittner #3252, Antioch Police Investigations Division

Early this morning, Wednesday, August 30, 2017, a Pittsburg resident called the Antioch Police Department to report that he located his stolen vehicle parked in the City of Antioch. While waiting for police to respond, the victim confronted several suspects who approached the stolen vehicle. During the confrontation, one of the male suspects brandished a pistol and fired one round. The victim fled the area and later gave officers a description of the suspects and the vehicle the suspects fled in. The victim was not struck by the gunfire.

At approximately 1:00 AM, an Antioch Police Department patrol officer located the suspect vehicle traveling on East 18th Street near Cavallo Road. The officer followed the suspect vehicle into a parking lot to initiate a vehicle stop. The suspect vehicle turned around in the parking lot facing the officer’s patrol vehicle. The driver of the suspect vehicle then rammed the patrol vehicle head-on as the officer was exiting the driver’s seat. The officer discharged his firearm at the suspect vehicle striking the vehicle several times. Afterwards, the driver of the suspect vehicle complied with commands and was taken into custody along with a passenger. The suspects in the vehicle were not injured, and the officer sustained minor injuries as a result of the assault.

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

Israel Ayoko. photo courtesy of APD

UPDATE: On Monday morning August 28, 2017, at about 1:14 AM, Israel Ayoko was safely located on Vasco Road by a citizen. He was transported to a local hospital for precautionary measures and is listed in stable condition. The Antioch Police Department and Israel’s family would like to thank the public for their assistance in locating him.  See original article, here.