Burglary Suspects Report False Shooting to Divert Attention From Arrest

Criminals who think they can call in a false emergency to avoid getting caught better think again, says Danville Police Chief Steve Simpkins.

At about 3 p.m. Friday, electronics and other items were allegedly stolen from a car at the Greenbrook Clubhouse on Greenbrook Drive. As the suspects were being pulled over in their silver Dodge Charger, police later found that one of the alleged burglars used their cell phone to call in a false shooting nearby in an attempt to distract police, said Simpkins.

"You can't call in a fake shooting," said Simpkins "That is a new felony violation and you are unnecessarily putting my officers at risk."

The call to the emergency dispatch line at the Sheriff's office in Martinez reported that a friend accidentally shot himself on Camino Tassajara and Lawrence Road, about five miles from the clubhouse. The call came while Sgt. Phil Wisotsky was pulling the four suspects over and another officer was on his way.

Police sent additional officers to the scene of the reported shooting, which they then found was bogus.

When police searched the car a couple miles from the clubhouse, they found evidence of the call on the cell phone, an iPad, laptop computer and LCD projector that were reported stolen from a car on Greenbrook Drive. They also found credit cards used at local businesses, and other evidence of four commercial burglaries and two car thefts. Chief Simpkins did not have a dollar estimate for the property stolen.

Witnesses saw electronics, purses and other items being stolen from cars at the clubhouse parking lot, and used the license plate number to help the police find the suspects.

Christopher Ramos, a 23-year-old Danville resident, was charged in connection with burglary, receiving stolen property, possession of burglary tools, report of false emergency and conspiracy. Ramos was released on bail.  

Joey Carroll, a 27-year-old Pittsburg resident, was charged in connection with receiving stolen property, grand theft, conspiracy and other outstanding warrants. Carroll is being held on $60,000 bail. 

Nicole Berry, a 26-year-old Pittsburg resident, was charged in connection with burglary, receiving stolen property, forgery, conspiracy and reporting of a false emergency. Berry is being held on $180,000 bail.

A 17-year-old female, whose name is not being released because she is under age, was arrested in connection with receiving stolen property and conspiracy charges. She was released to her parents.

Police are still investigating this case and anyone with information should call Danville Police Department Sgt. Allan Shields at (925) 314-3703.