Serial Rapist; Smash-'N-Grab Busts: Pinole, Hercules, E. Bay Crime Log

EAST BAY, CA — The following is a collection of this week's police, fire and courtroom stories from across the East Bay.
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East Bay Rape Suspect Arrested For Multiple Sex Assaults From 2017

• Christopher Owens is jailed on $8 million bail, accused of crimes dating to 2017 in Concord, Walnut Creek, Pacheco & Pleasant Hill.

Police Checking For More Possible Victims Of East Bay Rape Suspect

• "It is suspected that (Christopher) Owens has committed rapes in multiple jurisdictions over many years," police said.

Broadway Plaza Smash-And-Grab: Suspect, 19, Arrested

• Walnut Creek police and Contra Costa deputies collaborated for last week's arrest in a Macy's June robbery, involving a trio with hammers.

Admitted 'Meth User' Busted With Loaded Gun, Drugs In Hercules: Police

• The man, with previous felony for drug sales, was arrested after cops checked on "suspicious" Mercedes parked near Big Lots, officials said.

Concord Police Department Welcomes 2 New Officers

• Officers Andrew Mathers and Justin Caballero were sworn in Monday.

Theft Suspect From Martinez Nabbed After North Bay Police Chase

• The man is accused of smashing Walmart glass case with hammer, stealing jewelry & leading cops on high-speed chase, officials said.

Air Advisory Extends Through Friday Due To 6-Week Marsh Fire

• The still-smoldering Marsh Fire started May 28 in a Bay Point homeless encampment, affecting air quality in nearby Contra Costa communities.

Ygnacio Valley Road Reopens After Serious Injury Crash In Walnut Creek

• A driver was hospitalized after hitting a parked public works truck Wednesday morning, police said.

Community Police Academy Sign-Ups Underway In Hercules

• Free to residents, the course includes jail tour, narcotics and crime scene investigations and "Shoot Don't Shoot" simulator.

Power Outage Reported Friday In Downtown Lafayette, Burton Valley

• Drivers are reminded to treat all intersections as a four-way stop, police said.

Stolen Trailer From Fremont Found With Automated License Plate Reader

• The trailer was found in Benicia shortly after being reported missing, and a 61-year-old man was arrested, police said.

Motorist Killed In Fiery Crash In Antioch

• The two-vehicle collision was Thursday near James Donlon and Contra Loma boulevards, police said.

Pleasant Hill Cops Now Ride DualSport Suzuki For Park & Trail Patrols

• The motorcycle is hailed for its "do anything, go anywhere" abilities.

Hearing Gunshots? Shooter Training At Pinole School

• No need to dial 911. A regional active shooter response training is underway at Pinole Valley High School, police said.

National Night Out 2022 & 'Spiderman' Movie Planned At Hercules Park

• Save the date! The city & Bayfront Chamber of Commerce will host the Aug. 2 extravaganza, featuring food trucks, music, games & kids' fun.

Pinole Police Plans 'Ice Cream Adventure' At 4 City Parks

• Here's the scoop: The Pinole Police Department is hosting four stops for free ice cream.

2 More Arrests in 2021 Hayward Gang Killing: Police

• The latest suspects arrested are from Hayward and Oakland.

Walnut Creek Armed Robbery: Accused Gang Member Charged

• The victim was robbed at gunpoint with an illegal AR-style assault weapon after being followed to their destination.