Contra Costa Sheriff Calls For All Residents To Stay Indoors

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Citing the "continuing civil unrest, ongoing disturbances and sporadic looting of businesses," Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston urges all Contra Costa residents to stay inside from 8 p.m. Monday until 5 a.m. Tuesday.

Since Friday, there have been widespread protests and demonstrations throughout the Bay Area and the United States over the death of George Floyd while he was being arrested by Minneapolis police. Some demonstrations have turned to looting and vandalism, with banks and stores burned to the ground in some areas.

The city of Pleasant Hill experienced looting in its downtown area over the weekend and has issued a curfew for all business areas. The curfew began at 7 p.m. Monday and continues until 5:30 a.m. daily until further notice.

A countywide curfew order has not been officially called for Contra Costa County but that was subject to change, Sheriff Livingston said in a statement issued just before 5:15 p.m. Monday.

"Please note that some cities have implemented their own curfews and residents should check their city’s website for updates," Livingston said.

"Please be assured law enforcement throughout the county is working together and has brought in additional resources to address incidences of civil unrest," the sheriff said.

In addition to staying home, Contra Costa residents are asked to avoid calling for non-emergency police services until tomorrow if possible, the sheriff said.

Danville has a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily until Thursday. Most businesses have been boarded up downtown due to concerns about looting rumors seen on social media.

Pleasant Hill called for a curfew within its business areas after at least four businesses were broken into over the weekend, although there were no organized peaceful protests or demonstrations observed in the city.

At 6 p.m. Sunday, Best Buy was broken into and looted by an estimated 100 people, Pleasant Hill police said.

In each burglary, police said entry was made by way of windows smashed by multiple suspects.

The other burglaries occurred at a Verizon store, Estate Consignments and Sprint. Additionally, an attempted burglary occurred at Pleasant Hill Coin and Jewelry.

Six people were arrested in connection with the four burglaries, police said.

"There were no acts of violence committed against any people and no reported injuries to suspects or officers," Pleasant Hill police said.

By about 11:30 p.m. Sunday, the arrests had been made and the Pleasant Hill community was "stable and calm."

A representative for the Concord Police Department, Cpl. David Petty, told Bay City News Service that looters broke into a Gap store Saturday night. Petty said the city was adding extra police patrols throughout the Willow Pass Road retail corridor. He said no arrests for looting had been made Sunday night or Monday.

In a message to city of Concord residents and community members, Concord police Chief Mark Bustillos made this statement Sunday:

"This week we have watched the pain and outrage from communities across our country. The Minneapolis Police Department officers’ use of force that killed George Floyd has reopened wounds that can only be healed by all of us being honest and working together toward resolution. I understand how this incident can undermine the trust our communities have for law enforcement.

"On behalf of the Concord Police Department, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Floyd family during this difficult time. The actions and inaction of the involved Minneapolis officers is inexcusable and deeply disturbing; and they are not consistent with the core values of law enforcement.

"As your Chief of Police, I want to reassure you that Concord PD’s continuing mission is to provide the highest quality of public safety to all of the communities we are privileged to serve. We value all human life regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. In the days and weeks ahead of us, we will continue to work tirelessly to enhance community partnerships by strengthening trust, maintaining clear policies, ensuring consistent training, and continuing open and honest dialogue with our community."

In Martinez, police said they would have an increased presence out of an abundance of caution. Martinez police Chief Manjit Sappal encouraged community members to report anything suspicious, as "roving bands of looters have been focused on attacking stores."

RELATED COVERAGE:

• Walnut Creek Protesters Block I-680, Vandalize Property
• Statement From Walnut Creek Mayor On Looting, Curfew
• Walnut Creek Nighttime Curfew In Effect
• Looters Strike Walnut Creek, BART Station Closed
• SEE: Downtown Danville Braces For Potential Looting
• Peaceful Protests Transition To Vandalism, Looting: Santa Rosa PD
• Protesters Nearly Hit By Truck At Old Santa Rosa Courthouse: SRPD
• 'We Are With You': Napa Police During George Floyd Demonstration

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.