Richmond, CA – On January 22, 2026, at approximately 6:35 a.m., California Highway Patrol (CHP) Golden Communications Center received multiple calls regarding a gold or gray Nissan sedan traveling westbound on Interstate 80 through Vallejo. Callers reported the vehicle was driving recklessly, at high speeds, cutting in and out of traffic, and was involved in several collisions.

At one point, callers reported the vehicle’s hood had flown up, obstructing the windshield, yet the vehicle continued to travel.

At approximately 7:17 a.m., a Richmond Police Department detective was traveling westbound on I-80, near Highway 4 in an unmarked department vehicle. The detective encountered a gold Nissan sedan stopped and blocking the number one lane of westbound I-80. The detective stopped and activated their emergency lights to render aid to what appeared to be a stranded motorist.

The detective contacted an adult male individual standing near the vehicle who was holding a metal object. Unconfirmed reports indicate the individual may have been swinging the object at passing vehicles prior to the detective’s arrival.

During the encounter, an altercation occurred with the individual, and the detective discharged their service weapon, striking the individual. Emergency medical personnel responded and rendered first aid. The individual was transported to a local trauma center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The detective sustained minor injuries and was also treated at a local hospital.

Preliminary information indicates the Nissan sedan the detective encountered is the same vehicle previously reported to the CHP.

At the time of the incident, the detective was not in uniform and was not wearing a body-worn camera because detectives assigned to investigative divisions are to wear business attire and are not required to wear body-worn cameras.

Investigations into the individual’s actions and the officer-involved shooting remain in their early stages. The CHP continues to investigate the actions of the driver prior to the shooting. Under California Assembly Bill 1506, where it is unclear whether a subject was armed with a dangerous weapon at the exact time of an officer-involved shooting, the California Department of Justice assumes responsibility to investigate the officer-involved shooting. Since it is currently unclear whether the subject was armed at the exact time of the shooting, the California Department of Justice has assumed responsibility for the investigation into the officer’s actions.

The Richmond Police Department Office of Professional Accountability and the Community Police Review Commission will also investigate the officer’s actions. The Community Police Review Commission is an independent civilian oversight body that conducts investigations involving the discharge of a firearm by a Richmond police officer and incidents resulting in death or serious bodily injury due to direct police action.

Additional information regarding the CPRC can be found at: https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/81/Community-Police-Review-Commission

The Richmond Police Department is committed to a thorough and transparent investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has related information, including video recordings, is encouraged to contact the California Department of Justice at (916) 210-2871 or (insert email)

Editors Note, according to CHP: **UPDATE (5:10 p.m.)** All lanes of westbound I-80 at SR-4 in Hercules have reopened.

California Department of Justice Investigating Richmond Police Department Officer-Involved Shooting Under AB 1506

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred on January 22, 2026 in Richmond, California. The OIS incident which resulted in the death of one individual occurred around 7:20 a.m. and involved the Richmond Police Department.

Following notification of this incident, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review. Anyone who has information related to either OIS incident and wishes to report it may do so by calling (916) 210-2871.

More information on DOJ’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.

Related:

• Jan 22 – DA Statement on Officer-Involved Fatal Incident on Interstate 80 in Hercules