Statement on Officer-Involved Fatal Incident on Interstate 80 in Hercules

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is participating in the investigation into a fatal incident involving an on-duty Richmond Police officer.

The incident occurred this morning at approximately 7:15 am on westbound Interstate 80 near the Highway 4 junction in Hercules. Because the incident took place on an interstate highway, the California Highway Patrol has primary jurisdiction over the investigation.

The California Attorney General’s Office will lead the legal investigation based on the specific circumstances of the incident. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office’s participation in the investigation is in accordance with the County’s Law Enforcement-Involved Fatal Incident protocol.

While Assembly Bill 1506 requires the California Department of Justice to investigate officer involved shootings of unarmed civilians, this particular case does not explicitly fall under that mandate. However, the Attorney General’s Office has assumed the lead role due to the dynamics of the incident.

CHP TRAFFIC ADVISOR (10:39 AM)

LONG TERM FREEWAY CLOSURE WESTBOUND I-80, AT HIGHWAY 4 IN HERCULES.

WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ADVISED TO TAKE ALTERNATE ROUTES:

• – SOUTHBOUND I-680, TO WESTBOUND SR-24
•  EASTBOUND I-780, TO SOUTHBOUND I-680, TO WESTBOUND SR-24
• ***AVOID WESTBOUND HIGHWAY 4*

Richmond PD Update – Richmond Police: Officer Involved Shooting Investigation

On January 22, 2026, a Richmond Police Department detective was involved in a critical incident on westbound Interstate 80 near Highway 4.

Earlier that morning, CHP received multiple reports of a gold or gray Nissan sedan driving recklessly, striking vehicles, and obstructing traffic. The vehicle was later encountered stopped and blocking a lane of westbound I-80 by an RPD detective who stopped to render aid.

The detective contacted an individual standing near the vehicle who was holding a metal object. Unconfirmed information indicates the individual may have been swinging the object at passing vehicles prior to the detective’s arrival. During the encounter, an altercation occurred, and the detective discharged their service weapon.

The individual was transported to a local trauma center, where he later died from his injuries. The detective sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.

Because it is currently unclear whether the individual had a weapon in his possession at the exact moment the shooting occurred, California law requires the California Department of Justice to assume the lead investigation. DOJ’s involvement does not imply wrongdoing and is mandated under these circumstances.

This investigation is in its early stages. We are committed to transparency and will provide updates as information becomes available and legally releasable. Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information is urged to contact the Department of Justice at 916-210-2871.

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

PINOLE POLICE: CHP Conducting Investigation on Eastbound I-80 Near Pinole Valley Road (2:51 PM)

Pinole, CA — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is currently conducting an investigation on eastbound Interstate 80, prior to the Pinole Valley Road exit.

There is no threat to the public or to the citizens of Pinole at this time. The Pinole Police Department is not involved in the investigation in any way.

Traffic impacts may be present in the area while the investigation is ongoing. Decisions regarding the reopening of the freeway are solely under the authority of the California Highway Patrol. For updates regarding traffic conditions and information on when the freeway will fully re-open, please contact the California Highway Patrol directly.

The public is advised to use alternate routes if possible and to drive with caution when traveling near the affected area.