Man shot dead in Orinda neighborhood, person arrested

A death in an Orinda neighborhood following an incident between two vehicles prompted a large police presence on Thursday afternoon.

Contra Costa sheriff's deputies announced around 12:30 p.m. that they were investigating a homicide in Orinda. Orinda police confirmed that police operations took place near St. Stephens Drive and Las Vegas Road.

Helicopter video from the scene showed an incident involving a Toyota 4Runner SUV and a Tesla in the area of ​​Las Vegas Court and Las Vegas Road. A body covered with a tarp was also spotted near the vehicles.

According to a statement from the sheriff's office, officers were called to the area shortly after 11 a.m. and found the victim. Emergency responders immediately began life-saving measures, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Neighbors told CBS News Bay Area they heard what sounded like gunshots.

“I heard a loud bang. Since this is a common occurrence in our society, my first thought was that it was a gun. And I thought: No way, not here, probably a tire burst,” said Shawn James, who lives nearby.

Sabena Nezar, another neighbor, said: “It's very sad. It's shocking. But I guess that's the world we live in now. It surprises me because it happened right here, just because I might live here.”

Police detained one person for further investigation. The person's name was not released, but police said both people involved are Orinda residents.

“Today, a rare and unfortunate murder occurred in Orinda,” city officials said. “Our deepest condolences go out to those involved in this tragic incident.”

In an update on Thursday afternoon, police said that the shooting was an isolated incident and that there was no further danger to the public. The investigation is ongoing.

On Friday, the Contra Costa County Coroner identified the victim.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office Investigations Division at 925-646-2600 or the non-emergency line at 925-646-2441. Tips can also be emailed to [email protected] or left an anonymous voicemail at 866-846.3592.