ORINDA — The California Highway Patrol is currently investigating a fatal highway shooting that resulted in the death of a 22-year-old Oakley man at the end of last month, as confirmed by authorities.
The victim has been identified as Brandon Valencia by the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office, who pronounced him dead on July 29th, a day after the reported shooting occurred on westbound Highway 24. The incident took place on July 28th, just east of the St. Stephens Drive exit, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Andrew Barclay.
Barclay, serving as the Golden Gate Division spokesperson for the CHP, explained that technical difficulties in the CHP’s communication system prevented the agency from disseminating the news through their email and social media platforms. The agency was caught off guard on Monday when questioned about their failure to release a statement regarding the fatal shooting.
In the official statement, Barclay mentioned that CHP officers in the Contra Costa division were notified around 9:30 p.m. on July 28th of an individual being taken to the hospital after being shot while on Highway 24.
According to the CHP, they believe that an individual pulled up behind and alongside the victim’s vehicle while it was traveling west and proceeded to fire multiple shots. Valencia is believed to have been located in the back seat of the vehicle.
The CHP has yet to determine a motive and has not identified any suspects or vehicles involved in the shooting, as stated by Barclay. They are urging anyone with information to contact their anonymous tip-line at 707-917-4491.