CHP investigating July fatal shooting on Highway 24

ORINDA — The California Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal highway shooting that killed a 22-year-old Oakley man late last month, authorities said.

The Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Brandon Valencia and said he died at a hospital July 29, a day after the reported shooting on westbound Highway 24. California Highway Patrol Officer Andrew Barclay said the gunfire happened July 28, just east of the St. Stephens Drive exit.

Barclay, the CHP’s Golden Gate Division spokesperson, said technical difficulties within the CHP’s communication system prevented the agency from releasing the news via their email and social media systems. The agency was caught unaware Monday when asked why they had not released a statement on the fatal shooting.

In the statement, Barclay said CHP officers in the Contra Costa division were notified about 9:30 p.m. on July 28 that somebody had been taken to a hospital after being shot while on Highway 24.

The CHP said it believes that somebody pulled up behind and then alongside the victim’s vehicle while it was going west and opened fire several times, Barclay said. They believe Valencia was in the back seat.

The CHP has not determined a motive, nor have they identified a suspect or vehicle involved, Barclay said. They urged anyone with information to contact them at their anonymous tip-line: 707-917-4491.