Walnut Creek mayor, police chief address officer‑involved shooting that killed resident

Mayor Kevin Wilk opened the meeting on March 3 by informing the council and the public that a Walnut Creek police officer‑involved shooting last Thursday resulted in the death of a local resident, identified in the meeting as Tony Pereira. Wilk called the loss “a tragedy for the family of the man, Tony Pereira, and for the entire community,” and said the city would support independent investigations.

Police Chief Ryan Hibbs told the council the incident is under parallel review: the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is conducting a criminal review and the Walnut Creek Police Department is completing a separate administrative investigation. “In accordance with department policy, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave,” Hibbs said, adding that both officers were wearing body‑worn cameras and the cameras “were activated during this incident.”

Hibbs said the department will release body‑worn camera footage and related 911 recordings “as required by California law and investigative timelines,” noting that “our policy and state law allow for up to 45 days, but I want to assure you and the community that we will release these items as soon as possible.” He emphasized the department’s stated commitment to transparency and independent review.

Mayor Wilk asked for continued respect for the investigative process and urged compassion for those affected. He said the city would continue to cooperate with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and called on the public to allow the investigative processes to proceed.

The council did not take any formal action during the update; Chief Hibbs said the department would provide more information as legally permissible and urged respectful dialogue as the investigations continue.