Oakley Man Charged with Attempted Murder of Deputy Transferred to Jail

Raymond Edward Smith, 54, was arrested following a self-inflicted gunshot during a standoff with police.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

An Oakley man charged with attempted murder for shooting at a Contra Costa Sheriff's Deputy during an hours-long standoff last month has been transferred from a hospital to jail. Raymond Edward Smith, 54, was arrested following a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a deputy conducted a traffic stop and Smith opened fire.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face when responding to calls, as well as the ongoing challenges of dealing with suspects who have a history of violent crimes and mental health issues.

The details

On January 12, 2026, a deputy sheriff was dispatched to a call regarding a violation of a restraining order. The deputy conducted a traffic stop on Smith's vehicle, and Smith immediately opened fire on the deputy. Smith then fled on foot and barricaded himself in his home, leading to a standoff with a SWAT team. After several hours, a gunshot was heard, and Smith apparently attempted to take his own life. He was transported to a local hospital and has now been transferred to the Martinez Detention Facility.

  • On January 12, 2026, at about 10:50 AM, a deputy sheriff was dispatched to a call regarding a violation of a restraining order.
  • On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Raymond Edward Smith was transferred from a hospital to jail.
  • Smith's next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 2026, at 1:30 PM in Martinez Superior Court Department 5.

The players

Raymond Edward Smith

A 54-year-old Oakley man charged with attempted murder for shooting at a Contra Costa Sheriff's Deputy during an hours-long standoff last month.

Contra Costa Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and arrested Smith.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, whether or not to allow Raymond Edward Smith to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for continued training and support for law enforcement officers dealing with suspects who may pose a threat to public safety, as well as the importance of addressing underlying mental health and criminal history issues to prevent such incidents from occurring.