On Tuesday, November 12th, 2024, former San Diego Police Department Detective Sergeant David Contreras takes you on the 2nd part of his life journey. Last week's episode was fascinating. He shared his upbringing in Chula Vista, California. He described being a first-generation Mexican American raised in the Apostolic Assembly Christian Church. He shared personal family stories related to his Father, Pastor David Contreras Sr, his beautiful mother, Elvira Contreras, and his two sisters, Rachel Valverde and Ana Mena. He shared how, after reading the book The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson, God placed a burden in his heart to open New Life Apostolic Outreach. He also took the listeners through his first years as a correctional officer with the California Department of Corrections, including his first of many encounters with Mexican Member Raul Leon, AKA Huero Sherm, and with many other members of the Mexican Mafia and Nuestra Familia. In tonight's episode, he will share some of his most memorable moments and cases with the San Diego Police Department. One of the cases he will share is the brutal murder of Diane Gonzales, which occurred on October 12, 2010, at the San Diego City College campus. Armando Perez brutally stabbed and murdered his 19-year-old estranged wife. It was one of the most horrific homicide scenes that many of the investigators and forensic specialists had ever processed. David was assigned to the San Diego Police Department Criminal Intelligence Unit at the time of the slaying. David assigned CIU Detective Oscar Armenta as the lead case agent on the hunt for Perez, who had fled to Mexico. David and Oscar joined US Marshalls Frankie Sanchez, Jesus Guerrero, former Tijuana Secretary of Public Safety Alejandro Lares, and TJPD Liaison Charlie Betancourt in the extensive manhunt in Mexico for Armando Perez. After two years of following leads and extensive searching, accumulating hundreds of men, hours Perez was finally caught and brought to justice. He will share his friendship and experiences with former Lieutenant Colonel Julian Leyzaola, who was the Secretary of Public Safety in Tijuana at the time. Lieutenant Colonel Leyzaola is known as “Mexico's Bravest Man.” An extremely accurate and informative documentary about his life stories and challenges was filmed. You can find this documentary on AMAZON Prime. During his tenure as Chief of Police in Tijuana, David and his team saved his life on more than one occasion by informing via the mandatory Tarasoff Warning of prevalent threats against his life. David will share the day he was tasked by a CIA operative to invite Leyzaola to a steak dinner at Flemmings Steak House in downtown San Diego. Palm Springs Chief Andy Mills, David's CIU Lieutenant then, also attended the HUMINT dinner. You will be surprised by the Lieutenant Colonel's actions and response. For the first time, David will share a personal story dear to his heart and soul. David decided to share this fascinating and heart-stopping story because these two episodes depicting his life stories and experiences are dedicated to his four grandchildren. David decided long ago and has left written instructions in his trust and with his immediate family that he will not have a wake or funeral service. As we all have seen and experienced throughout our years, 99% of the stories shared at funerals are second-hand stories, which are far from the truth of how and what occurred. He wants his grandchildren to have access to these two segments for years to come. When faced with life-changing circumstances in the future, they will know how to respond. On April 29, 2003, David was faced with a life-or-death decision that forever changed his life. Today, David has dedicated his life to counseling and assisting first responders, victims, and witnesses of traumatic events suffering from PTSD. He is co-author of "When The Music Stops The Pain Begins." He is currently co-writing his second book with renowned author Gabe Morales. Their upcoming book will depict how school shootings are and will be affecting teachers and students with PTSD. David has the heart and soul of a Sheepdog.
