Full Notification

On June 4th, 2018, at 1:06 pm the Novato Police Department received a 911 call reporting an adult female was attempting to kill herself by overdosing on medication inside an apartment in the 400 block of Ignacio Boulevard in Novato.  An officer arrived at 1:13 pm and was directed to a bedroom by the 911 caller.  The officer found a 35-year-old female aggressively ingesting medication. Officers on scene intervened and took the medications from the victim who then tried to obtain more from a nearby bathroom. After a brief struggle the female was taken into protective custody for a mental health evaluation. 
 
Novato Fire Protection District staff had responded to the residence with NPD officers and were already on scene.  The victim was transported by NFD to Kaiser Hospital in Terra Linda and was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.  Even though the victim died at Kaiser Hospital, NPD has invoked “in-custody death” protocols to thoroughly investigate this matter. 
 
Three separate and independent investigations have been launched. The Marin County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a criminal investigation.  The Novato Police Department is conducting administrative investigation and the Marin County District Attorney’s Office will conduct an independent review of the incident. 
 
Names of the officers involved, and the decedent’s identity are being withheld at this time. From this point further, all media inquiries should be directed to Marin County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Steve De LA O, [email protected] or 415.473.7272.  The Novato Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the victim and her family.