Full Notification

On September 3rd, 2022 at 6:38 PM, Officers were dispatched to the Vintage Oaks Shopping Center on the report of a stolen vehicle. Upon arrival, officers found the vehicle and initiated a “high risk” traffic stop. “High-risk” traffic stops are typically initiated when a vehicle is reported as stolen or when the stop may pose a significant risk to the officers or community when dealing with the occupants of a vehicle.

The driver failed to obey officer commands, backed out of the parking space at a high rate of speed, and collided with a parked car. As the driver pulled forward he accelerated rapidly, colliding with one officer's patrol car, driving directly toward an officer's open patrol car door. The officer had to jump into his patrol car to shield himself from being hit by the fleeing vehicle, as the driver had weaponized the vehicle to escape arrest.

Officers attempted to follow, however the driver drove away from the area in such a reckless manner that officers stopped pursuing to protect the public. Within minutes, an observant community member reported a suspicious vehicle with major front end damage in the area of S. Novato Blvd and Rowland Blvd. Officers located the vehicle as well as the driver, who was identified as 44-year-old, Jovonni Guerry, of San Francisco.

Guerry initially provided a false name to the officers at the scene, but was soon identified by property he left in the severely damaged vehicle. It was soon discovered that the vehicle Guerry had fled in, was in fact stolen and he had three felony warrants, as well as one misdemeanor warrant for his arrest. Stolen property was located within the vehicle and he was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. No officers, community members, or the suspect were injured during this incident.

Guerry was arrested and booked into Marin County Jail for providing a false name to officers, assault with a deadly weapon against a police officer, hit and run, reckless evading, possession stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, possession of burglary tools, possession of a stolen vehicle, driving with open containers of alcohol, violation of probation, and his outstanding warrants.

We would like to thank the community for their assistance in helping officers locate Guerry and the stolen vehicle. Call NPD if you see something suspicious and provide as much information as possible. Helpful information to include: what happened, where did it happen, suspect description, mode of transportation, license plate number, or direction of travel.

If you have any additional information related to this specific case, or if you would like to report a non-emergency incident, please call the Novato Police Department at 415-897-4361. In an emergency, immediately call 9-1-1.