Full Notification

On January 3, 2023 at approximately 2:00PM, the Novato Police Department responded to the report of a bank robbery at Wells Fargo (5820 Nave Dr). Patrol officers responded to the area, but the suspect had fled prior to their arrival. The NPD Investigations Unit was requested to assume the investigation. Evidence and statements gathered at the scene revealed the suspect entered the bank and passed a note to the teller. The suspect was provided cash and fled on foot in an unknown direction. Thankfully, no one was injured and no weapons were seen. The suspect was described as a black male adult, approximately 40 years old, 6’ – 6’3” tall, with short black hair and a beard. He was wearing a black peacoat, dark pants and colorful socks. Witnesses indicated he may have had stiches or staples on the back of his head.
 
Immediately after the robbery, the NPD Investigations Unit sent the suspect’s photo to police departments across the state. The San Francisco Police Department contacted NPD and described two bank robberies that had occurred just hours after the one in Novato. The suspect appeared to be the same individual from the surveillance images. The next morning, on January 4^th, NPD Detectives were also contacted by the Sacramento Police Department. Based on the photos provided, they believed our suspect was Tracey Drew Jr., a 36-year-old resident of Sacramento, who was wanted for several violent felonies.
 
Later that afternoon, the San Francisco Police Department reported they arrested Drew following another attempted bank robbery. The Novato Police Department would like to thank our allied agencies for assistance in identifying and arresting a dangerous person. We are also thankful for the assistance provided by witnesses in this investigation who contributed towards a successful outcome. As a reminder to all: If you See Something, Say Something! Let’s work together to create a safer Novato.