Full Notification

April 1, 2024 - Around 4:00AM this morning, a concerned resident reported a suspicious vehicle, parked near the intersection of San Marin Drive and Santolina Drive. NPD patrol officers responded to the call for service and found the vehicle with the hood popped open and partially blocking traffic.

While speaking with the sole occupant, officers noticed drug paraphernalia inside the car. The person was told to exit the vehicle, but refused. After several minutes attempting to coax the occupant out of the vehicle and de-escalate the situation, he was safely removed.

The officers searched the car and found narcotics, drug paraphernalia, burglary tools, and a loaded firearm equipped with a large capacity magazine. The suspect was identified as Rafael Lara, a 23-year-old Vallejo resident and was subsequently arrested. He was booked into the Marin County Jail for several charges, including possession of burglary tools, possession of an unregistered/loaded firearm, possession of drugs and paraphernalia, resisting arrest and delaying the investigation.

We would like to thank our community for quickly notifying us of the suspicious vehicle. We are thankful our officers were able to safely intervene in this situation and potentially stop other crimes from occurring. It is important to always be aware of your surroundings in the community, especially in the evening hours.

Call the Novato Police Department at 415-897-4361 if you notice anything suspicious. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. Stay safe Novato!