Full Notification

Yesterday (5/15), at 10:00AM, the Novato Police Department received a call about an incident involving a firearm at the Vintage Oaks Shopping Center. The initial investigation revealed the victim met the suspect on social media and scheduled a meeting to sell property to them. During the transaction, an argument ensued, and the suspect pulled out a firearm. The victim was able to quickly get away from the suspect without any shots being fired.
 
Patrol immediately began collecting evidence and identified the suspect as Michael Shkidt, a 34-year-old Vallejo resident. The NPD Investigations Section and Marin County Specialized Investigative Unit went to Vallejo and began surveillance at Shkidt’s residence. When Shkidt arrived home, Detectives served an arrest and search warrant.

We would like to thank the Marin County Specialized Investigative Unit for their collaboration in this case, as well as the victim, who provided accurate information to detectives, ultimately creating a successful outcome. Shkidt was safely booked into Marin County Jail for Assault with a Firearm. The investigation is ongoing.

If you have any additional information related to this incident, please contact the Novato Police Department at 415-897-4361 and reference case #NP24-1504.
 
As property sales have become increasingly common with the use of online marketplace tools, we remind the community to use caution when meeting strangers to conduct a transaction:

• Check the buyer/seller profile and rating ahead of meeting in person
• Meet the buyer/seller in a public place during daylight hours (coffee shop, etc.)
• Bring a friend or relative to accompany you for the exchange of goods
• Consider delivery options
• Use secure payment methods
• Review our Commerce Policies
• Verify the legitimacy of the item
• Inspect the item you’re buying before paying

If you believe you’ve been scammed during an online or in person sales transaction, file a fraud report online at www.novato.org/fileareport or file a complaint online through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) www.ic3.gov/Home/ComplaintChoice.

Report crimes as soon as possible to NPD by calling 415-897-4361. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. We are here 24/7 to assist our community.