Full Notification

On June 7, 2024, around 7:00PM, a Novato Police officer was following up on a prior case and was alerted to a potential theft in progress at a retail store in Vintage Oaks. 
 
Several NPD officers saturated the area and located the three individuals fleeing the store, who matched descriptions provided by the reporting party. The suspects were safely detained and identified as:

• Stephen Edwards, 34, of Eureka
• Said El Jamali, 33, of Mountain View
• Amanda Edwards-Evers, 46, of Eureka

A search of their vehicle uncovered significant amounts of additional stolen property from various stores in Novato and the greater North/East Bay area. Thousands of dollars worth of stolen merchandise were recovered and returned to their respective retail stores. In addition to the stolen property, officers also located drugs and drug paraphernalia. 
 
Preliminary investigation revealed that this group had been stealing items to sell online for profit. All three individuals have been booked into Marin County Jail on charges of felony Organized Retail Theft with intent to sell, possession of Fentanyl, and *Edwards was booked with additional charges including possession of Fentanyl, and possession of drug paraphernalia. *Correction
 
We extend our gratitude to the Loss Prevention Team at Target for assisting with the investigation and all affected retail stores for their prompt responses. Collaboration in securing critical evidence is essential in the future prosecution of this case.
 
If you notice suspicious behavior, immediately call Novato Police at 415-897-4361. In an emergency or in-progress crime, call 9-1-1. Try to provide dispatchers with the most accurate information while keeping yourself safe. Information like, suspect description, vehicle description, direction of travel and license plate numbers are extremely helpful to our officers. Stay safe Novato!