Full Notification

8/1/24 - Earlier today, arrests were made in connection with the July 30, 2024 fire at the temporary encampment at Lee Gerner Park. After ensuring the safe evacuation of occupants at the park, Novato Police Department’s Fire Mitigation Ranger coordinated with Novato Fire Investigators and Novato Police Detectives, who determined the fire began within a tent located inside the encampment. After gathering evidence and developing leads, two individuals were identified as persons of interest: Brianna Giudice, a 36-year-old Novato resident and Giovanni Allison, a 39-year-old Novato resident.

During this investigation, it was learned another fire had been lit within the encampment the previous evening but was never reported to authorities. Investigators opened a second arson investigation and quickly identified Giudice as the suspect.

This afternoon, as Novato Police Department Detectives were canvassing the area near Lee Gerner Park for evidence, investigators noticed a vacant residence near the scene of the arson appeared to be occupied. After contacting the residence’s owner and confirming that the home should be vacant, detectives were granted permission to enter the home. Once the detectives entered the house, Giudice and Allison fled out the back door but were quickly arrested by awaiting police officers near the back yard.

Investigators have determined Giudice was responsible for both fires within the temporary encampment and this afternoon Giudice was booked into Marin County Jail for charges including outstanding arrest warrants, two counts of felony arson, burglary, and resisting arrest. Allison was booked into Marin County Jail for charges including outstanding warrants, burglary, violating probation and resisting arrest.

The fire, which began around 3:30AM on Tuesday morning resulted in the entire temporary encampment being red tagged, while City staff coordinated site assessments to determine if the site can be remediated. Tuesday afternoon, staff quickly coordinated housing for each park occupant and partner agencies including the County of Marin, Community Action Marin, Downtown Streets Team, and multiple City departments assisted with both securing the site, helping the occupants pack, and ensuring their safe transportation to new temporary housing.

We appreciate our partnership with the Novato Fire Protection District and the Fire Mitigation Ranger throughout this investigation to obtain a positive outcome. We are extremely grateful for our community members who provided accurate and timely information, ultimately leading to the arrest. It is important to stay aware of fire dangers, especially during the summer months. We can help reduce crime in our community together. When suspicious activity arises, give us a call day (415-897-4361) or night (415-897-1122). As always, call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Stay safe Novato!