Full Notification

Over the past two weeks, Novato Police Department investigated two incidents in which juveniles used firearms to commit crimes.
 
On December 19, 2024, a 20-year-old victim was held at gunpoint near Novato High School by a group of teen suspects. The suspects stole the victim’s belongings, including cash and personal items, before fleeing the scene. Despite an immediate police response, the suspects were not located during the neighborhood and campus search.
 
On December 29, 2024, a 14-year-old juvenile sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound during an incident at a residence in Novato. Marin County Sheriff’s deputies assisted patrol officers with securing the residence. They discovered the suspect fled before officers arrived. A NPD canine officer and a Petaluma Police Canine officer helped to search the neighborhood for the suspect. NPD Officers working on a traffic safety operation also helped with the search. The victim was transported by Novato Fire medics to a local hospital for treatment.
 
NPD Investigators, including the School Resource Officer, worked tirelessly on both cases, with assistance from the Novato Unified School District and surveillance footage provided by community members. Investigators determined that the same firearm was likely used in both incidents. One of the suspects involved in the December 19 robbery was confirmed to have participated in the December 29 shooting. On December 30, NPD located and arrested the teen suspect. He was booked into Marin County Juvenile Hall for charges related to the shooting and the robbery.  Today, December 31, officers arrested and booked the second teen robbery suspect into Marin County Juvenile Hall.
 
Our officers continue to work diligently to investigate violent crimes and ensure community safety. We are grateful for the assistance of our partners at the Marin County Sheriff Office, Petaluma Police, Novato Fire, and Novato Unified School District for their assistance during these investigations. Together, we create a safer Novato.