Full Notification

Over the past couple weeks, Novato Police Detectives have been working tirelessly to gather evidence and identify the suspects in the Hamilton shooting case that occurred on 4/9. Evidence confirmed this incident was targeted and gang related. Thanks to tips from the community, the firearm believed to be used in the shooting was recovered. The un-serialized “ghost gun” was located near the scene and was still loaded when Detectives found it.
 
Early this morning (4/22), members of the San Rafael-Novato Crisis Response Unit (SWAT and Crisis Negotiators) assisted NPD Detectives with the service of two search warrants at residences in the Bay Vista neighborhood. At the same time, Marin County Probation Officers conducted searches at multiple residences in southern Novato. As a result of this operation, two suspects were arrested. A 15-year-old and a 16-year-old were booked into Marin County Juvenile Hall for charges related to the shooting, including attempted murder and participation in a criminal street gang.
 
We appreciate our partners at the Marin County Sheriff's Office, Central Marin Police Authority, San Rafael Police, and the Marin County Probation for their assistance with this investigation. We would like to thank community members, who provided information ultimately resulting in a positive outcome in this case. Please remember to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Give us a call if you see any suspicious activity by calling 415-897-4361. Stay safe Novato!  
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Original Message:
Last night (4/9/25), at about 7:30pm, Novato Police Dispatch received several 9-1-1 calls about a juvenile disturbance and possible shooting near Nave Dr and State Access Rd. Callers reported hearing multiple shots fired and a white vehicle fleeing the area. As officers were arriving, they received information that several people were seen fleeing into the Lanham Village neighborhood.
 
Officers located the 18-year-old victim nearby, who had suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his back. He was transported to a local hospital by the Novato Fire Protection District. The white vehicle was also located nearby, which had been struck by gunfire.
The Marin County Sheriff's Office and California Highway Patrol assisted our officers in searching the nearby neighborhoods. Community members were asked to shelter in place during the search. To ensure public safety, drone teams, a CHP Helicopter, and our Police Canine team searched the area for several hours but could not locate the suspects.
 
We thank the community for your patience while officers investigated the incident. We appreciate the assistance from our partners at Novato Fire, Marin Sheriff, Marin CHP, and Golden Gate Air Operations. The case is currently being investigated by the Novato Police Department Investigations Section. This incident involved people known to each other and is believed to be gang-related. If you have any information related to this case, please email [email protected], and remember, you may remain anonymous. Case NP25-0901.