🚨Novato Police Awarded $101,200 Grant for Speeding and Reckless Driving Program to Increase Safety on Roads Novato Police announces that it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its ongoing enforcement and education programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on our roads. “Grant funding from OTS gives Novato Police Department the ability to invest in prevention, education, training, and enforcement that changes driver behavior and saves lives. By targeting the behaviors that cause serious collisions, we can reduce crashes, prevent injuries, and make Novato’s roads safer for everyone”, said Sgt. Trevor Hall. “Funds allocated for DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols, in particular, provide an important opportunity to combine enforcement with direct public education and awareness.” The grant will provide additional programs and resources, including: 🚔 DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers. 🚔 High-visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law. 🚔 Enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk. 🚔 Enforcement operations focused on top driving violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes. 🚔 Community presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding and bicycle and pedestrian safety. 🚔 Officer training and/or recertification to detect and evaluate impairment levels in suspected impaired drivers: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE). “Traffic safety begins with everyday decisions,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “When we address the risky driving behaviors that put everyone on the road in danger, including speeding, distraction, and impairment, we can prevent crashes and save lives. By supporting enforcement efforts and educating communities, we’re helping to build a safety culture where looking out for others and safe travel behaviors are the norm.” The grant program runs through September 2027. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the @OTS_CA California Office of Traffic Safety, through the @NHTSAgov National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

⚡POWER OUTAGE: Per @PGE4Me, unplanned outage in downtown Novato. 912 customers affected. PG&E assessing cause. 🔋Estimated Restoration: 10/14 @ 6:45pm 💡pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/out… ☎️Only call 9-1-1 in an emergency. 🚦Traffic signals: If out, treat like a 4-way stop.🛑 Have a plan & #StaySafe.

🚔Novato Police Department Receives Vehicle Funded by CHP Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program The Novato Police Department is pleased to announce the acquisition of a new Dodge Durango, funded through the CHP Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program. Novato PD received the vehicle in August 2026, and it is currently in the build process for its role in impaired-driving enforcement. The vehicle will provide the Department with an additional resource to support DUI enforcement operations. The vehicle will also support community outreach and public education efforts focused on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, and other drugs. The CHP Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program was established following the passage of Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA). The program provides funding to local agencies to help reduce impaired-driving crashes, increase public awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, and make California roadways safer. Funded by the California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program, this new vehicle represents an important investment in the Novato Police Department’s ongoing commitment to traffic safety and impaired-driving prevention. The Department looks forward to getting the vehicle out on the street and putting this valuable resource to work in the Novato community in the near future.

🚨Proactive Action Removes Illegal Firearm from Our Community Last week, a Novato Police Detective observed a video on social media where Christopher Diaz, an 18-year-old Novato resident, displayed a firearm. In the video, the firearm appeared to be loaded with a high-capacity magazine. The Detective recognized Diaz and confirmed he was on Marin County Probation. On Friday (10/2), NPD Investigators and a Marin County Probation Officer contacted Diaz at his residence in southern Novato. A probation search was conducted of a vehicle recently driven by Diaz with the assistance of NPD's K-9 Koda. A firearm and two loaded firearm magazines were found hidden inside the front passenger seat and appeared to match the one displayed in the social media video. Diaz was booked in to the Marin County Jail for charges related to the illegal firearm possession, delaying a peace officer, and possession of marijuana by a person under 21 years of age. 🤝 We appreciate our partners at Marin County Probation for their assistance in this case. Inter-agency collaboration is vital to keeping our neighborhoods safe. The seamless teamwork between Novato Police and Marin County Probation ensured a coordinated response that removed an illegal firearm from our community before it could cause harm. 📲 Social media can be a useful tool, but public displays of illegal weapons, threats, or criminal activity pose real danger. If you see something concerning in person or online, please report immediately. Novato Police remains committed to reducing gun violence and keeping weapons off our streets through diligent investigation, proactive enforcement, and strong partnerships. ☎️ Anyone with information regarding illegal firearms or suspicious activity in Novato can call 415-897-4361 or 9-1-1 in an emergency. Stay safe Novato!

🚨Secure Their Future with the Proper Car Seat During Child Passenger Safety Week, Novato Police encourages all parents and caregivers to make sure their children are riding safely by using the correct car seats, booster seats and properly fitted seat belts. This annual campaign takes place from September 21-27 and aims to raise awareness about the importance of car seat safety and proper installation. California Highway Patrol has certified child passenger safety technicians available to check car seat installations. Technicians teach parents and caregivers how to install the car seat correctly, as well as educate them on the appropriate seat based on the child’s age and size. “When it comes to protecting our youngest passengers, there is no room for guesswork,” Sgt. Trevor Hall said. “Child Passenger Safety Week is a good reminder of how critical it is to choose the right car seat and ensure it is installed properly.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of car seats (46%) are misused. Properly installed car seats have been shown to reduce fatal injury crashes by 71% for infants under a year old and by 54% for toddlers ages 1 through 4. Child Passenger Safety Week concludes with National Seat Check Saturday on September 26. Current California law requires all children under 2 years old to ride in a rear-facing car seat, unless the child is 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall. Once a child reaches these milestones, all children under the age of 8 years old are still required to be secured in a car seat or booster seat, in the back seat. Children 8 and older, or who are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, may be secured by a booster seat, but at a minimum must be secured by a safety belt. As of January 1, 2027, AB 435 requires children ages 8 to 16 years old to pass all steps of the “Five-Step Test”` before they can safely use a seat belt without a booster seat. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to keep children in the proper rear or forward-facing seat as long as possible and use the Five-Step Test as a guide, before it becomes law in 2027, to determine if their child is big enough to safely use a seat belt without a booster seat. To learn more about CHP car seat program, visit: chp.ca.gov/programs-services… Visit gosafelyca.org for more traffic safety information. Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

🚨Two Arrested in Gang-Related Murder Investigation Over the past three weeks, the Novato Police Investigations Unit has been working diligently to identify the suspects involved in a gang-related murder case, which occurred in southern Novato. On Wednesday (8/4), Novato Police Officers responded to the report of a shooting with one male victim, identified as Travis Wine, a 31-year-old Novato Resident. He was transported to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The suspect and firearm were not located at that time. Throughout the investigation, Novato Police Detectives utilized a series of investigative resources to obtain evidence and arrest/search warrants for the suspects involved. Yesterday (8/24), just before 8 PM, the Lyon County Sheriff's Office - Nevada Special Investigations Unit and Novato Police Investigators took Andres Ruiz Lindo into custody on West Newlands Drive in Fernley, Nevada. Lindo was safely booked at the Lyon County Jail for Murder. Subsequently, Novato Police Detectives and the Marin County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU) took Christopher Lopez Chavez into custody on Los Robles Road in Novato. Chavez was safely booked at the Marin County Jail for accessory after the fact. Investigators served additional search warrants on two residences and two vehicles in southern Novato related to the investigation. ARRESTED: 🚔Andres Ruiz Lindo: 19-year-old from Novato. Charges: Murder 🚔Christopher Lopez Chavez: 19-year-old from Novato. Charges: Accessory After the Fact We would like to thank our community and our allied agencies for their assistance with this investigation. Our community was instrumental in providing witness statements, video surveillance and crime tips that were a crucial part of this investigation. We continue to work in partnership with our community to reduce violent crime and gang activity in our community to create a safer Novato. We are asking anyone with information on this investigation to contact the Novato Police Department Investigations Division at 415-897-4361, Refer to Case #NP26-2062.

🚨ARREST UPDATE: Assault Suspect Identified After requesting community assistance for suspect information regarding the assault that occurred yesterday (8/10), we received many tips from our community with information about the suspect in this case. Thanks to the incoming information, Novato Police Officer's were able to locate the suspect in the downtown area last night around 8PM and safely take him into custody. The suspect was identified as Jonathan Darling, a 40-year-old Novato resident. Darling was arrested and booked into the Marin County Jail for battery with serious bodily injury and for violation of parole. Again, we appreciate all the community members who helped share the post and provided important information, ultimately leading to the arrest the suspect. This is a great example of working together to create a safer Novato! Report suspicious activity by calling 415-897-4361, while it is occurring. In an emergency call 9-1-1. Stay safe!

🚨UPDATE: SUSPECT IN CUSTODY Thanks to swift tips and assistance from our community, the suspect in the assault case below has been located and safely taken into custody. We appreciate everyone who shared our post, provided information, and helped us bring a quick resolution to this investigation. Your active partnership keeps our community safe!

🚨 COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE NEEDED: Help NPD identify assault investigation suspect🚨 The Novato Police Department is seeking the community's assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a serious assault that occurred today, 8/10, just before 12:00PM near the intersection of Grant Ave and First St. Witnesses reported that the suspect battered an adult male victim, causing serious injuries. The victim was transported to a hospital for medical treatment. Suspect Description (See attached photo) 👥Demographics: Male, late 30s, approx. 5’6” tall, 175 lbs. 👖Clothing: Beige and brown camouflage-style t-shirt, dark denim pants, and black shoes. 🚲Transportation: Riding an orange mountain bike. ➡️Direction of Travel: Last seen riding westbound on Grant Ave toward Second St. How You Can Help 📞 If you see this individual: Please do not approach. Contact Novato PD Dispatch immediately at 415-897-1122. 💻 If you have information or video footage: Send an email to [email protected] 💬Anonymous Tipping: Text 'TIP NOVATO' followed by your message to 888-777 We appreciate the community's assistance in sharing this information. Case Number: NP26-2116

🚨While You Were Sleeping: Man Arrested for Possession of Ghost Gun, Controlled Substance & Narcotics On Monday morning at about 3:15am, a Novato Police Officer noticed a vehicle parked illegally at the intersection of Diablo Avenue and Center Road. Officers contacted the sole occupant. During the investigation, a loaded/un-serialized firearm ("ghost gun") was located, along with suspected Methamphetamine and suspected Heroin. Siegfried Wohlfahrt, a 29-year-old Floriston CA resident, was arrested and booked into the Marin County Jail for the following charges: - Possession of a controlled substance and a firearm - Addict in Possession of a Firearm - Possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle - Possession of a concealed firearm in a vehicle - Possession of an un-serialized firearm - Possession of a controlled substance - Possession of a narcotic - Possession of drug paraphernalia. One of the many ways the Novato Police Department works to reduce crime is through proactive policing. We are out in the community, patrolling 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. We are thankful for a positive outcome in this situation, as our officers were able to quickly intervene and stop additional crimes from occurring. Even something as “routine” as an illegally parked vehicle can help remove loaded firearms and dangerous drugs from our community. Together we can build a safer community. If you see anything suspicious, call us at 415-897-4361. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. Stay safe Novato! #NPD #ghostgun #arrest #Novato #communitypolicing

🚨August is Back to School Safety Month: A+ Driving Starts with Slowing Down✏️ As summer draws to a close and students prepare to return to school, Novato Police reminds all drivers to make safety a top priority during August’s Back to School Safety Month by slowing down, following the speed limit and being extra careful driving through school zones. “This time of year brings increased activity around schools and it’s crucial to be mindful behind the wheel,” Sgt. Trevor Hall said. “Every driver plays a role in keeping children safe by slowing down and paying close attention in and around school zones. It is all our responsibility to ensure children get to and from school safely.” Drive safe around schools: 🚸Slow down and follow the speed limit. 🚸Adhere to school policies and procedures for dropping off and picking up students. 🚸Stop for school buses. Watch for children rushing to catch the bus or exiting. 🚸Look out for people walking and yield at all marked and unmarked crosswalks. 🚸For parents with children walking or biking to school, teach them safe walking and riding behaviors, such as looking both ways before crossing the street, using sidewalks when available and crossing at corners when there is no marked crosswalk. 🚌If you are behind a school bus with a stop sign and flashing red lights, drivers need to stop so students can safely get on and off the bus. Drivers must remain stopped while the red lights are on. Drivers in both directions must stop on any two-lane road without a median or a center turn lane. Visit gosafelyca.org for more traffic safety information.

🚨UPDATE: Homicide Investigation - Community Assistance Needed Earlier this morning (8/4), Novato Police responded to a shooting on Alameda del Prado. The suspect ran from the scene on foot toward Calle Arboleda. Arriving officers located a 31-year-old adult male victim suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Medics provided emergency care at the scene and transported him to the hospital in critical condition. Tragically, the victim succumbed to his injuries and passed away. This incident is now being investigated as a homicide. Preliminary investigation indicates that this was a targeted attack, and the shooting is believed to be gang related. Novato Police Officers, Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators are working diligently to locate the suspect in this case. We are requesting the community's assistance with any information related to the incident. 👀Suspect Description: Hispanic adult male, approximately 5'6" in height 👖Clothing: Dark pants, grey hooded sweatshirt, and a black ski mask 📍Last Seen: Running on foot in the area of Calle Arboleda and Alameda Del Prado ⚠️Suspect Sighting: Call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not approach the suspect. 📱Tips & Footage: If you have information regarding this case or relevant camera footage, please contact the Novato Police Department at 415-897-4361 or email [email protected] to remain anonymous. Case: NP26-2062

FINAL UPDATE: Alameda del Prado/Calle Arboleda - Shelter in Place LIFTED & roadway now OPEN Shelter in Place for Alameda del Prado area has been LIFTED. Alameda del Prado road closure (from Ignacio to Posada del Sol) is now OPEN. Suspect Description: Hispanic adult male, 5'6", dark pants, grey hooded sweatshirt, wearing a black mask. We thank the community for their patience while officers investigated the incident. The case is currently being investigated by the Novato Police Department Investigations Section. If you know where the suspect is located, call 9-1-1. If you have any information related to this case or possible camera footage, please call 415-897-4361 or email [email protected], to remain anonymous. Case NP26-2062.

🚨Shooting Investigation Update: This morning (8/4), around 10:10AM, Novato Police Dispatch received several 9-1-1 calls regarding a possible shooting in the 400 block of Alameda del Prado. Callers reported hearing multiple shots fired, and the suspect ran from the area on foot. As officers arrived, they received information that the suspect was seen fleeing toward Calle Arboleda. Officers located the victim nearby, who had suffered a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was transported to the hospital by medics. This incident involves people known to each other and is believed to be a targeted incident. The suspect information received:  📢Suspect Description: Hispanic adult male, 5'6", dark pants, grey hooded sweatshirt, wearing a black mask. The Marin County Sheriff's Office and California Highway Patrol assisted our officers in searching the nearby neighborhoods. Community members are asked to shelter in place until further notice. To ensure public safety, Drone teams, CHP aircraft, and a Police Canine team from Vallejo Police Department will search the area for several hours. We thank the community for your patience while officers investigated the incident. We appreciate the assistance from our partners at Marin County Sheriff's Office, CHP - Marin, and CHP - Golden Gate Division Air Operations. ℹ️The case is currently being investigated by the Novato Police Department Investigations Section. If you know where the suspect is located, call 9-1-1. If you have any information related to this case or possible camera footage, please call 415-897-4361 or email [email protected], and remember, you may remain anonymous. Case NP26-2062.

📢UPCOMING EVENT: Novato's National Night Out - Tuesday 8/4 @ 4pm - 6pm (922 Machin Ave) Join us for an evening of community, connection, and family fun as we celebrate National Night Out in Novato! Event Details 📍Location: City of Novato Parking Lot (922 Machin Ave) 📅Date: Tuesday, August 4th ⏰Time: 4PM - 6PM What to Expect 🍭Treats: Popcorn, Refreshments, Otter Pops & Giveaways! 👋Meet Your Novato First Responders (Novato Police, Novato Fire, Marin CHP) 🎯Fun Activities/Games for all ages. Win a Tour of the Department! 🤝Community Resources: City of Novato Park & Rec, Novato K9 Foundation, North Marin Community Services, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Marin Humane, First Responder Therapy Dogs, Center for Domestic Peace, SAFE Team & the Salvation Army 🚔🚒Vehicles: Police cars, fire engine, CHP, Motorcycles, SWAT Van, SAFE Team & more! Connect with neighbors, meet your Novato Police Officers, Novato Firefighters, Marin CHP, & many more of our friends, including local organizations dedicated to keeping Novato safe. National Night Out is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly evening. We can't wait to see you there!

🚨ROAD CLOSURE UPDATE: Per CHP, All lanes on Hwy 101 & Hwy 37 are now OPEN. 🚦Utilities: PG&E power restoration is currently in progress. We thank the community for their patience while emergency crews worked to safely clear the area.

🚨HWY 101 UPDATE: NB/SB lanes now OPEN. Portions of Hwy 37 remain CLOSED + active fire/smoke in area. Use caution. Additional closure details below: 📍ONRAMPS to Hwy 37 East from Hwy 101 north/south still CLOSED. 📍Westbound Hwy 37 onramp to northbound Hwy 101 is OPEN. 📍S. Novato Blvd. onramp to SB Hwy 101 is OPEN. 📍S. Novato Blvd. onramp to EB Hwy 37 is CLOSED. 📍Fire personnel are still working on ACTIVE fire in the area and power still out. Proceed with caution. ⚠️REMAIN IN YOUR VEHICLE. Stay inside your vehicle if on Hwy 101/37 due to downed power lines, until first responders can deem area safe. 🚦POWER OUTAGES: Power outages in the area due to downed power lines. Traffic lights are out in south Novato - treat like a 4-way stop.