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🎇Scaling new heights for safety! As we head into the 4th of July weekend, we want everyone in our community to enjoy the celebrations safely. Please remember that all fireworks are illegal in Novato. Our teams will be out making sure our neighborhoods stay safe. Help us keep Novato safe this Independence Day! 🎆 💥Report illegal fireworks: Call our non-emergency line at (415) 897-4361. ☎️ Emergencies: dial 9-1-1. Stay safe this 4th of July! 🇺🇸✨ #NovatoPolice #4thofjuly #fireworks #fireworksafety #empirestatebuilding

🚨Make Safety Your Independence Day Tradition: Celebrate responsibly by driving sober🚔 Novato Police reminds the public to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday responsibly by planning ahead: designate a sober driver, use public transportation, or call a ride share or cab. During the Fourth of July holiday period, beginning Monday, June 29 through Sunday, July 5, the Novato Police Department will have officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In 2024, 579 people were killed in crashes throughout the U.S. during the Fourth of July holiday period. Of those deadly crashes, 38% involved alcohol. During last year’s Independence Day holiday period, 35 people were killed in crashes on California roads and California Highway Patrol officers made more than 1,300 arrests for driving under the influence. “No holiday is worth risking a life,” Sgt. Trevor Hall said. “We want you to enjoy the Fourth of July, but we also want you to make it home safely. Before you start celebrating, make a plan for how you will get home safely. Being responsible behind the wheel protects not only you, but everyone on the road.” Impaired driving is not caused by alcohol alone – prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other substances may also lead to impairment. If you plan to drink or take any medication with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. Here are tips for a safe and sober Fourth of July: ❤️Designate a Sober Driver: Choose someone ahead of time who will stay sober and make sure everyone gets home safely. 🤍Use Ride-Sharing Services or Public Transportation: If you plan to drink, use public transit, a rideshare service, or call a cab. 💙Host Responsibly: If you’re hosting, offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverage options and make sure your guests have safe, sober rides home. ❤️Look Out for Others: Don’t let friends or family members drive impaired. Take their keys and help arrange a safe ride or offer to have them stay the night. 🤍Stay Alert: Watch for impaired drivers on the road and report them to local law enforcement by calling 9-1-1. 🤝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 Novato for Vehicle Theft This morning (6/24), around 11:45am, Novato Police Dispatchers received a call from a victim in San Francisco who reported his vehicle was stolen sometime overnight and a tracking device was showing the vehicle at the Shell gas station on Enfrente Road. Patrol and Traffic officers responded to the area and located a female with the stolen vehicle. A male suspect associated with the vehicle was reported to have walked towards the Dollar Tree on Entrada Drive, where officers quickly located and detained him. A cloned key fob and shaved key were located during the investigation. Following the investigation, officers arrested Chelsea Canepa, a 25-year-old South San Francisco resident and Christopher Roliz-Maguidad, a 37-year-old San Francisco resident, for driving and possessing a stolen vehicle. Both suspects were booked into the Marin County Jail for felony charges. We appreciate the victim coming forward, as their quick reporting was instrumental in helping us recover the stolen vehicle. While vehicle thefts continue to rise, we want to remind our community of a few tips to reduce the likelihood of vehicle thefts: 🔒Secure Habits: Lock doors, close windows, hide valuables, and keep keys away from entryways. 🔑Security Devices: Use steering wheel locks, never leave key fobs in vehicles, keep key fobs away from front doors and windows or use signal blocking pouches, and consider using GPS trackers. The Novato Police Department remains dedicated to proactively patrolling our streets, tracking down stolen vehicles, and preventing criminal activity to keep our community safe. 🚗Together, we can keep our community safe! #NPD #Police #autotheft #Novato

🚨Novato 4th of July Parade: Street Closures & Parking Info!🚨 Get ready to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday! The annual Novato 4th of July Parade is happening Saturday, July 4th at 10AM along Grant Ave (Between Reichert Ave + Seventh St). To make sure everyone has a safe experience, there will be several temporary street closures and parking restrictions. Plan ahead! 🚧PARKING RESTRICTIONS - When: Signs restricting parking go up 48 hours in advance. Impacted areas will see restrictions starting 6AM through 2PM on July 4th. - Note: Vehicles left in designated closure areas will be subject to ticketing and/or towing. 🛑STREET CLOSURES (July 4th) - Grant Ave Side Streets: All side streets on Grant Ave between Railroad Ave and Seventh St will be closed at Grant Ave. - Staging Area: Reichert Ave (from DeLong to Sweetser) will be closed to all through traffic (including residents). This includes Cain Ln, Blodgett Ln, Sherman Ave, Scown Ln, Scott Ct, and Machin Ave. - Parade Entries Only: Vallejo Ave, Machin Ave, Sweetser Ave, Reichert Ave, and Blodgett Ln are reserved for parade entries. - Railroad Ave: Closed at Olive Ave and at Grant Ave. Exceptions will be made for residents living on Railroad, West Orange, Madrone, Logan, and Rose (please bring ID to verify residency). Access will be via Olive Ave only. - Redwood Blvd: Closed to regular vehicle traffic and parking between DeLong/Diablo Ave and Vallejo Ave (Transit buses only). 📦ATTN LOCAL BUSINESSES: If you are expecting deliveries on July 4th, please reschedule them for July 3rd or after the parade concludes. Drive safely, watch out for pedestrians, and come join us for an incredible day celebrating America’s milestone 250th! ❤️🤍💙 See you there!

🚨Teen Arrested for Possession of a Loaded Firearm: On Saturday (6/13), around 2:26AM, a Novato Police Officer saw a vehicle parked at Miwok Park after hours. Since the park was closed, the officer contacted the two teenage occupants. The officer saw an open alcohol container and an electronic cannabis smoking device inside the car. A vehicle search was conducted and a loaded, unserialized firearm, commonly known as a "ghost gun" was discovered under the driver's seat. Additional alcohol, cannabis, and several packaged nicotine items were in the vehicle as well. During the investigation, the 13-year-old passenger was reported as a missing person. The 16-year-old driver was arrested and booked into the Marin County Juvenile Hall for several weapons violations. The 13-year-old passenger was transported home and was issued a citation for providing false identifying information. We are thankful for a positive outcome in this situation, as our officers were able to intervene and stop additional crimes from occurring. It is important to report suspicious activity, as we need your help to create a safer Novato. Report suspicious activity by calling 415-897-4361 and in an emergency 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! #npd #novato #police #ghostgun #guns

🚨Man Arrested After Brandishing Knife in Presence of Novato Officer On Monday, June 15th, at 12:30pm, a Novato Police Officer was patrolling near the Novato Fair shopping center when he saw a person (later identified as 41-year-old Joseph Morales, a Santa Rosa resident) who was acting erratically and may be under the influence of drugs. The officer contacted Morales in front of Dollar Tree within the Novato Fair shopping center. The officer obtained information from a store manager who said Morales was not welcome in the business. Regardless, Morales entered the store against the manager's and the officer's directions. The officer entered the store to order Morales to leave, which led to Morales brandishing a folding knife and pointing the knife at the officer. A standoff ensued, which included the presence of a variety of tactical tools, de-escalation, and assistance from on-duty staff who are trained SWAT and Crisis Negotiation Team members. After about 20 minutes of negotiations, Morales dropped the knife and surrendered. He was taken into police custody without injury to himself, the officers, or the public. Morales was arrested and booked into the Marin County Jail for brandishing a weapon, resisting arrest with violence, resisting arrest, trespassing, and being too intoxicated to care for himself in public. We appreciate the community's patience while the officers resolved the rapidly evolving incident. To receive real-time local public safety alerts and advisories, please sign up for Nixle alerts by texting your zip code to 888-777.

🚨🚨UPDATE: POLICE ACTIVITY COMPLETED: Novato Fair Shopping Center (Diablo/Redwood Ave) 1:08PM UPDATE: Novato Police activity has been completed with one person safely taken in to custody. The area will reopen shortly and there is no threat to the community. Original Message: Novato Police on scene at the Novato Fair Shopping Center near the Dollar Tree Store due to a suspicious person with a weapon. AVOID the area until investigation is completed.

🚨Two Arrested for Drugs + Loaded Firearm On Sunday (5/31), around 1:30AM Novato Police Officers responded to a report of two people offering cocaine for sale in the Novato Fair Shopping Center, who were driving away from the area. An officer found the vehicle and contacted the occupants. A search revealed one passenger was in possession of several bags of cocaine packaged to sell and another passenger, who had an outstanding warrant for his arrest, was in possession of a loaded firearm. The following Santa Rosa residents were booked into the Marin County Jail: 🚔 Cory Hernandez Padilla (18), arrested for possession of cocaine for sales. 🚔 Lamar Perryman (23), arrested for the warrant, felon in possession of a loaded firearm, and possession of a firearm with no serial number. Thank you to our community members who reported suspicious activity. This incident is a direct reminder of how vital community eyes and ears are in keeping Novato safe. Because of the call, a loaded, untraceable firearm and dangerous drugs were removed from our streets reducing potential harm to our community. Help keep Novato safe: ⚠️ Trust Your Instincts: If a situation, vehicle, or person seems out of place or suspicious, don’t hesitate to report it. 👀 Be a Good Witness: If it is safe to do so, note important details like physical descriptions, license plate numbers, vehicle makes/models, and direction of travel. Never put yourself in harm’s way to gather this information. ☎️ Report Promptly: Call the Novato Police Department non-emergency line at (415) 897-4361 for suspicious activity, or dial 911 immediately if you witness a crime in progress or an emergency. 🙏 Tother we can make Novato a safer place to live and proactive choices make a real difference in our community! #Arrest #NPD #Novato #Police #NovatoPolice

UPDATE: On Saturday (4/25), the involved driver came to the police station to speak with officers about the collision. This case will be forwarded to the Marin County District Attorney's Office for review. Thank you to the community members who assisted with this case. This is an important reminder to watch for pedestrians and bicyclists when driving, especially in areas near schools. Next month is National Bicycle Safety Month, remember to: - Slow down and follow the speed limit. Be careful traveling through intersections. - Look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near streets or bike paths. - Be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist and give them space when passing. California law requires drivers to change a lane, when possible, to pass bicyclists and always pass with at least 3 feet of space. - Never drive distracted or impaired. Stay safe Novato!

🚨Vehicle vs. Bike Hit & Run: Community Assistance Needed🚨 Yesterday (4/24), around 3:50pm it was reported that an 8-year-old child riding a bicycle was struck by a newer black Mercedes sedan driven by an older female adult. After the collision, the driver stopped briefly and acknowledged the child before driving away westbound on Vineyard Road, leaving the child on the road. A passerby assisted the child and called 9-1-1. Fortunately, the child only sustained minor injuries. We are requesting the community's help regarding the hit-and-run incident, which occurred at the intersection of Vineyard Road and Sutro Avenue. If you have surveillance video, witnessed the incident, or have any information about the vehicle/driver, please contact the Novato Police Department at 415-897-4361 and reference case #NP26-1052. Your assistance is important to this investigation. We appreciate our community's assistance! Stay safe Novato!

👮‍♂️ Celebrating Excellence: Our Sworn Employee of the Year! 🌟 We are proud to announce Sergeant Derrick Young as the Novato Police Department’s Sworn Employee of the Year! His unwavering dedication, professional integrity, and commitment to the safety of our community set a gold standard for us all. By leading our recruitment efforts and elevating staff training standards, he has made an invaluable impact on the Novato community. Join us in congratulating Sergeant Young for this well-deserved honor! 👏👏👏 #NPD #EmployeeOfTheYear #Novato #Police #Sergeant

🚨Update Regarding Last Week’s Fatal Collision After medical clearance from hospital staff, the driver was booked into Marin County Juvenile Hall on the following charges: - Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated - Felony DUI - Causing Injury - Child Endangerment The incident has been forwarded to the Marin County District Attorney’s Office for review. Thank you to all our partners who assisted with this investigation including the Marin County Sheriff's Office, Marin County District Attorney’s Office, Marin County Juvenile Probation, and California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. This loss is a devastating reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence, and we are deeply grateful for the support and assistance shown during this incredibly difficult time.

🚨 Warrants, Marijuana, and a BB Gun: Earlier today (4/20), NPD Officers saw a suspicious vehicle parked near Front Street. One occupant, 37-year-old Jason Cass out of Santa Rosa, was suspected of being under the influence of a drug and was arrested. The other occupant, 66-year-old Sheila Lockhart from Ukiah, had three Mendocino Conuty warrants for her arrest and was arrested. Both were booked into the Marin County Jail. During the investigation, a large quantity of Cannabis and a BB gun were located. The items were confiscated. 🚫Please keep in mind that it is illegal to drive while under the influence of any drug (including Cannabis). Your officers are proactively looking for impaired drivers and criminal activity. If you see suspicious behavior, please call our dispatch center at 415-897-1122. If you see something, say something!

🚨4/13 UPDATE: MAJOR COLLISION INVESTIGATION The Novato Police Department Traffic Section is working closely with the Marin County District Attorney as we continue to investigate the circumstances of the fatal collision that occurred Saturday morning (see original post below). Four occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, are in stable condition, but have not been released from the hospital. The driver will be booked after being released from the hospital. We would like to thank the community members who provided witness information. Their cooperation and willingness to help is greatly appreciated. Our hearts go out to all the families involved, as we recognize that a loss of this magnitude ripples through entire communities, leaving a profound void that is difficult to put into words. To the fellow students feeling the weight of this incident within the Rohnert Park/Cotati school districts, please know that we stand with you in grief and support. As we approach Prom/Graduation season, we urge all parents to have open and honest conversations with their teens. This critical situation supports the vital importance of safe driving and the life-altering dangers of driving under the influence. Let’s work together to ensure our students reach these milestones safely. Please, look out for one another and always choose a sober path home. The involved vehicle is a silver Toyota Camry, traveling Eastbound before 1AM on San Marin Drive prior to the collision on 4/11. We are asking that anyone with additional information or surveillance video that captured the incident, please contact NPD Traffic Section by emailing trafficsection@novato.gov or by calling 415-897-4361. Stay safe out there Novato!

🚨MAJOR COLLISION INVESTIGATION: This morning (4/11) just before 1AM, Novato Police Dispatch received several 911 calls about a vehicle collision. Patrol officers responded to the intersection of San Marin Dr and Simmons Ln and came upon a solo vehicle accident. The Officers located five teens between 16 and 18 years old with major injuries. All five were transported to the hospital. The 17-year-old driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. One passenger was declared deceased at the hospital. The other passengers are still in serious and critical condition. Preliminary information suggests the occupants were not from Novato. Eastbound San Marin Dr was closed at Estado Way for several hours while Novato PD's Traffic Section and crime scene investigators completed their investigation. This incident is still under investigation. We understand that this is an incredibly difficult situation for all the families involved as they navigate the weight of this tragedy. If you observed the collision, please contact the Novato Police Department Traffic Section by calling 415-897-4361.

We want you — and everyone else — to get there SAFE! ❤️ ⚫ Turn on Do Not Disturb ⚫ Set an auto reply ⚫ Pull over in a safe spot Put the Phone Away or Pay

🚨COMMUNITY MEETING: Assembly Bill 481 Military Equipment Funding, Acquisition, & Use Policy The Novato Police Department invites you to be a part of the discussion regarding California Assembly Bill 481 – Military Equipment Funding, Acquisition, & Use Policy. 📍Community Meeting Info: Thursday, May 7th: Police Advisory Review Board (PARB) - City Council Chambers 5:30pm. The military equipment discussion will include: ~ The Purpose of California Assembly Bill 481 ~ A Description of Military Equipment in use by NPD ~ An Update about the NPD Military Equipment Inventory ~ An Explanation of why the Equipment is Needed for Community Safety ~ A Review of the NPD Military Equipment 2025 Annual Report ​​​​​​​ More information can be found by visiting novato.org/AB481 *Please Note: the Agenda will be posted 72-hours before the meeting: novato.org/Agendas