A potentially deadly confrontation was averted at Vintage Oaks Shopping Center in Novato after an online sale meet-up went south, leading to an assault with a firearm charge for a Vallejo man. According to the Novato Police Department, the incident occurred when a seller and a buyer met up to conduct a transaction for the property initially arranged over social media. The meeting turned confrontational, resulting in the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Michael Shkidt, pulling a firearm. The victim managed to escape without any shots being fired quickly.
The response by the Novato Police was swift, with patrol units immediately collecting evidence that led them to identify Shkidt as the suspect. Working with the Marin County Specialized Investigative Unit, authorities placed Shkidt's Vallejo residence under surveillance, patiently waiting for his return. Upon his arrival back home, Shkidt was apprehended following the service of an arrest and search warrant. He was later booked into Marin County Jail on charges related to assault with a firearm. The effective coordination of multiple law enforcement agencies was highlighted as a significant factor aiding in the timely resolution of this potentially dangerous situation.
The Novato Police Department has expressed gratitude to the Marin County Specialized Investigative Unit for their support in the investigation and to the victim for providing key information that led to the successful arrest. The Novato Police are urging the public to remain vigilant and safe while conducting online sales transactions by taking necessary precautions, such as verifying buyer or seller profiles, meeting in public places, and opting for secure payment methods. They also emphasized the importance of bringing a friend or relative when meeting strangers to exchange goods.
As a reminder to the community, law enforcement pushes residents to take appropriate safety measures seriously, especially when engaging with online marketplaces. The Novato Police has issued guidelines to minimize some risk, including meeting in a well-traveled public place during daylight hours and considering delivery options for exchanges. Additionally, the authorities are urging anyone with further information about the incident to come forward and contact the Novato Police Department at 415-897-4361 and, in the case of an emergency, to call 9-1-1. The department assures that they are available 24/7 to assist in maintaining the safety and security of the community.
