In a case that’s been trailing threads of violence across Marin County since April, the Novato Police Department has reported the arrest of two suspects linked to an assault and armed confrontation. According to the Novato Police Department, the suspects are connected to an incident where a victim was assaulted, robbed of their cell phone, and faced with gang-related threats.
Earlier in July, the victim was confronted by two individuals near his home in Novato, where one of the suspects allegedly referenced the prior robbery and brandished a handgun. The Novato Police responded to the scene and detained a driver attempting to leave the area. Through the victim's and a witness's identification, 20-year-old San Rafael resident Jhonny Cifuentes-Rodas was arrested and charged, though the gun was not located at the time.
Novato Police detectives didn't halt their pursuit after this arrest, furthering their investigation, which led them to Alexander DeLeon Valenzuela, aged 21, also a San Rafael resident. Given the violence involved and the missing firearm, the detectives sought the aid of experts trained for high-risk scenarios.
Early this morning, the Novato Police conveyed specialized units, including the San Rafael-Novato Crisis Response Unit and the Marin County Sheriff’s Special Response Team, to execute a tactically coordinated operation. Search warrants were served at two locations simultaneously, following which evidence pertinent to the case was collected. DeLeon Valenzuela was booked at Marin County Jail on multiple charges, including suspicion of stalking, dissuading a witness, probation violation, committing a felony while on bail, conspiracy, and gang participation.
The police department's announcement expressed gratitude for the collaboration of various agencies that played crucial roles in the operation's success. The list encompassed local police departments, sheriff's offices, fire departments, probation departments, and the Marin Humane, reflecting the multifaceted nature of law enforcement and community safety efforts.
