Residents of Novato's Estado Way were roused this morning by the sound of gunfire in a concerning incident that remains under investigation. The Novato Police Department reported that their dispatch received multiple 9-1-1 calls concerning the shots. Officers quickly arrived at the scene in the 400 block, where they encountered an individual exiting a house. The individual informed officers that a roommate within the residence had discharged several rounds from a firearm.
A subsequent safety operation led to the evacuation of neighboring areas while police established a perimeter around the home. The San Rafael/Novato Crisis Response Unit, which includes SWAT and Crisis Negotiators, was summoned, responding to the serious nature of the situation. Patrol officers attempted to initiate dialogue with those inside the residence. During these efforts, another person came out of the house and was detained without incident, according to the social media update from the Novato Police Department.
No victims were found after a thorough search of the premises was conducted. Novato Police Department's Investigations Section is now tasked with peeling back the layers of this event to understand the motives and consequences of such an act of violence in what many consider a peaceful neighborhood.
