At approximately 6:30 AM, Novato Police officers were called to North Bay Christ Church on Redwood Boulevard due to a reported brush fire. Upon arrival, they were confronted with a 30-by-30-foot area engulfed in flames, endangering multiple small structures of religious significance, as stated in a social media post by the Novato Police Department.
Among the damaged were a nativity scene, a Star of David, and a cross, with the destruction tallying up to an estimated $2,000. The quick intervention of Novato Fire personnel contained the fire, while police action led to the discovery of a suspect. The individual was Denise Roberts, 61, from Santa Clara, who was located near the scene holding evidence implicating her in the crime. Roberts made statements that suggested a religious bias as the motive behind her actions.
She was promptly arrested and faces charges of a hate crime and felony arson of a structure. Her booking into the Marin County Jail followed as the investigation continued. The Novato Police Department expressed gratitude for the community's vigilance and rapid reporting of the incident, stating, "In Novato, we protect and respect our neighbors. Everyone deserves to be safe."
