Following a tense incident on Thanksgiving that prompted a shelter-in-place order, the Novato community can breathe a sigh of relief now, as the order has been lifted. The Novato Police Department and partnering law enforcement agencies responded to a reported shooting on South Oakwood Drive in the US Coast Guard Housing area.
Around 6:30 PM, security guards contracted by the US Coast Guard pursued a white male adult suspected of trespassing. The chase was fraught with the sound of alleged gunshots, which led to the shelter-in-place order covering Coast Guard Housing area, Bolling Circle, Smart Hamilton Station, and Marin Valley Mobile Home Park. According to a social media post by the Novato Police Department, the suspect evaded capture, and no firearm was found.
Residents were instructed to stay indoors as a precaution while authorities, including the Novato Fire Department, Marin County Sheriff's Office, and San Rafael Police, scoured the region. Despite the gravity of the situation, no injuries were reported, save for a security guard who sustained minor injuries during the pursuit.
The concentrated effort included a drone team and a canine unit trained in firearm detection, detailed in the statement by the Novato Police Department. As of now, the suspect remains at large, with the police appealing to the public for assistance. They urge anyone with surveillance camera footage or information regarding the incident to come forward. The suspect was last seen wearing tattered black clothing and retreating into the US Coast Guard Housing area.
Following the search, residents were notified it was safe to resume their daily activities, as reported on Hoodline. Nevertheless, the authorities continue to stress the need for vigilance and have provided a non-emergency contact number (415-897-1122) for any further reports of suspicious behavior or concerns.
