Novato Police Department

09/01/2026

🚨Safe Drives Save Lives: Make the End of Summer Memorable

As the summer season winds down, Novato Police wants everyone to kick off their Labor Day festivities with safety at the forefront. Make the decision that saves lives. Choose safety every time you get behind the wheel and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

To help keep our community safe, Novato Police will have officers on patrol through Labor Day (Sept. 7) looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The additional efforts to prevent impaired driving are part of a national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

In addition to patrols, the Novato Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint this Friday (9/4) at an undisclosed location in Novato. “Enjoying the last days of summer should be all about fun and that starts with making safe choices before making plans,” Sgt. Hall said. “Everyone deserves to get home safely, and it starts with your everyday actions.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,904 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in the U.S. in 2024, that’s one person every 44 minutes.

Novato Police offers the following tips to Go Safely:
🚔Plan Ahead: If you know you’ll be drinking, arrange for a designated sober driver, call a ride-sharing service, taxi or use public transportation.
🚔Buckle Up: Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself in the event of a crash.
🚔Stay Alert: Avoid distractions such as texting or eating while driving. Keep your focus on the road.
🚔Follow Speed Limits: Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
🚔Watch for Pedestrians and Bicyclists: With more people enjoying outdoor activities, be extra vigilant and look out for people biking and walking.
🚔Take Breaks: If you’re traveling long distances, take regular breaks to rest and avoid fatigue.

While drunk driving is a significant traffic safety problem, driving while impaired is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and cannabis products may also impair. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.

➡️Visit www.gosafelyca.org for more traffic safety information.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

08/27/2026

🚨One Arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Yesterday (8/26), around 3:25PM, Novato Police Officers responded to the area of the Square Shopping Center for a report of a man on a bicycle pointing a knife at someone. While enroute to the call, NPD Dispatch received additional information that the suspect had threatened to kill the victim. While searching the area, a Corporal located the suspect on a bike, behind the Square Shopping Center near Rica Vista and Buena Vista. The suspect was identified as, Richard Brust, a 35-year-old Novato resident. Further investigation revealed that he had held a knife to the victim’s throat while threatening to kill her. Brust also brandished the knife and threatened a second victim who had intervened and told him to leave the first victim alone. He then fled to his residence nearby and barricaded himself inside. A perimeter around the suspect’s home was established. NPD Detectives, Coordination of Probation Enforcement (COPE), Auto Theft Task Force, Marin County Sheriff’s Office Specialized Investigative Unit (SIU), and the K9/Drone teams responded to Brust’s residence to assist officers in their attempts to get him to comply with officer commands. Numerous announcements were made during the standoff.

After approximately two hours, Brust surrendered to law enforcement with the assistance of a family member and was safely taken into custody. Brust was subsequently booked into Marin County Jail for brandishing a weapon, possession of a switchblade, battery, and assault with a deadly weapon. We would like to thank our partners at the Marin County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during this incident. We would also like to thank witnesses for providing timely information and our community for their patience as we worked to resolve the situation. We work in partnership with our allied agencies and our community to create a safer Novato. If you or someone you know if experiencing a crisis, seek help right away. Call 9-1-1 in an emergency. If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact the Novato Police Department at 415-897-4361 and reference Novato Police Case #26-2285.

08/25/2026

🚨Two Arrested in Gang-Related Murder Investigation

Over the past three weeks, the Novato Police Investigations Unit has been working diligently to identify the suspects involved in a gang-related murder case, which occurred in southern Novato. On Wednesday (8/4), Novato Police Officers responded to the report of a shooting with one male victim, identified as Travis Wine, a 31-year-old Novato Resident. He was transported to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The suspect and firearm were not located at that time.

Throughout the investigation, Novato Police Detectives utilized a series of investigative resources to obtain evidence and arrest/search warrants for the suspects involved. Yesterday (8/24), just before 8 PM, the Lyon County Sheriff's Office - Nevada Special Investigations Unit and Novato Police Investigators took Andres Ruiz Lindo into custody on West Newlands Drive in Fernley, Nevada. Lindo was safely booked at the Lyon County Jail for Murder. Subsequently, Novato Police Detectives and the Marin County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU) took Christopher Lopez Chavez into custody on Los Robles Road in Novato. Chavez was safely booked at the Marin County Jail for accessory after the fact. Investigators served additional search warrants on two residences and two vehicles in southern Novato related to the investigation.

ARRESTED:
🚔Andres Ruiz Lindo: 19-year-old from Novato. Charges: Murder
🚔Christopher Lopez Chavez: 19-year-old from Novato. Charges: Accessory After the Fact

We would like to thank our community and our allied agencies for their assistance with this investigation. Our community was instrumental in providing witness statements, video surveillance and crime tips that were a crucial part of this investigation. We continue to work in partnership with our community to reduce violent crime and gang activity in our community to create a safer Novato. We are asking anyone with information on this investigation to contact the Novato Police Department Investigations Division at 415-897-4361, Refer to Case -2062.

08/25/2026

🚨Fatal Pedestrian Collision Investigation

Last night (8/24) around 9PM, Novato Police Officers responded to a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian, at Novato Boulevard and St. Paul Circle. A 59-year-old woman was crossing Novato Boulevard with her dog. The woman was struck by a sedan traveling eastbound driven by an 18-year-old male. She was transported to the hospital by medics, where she received lifesaving efforts. Sadly, she succumbed to her injuries. The dog also passed away. The driver remained on scene and is cooperating with Investigators. Impairment does not appear to be a factor. Members of the Novato Police Department Traffic Investigation Team and Crime Scene Investigations have assumed this investigation.

The Novato Police Department offers our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the individuals involved. The Marin County Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division has assumed the death investigation and their release of victim identification is pending.

We remind the community to always be aware of your surroundings while driving and walking, especially during the evening and early morning hours, as visibility declines. We would like to thank our partners at the Marin County Sheriff's Office and Marin Humane for their assistance on this case. If you have any additional information regarding this collision, please contact our Traffic Sergeant Trevor Hall at 415-897-4361.

08/20/2026

⚠️Traffic Advisory - Back to School Driver Safety🚌

As students return for their first day of school today, roadways and neighborhoods will see a significant increase in activity. The Novato Police Department reminds drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to remain alert in and around school zones.

Safety Tips for School Zones
🚸Slow down: Strictly adhere to posted school zone speed limits.
🚸Follow pick-up/drop-off rules: Obey all designated school procedures and staff directions.
🚸Stop for school buses: Watch closely for children rushing toward or exiting a bus.
🚸Clear crosswalks: Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to turn right or make a maneuver.
🚸Pedestrian caution: Look both ways before crossing, make eye contact with drivers, and use marked crosswalks or signals whenever possible.
🚸Driveway vigilance: Watch for vehicles backing out of driveways or pulling out of parking spaces.
🚸E-Bike Safety: Wear a helmet & know the rules of the road. Drive safe and make sure your child is old enough to ride a class 2/3 e-bike.

🚨Reminder: California law mandates that drivers stop when approaching a school bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop sign. Vehicles must remain stopped for as long as the red lights are flashing. On any two-lane road lacking a median or physical barrier, drivers traveling in both directions are required to stop.

✨Wishing everyone a safe first day back and a wonderful school year! 🙏

08/12/2026

🚨Upcoming Road Closure: Grant Ave - Rock the Block Special Event (8/13)

📍Location: Grant Ave (between Machin + Reichert)
⏰Event Times: 6PM - 9PM
⏰Closure Times: 4PM - 6PM
ℹ️More Info: downtownnovato.com/

**ROAD CLOSURES: Thursday (8/13) starting at 4PM**

📍Grant Ave (between Machin + Reichert) closed.
📍Sherman Ave (between De Long + Grant) closed. *Partial closure (Cain Ln to Grant Ave) at 1PM
📍Cain Lane will remain OPEN.

⚠️TRAFFIC: We remind our community of potential impacts on traffic during commute times in the immediate area. Expect traffic delays and use alternative routes when necessary. An increase of pedestrians is expected during the closure times. REMEMBER to drive safe, slow, and keep an eye out for families and small children crossing roadways. Do not park in driveways, restricted parking areas, or in red zones. The community’s patience is greatly appreciated.

08/11/2026

🚨ARREST UPDATE: Assault Suspect Identified

After requesting community assistance for suspect information regarding the assault that occurred yesterday (8/10), we received many tips from our community with information about the suspect in this case. Thanks to the incoming information, Novato Police Officer's were able to locate the suspect in the downtown area last night around 8PM and safely take him into custody. The suspect was identified as Jonathan Darling, a 40-year-old Novato resident. Darling was arrested and booked into the Marin County Jail for battery with serious bodily injury and for violation of parole.

Again, we appreciate all the community members who helped share the post and provided important information, ultimately leading to the arrest the suspect. This is a great example of working together to create a safer Novato! Report suspicious activity by calling 415-897-4361, while it is occurring. In an emergency call 9-1-1. Stay safe!

🚨UPDATE: SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

Thanks to swift tips and assistance from our community, the suspect in the assault case below has been located and safely taken into custody.

We appreciate everyone who shared our post, provided information, and helped us bring a quick resolution to this investigation. Your active partnership keeps our community safe!

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Original Post:

🚨 COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE NEEDED: Help NPD identify assault investigation suspect🚨

The Novato Police Department is seeking the community's assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a serious assault that occurred today, 8/10, just before 12:00PM near the intersection of Grant Ave and First St. Witnesses reported that the suspect battered an adult male victim, causing serious injuries. The victim was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

Suspect Description (See attached photo)
👥Demographics: Male, late 30s, approx. 5’6” tall, 175 lbs.
👖Clothing: Beige and brown camouflage-style t-shirt, dark denim pants, and black shoes.
🚲Transportation: Riding an orange mountain bike.
➡️Direction of Travel: Last seen riding westbound on Grant Ave toward Second St.

How You Can Help
📞 If you see this individual: Please do not approach. Contact Novato PD Dispatch immediately at 415-897-1122.

💻 If you have information or video footage: Send an email to [email protected]

💬Anonymous Tipping: Text 'TIP NOVATO' followed by your message to 888-777

We appreciate the community's assistance in sharing this information. Case Number: NP26-2116

08/11/2026

🚨UPDATE: SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

Thanks to swift tips and assistance from our community, the suspect in the assault case below has been located and safely taken into custody.

We appreciate everyone who shared our post, provided information, and helped us bring a quick resolution to this investigation. Your active partnership keeps our community safe!

--------------------------------------------
Original Post:

🚨 COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE NEEDED: Help NPD identify assault investigation suspect🚨

The Novato Police Department is seeking the community's assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a serious assault that occurred today, 8/10, just before 12:00PM near the intersection of Grant Ave and First St. Witnesses reported that the suspect battered an adult male victim, causing serious injuries. The victim was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

Suspect Description (See attached photo)
👥Demographics: Male, late 30s, approx. 5’6” tall, 175 lbs.
👖Clothing: Beige and brown camouflage-style t-shirt, dark denim pants, and black shoes.
🚲Transportation: Riding an orange mountain bike.
➡️Direction of Travel: Last seen riding westbound on Grant Ave toward Second St.

How You Can Help
📞 If you see this individual: Please do not approach. Contact Novato PD Dispatch immediately at 415-897-1122.

💻 If you have information or video footage: Send an email to [email protected]

💬Anonymous Tipping: Text 'TIP NOVATO' followed by your message to 888-777

We appreciate the community's assistance in sharing this information. Case Number: NP26-2116