NOVATO
Night Shift: The last few weeks have been quite busy for our Patrol staff with the holidays approaching. On Dec. 6, around 2:30 a.m., Novato Police Officers responded to several calls regarding a fire near Redwood Credit Union on Grant Ave. It was reported that two benches were on fire.
The Novato Fire Protection District immediately responded and extinguished the flames. Novato Police Officers spoke with witnesses and gathered additional evidence regarding the suspicious nation of the fire. About 45-minutes later, another witness called to report a banging sound inside a restaurant that is under construction in the Nave Shopping Center. When officers arrived, they found another fire burning in the parking lot. NPD requested assistance from the Marin County Sheriff’s Office to establish a perimeter to search for the suspect.
Novato Police Detectives assumed the investigation and identified the suspect, as Nicholas Tara, a 32-year-old Novato resident. Video surveillance showed Tara, wearing a Santa hat, while setting the fires. Once Tara was identified, members of the Novato Police Department searched for him, but he was not immediately located.
On the evening of December 17th, 2023, NPD officers saw Tara walking on South Novato Blvd. Tara was in possession of an imitation firearm and officers were able to safely take him into custody. Tara was booked in to the Marin County Jail for Arson and Burglary charges. Given the serious nature of these crimes, a bail enhancement was granted by a judge.
We would like to thank the Marin County Sheriff’s Office and the Novato Fire Protection District for their quick responses, as well as the witnesses who called in to report the fires. This is a great example of our community working together in partnership to assist with safety. As a reminder, “If you see something suspicious, say something”!
Give us a call at 415-897-4361 during business hours or 415-897-1122 (after hours). In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Stay safe Novato!
MILL VALLEY
Too Loud: Police checked the decibel level from a local restaurant on Throckmorton Avenue after a complaint alleging excessive noise levels. Police took a reading and have the decible level on file.
Reckless: A BMW was reported driving recklessly on Blithedale, throwing a cigarette lighter and other stuff at cars. Police have a description and are coordinating with CHP. Service provided.
No Pay: A man who has done work for a family on Cascade Drive told police they are now refusing to pay him. Service provided.
Vandalism: A man in the drive-thru line told police that someone threw something at his back windshield, shattering the glass. Service provided.
MARIN SHERIFF
Abatement: A car parked on Donahue Street in Marin City since July was tagged on Dec. 8.
Looker: A strange man was on the pathway on Lomita Drive peering into gates and smiling at people all crazy like. Gone when the police arrived.
Big RV: A resident on Morning Sun Avenue reported a big RV parked at the base of his driveway. Police found the RV parked legally and belonging to his neighbor. Service provided.
More Beef: Someone on Morning Sun Avenue called the cops about a neighbor building a carport on a shared steep driveway. Says it is a fire hazard. Not a 911 matter. Morning Sun resident told to call city code enforcement.
Front Door: More calls from Morning Sun Avenue. A caller said someone “aggressively” rattles his front door knob. Police looked around. Found no one. Service provided.
Camper: Deputies located a man trying to set up a homeless encampment on Smith Ranch Road. At first he refused to leave, but later agreed to move along.
Black Cow: A solid black cow was reported too near Shoreline Highway, possibly wandered off from Poncia Ranch. Service provided.
Hot Tub: A woman living on Maple Avenue in Kentfield sat in her outside hot tub and heard a woman repeatedly yell “help, help, help.” Police called. Service provided.
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