Novato
Felony Vandalism: On Aug. 10, at 1:50 p.m., Novato Police Officers responded to Fourth Street at Grant Avenue after a City of Novato Public Works employee witnessed a man pouring a purple liquid substance on the street signs along Fourth Street in Novato. The witness provided NPD dispatch with a description of the man and his vehicle as he fled from the scene. Shortly after, a Novato Police Officer spotted the vehicle driving Northbound on Redwood Boulevard and conducted a traffic stop near Trader Joe’s market. The man was uncooperative and refused to listen to officer instruction or exit his vehicle. The officers utilized de-escalation practices and were able to start a dialogue with the man. After 30 minutes of negotiation, officers were successful in ensuring a safe outcome for the driver and the community. The man was identified as 38-year-old, Shahin Farman, a resident of San Rafael, CA. Novato Fire Protection District personnel responded to the scene on Fourth Street, and assisted officers in cleaning the area of any remaining contaminants. Through additional investigation, the liquid was found to be Muriatic Acid, a less pure variant of Hydrochloric Acid, which is a chemical commonly used in cleaning pools. Muriatic acid is a toxic chemical, which can cause severe irritation, burns, and other symptoms if inhaled or comes in direct contact with your skin. Officers also located additional gallon size containers of Muriatic Acid in Farman’s vehicle and tin foil which could be used to create an explosive device. San Rafael Police Department (SRPD) investigators were notified as Farman was suspected of causing significant damage to vehicles in San Rafael back on Aug. 2nd. SRPD Detectives responded to the scene to gather evidence in connection with their felony vandalism case. Farman was arrested and booked into Marin County Jail for several criminal violations which included felony vandalism, suspicion of discharging a toxic substance, driving on a suspended license, and possession of chemicals which could be used to produce an explosive device.
Hate Crime: On Aug. 2 around 8:37 a.m., Novato Police officers responded to a report of a man who had been sprayed in the face with bear repellant spray. Bear repellant spay is a non-lethal, aerosol irritant that is used to deter aggressive or charging bears. Comparable to “Pepper Spray” (a chemical weapon that irritates the eyes and can cause burning sensation, pain, and temporary blindness), bear repellant spray is regulated as a pesticide by the Environmental Protection Agency and has only been approved for use on bears. It should not be used on any other animals or humans. The victim told the officers that he had been sitting on the ground when he was approached by a man who threatened to “sic his dog” upon the victim. Following these comments, the man sprayed the victim with bear repellant spray. The victim was treated by medics and transported by the Novato Fire Department to a local hospital. During the initial investigation, there was not enough information to immediately identify the suspect, nor locate him for questioning. However, on Aug. 3, NPD officers received information that the suspect made statements to witnesses that he sprayed the victim because of his race. Based on witness information, it was also learned that the suspect knew, or was made aware of that the victim was possibly developmentally disabled. The suspect reportedly made derogatory statements regarding people who suffer from mental illness. The suspect was identified as Bret Chappell, a 57 year old Novato resident. Immediate attempts to contact the suspect at his residence were not successful. On Aug. 5 an arrest warrant was sought for Chappell and a search warrant was obtained for his residence by the Novato Police Department Investigations Section. The search warrant was served on Aug. 6, and the suspect was taken into custody without incident. The suspect was later booked into Marin County Jail on the previously obtained arrest warrant. Charges related to the arrest warrant consisted of 22810(g)(1) PC – Illegal use of tear gas, 22810(a) PC – Felon in possession of a tear gas weapon and 422.7 PC – Commission of a hate crime. Hate incidents can be reported to Novato Police at 415-897-4361.
Sausalito
Aug. 10 – 11
Masks: Adults and children were caught playing tag football without wearing masks. Police educated them on the need to wear masks.
Kidnapped: A caller told police that her relatives were kidnapped and beached on a Sausalito beach, but she didn’t know which one. Police checked surrounding beaches. Found nothing.
Shotguns: A citizen brought in two shotguns to police for destruction.
Marijuana Bust: On Monday, Aug. 10, the Sausalito Police Department received an alert from its License Plate Recognition cameras of a stolen vehicle entering Sausalito from the 4000 block of Bridgeway. The vehicle, a 2006 BMW, had been involved in a felony crime and was wanted by the San Jose Police Department. Officers immediately responded and stopped the vehicle in the 1900 block of Bridgeway. The driver of the vehicle, Julian Stein (26-year-old resident of Novato), was on probation in Marin County which allowed search of his electronic devices and other property under his control. A search of Stein’s cellphone showed that he was in Sausalito to conduct sales of marijuana to a local Richardson Bay resident. Stein was arrested for possession of marijuana for sales, a probation violation and driving a vehicle without proof of insurance. Stein was cited and released at the scene. The vehicle was seized pursuant to a court order.
Downed Lines: Police assisted the fire department on Lower Crescent Avenue with downed power lines
Off-Leash Dogs: People had dogs off leash off of North Street. Owners were told to leash-up the dogs, which they did.
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