Marinscope
Novato Police arrested five teenagers and one adult in the October stabbings of two teens at Lynwood Elementary School. Police told the Novato Advance and Marinscope Community Newspapers that they are investigating the possibility that the stabbings were gang related.
The attacks happened on Oct. 24 at just before 7 p.m. at Lynwood Elementary School. Staff at the school were working late and witnessed a group of people in the parking lot and called police. When police arrived they found two teens stabbed, one critically. The severely injured teen, 16, was given life-saving treatment at the scene and transported to a local hospital where as of last week he remains in critical condition.
The second victim, 17, suffered minor injuries, was treated at the scene, and went home to his parents that night.
The NPD in a press release said: “Over the past week, Novato Police investigators have conducted extensive follow up investigation of this case which included interviews with dozens of witnesses, examination of video surveillance and evidence collected at the scene of the stabbing. During this time, we have collaborated with staff from the Novato Unified School District to put school safety measures in place while this investigation was going on.”
The press release added: Early this morning (Nov. 1), the Novato Police Investigations Division led an operation to apprehend five juveniles and one adult, who were identified as being responsible for this attack. This included three 13-year-olds and two 15-year-olds. All suspects were determined to be residents of Novato. The juvenile suspects in this case have been charged with Attempted Murder and are in custody at the Marin County Juvenile Hall.
The one adult arrested was identified as Emerson Gonzalez Ordonez, 19, of Novato. He was booked into the Marin County Jail for suspicion of conspiracy to commit a crime and aiding/abetting a felonious act.
Subsequent to these arrests, Novato Police Investigators obtained and served multiple search warrants at residences within Novato to collect additional evidence in this investigation.
Police thanked the Marin County Juvenile Probation Department, the Marin County District Attorney’s Office and the Novato Unified School District for their assistance over the past week with this investigation. “We would like to recognize the witnesses and community members that came forward with information that assisted in the investigation. The victim in this case remains in critical condition at a Bay Area hospital, facing a lengthy recovery,” police said.
Police added: “While this has been a very difficult case for our community, we recognize the care and concern expressed by our community for the victim and his family. We have worked tirelessly over the past week to identify those involved in this vicious attack and safely arrest them. We appreciate your patience while we worked this case and followed all leads to solve it.”
Police also said “incidents like this are uncommon in Novato” and the department understands the “community’s concerns and fears.”
On social media, one post indicated the two victims were innocent victims.
“There were two innocent victims in this case, two young men, both of them were only riding their bikes and playing on the field at the school as kids do. Both of these families have been completely overwhelmed by these events.”
Police said the involvement of the victims in gang activity remained under investigation.
Another post asked “Why was fan attendance at the San Marin football game restricted? Was this a NUSD ‘school safety restriction’ that prevented everyone but family from attending and watching the game?”
Police said the restrictions put on the game came from the Novato Unified School District and not the police. Police, however, were in attendance at the game as usual. No disturbances at the game were reported.
Posters also widely praised the police department for its fast work.
“Kudos, once again, for incredible work by the NPD for arresting those involved. A tragic situation for all the families to endure,” said one poster. Another said: “Just thankful the school had staff working late and were able to call for aid, NPD and the district for partnering for swift action and that the rest of our amazing kids have been kept safe. It’s a tragedy for the entire community.”
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