NOVATO, CA—On September 14, 2024, at approximately 5:25 a.m., the Marin County Communications Center was notified of a fire alarm from Building 28, classroom 202 at College of Marin’s (COM) Indian Valley Campus. Personnel from the Novato Fire Department responded to the alarm.
Minutes later, there was a 911 phone call with a person screaming on the line. Novato Police Department (NPD) officers and Marin County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the area. The COM Police Department officer arriving for duty responded as well.
As fire department personnel arrived at the scene, they advised that a suspect was seen in the immediate area vandalizing COM property. A description was broadcast to police officers in the area.
There was a vegetation fire, northwest of the Indian Valley Organic Farm and Garden. Novato Fire and Marin County Fire conducted a full response to the fire in progress.
Initial investigation revealed that the suspect vandalized classroom 202 in Building 28, including a broken window; one destroyed computer; destroyed electrical equipment, including the beacon for the alert system; as well as breaking the windows and interior of a COM service van.
A few minutes later, NPD officers detained a suspect matching the description in the area of the Indian Valley Fire Road. COM PD Officer Martin Langeveld responded to take over the criminal investigation. Officer Langeveld conducted an in-field show with fire department witnesses. The witnesses positively identified the detained individual as the suspect who vandalized COM property.
The suspect arrested was identified as Jess Aloysius Roach, 53 years old, resident of Novato. He was booked at the Marin County Jail on multiple felony charges.
The vegetation fire was contained to less than one-half an acre. The Marin County Fire Marshall responded and will be investigating the source of the fire. Marin County Fire Department personnel are ensuring the fire does not re-ignite. The COM campus was re-opened at 11:15 a.m.
The College thanks our allied fire and police agencies for their prompt response and assistance.
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