3 Arrested With Assault Rifle, Other Weapons In Novato Home

NOVATO, CA – Three people were arrested Wednesday after calls of shots fired led to the discovery of a cache of weapons at a home in Novato, according to authorities.

Police arrested Ryan Wechsler, 31, Louis Thorsson, 33, and Heather Howard, 33, all of Novato, after a search of the home uncovered several loaded firearms, an AR-15 rifle and a homemade short-barreled shotgun.

Witnesses called police at 11:36 a.m. Wednesday to report a man shooting a rifle into a creek area behind homes on Jennifer Lane. When police arrived, they found two men, Wechsler and Thorsson, outside the home.

Officers then attempted to enter the home, which was occupied by Howard, who did not answer police commands to exit the home. Fearing for her safety when she didn't respond to the commands, officers entered the home to check on Howard's welfare.

Officers found several loaded firearms, an AR-15 style rifle, a homemade short barreled shotgun, ammunition and spent shell casings inside the home and the surrounding area.

Wechsler, Thorsson and Howard were arrested on suspicion of a variety of offenses, including being a felon in possession of a firearm, being a felon in possession of ammunition, possession of an assault weapon, possession of a short-barrel shotgun and discharging a firearm within city limits.

Howard was also arrested on suspicion of violating her parole and Thorsson was arrested on suspicion of committing a felony while out on bail.

"The safety of our community is our top priority," police said. "Calls involving firearms not only pose a threat to our community, but to our officers as well."

Novato police encouraged anyone with information about the case to contact the department at 415-897-4361.