Elderly Man Shoots Caretaker In Novato: Sheriff

NOVATO, CA — An elderly man was arrested after allegedly shooting his caretaker Wednesday morning at a home in Novato, authorities said.

Deputies from the Marin County Sheriff's Office along with officers from the Novato Police Department and the California Highway Patrol responded around 8:20 a.m. to the shooting in the 800 block of Atherton Avenue, sheriff's Sgt. Brenton Schneider said. John Francis Farrell, 85, was still inside the home, where a handgun was found.

"Farrell surrendered peacefully at the residence and was taken into custody for questioning," Schneider said.

The caretaker was able to grab the gun from Farrell, Schneider said. She was taken to a hospital and is in stable condition.

"There is no danger to the community and this appears to be an isolated incident," he said.

Farrell will be booked into Marin County Jail on suspicion of attempted homicide, Schneider said.