Pair Arrested In Novato With Heroin, Syringes, Stolen Gun, Forgery Equipment: Police

NOVATO, CA — A traffic stop early Wednesday in Novato resulted in the arrests of two people after officers allegedly found heroin, syringes, counterfeit money, a stolen gun and equipment used to forge credit cards inside the car.

According to Novato police Sgt. Sasha D’Amico, officers initially made a traffic enforcement stop of the at 12:17 a.m. at the intersection of S. Novato Boulevard and Diablo Avenue. Inside the car were Jacob Wells, a Vallejo resident, and his passenger, Novato resident Jennifer Donohue, who had a warrant out for her arrest.

"Officers observed an open container of alcohol in the vehicle," D'Amico said. "While looking for additional open alcohol containers, officers discovered syringes and suspected heroin."

During the search of the vehicle, officers also allegedly found counterfeit $100 bills, credit card-making equipment, numerous fraudulent access cards (complete and incomplete) and a loaded handgun that was previously reported stolen from Vallejo.

"It appeared Wells and Donohue were in possession of personal identifying information, including credit card numbers and social security numbers for numerous community members for the purposes of identity theft," D'Amico said.

Wells was arrested on suspicion of possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle in public, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of altered/counterfeit currency, possession of card making equipment and incomplete access cards, possession of forged access cards, conspiracy and vehicle code violations.

Donohue was arrested on suspicion of possession of drug paraphernalia (syringes), possession of a controlled substance (heroin), possession of forged access cards, conspiracy and for the arrest warrant.

Both were booked at Marin County Jail.

"The Novato Police Department urges our community members to educate themselves about the dangers of identity theft," D'Amico said.

Residents can visit the Novato Police Department's website to learn how to protect themselves from becoming a victim of identity theft.