Reported Gunfire Was Sound Of Vehicle Backfiring: Novato Police

NOVATO, CA – Novato police alerted the public and searched the community Tuesday after a vehicle backfiring was mistaken for gunshots, authorities said.

Police received multiple reports of gunfire shortly before 11:30 a.m. in the San Marin neighborhood. Officers heard what sounded like gunshots in the distance but were unable to determine the source, police said.

Officers remained in the area to try to triangulate the location as other officers searched the area and went to schools as a precaution. A California Highway Patrol helicopter also searched open spaces but the source of the gunfire was not located.

After learning about the incident on social media, a resident contacted police and said that a neighbor in the area had been working on an old vehicle, which resulted in "repetitive and loud backfiring." Police contacted the man and confirmed that he had been adjusting his carburetor, which resulted in his vehicle backfiring several times.

"The timing, location and explanation from the neighbor mirrored the information reported and sounds heard by responding officers," police said Wednesday. "We are confident the source of the reported gunshots has been identified and no further investigation is warranted."

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Police Respond To Reports Of Gunfire In Novato

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