Vandalism, Gun Shots, Fraud and a Man Who Made "Kissy" Faces at Restaurant Employees

A Novato resident said she had been scammed for over $500,000 after someone called her and asked her to send money. The victim has been sending money via check, cash card and money order over the past couple of months. The investigation is continuing.

A blown transformer caused a small grass fire near the Buck Institute around 12:30pm on July 16. A portion of Redwood Boulevard was closed, but reopened 40 minutes later.

A man was warned by police to stay away from Little Caesar’s at 1500 Grant Avenue, after he repeatedly entered the business and made “kissy” faces at the employees on July 16.

Ruben Bautista, 19, a Novato resident, was arrested July 16 on charges of committing burglary and carrying a dagger.

A burglary was reported in the 100 block of Robinhood Drive on July 16. A resident said someone smashed a sliding door to the home. Loss unknown.

A woman reported a $1,000 watch missing from her apartment in the 400 block of Ignacio Boulevard on July 16. She said she had given her key to her neighbor recently. 

A car window was reported smashed at Birdie Drive and Fairway on July 15 around 8am.

A burglary was reported July 15 in the 100 block of Vivian Court. Items stolen include necklaces and ring, but resident did not want police to lift fingerprints.

Vandalism reported on Bret Court, with the symbols WSW X3 spray painted on home’s fence.

A resident of a home in the 1700 block of Novato Blvd said someone tried to force entry into the residence shortly before midnight on July 15. The suspect damaged a screen on a window and backdoor and was able to gain entrance into the pump house, but not the main home.

A man was reported selling stereos from a silver Chevy van in the 300 block of Vintage Way on July 15.

Someone broke into a storage unit in the 900 block of Sunnybrae Lane on July 15. A case was stolen, although the value of the items taken was not immediately known. 

A side door to a garage on Stasia Drive was kicked in on July 15. No loss was reported.

Three people were reported to be using drugs inside a Porta-potty in Hamilton Park on July 15. A witness reported a man coming out and getting into a white pick up, who was followed by a woman who rode off on a bike.

Two boys, one 15 and the other 16, were arrested July 15 after they were found to be in possession of a Billy club and a knife at 5 Bolling Drive. Both boys are known to the Novato police and one is a gang member.

Resident reported hearing a gunshot fired in the 1400 block of Pastel Lane around 1am on July 13. Police responded, but could not find anything.

Police responded to a parking lot in the 5600 block of Nave Drive to find 15-20 teenagers listening to loud music and dancing on July 13.

Laura Olmanson, 55, a Novato resident, was arrested July 12 on charges of driving under the influence.

Paul Louis Tyrrell, 57, a Novato resident, was arrested July 12 on charges of driving under the influence.

Concerned about crime in your neighborhood? Noticed a trend? Drop Patch a line by emailing karina@patch.com