Branscombe Fire; Fatal Crashes: Rohnert Park & Nearby Police Log

NORTH BAY, CA – The following is a collection of weekly police, court and fire stories from around Marin County and across the North Bay this week.

Firefighter Becomes First Female Battalion Chief In Novato

• Lori Jessell is the first female battalion chief-fire marshal in the 92-year history of the Novato Fire Protection District.

Police Seek Suspect In Novato Bank Robbery

• A man walked into the U.S. Bank at 1711 Grant Ave. and passed a note to a teller demanding money, according to Novato police.

Fire Engulfs Manufactured Home In San Rafael

• The occupant safely escaped from the home, fire officials said.

Branscombe Fire: Solano Blaze Burns 4K Acres, Sends Smoke To Bay

• The Branscombe Fire, which was one of two fires to erupt Sunday morning, was reported shortly before 11 a.m.

California Man Gets Killed While Helping Crash Victim

• The incident happened early Sunday morning on Interstate Highway 80.

Couple, Dog Die In Petaluma Head-On Crash

• The crash happened at about 10:25 a.m. Sunday.

Man Killed In Napa County Crash

• Police said one vehicle was involved in the incident that's currently under investigation.

Man Shoplifts $600 Worth Of Items From Petaluma Business

• The incident was reported at 5:09 p.m. Oct. 2 at Friedman's Home Improvement.

New Fund Created For Tubbs Fire Victims

• Residents announced the creation of the nonprofit Larkfield Resilience Fund to rebuild their neighborhoods.

Fairfield Kidnapping Suspects Arrested

• The victim was able to escape after jumping out of a moving vehicle, police said.

1,000-Pound Metal Hammer Stolen From Healdsburg Community Center

• Police are trying to nail down the thieves.

Petaluma Shoplifter At Large After Taking $500 Worth Of Clothes

• Police said the incident was reported around 6:15 p.m. Saturday at Dick's Sporting Goods in Petaluma.

Drivers Killed In Wine Country Crash Identified

• A dog was also killed in the crash.

Sonoma Teen Killed In Crash Identified

• The teenager was involved in a solo-vehicle crash.

Napa County Wildfire Caused By Equipment: Cal Fire

• The fire started around 4:30 p.m. on July 28 in dry brush off of Arroyo Grande Drive and Steele Canyon Road.

Sonoma Bike-Path Assault: Woman Attacked While Working Out

• The 29-year-old victim was in tears Wednesday evening after the Fryer Creek Trail incident, where she punched the assailant in the groin.

Duo Sought In Auto House $17K Heist In Napa

• Police hope citizens can aid with identification of two suspects.

Pair Wanted In Connection With Napa Jewelry Theft

• Recognize them? A "large quantity" of men's rings went missing last month, police said.

Image via Patch