Residents in southern Novato in Marin County were told to shelter-in-place Thanksgiving night as authorities investigated a possible shooting near the US Coast Guard Housing. The order was lifted around 10:25 pm Thursday. The search was resumed as additional gunfire was heard Friday and Saturday.
Update: Marin Independent Journal has provided additional details about the incident, which began around 6:30 pm Thursday when security guards for the US Coast Guard witnessed a suspected trespasser on South Oakwood Drive near the housing complex. After the guards began chasing the suspect, they heard what sounded like gunfire erupt near the sports courts on Crescent Drive, according to the Novato Police Department. Per the Independent Journal, authorities were unable to locate a gun or a suspect. Additionally, one of the guards fell and suffered minor injuries during the chase.
Update 2: Per NBC Bay Area, authorities resumed their search of the Coast Guard Housing Saturday as more gunshots could be heard overnight Friday and Saturday morning. It was called off at noon Saturday.
No bullets or other evidence has been found. It’s not known whether the recent gunshots are related to Thursday’s.
The Novato Police Department wrote on social media that the suspect was a white male wearing tattered black clothing. The post also mentioned authorities are aware that the gunshots could potentially be from local duck hunters.
As KPIX reports, multiple agencies were at the scene investigating the incident Thursday night, including Novato Police and Fire, the Marin County Sheriff's Office, San Rafael Police, and the Coast Guard Investigative Service. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place for residents at the Coast Guard housing complex as well as surrounding areas, including South Oakwood Drive, Bolling Circle, Smart Hamilton Station, Hathaway Drive, and Marin Valley Mobile Home Park, per KTVU.
The housing complex is located at the former Hamilton Army Airfield off Highway 101, per Bay City News. It consists of 121 housing units ranging from single rooms, deluxe suites, and two- and three-bedroom duplexes, which serve as temporary quarters for active duty, retired, and reserve military personnel and their families, as well as civilian Coast Guard staff, per the Coast Guard’s website.
Per KPIX, the scene was cleared, and the shelter-in-place was lifted around 10:25 pm Thursday, as authorities determined there was no immediate threat to the public. Residents are urged to report suspicious activity by calling 415-897-1122.
Image: US Coast Guard
