Marin Co. ‘Drive-Thru’ Gun Store Burglar Sought

NOVATO, CA — Authorities are asking for the public’s help locating a burglar who drove through the window of a Novato gun store Thursday morning, police said.

Officers responded at around 4:52 a.m. to a burglary alarm at Marin County Arms located at 500 Alameda del Prado, police said.

Officers discovered a green 1997 Honda CRV was driven into the building, breaking open the front window of the business and remained wedged inside the store according to police.

Officers were joined by NPD Canine Rookie in a search of the business and vehicle but were unable to locate the suspect, police said.

Police said they obtained a suspect description from video surveillance camera.

The suspect is described as a male with light or tan completion, with short dark hair, wearing a black balaclava style mask (ski mask), black and yellow USC Trojans sweatshirt, black pants, and tan colored work boots, police said.

The suspect ran from the scene at about 4:50 a.m. according to police.

The business is conducting an inventory check to determine if any firearms were stolen and detectives are investigating leads and processing evidence, police said.

Local businesses, the city of Novato building inspector and law enforcement partners have assisted in the investigation according to police.

Business owners and residents near Alameda del Prado are asked to check their surveillance camera recordings for the suspect and suspect vehicle.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Novato Police Department at 415-897-4361.

Anonymous tips can be reported to crimetips@novato.org, by texting ‘TIP NOVATO’ to 888-777, or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Please reference Case NP21-0668.