Crime & Safety

Gunman Sought In Targeted Novato Homicide: Police

Police believe the killing was gang-related and are asking the public for help identifying the suspect.

NOVATO, CA — A 31-year-old man died Tuesday after a targeted shooting in Novato, and police are searching for a suspect they believe carried out a gang-related homicide.

Officers responded around 10:10 a.m. to the 400 block of Alameda del Prado after multiple 911 callers reported hearing gunfire.

When officers arrived, they found the man suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Paramedics treated him at the scene before transporting him to a hospital, where he later died, police said. Police have not released his identity at this time.

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Investigators said the shooting was targeted and is believed to be gang-related.

The suspect fled on foot toward Calle Arboleda before officers arrived, prompting a large-scale search involving the Marin County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol, drone teams, a CHP aircraft and a Vallejo Police Department K-9 unit. Authorities also issued a shelter-in-place order for the surrounding neighborhood, which was lifted later Tuesday after the search concluded.

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Police described the suspect as a man about 5-foot-6 wearing dark pants, a gray hooded sweatshirt and a black ski mask. He was last seen running in the area of Alameda del Prado and Calle Arboleda, authorities said.

Detectives and crime scene investigators continue to investigate the homicide and are asking anyone who knows the suspect's whereabouts to call 911 immediately.

Anyone with surveillance video or other information related to the case is asked to contact the Novato Police Department at 415-897-4361 or email crimetips@novato.gov. Anonymous tips are accepted.

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