In Your Town for July 18, 2024

News briefs from across Marin County.

NOVATO

Suspect wielding
board arrested

The Novato police arrested a man who allegedly struck a person with a board during an argument.

Officers were called Friday to respond to a fight at Lee Gerner Park on Seventh Street. Investigators were told there was an argument between the parties over ownership of property, Novato police Cpl. Josh Wax said.

He said that the suspect had a two-by-four board while the other party carried a knife. The suspect was not injured by the other party, Wax said. Authorities said that the injured victim required medical attention.

John Philip Sandfort, 42, of Novato was arrested on suspicion of battery with serious bodily injury. He was booked into Marin County Jail, where his bail was set at $50,000, according to jail records.

Wax said that the police requested charges for the other party involved in the fight.

SAN RAFAEL

Woman arrested
for weapons offense

A woman with alleged gang affiliations was arrested in San Rafael during a traffic stop on Wednesday after police said she tried to dispose of a knife.

Around 3 a.m., an officer pulled over a vehicle with expired registration near the corner of Francisco Boulevard East and Yacht Club Drive. During the traffic stop, a passenger opened the door and dropped a knife on the pavement, police Sgt. Justin Graham said.

Rosemary Lopez, 19, of Santa Rosa was arrested on suspicion of possessing a dagger and concealing evidence. She was booked into Marin County Jail, where her bail was set at $10,000.

Authorities also arrested the driver, Luis Mendez Pacheco, 18, of Santa Rosa on suspicion of driving with a suspended license. He is also suspected of being associated with a gang, police said.

He was released from jail with a “promise to appear” order on Wednesday, Marin County sheriff’s Sgt. Adam Schermerhorn said.

WEATHER

Hot weather set to
return to Bay Area

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for much of Marin County beginning Tuesday.

Gradual warming is expected through at least next week as the high pressure system that triggered historic heat this month reverses and returns to the Bay Area, forecasters said.

The heat event is expected to be shorter and less intense than the previous heat wave. A break in the warmup is expected Saturday before major heat arrives beginning Tuesday. Minor coastal flooding in bayside spots is possible.