Area of Murac Lake Drive, where the suspects were discovered | Google Maps
NOVATO – According to a community bulletin issued by the Novato Police Department (NPD) on April 4th, NPD Officers responded to a report of suspicious persons looking into parked cars on Muroc Lake Drive shortly after 2:30am.
NPD Officers arrived on scene and located three women seated in a parked SUV. Further investigation revealed numerous items of stolen property. Officers linked many of the items to thefts had just occurred within the parking lot. The Officers also followed up with victims of mail theft from the Pacheco Valley area throughout the early morning.
The suspects were all identified as residents of Santa Rosa. 39-year-old Margaret Hernandez was arrested for an outstanding arrest warrant, conspiring to commit a crime and possession of stolen property. 32-year-old Christina Smith was arrested for possession of burglary tools, conspiring to commit a crime and possession of stolen property. Smith is also on probation in Sonoma County. 31-year-old Diane Rivas was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, conspiring to commit a crime and possession of stolen property. All three of the women were booked into the Marin County Jail.
The NPD reminds everyone to always lock their vehicle doors and to leave items out of plain view. Every precaution should also be taken to ensure data or papers containing your personal identifying information, including mail, are kept secure. Anyone who may have witnessed activity related to this event or have supplemental information are encouraged to call the NPD at 415-897-4361.
