Photo: Mistachkin’s wrecked car
NOVATO — A recidivist criminal is feeling the heat again. He got arrested this time after crashing a 2020 BMW fully loaded with illicit drugs—while being chased by police.
His latest run-in with the law began with a Novato patrol officer noticing a driver making an unsafe lane change. A traffic stop was attempted. Rather than comply, he kept going but eventually he reached a dead end.
....and here are the drugs
Despite his predicament, he wasn’t ready to give up. He abruptly turned the BMW around, rammed the patrol car—and sped towards Highway 101.
The patrol car was damaged, but the uninjured Novato officer continued chasing the suspect. Additional units from Novato PD and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to assist.
This chase ended when the BMW crashed into a wall alongside Highway 101, north of Atherton Avenue. Thereupon, Novato police arrested the driver Matthew D. Mistachkin, 38 of San Rafael.
After cuffing him, the officer spotted a handgun and other suspicious items inside his smashed car. More units responded and detectives recovered the gun, along with illicit drugs and $50,000 in cash.
...and don’t forget the cash
More than 400 oxycodone pills, 3 pounds of methamphetamine, ketamine, cocaine and ecstasy were seized. In addition, 21 cell phones and 13 laptop computers were recovered from the car.
Mistachkin was booked at Marin County Jail on two charges. Presently, he is charged with assault likely to produce great bodily injury and evading an officer. However, additional charges pertaining to the narcotics and handgun etc. are pending.
Mistachkin is a longtime recidivist with prior arrests for drugs and other offenses. He was 19 years old when he was convicted for his first time
