By Jim Emerson
NOVATO — A woman and man are in custody following a fire at a homeless encampment.
The fire occurred on July 30 behind Novato Library at at Lee Gerner Park. Investigators
determined the fire was started inside a tent at 3:30 a.m.
Investigators gathered evidence while the park was being evacuated. In a prepared statement
Novato police said. “It was learned another fire had been lit within the encampment the
previous evening but never reported.”
Two Novato residents identified as persons of interest were subsequently arrested on August
1. Brianna M. Guidice, a 36-year-old waitress, was arrested on Grant Road. Giovanni R.
Allison, a 39-year-old construction worker, was taken into custody on Monterey Court.
Guidice and Allison were found inside a vacant residence near the scene of the fire. Police
received permission from the property owner to enter the residence. As detectives were
entering the property both suspects fled out the back door.
Investigators determined Guidice was responsible for setting both fires at the encampment in
the park. Guidice remains in custody at Marin County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bond. She was
booked for multiple charges including arson and vandalism. She was also booked on
warrants for possession of a stolen vehicle and carrying a concealed weapon.
Allison remains in custody at the county lockup in lieu of $50,000 bond. Allison was booked
for burglary, vandalism and possession of a controlled substance. He also had outstanding
warrants pertaining to battery and vandalism.
