Full Notification

NPD Officers Recover Stolen Vehicles & Property

Yesterday, patrol officers were contacted by a victim of a carjacking that occurred in southern Marin earlier in the day. The victim used the "Find My iPhone" mobile application to locate the cell phone left in his truck, which was taken during the incident. Upon arrival at the Days Inn, the victim recognized the suspect's vehicle and several subjects involved in the hotel parking lot.

Information was developed that the vehicle was associated with a particular room registered to a female subject, Tasha Deem. Deem was on probation out of Sonoma County. As officers prepared to contact the suspects in the room, they exited the room and were detained. Casey Brown and Jose Luis Lara were positively identified by the victim as the two male subjects who attempted to rob him in Mill Valley and subsequently stole his truck. A search of the room led to the discovery of approximately 8.8 pounds of Marijuana and 63 grams of Methamphetamine as well as numerous pieces of mail, electronic devices and pieces of jewelry.

Further investigation led to the discovery of property from a yet undiscovered home burglary in Mill Valley and six different victims of theft. An additional stolen 2016 Toyota Corolla rental car from San Rafael was located and recovered at Americas Best Value Inn after one of the suspects provided information about the vehicle. The three subjects were booked into the Marin County Jail on numerous penal code and health and safety violations. The Marin County Major Crimes Taskforce responded to assist with the investigation based on the significant amount of drugs located.

In addition to supporting the fire efforts in Sonoma County we are committed to protecting our community here in Novato. We work in partnership with our community members and partner law enforcement agencies to provide the highest level of police services to our residents. Thank you to the Mill Valley Police Department and the Marin County Major Crimes Task Force for working with us to keep our community safe and provide high quality service. If you have questions or concerns, contact the Novato Police Department at 415-897-4361 at any time.