A resident of Novato was arrested on Tuesday for evading police in a stolen car, which he eventually crashed near San Rafael High School.
Around 11:40 a.m., an officer attempted to make a traffic stop after seeing a car speed through a red light at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Second Street. The car ran another red light and sped up as it went north on Grand Avenue and east onto Mission Avenue.
Due to concerns over public safety, the police officer ceased active pursuit. Regardless, the suspect continued at high speed, eventually losing control of the car and crashing into several concrete bollards in front of San Rafael High School.
The car halted just short of the school’s gymnasium. Several witnesses reported the collision and told police that two suspects had fled the scene. One of the suspects, Albin Adolfo Mendez-Mazariegos, was found hiding in the backyard of a residence in the 100 block of Belle Avenue.
The 22-year-old Novato resident, who had been driving the car, was taken into custody without any trouble. Despite police’s continued search, the second suspect has yet to be located.
The car Mendez-Mazariegos was driving had been reported stolen by the Central Marin Police Authority. The Novato Police Department informed the SRPD that they were investigating Mendez-Mazariegos for stealing a car in their jurisdiction.
Mendez-Mazariegos was booked into the Marin County Jail on charges including car theft and evading police with disregard for public safety. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident. This event underlines the potential recklessness of criminal behavior and the importance of effective policing in safeguarding public welfare.